2.0 If you are looking for all-inclusive comfort, this is not for you.
Paola_C, May 2026
The place is paradise; however, there are some considerations to take into account…
The drive from Panama City is very long, on a one-lane, non-passing road, with curves, climbs, and descents, not suitable for people prone to motion sickness.
The drivers are friendly, but the journey is not.
The arrival at the port is very chaotic and creates uncertainty; however, they know exactly where you are going and incorporate you into a mixed group of 20 people.
The islands are beautiful, but they do not provide instructions on where to paddleboard, kayak, or snorkel; you have to ask where and how, and they try to charge you for everything even when you have paid for everything because you do not have any indication that they should not charge you. And if you do not clarify it, they will charge you.
The food looks good, but I got food poisoning from the seafood dish; I left practically everything, but what I ate made me very sick. From the end of the meal, I was vomiting, which made my experience terrible, and I just wanted to finish it, and there was still one more hour on another island plus the return trip.
On the way back, we encountered a police checkpoint that delayed the journey by 40 minutes for a car inspection while the others passed slowly since there was only one officer checking. I know this is not related to the tour, but it does affect the experience.
Dirty bathrooms, no water, and a fee; the port does not have an area to change into swimwear, and the entire experience is very rustic overall.
Response from Host,
June 2026
Gracias por tu comentario. Sin embargo, varios de los puntos mencionados están claramente detallados en la descripción del tour y en nuestro disclaimer, incluyendo el largo trayecto por carretera, la infraestructura rústica, la logística compartida y las instalaciones básicas en las islas. Esto no es una experiencia tipo all-inclusive.
Recomendamos siempre leer toda la información antes de reservar, ya que San Blas es una zona indígena remota con condiciones muy simples.
Lamentamos si las expectativas no estaban alineadas, pero también es responsabilidad del viajero revisar el itinerario completo antes de viajar.
5.0 San Blas islands experience of a lifetime!
tanyagP7238PQ, April 2026
This experience was amazing so I will start from the beginning. I took my 10-year-old son to the sandblast Islands. We left from Panama City where picked us up promptly and communicated. Well. We drove about an hour and stopped at a market, but just a small place we could buy somefood and or snack snacks and use the bathroom and then we continued on. We went through the mountains at this point and the road was paved. was new. It was very windy up down around. I typically don’t feel well as a passenger in the vehicle on a regular basis anyways and I took medication so I would lesson the nausea. It did help given that the car ride was already approximately three hours just being tired and a bit hungry and then adding the windy roads didn’t help much, but it was bearable and it was a very nice drive. The guide pointed out birds and animals in the trees such as sloths there was also a lot of iguanas things of that nature we arrived to the I guess the dock where we were we gonna take the boat to the island or islands and we had to wait about 30 minutes once we got there which was good because it was busy, but also you want to use the bathroom before you go given that the ride was pretty long. Most people had had coffee and breakfast by that point so they were anticipating using the bathroom as well as just being on land and not being moving in some kind of vehicle felt good. Gave you time to get a little bit organized and then once we got on the boat, it was very nice. It was covered. You don’t get wet much at all on the water was very calm so perhaps if it was rough you would you might get wet and we went to the first island we spent about two hours there it was so beautiful. The water was clear. You could see everything. The sand was white white. I would bring a lot of sunblock and drink a lot of water even if you’re paying attention, you’re getting dehydrated if you aren’t drinking. On the island you can buy some small food. There was chicken. It’s fried and french fries there was some little snack snacks you could get andof course they sold alcohol and nonalcoholic beverages. They did accept card. There was a little bit of a charge for the card because the percentage that get charged, they pass onto the consumer, which was maybe a dollar or so then we left this island. We went to another very very small island which had a sandbar which was also amazing there were starfish in thewater you could walk around on the sandbar and on the tiny island they sold things to you buy like little memorabilia’s they only accept cash and most the indigenous people they didn’t speak any English or Spanish. They have their own language, but they could tell you how much they wanted for each item they didn’t appreciate pictures most of them you you have to be very respectful. They are a person they’re not just there for entertainment. We then went another island where we had lunch and the food was very delicious. I had chicken and as well as my son had chicken members of our group hadfish. There was a vegetarian dish and there was also shrimp. Kind of look like a stirfry with rice and beans and you could choose like fried banana or different veggies so that was that was really yummy and it came with a drink of your like some kind of soda or juice or water. We didn’t stay there very long and maybe an hour so if you finished eating, you couldgo explore there were swings in the water. The water again was crystal crystal clear it was so beautiful. There’s also bathrooms that you can use you weren’t charged to use any of the bathrooms. I know some places you have to pay $.25 that’s also something I should mention when you get to the port when you first arrive where you’re gonna get on the boat to the islands you need to have some coins so $.25 per person to use the bathroom bathrooms there. After we ate and our visit was done on that island we went to the final island and we stayed there for just maybe 30 mins, then we made our way back to the dock and at this time, it was now nearing 4 o’clock in the afternoon boat ride back was very nice. It was relaxing. A lot of people were very tired and falling asleep.
