Panama City: 3 Days in San Blas - Priv. Room + Meals + Tour

San Blas Island Experience on Isla Yansailadup

This 3-day stay on Isla Yansailadup, located in the Lemon Cays, suits travelers seeking a basic island retreat with beach activities and Kuna cultural encounters.

Highlights

• Stay on a paradise island centrally located in the Lemon Cays
• Island hopping with a complimentary boat tour on departure day
• Rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) to explore nearby islands
• Relax on an ocean swing or beach chair
• Dedicated customer service from Tao Travel 365

Description

Isla Yansailadup is surrounded by small islands and features attractions such as the Natural Pool near its shores. Managed by a friendly Kuna family, this island receives positive reviews for its clean beaches, good food, and central location. Accommodations are basic and similar to camping; please review the San Blas disclaimer before booking.

Guests stay in private bedrooms within a main building with open ceilings for ventilation. Bathrooms and showers are shared and located a short walk away.

Breakfast includes fresh fruit and 'Ojaldre,' a fried bread similar to a doughnut without sugar. Lunch and dinner feature a choice of fresh fish or chicken with plantains and salad. Vegetarian options are available.

Itinerary

• If selecting optional roundtrip transport, a driver will pick you up between 5:00am and 5:45am from your Panama City accommodation and drive to the Port of Carti (2.5 to 3 hours). Wildlife sightings and a grocery stop are possible en route.
• From the port, a 30-minute boat ride takes you to Isla Yansailadup. The ride may be rough but offers ocean breezes and spray.
• Upon arrival, settle into your room, relax on the beach, and meet the local Kuna family. Lunch is served around 12:30pm.
• Day 2 is a free day for island relaxation or SUP rentals.
• On Day 3, check out by 8:00am. Spend the morning on the island, then take a post-lunch boat tour to Isla Misdup and the Natural Pool. Return to the port around 3:00pm for transport back to Panama City by approximately 7:00pm.

Includes

• Roundtrip boat transport between port and island
• Island taxes
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Island boat tour
• Snorkel gear (mask and snorkel) during the boat tour

Important notes: Arrival at the port requires waiting for all guests and completing entry lists before departure. Tours are not guided, and not all host family members speak English. Communication with the family is encouraged. Snorkeling may be canceled due to weather. Meals rely on available ingredients, with limited vegetarian options. Ocean currents may bring debris to beaches despite cleaning efforts.

Excludes

• Kuna entrance fee ($22 for internationals, $7 for Panamanian residents)
• Drinks
• SUP board rentals

The meeting point is the Carti Boat Terminal parking lot. Only 4x4 SUVs are allowed to enter San Blas; other vehicles will be turned away. The drive involves slow curves, potholes, and off-road sections. Contact the office before driving independently. Roundtrip transport from Panama City or Playa Bonita must be booked during checkout.

Important Information

• No lobster meals are served between March 1 and May 31; do not select lobster add-ons during this period.
• Pickup is included only if selected at checkout. Expect a 2.5-hour journey each way (1 hour on highways and 1.5 hours on curvy roads).
• Reservations are confirmed by GetYourGuide, with final island availability confirmed separately by Tao Travel 365.
• Electricity is available only from 6pm to 6am.
• Bathrooms are shared with two showers and two toilets.
• Private rooms are separated by wooden walls with open upper sections for ventilation; some noise between rooms may occur.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, book transportation add-ons at checkout, bring sunscreen and insect repellent, and plan your visit outside of the rainy season to maximize activity availability.