Snorkeling in San Blas Island-Hopping from Panama City

Four islands, snorkeling gear and lunch built into one full day from the city

A full-day snorkeling trip from Panama City to the San Blas Islands visits four separate islands with a guide, shared transport and meals included. You depart at 5am, spend the morning and early afternoon in the water and on the beach, and return to the city by 7pm. The early start and fixed itinerary mean you fit all four stops into a single day without arranging your own boat or transport.

Step-by-step itinerary

San Blas Island-Hopping Adventure

• Pickup from Panama City at 5AM
• Drive 2.5 hours to Puerto de Carti port
• Arrive at Puerto de Carti port
• Boat departs to Yanis Island
• Snorkel and explore Yanis Island
• Lunch at Yanis Island
• Visit natural pool and search for starfish
• Arrive at Perro Chico Island
• Snorkel around sunken ship at Perro Chico
• Travel to Perro Grande Island
• Relax and explore Perro Grande Island
• Return to Puerto de Carti port
• Drive back to Panama City

The experience

The day starts with pickup between 5 and 5:20am from your Panama City hotel. The drive to Puerto de Carti takes about 2.5 hours. Your driver will call the night before and again in the morning. Once at the port, you board a shared boat and head out to Yanis Island, arriving around 9:30 to 10am. Yanis has shallow snorkeling areas, and you can also play volleyball or walk the beach while the crew prepares lunch.

Around 11:45am you eat fresh seafood or chicken with rice, fruit and salad, plus one drink included. After lunch, the boat takes you to a natural pool and starfish area, though starfish sightings depend on where they've migrated that day. By 1:30pm you're at Perro Chico Island, where you snorkel around a sunken ship or relax on the sand. The final stop is Perro Grande Island (also called Misdub), where you can swim, order a piña colada, play volleyball or simply sit alone. You leave around 2:30pm and head back to Puerto de Carti by 4 to 4:30pm, then drive back to Panama City, arriving around 7pm depending on traffic.

Snorkeling masks are provided. Life vests in adult and child sizes are mandatory. Bring your own sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and aloe vera, as well as cash. There are no ATMs on the islands. You can bring your own drinks if you want extras beyond the one included with lunch. The whole trip runs 12 to 14 hours door to door.

What’s included

• Snorkeling mask.
• adult and child life vests.
• shared round-trip transport from Panama City.
• lunch with fresh seafood or chicken, rice, fruits and salad plus one drink.
• a live Spanish-speaking guide.
• and four island stops with time to snorkel, swim and explore.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to9h before

AgesAdult (11 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 24

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sea San Blas | San Blas Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see four islands in one day and need pickup from your Panama City hotel at 5am, returning by evening.

Traveler reviews

4.69★★★★★★★★★★

72 verified traveler reviews

5 ★59

4 ★8

3 ★3

2 ★0

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What islands do you visit on this snorkeling trip from Panama City?

You visit four islands: Yanis, where you snorkel and swim; a natural pool and starfish area; Perro Chico Island with a sunken ship to snorkel around; and Perro Grande Island for your final stop before heading back to the port.

What time does the snorkeling trip leave Panama City?

Pickup runs from 5 to 5:20am from your hotel, and the boat departs from Puerto de Carti around 9:30 to 10am after the 2.5-hour drive.

Is lunch included in this San Blas snorkeling trip?

Yes, lunch is included around 11:45am and consists of fresh seafood or chicken with rice, fruits and salads, plus one drink. You can bring your own additional drinks or order extras like piña coladas on the islands.

Do you need to bring your own snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling masks are provided. You only need to bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and cash for any extras you want to buy on the islands.

What should I know about the starfish area on this trip?

The natural pool and starfish area is one of your stops, but starfish sightings are not guaranteed. They sometimes migrate overnight to other locations, so the crew does their best to find them but cannot promise you will see them.