After which we arrive to the dock, we could use the bathroom prior to leaving. Just know that it’s gonna be quite busy cause everybody’s coming back aboutthis exact same time because it will be dark shortly and that’s why we’re leaving around that time. So we drove back we made one stopat a little convenient store. Could use the bathroom. If you wanted a snack you could buy something once again. And we arrived to our condo around 8 PM. There was a bit of traffic which is perfectly normal. There’s a lot of traffic in Panama City. There’s only three ways in and out. All in all it was an amazing experience. I highly highly recommend visiting the sandblast islands. It was pictures ass pictures. Do not do it justice. It was just an outstanding experience. If I would’ve known, I would have stayed on the sandblast island at least for a night if not too, there’s things to do if you water and there’s volleyball you know you can relax in the sun and if you enjoy reading or just playing games with family or if you’re solo, you just wanna look out I mean it’s beautiful. You can really just spend time being present.
One of the most memorable things I did on my holiday in Panama.
I would 💯 go back just to stay on the San Blas islands!
Response from Host,
April 2026
Hi Tanya! Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful account of your day with us. We are so happy that you and your son had a memorable experience and that the San Blas islands left such a lasting impression on you both.
Your tips regarding the windy roads and the importance of staying hydrated are incredibly helpful for future travelers. We also appreciate you mentioning the small details like having coins ready for the port restrooms and being respectful of the local Guna community's culture and privacy. It is wonderful to hear you enjoyed the food and found the islands even more beautiful than the pictures.
We would love to host you again whenever you are ready to come back for an overnight stay to truly soak in that island magic. Safe travels and thank you for the high recommendation!
5.0 Nice trip
Jacobo_K, March 2026
Very good attention from johny, all the way was very attentive to everyone coming on the tour. Super recommended
Response from Host,
April 2026
Qué bueno que Johny hizo que el viaje fuera tan agradable y atento durante todo el recorrido.
Gracias por la recomendación, es genial saber que disfrutaron del tour y se sintieron bien cuidados en todo momento.
5.0 Excellent trip, very well...
Manish_B, March 2026
Excellent trip, very well organized and a must if you are like to explore and experience different cultures and scenes. Everything from the pickup, ride and boat ride was well executed. Guna Yala aka San Blas(t) islands are truly a blast.
Response from Host,
April 2026
It’s wonderful that every part of the day—from pickup to the boat ride—went smoothly.
San Blas is indeed an incredible place to explore, with its unique culture and stunning islands. Glad you got to fully experience it!
5.0 Our day visiting the San Blas Islands
ronc25, March 2026
Had a very good experience. It was exactly as described. The drive was long on very windy roads. One teenager (not our family but sharing ride) got nauseous on the drive and we gave him some Dramamine. Our guide (Richard), driver (Joel), etc. were very courteous and helpful.
At the dock area, where our driver dropped us off and we waited to board the boat, we were waiting with 60 or 70 people for boats. The restrooms there were disgusting and one needed to pay a quarter to use the facilities. When we got there it was initially unclear that payment was required and we got yelled at. This was not the fault of Tau Travel. Several companies had people waiting there. It was just the dock area. But, Tau might let people know and have some quarters available. Also, pressure the dock to improve the facilities. They were REALLY bad.
Also, be aware that entering the indigenous area requires an actual border crossing with passports. It’s not like driving onto an Indian reservation in the U.S. It’s almost like entering another country.
The islands were beautiful. It was a lovely day.
Response from Host,
April 2026
Hi Ron,
We’re glad you had a lovely day exploring the San Blas Islands and that Richard and Joel helped make it smooth and enjoyable. You’re right—the dock facilities aren’t the best, and thanks for pointing that out; having some quarters on hand is a smart tip for future guests. Also, the border crossing into the Guna Yala area can be surprising if you’re not expecting it, so your note is very helpful for others.
5.0 Best ever
sergiosS5924KQ, January 2026
Best ever the prole the place all the Service is great join this trip never forger
Response from Host,
February 2026
Thank you so much for your amazing review! 🙌
We’re thrilled to hear you had the best ever experience — from the people to the place and the service. San Blas really is unforgettable, and we’re happy we could be part of that memory. Hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! 🌴✨
3.0 The islands are beautiful in...
ANA_F, December 2025
The islands are beautiful on any tour! We did not make 4 islands as planned and for what we paid lunch could be better (all to ship).
It is worth visiting the islands for their beauty but I don't highlight this tour... I think there are more beautiful islands and they won't. They take them away and don't explain the island's name!
Response from Host,
January 2026
Obrigado pelo seu feedback! 😊 Lamentamos que sua experiência não tenha sido perfeita. Como informamos claramente em nosso itinerário, a visita às ilhas está sujeita a alterações dependendo das condições do mar, do clima e do capitão do barco. Além disso, estamos em alta temporada, com muitos viajantes, o que pode afetar a dinâmica do dia. Nosso tour ainda inclui transporte completo, almoço e visitas a várias ilhas, proporcionando um dia cheio de aventura e belas paisagens. Agradecemos seus comentários e esperamos recebê-lo novamente para que possa aproveitar ainda mais a beleza de San Blas!
5.0 San Blas islands trip Excellent day out
Julesandshad, December 2025
We had the best time on this trip
Excellent value for money.
Our driver Javier was friendly, an expert on the twisty roads and determined to spot a sloth for us which he did! The boat was bumpy, our guide was v friendly
The islands we visited were absolutely beautiful. We had a good amount of time on each. The food was good, vegetarian option too
Even some WiFi and card payments on some islands!
Response from Host,
December 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re happy to hear you had the best time and felt it was excellent value for money. Javier will be especially happy to know his sloth-spotting mission was a success! We’re glad you enjoyed the islands, the time spent on each, and the food options. Thanks again for choosing us and for the great feedback! 🌴✨
5.0 Comes to Carti port without excursion
Daydream02549898670, July 2025
I went without excursion and I tell you what I could appreciate;
1- go in a 4x4 in my case I rented in Trifhty a Suzuki Jimny is economical, the renter a success.
2- when you arrive at the border of the locals you must pay 20 dollars per person and 10 for the car
3 -the road is spotless
4 - there is cell signal even on the islands
5 - I hired the boat there I did not book
Response from Host,
July 2025
¡Gracias por compartir tu experiencia! Nos alegra que hayas podido disfrutar de San Blas por tu cuenta. Solo queremos complementar tu comentario con un recordatorio importante para otros viajeros:
Aunque es totalmente posible organizar el viaje por cuenta propia, muchos visitantes no se dan cuenta de que San Blas es una comarca indígena con reglas especiales y condiciones básicas. La entrada tiene un costo (como bien mencionas), y si no se está preparado o informado, puede resultar complicado o incluso frustrante.
Por eso ofrecemos tours organizados con transporte en 4x4, lancha, almuerzo y asistencia, para que los visitantes no tengan que preocuparse por los detalles logísticos.
Gracias de nuevo por los consejos útiles, y esperamos que más personas disfruten esta joya natural con mente abierta y espíritu aventurero. 🌴
5.0 Highly recommend
Phoebe_T, April 2025
This was an amazing trip. I read a lot of negative reviews about the long bumpy trip and I would have to say disregard those. Those have to people that have never travel. It took about three hours to get to our destination. Along the way, the driver stopped so we can buy some snacks. Once we reached the boats, the experience on the water was beautiful. I enjoyed the time on the different islands.
Response from Host,
April 2025
Hi Phoebe. Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re so glad you had an amazing trip and truly appreciate you sharing your perspective. Travel can come with a few bumps along the way—literally!—but we’re happy to hear the journey was smooth for you and worth every minute.
We hope to see you again on another adventure soon!
1.0 This is not a tour, this is a (bad) taxi service
Thais_A, March 2025
I am a seasoned traveler, and this was the worst tour, if you can call it that, ¡that I have ever taken! I booked the All-Inclusive San Blas Islands Tour (+$170 per person) and was not given what was stated during the booking. My time in Panama was limited; unfortunately, my chance to experience what I planned (and was sold) was ruined. Although I can’t return in time, I hope Viator attempts to make it right.
The night before the scheduled tour, I contacted the supposedly “guide,” Adrian, to confirm the 5 a.m. pick-up time. I am glad I did, as he then said he would be there at 4:45 a.m. It's no big deal here, but I thought it was odd that there was no communication on the time change. He was late and showed up shortly after 5. Again, no big deal here.
We were about one hour into the trip to the Island when Adrian stopped at a gas station so people could buy snacks (there were four other visitors in our car). We were there for almost an hour, and he was behind the counter, serving food to customers at this establishment. It was very strange.
On the way to the islands, he stopped and left the car in the middle of the road. Another guy (I have no idea what his name was as he never introduced himself) started driving the car we were in. It was scary. He never said a word until we arrived at the Island entrance and asked all six ppl in the car to pay $20 per person. I told him in Spanish, as he did not speak English (although, as per the Viator description, our guide would speak English), that our fees were included in the package. I had the proof, but he didn't care, so I had to pay an additional $44 cash to enter.
When we arrived to take the boat, we had to wait another 20 minutes to get more people, who turned out to be locals. When we finally started heading to the island, the boat they put us in, apart from being in terrible shape, was exuding strong fumes and was extremely loud. It felt like a hostage takeover rather than a vacation tour.
We were not allowed to get out when we got to the island. To my surprise, we were there to take in more passengers! We didn’t arrive on an island until 11 AM! I have no idea about the name of the island as we didn't have a guide – again, Adrian, who I thought was our guide, left the car before we even made it there.
Lunch was served cold at the second island around 1:30 pm. One hour later, the gentleman transporting us via boat said we could either go to the last island (the description said four islands) or stay one more hour on this island before heading back. He said all the others in the group wanted to stay, so I was stuck visiting only two islands or creating a very uncomfortable situation with others in the group.
The islands were packed with camping tents and tons of tourists. So much for “visit quiet destinations that aren’t full of tour groups,” as described on the tour I purchased from Viator. Also, I didn’t bring goggles to snorkel because the description stated, “snorkeling gear will be provided,” and a shocker, it was not.
Back to the parking lot from the loudest boat, after serving as a taxi and stopping to drop people not on our group off at the island we were not visiting, Adrian magically showed up again to take us back to the hotel. He stops at the same gas station and offers the passengers a 10-minute bathroom break. He was gone for over 30 minutes!
I was not given the tour I purchased. Not even close to the description. This was a horrible experience, and my only beach day in Panama was robbed from me.
Response from Host,
March 2025
Dear Alexander,
It’s fascinating that you consider yourself a seasoned traveler, yet you somehow managed to be utterly unprepared for this tour—something thousands of others seem to navigate just fine. Strange, isn’t it?
Let’s address the basics. First, you expected a personal guide named Adrian, even though nowhere in the description does it say Adrian is your guide. He’s the driver. That’s it. If you had actually read the tour details, this wouldn’t have come as a shock.
Snorkeling gear? Clearly stated: limited availability. That’s why we suggest guests check with the boat crew. Again, reading is a powerful tool.
As for the general experience, we post a very detailed San Blas disclaimer, specifically so travelers don’t waltz in with unrealistic expectations. Yet, here we are. You arrived expecting a private VIP experience, then were baffled when things didn’t run like a five-star resort. A seasoned traveler would know that different countries operate differently. Instead, you’ve compared everything to what you’re used to back home—classic rookie move.
Oh, and about that $44 charge? We already refunded it, which you conveniently left out of your dramatic retelling. But sure, let’s pretend we just took your money and ran.
Anyway, we hope you managed to enjoy something in Panama
5.0 Beautiful San Blas Crystal Clear Waters
Vivian_U, February 2025
This was a fabulous tour. We got to explore 3 separate islands and the snorkeling was excellent. There was a wreck on one island, the water was crystal clear on all the island and colors beautiful. Would definitely recommend.
Response from Host,
February 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! 🌟 We're so happy to hear that you had a fabulous time exploring the islands and that you enjoyed the snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters and stunning colors truly make this experience special! 🏝️🐠 We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another adventure soon! 😊🚤✨
1.0 Horrible experience
PuenteLago, January 2025
The ground transportation was pretty good but the day was horrible! (Rainy cloudy and cool ) Talking with someone from the isles the weather was horrible the last three days, and Tao did not cancel the day trip, even knowing that. I felt cheated. We did not enjoy at all the experience. I hope nobody buy in advance as me the tour.
Response from Host,
January 2025
We apologize for the disappointment you experienced during your visit to San Blas. Weather in Panama, situated within the Intertropical Convergence Zone, can indeed be unpredictable, with periods of rain followed by sunshine. Despite the occasional cloudy day, San Blas remains a stunning destination with its pristine beaches and inviting warm waters. While most guests thoroughly enjoy their tours with us, we acknowledge that weather preferences can vary. Unfortunately, we cannot influence these natural conditions but strive to deliver exceptional service and memorable experiences. We hope the remainder of your Panama vacation was enjoyable despite the weather challenges.
5.0 Get out of Panama City and see San Blas!
Ayaana_J, January 2025
Johhny!! Thank you for driving us so safely up and down those winding roads! Was definitely like a roller coaster...lol, but in a safe non screaming way.
Day started off so cloudy and rainy, once we got on the boat and headed to the islands, Sun was out and we had a blast in the water! The local food was good as well! More spices would have been great, but being Caribbean we always like more spice...lol
Worth the trip!
Response from Host,
January 2025
We're thrilled you enjoyed the adventure with us! Thanks for sharing your experience, and we hope to have you back for more exciting journeys!
5.0 Great experience
Nico_S, December 2024
Great experience!! The drive and boat ride to islands are long but thats what is needed to get a chance to visit these beautiful islands. The day was very relaxing and you can honestly nap for most of the car ride. Lunch was fantastic too. Our driver Johnny picked us up right on time, and basically we remained on the exact schedule laid out in itinerary. I would 100% do this again without hesitation and recommend anyone traveling to Panama to experience thid
Response from Host,
December 2024
We're thrilled you enjoyed your experience and found the journey relaxing and well-organized. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
5.0 Just amazing
Jose_C, November 2024
Amazing experience, beautiful islands, nice beaches. Great trip to enjoy
Mother nature with people you care the most
Response from Host,
November 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had an amazing experience and enjoyed the beautiful islands and beaches. There's nothing better than sharing the beauty of nature with loved ones, and we're glad to have been a part of it. We hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures!
5.0 Great day!...
Marsha_S, August 2024
Great day!
It's a wonderful experience that is well handled. It's a long travel day but the tour operators handle everything and were prompt with all timing. The islands were beautiful and lunch was delicious. I will absolutely do this activity again when I'm back in Panama City!
Response from Host,
August 2024
Thank you for your kind words! We're happy you enjoyed the tour and the beautiful islands. We're looking forward to hosting you on another adventure when you return to Panama City!
4.0 San Blas was Beautiful
Kaleemah_T, June 2024
This was a beautiful tour of the four island which was amazing. The people were amazing. Davies was our tour guide he was super nice. The food on the third island was really good. The only negative thing was the last island it started to rain and the boat ride back was very very bumpy. The drive there and back was 3 hours each way from our hotel but definitely worth it
Response from Host,
July 2024
Hi Kaleem, thank you for your feedback! We're happy you enjoyed the tour and the food. Apologies for the bumpy ride back due to the rain. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
5.0 Adventure
Amanda_P, May 2024
This is a long journey to get to the boat transfer. When you get to the boat transfer you wait around for awhile til someone tells you to get on a boat. We got the back of the boat which has a gas smell. The 1st island we went to was flooded and nothing to really do. Then it was time to go 2 hours later which it started to rain hard. Then a boat ride in pouring rain to the next stop. After that spot we went to the next island for lunch which was inside which was great because of the rain. It finally stopped rain which was nice and sun came out and everybody’s mood got better. It was a great trip once sun was shining. The staff were all great and can’t change the weather but glad it got better because it sure started off rough. It is a long day but in the end worth it.
Response from Host,
May 2024
We're glad to hear your trip improved with the weather and appreciated our staff! We're sorry about the initial challenges, and your feedback will be taken into consideration. We hope you had a beautiful remainder of your Panama trip
4.0 Great excursion to do
Kalybeautybio, April 2024
Excursions, magnificent dream beach, breathtaking panorama, very pretty. It was nice and warm and there was a nice atmosphere.
The only downside is that it's a little far from the hotel but it's still worth it.
Response from Host,
May 2024
Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié l'excursion et la plage. Nous prenons note de votre remarque sur la distance avec l'hôtel. Merci pour votre retour précieux.
3.0 Just a basic island...
Christine_M, April 2024
If you have ever been to an island or a beach before, I would not recommend this excursion. It is not worth the 5-6 hours of drive time plus all of the time in a 'boat'. If you cut the drive out, it might be ok. They literally 'drop you off' at an island which is very tiny with nothing to do and repeat this 3-4 times. If you just want to lay out on a beach and hang in the ocean for a few hours, then this might work for you.
Response from Host,
April 2024
Hi Christine, we are sad to see that you were not able to enjoy your island experience in San Blas. The islands are magical and some of the last remaining treasures in our world. operating tours in Panama we can confidently say that there is nothing other like this. The tour is as advertised - an island and beach experience, which is the allure for most guests who visit. Those who expect to be entertained and expect amenities will have more fun at the Westin beach resort ;)
5.0 Well worth the drive
John_Z, April 2024
A geat opportunity to get out of Panama City and get to the tranquility of the islands. The ride to the boats is long from Panama City but it's worth the effort. The San Blas Islands are a must see part of any Panama City trip.
Response from Host,
April 2024
Thank you for your positive feedback. We're happy to hear you enjoyed the tranquil San Blas Islands. Your endorsement makes it all worthwhile! Safe travels on your next adventure.
5.0 Wonderful one day experiance
Stefan_W, March 2024
Wonderful trip to the beautiful islands of San Blas in March. Great experience for one day. Although it is a long journey to go there and back from Panama City, but is is as stated in the travel description. The tiny islands and the warm sea are worth it. Don't forget sun protection!
Response from Host,
March 2024
We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your San Blas trip! We agree, the journey's length is worth it for the beautiful islands and warm sea. Thanks for the reminder on sun protection too! Safe travels!
5.0 Paradise
Brian_B, March 2024
I had an amazing time here. The food was good. Blanco was a great tour guide. I enjoyed myself immensely. It is a beautiful place to visit.
Response from Host,
March 2024
We're thrilled you had an amazing time and enjoyed the food and tour with Blanco. Thank you for your kind words! We hope to welcome you back soon.
5.0 Paradise!
Matthew_D, February 2024
Beautiful place! It was a journey to get there from our resort, but a must see if traveling to panama 🌞
Response from Host,
March 2024
We're thrilled you enjoyed your visit and appreciate the effort to reach us. We hope to be a 'must see' on all Panama journeys. Safe travels!
5.0 San Blas Day Trip
Ebony_M, February 2024
The journey to get there is a long one, but this excursion is worth the effort. Our driver was excellent as there are many steep hills on the two hour plus drive. You MUST bring your passport or they will not let you in. I suggest bring a dry bag as the boat ride to the island can get you wet. Also, bring a beach blanket as tables and chairs on limited on the islands. The water is beautiful, lunch is provided, there are stops at multiple islands and a sand bar. Don't disturb the starfish and bring your snorkeling gear. Prepare yourself for an all day adventure and yes it really is worth it.
Response from Host,
March 2024
We're glad to hear that the excursion was worth the journey for you! Your tips and highlights are greatly appreciated and helpful for future travelers. Thank you for choosing and recommending us!
5.0 Great time even with rainy and windy weather!
Jon_J, February 2024
The weather wasn’t very good but it was still a great day! Our guides were wonderful and the scenery was still amazing!! Also, the road was paved for the most part getting there so not as bumpy as I was expecting. All in all it was a great day!!
Response from Host,
February 2024
We're glad you had a great day despite the weather! Our team will be delighted to hear your kind words about the guides and scenery. Thanks for sharing your experience!
5.0 I didn't want to go but happy I did
Liviu_B, January 2024
The trip was worth it! Here's a timeline to know what to expect.
0500 Hotel Pickup
0600 Store stop at big supermarket with food spot
0820 Dock Arrival
0900 Departure for First Island
0940 First Island
1140 Second Island with Lunch
1330 Sand bar stop for 20 minutes
1400 Last Island
1500 Return to Dock
1830 Arrival at Hotel
Response from Host,
January 2024
We're thrilled you enjoyed your trip and the detailed timeline! Your appreciation and feedback are truly valued. Looking forward to planning your next adventure. Safe travels!
4.0 Very fun and exciting experience. The views are amazing and the people were very friendly.
April A, December 2023
The only reason I didn’t rate this as a 5 is because there was not much of an explanation or discussion about where we were or the indigenous peoples/community we visited. I think this is because our guide didn’t speak much English. Otherwise a fantastic experience and our driver was very funny and engaging.
Response from Host,
January 2024
We appreciate your feedback. To enhance our guests' experiences, we will look into providing more information about the areas visited. Enjoyed hearing you liked the driver's humor!
2.0 San Blas transport was very bad
Janet_H, December 2023
Tour put too many people in the van....ride is 4 hrs from Panama and very hilly and bumpy....everyone should have had a headrest and been more comfortable in the van. Don't be so cheap!
Response from Host,
January 2024
Hi Janet, it is very unfortunate to hear your San Blas experience got so impacted by the lack of a headrest. We clearly advertise in our listing that the ride to San Blas is 2.5 to 3 hours (NOT 4 hours). We also mention that the car will have 6 passengers. One up front, three on the middle row and two on the back row. For those who require additional space we ask them to let us know so we can reserve an extra seat at an additional cost. Our cars are all spacious and well maintained Toyota Fortuners. In our listing we also mention the road conditions. It seems you booked our tour without reading the description and without bneing prepared, which is your responsibility. We try to be as transparent as possible with our geusts so that they can arrive with the right expectations an mindset. Rating this tour with 2 stars, because you did not take the time to research the tour you booked, arriving unprepared and calling our company "cheap" is not adequate.
4.0 I thought that the last...
Susan_H, November 2023
I thought that the last island we could have missed it was so close to the 2nd island, it took as much time to get on and off the boat as the time we had on the island
Response from Host,
November 2023
Hi Susan, thank you for sharing your thoughts. The last island mostly serves as a stop for guests to rinse off and freshen up before heading back to the port. We hope to welcome you back again soon. Safe travels!
1.0 Horrible and unsafe
Tejal_P, November 2023
Our tour guide Adrian drove us to the port. We left the hotel at 5am. On the way there we stopped on the side of the highway because another Tao tour had a mishap in passengers and Adrian decided to waste our time for 20 mins and did not mention anything until the end of the 20 mins when we all asked what happened. We stopped at small place for coffee but the vendor had no coffee so Adrian took us to an authentic Panama stall where we had fried dough and coffee simple but good and appreciated. We visited 3 islands of which we were not informed their names. Lunch sucked. For the price paid for this tour lunch was not filling at all. The fish is small. The sides are a joke and the cheap things like white rice they give you more than the chicken fish or the unpeeled shrimp. If you are vegetarian the lunch will really suck for you. We were not offered one bottle of water by Adrian during the trip. Everyone was hungry, dehydrated and tired. The 3rd island nirban is the name I think is dirty from water to the Shelly sand. The first island had beer glass and garbage in the sand and water. The bathrooms rate really gross esp for women. On the way back, we got stuck on highway for 3 hours due to Panama protests. Adrian knew about the protests as he drove us in full speed down the wavy steep roads and his friends were WhatsApp him messages about the protest which I could see from back of the seat yet he did not tell us. Once on the highway he moved the car to an auto shop parking lot which was dirty with dogs wandering there. No bathroom no food stuck for 3 hours in hot humid weather where we smelled car fuel for 3 hrs. Adrian parked the car at the auto shop lot and left the car and ac on and disappeared and left us in the car for 3hrs. Other tour guides from other tour companies had to move our car as it was in the way amid protest chaos. Another tour guide came and shut our car off so it does not lose battery. We asked him where Adrian was and they said they had no clue. It is disappointing that he left us in a country during a protest in a car by ourselves in u safe environment. We had one passenger who was sitting in back of the car and had no way out as there was no door to get out. We could have been harmed. The tour car sucks as well. It can only comfortably hold 3-4 people the back part of the car has NO leg room and no door to get out. The car was dirty and the seats were sandy and not cleaned the night before. We have yet to be comprnsated in some way for this inconvenience.
Response from Host,
November 2023
Dear Tejal, we are very sorry to hear that you were not able to enjoy your San Blas trip.
Firstly, we are surprised hearing your comments about the lunch, as most of our guests really enjoy it. It seems like you had very high expectations coming into this experience and noticed the bad things during your day. Water during your car transportation is not included and we kindly ask you to review our tour listing, the detailed disclaimer and itinerary sent to you in advance. It is clear that you booked this tour and had your own ideas and expectations.
Unfortunately, protests are out of our control and it is unfair to rate this experience based on the political situation in Panama. There is nothing we can do about this. Adrian is one of our loyal and reliable drivers and we are certain that he made sure that all passengers were safe during the time the roads were closed. The cars are cleaned daily and if there was sand on your way back to the city, it was most likely from the passengers in the car that just spent the entire day on the beach.
We hope you were ab le to enjoy the other activities during your stay in Panama.
4.0 Slightly disorganized day in paradise
Christina_G, November 2023
Overall, it was a great day. We‘d almost backed out of the trip due to the reviews and warnings about the road to the port from Panama City…let me reassure you that those are overblown. You get picked up at 5am. It takes 90min of straight roads to get to a gas station for a comfort break before you even reach the hills. The roads up are windy with many steep ups and downs but they have all been fixed recently - there were no potholes and overall, it was a nice 90min drive along beautiful lush vegetation. We had taken some meds against motion-sickness as a precaution but it probably wouldn’t have been necessary. At the port, we unfortunately had to wait for almost an hour - one that we would have very much preferred to spend in our beds before the tour. The guide that showed up did speak some English but he told us that we had 2h on island 1, when it was effectively 2.5h and didn’t tell us we would go from there to a sandbank to look for starfish before lunch. Thus, we had changed out of our wet clothes, sat around for half an hour waiting, then had to jump into the water with the fresh clothes…it could all have gone a bit smoother with better communication. That said, lunch was lovely and the islands were stunningly beautiful. I went snorkeling on all 3 islands and the sandbank and saw a giant eagle ray, 2 large starfish, a ship wreck and some beautiful corals. The beaches are white and a bit wild, like from a Robinson Crusoe movie. Overall, we would have liked to spend 2-3 more days there but if someone is only in Panama City for a short time, this day-trip is a must-do.
Response from Host,
November 2023
Dear Christine, thanks for your detailed feedback! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the islands and snorkeling. We apologize for the miscommunication and the wait at the port. Having to manage guests arriving with several different cars at different times, our Kuna guides always do their best to make this process as efficient as possible. Thank you again for your sincere feedback. Your comments help us improve our services :)
5.0 Great birthday experience at San Islands
Duanne_C, September 2023
First Viator made the process of booking very easy, straight forward and smooth. I particularly liked Viator's clear, precise and accurate description of the tour which in my opinion is not as rustic as stated. Edgar our driver for the day was simply fantastic and drove with due care. As stated in other reviews, he indeed knew all the bumps and pot holes to avoid so the ride was very smooth despite the many bends and corners.
All the crew on the boat were most pleasant and ensured we had an enjoyable experience. I would recommend this tour, just a friendly caution that it is indeed a full day but in my opinion worth the drive and enjoy beautiful nature at it's best.
Response from Host,
October 2023
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation. We're thrilled to hear you had a smooth booking process and enjoyed your tour with Edgar. We appreciate your helpful feedback regarding the tour description.
5.0 Would do it again
Jose G, September 2023
Had a great time. To get to the islands takes a while and it’s rough terrain but the staff is great and once there, heaven!!
Response from Host,
September 2023
Hi Jose, we're glad you had a great time! Our team is committed to ensuring a rewarding journey, despite the rough terrain. Thank you for your kind words.
5.0 Awesome experience!
Dana_E, September 2023
Adrian was very friendly and accommodating. He knew exactly what he was doing and got us to the port at a good time.
Response from Host,
September 2023
We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Adrian! He exemplifies our commitment to excellent service. Thank you for choosing our company.
5.0 A must take trip
Theodoros_Y, August 2023
The islands were awesome! The whole experience was amazing. Well organised, well cleaned vehicle, safe driving. Amenities on the islands basic, but that’s why they are still unique and genuine.
Response from Host,
August 2023
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the unique charm of the islands and our service. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
5.0 Great day
Tara_R, August 2023
The island’s are beautiful! I had a great time on the tour. My favorite part is watching the boat captains and the guided figuring out how to make sure everyone gets the specific tour they paid for… not everyone is seeing what you are. For example I opted to have lobster for lunch and not everyone did. Just before lunch I was moved to a different boat of lobster eaters and we went to the island where lobster are cooked then. Its quite an art. They took great care of us and we all had an awesome day!
Response from Host,
August 2023
We're thrilled you had a great tour and enjoyed your lobster lunch! Our team takes pride in crafting unique experiences for each guest. Thanks for sharing!
5.0 One of the best day trips from Panama City.
aluri1971, July 2023
Islands are wonderful. Great views, serene waters with no waves, shallow warm water and no rain when I was there.
Only downside is the long ride to and back from the islands from Panama City. If you can spare some time and overnight stay would be better instead of a 14 hour day.
Response from Host,
July 2023
Thank you for your review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the wonderful views and serene waters of the islands. Unfortunately, the drive ton San Blas is necessary to witness the beautiful islands. We feel that it is well worth it ;)
We hope you visit Panama again soon.
5.0 Beautiful islands
travelernde, July 2023
We had a wonderful day trip from Panamá City. The roads were not bad and the islands were stunning! Loved it!
Response from Host,
July 2023
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're glad to hear that you had a great day trip and enjoyed the stunning islands. We hope to welcome you back for more amazing experiences soon!
5.0 A piece of heaven on earth
Nixon_G, June 2023
The San Blas islands are a magical place. The beaches and the water are some of the most clean waters I've ever seen. Free from man made pollution and sea weeds. Everything from the guide to the Kuna people were so friendly. The lunch was very simple but delicious. Some of the best freshly caught fried fish I've ever had. The 4x4 expedition through thr jungle was scary at times and my son did puke but it was all worth it to us at the end. One day is not enough. Next time we will do an overnight stay.
Response from Host,
June 2023
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a magical experience on the San Blas islands. We're glad you enjoyed the clean beaches and water, as well as the friendly guide and Kuna people. We apologize for any discomfort during the 4x4 expedition, but we're glad it was all worth it in the end. We look forward to welcoming you back for an overnight stay next time!
5.0 Very Fun Day!!
Katie_C, June 2023
We had such a blast! I feel like they did an excellent job preparing us for what to expect and managing expectations. I am an extremely motion sick person, extremely, so the info about the drive there made me a bit nervous. To prepare I wore the pressure point wrist bands, motion sick patch behind the ear and I took oral medication from the pharmacy there too. I’m so glad they use a 4x4 vehicle because it really absorbed all the movement and was really smooth. Our driver was also excellent, I felt like he could have driven those roads with his eyes closed. He knew where every pothole was, how to take every turn, and when to press the brakes and gas. I couldn’t believe I didn’t need them to pull over for me. The islands were also incredible, views like you’d see on your computer’s screen saver. I was surprised I had cell service and one of the islands had delicious pina coladas. I almost didn’t do this activity and I’m so glad we did, 100% worth it.
Response from Host,
June 2023
Thank you for your amazing review! We're thrilled that you had a great time on our San Blas Day tour and that our driver was able to make the ride a smooth one. We're glad we could help you prepare for the drive and that you enjoyed the views and amenities on the islands.
We hope to hear back from you again soon :)
4.0 Overall wonderful experience in a postcard-worthy paradise
Tammy_W, May 2023
I really enjoyed the tranquil surroundings, and free time to just relax on the beach. The water is so clear, and the snorkeling is great. However, my snorkel was collected before we went to the starfish stop. An older gentleman attempted to get out of the boat, only to be told by the guide that "it's for the young people." I guess that was why my snorkel was collected to; although I'm in just as good shape as "the young people." So, I didn't really appreciate that, but still an overall wonderful experience. I think also the stops at the convenience store, both going and coming were too long, and cut into our tour time. The scenery on the way to the port is beautiful, too, and a great way to see a little more of Panama if you have limited time.
Response from Host,
May 2023
Hi Tammy, we apologize for the inconvenience caused by the snorkel collection and the long stops at the convenience store. We strive to provide the best experience for all our guests and we are sorry that we did not meet your expectations.
The stops during the drive serve as a rest stop for the drivers before and after the strenuous 1 hour off-road section. Our guides have to take a mandatory rest for the safety of our guests.
We will follow up with the boat guide, as there should be sufficient snorkel gear for all guests.
Thank you again for your feedback. We strive to keep improving our experience and hope that you will visit us again in the future :)
5.0 Highly recommended!
MihaelaRuxandra_M, May 2023
San Blas is like Maldives Island of Panama, a beautiful archipelago not many people have the chance to visit due to its remote location.
Our guide, Adrian, was very nice and friendly. He stopped many times on the way and showed us many animals and for photos.
Response from Host,
May 2023
We are so glad to hear that you had a great experience with us. Adrian is indeed one of our best drivers and we are grateful for having him on our team. Thank you for your kind feedback. We hope you visit us again soon :)
5.0 Amazing
Jordana M, April 2023
The natural pool was our favorite part, very beautiful. Our guide stopped at a huge and wonderful.
It is really far but nothing perpendicular, the road is winding but quiet, there are plenty of asphalt treks in the mountains.
Response from Host,
April 2023
Obrigado por compartilhar sua experiência conosco! Ficamos felizes que você tenha gostado da piscina natural e do guia. Estamos contentes que a estrada tenha sido tranquila para você.
5.0 It was a long trip but...
Ekaterina_C, April 2023
It was a long trip but it’s so worth it. The San Blas islands are so beautiful. Highly recommend the trip. I was traveling solo and I met nice people. Go for it
Response from Host,
April 2023
Thank you for sharing your review of the San Blas islands tour! It sounds like you had an amazing experience and that the trip was well worth it. It's great to hear that you met nice people on your solo trip, and I'm sure that made the experience even more enjoyable.
Your recommendation of the trip is much appreciated, and I'm sure it will be helpful for others who are considering visiting the San Blas islands. The islands are indeed known for their beauty, and it's wonderful that you were able to experience it firsthand.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your review, and I hope you have many more exciting travels in the future!
5.0 Good fun
Lakmal_M, April 2023
Very good trip and visited some lovely and beautiful beaches full of blue water and white sand. Highly recommend the trip to anyone else.
Response from Host,
April 2023
We're so glad you had a great time and enjoyed the beautiful beaches! Thank you for recommending us.
4.0 Beautiful islands
Lily_L, April 2023
Our driver was on time and friendly. He made a stop for us to pick some snacks up before we headed to the boat. The islands are beautiful but I am not sure it is worth the time to get there. We left our hotel at 5am and where on our first island at 9:45am.
Response from Host,
April 2023
We're glad to hear that our driver was on time and friendly. We understand that the journey to the islands can be long, but we hope you enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the way.
5.0 Beautiful day!
Chantal_S, April 2023
The drive is no joke. Neither is the boat ride. Read the disclaimer! Not for anyone with back issues. A really fun day adventure! Islands are beautiful!
Response from Host,
April 2023
We're glad you had a fun day adventure and enjoyed the islands! We appreciate you taking the time to read the disclaimer and we hope you had a safe and enjoyable experience.
5.0 San Blas March 2023
markanderson3680, March 2023
It was worth the long and bumpy trip. We left PC on a busy highway for the first half of the trip in the morning darkness. If you must sleep after leaving the hotel at 5; 30 am, then is the time. But after stopping at a Texaco food mart and meeting several other 4 WD SUV s, the adventure begins. It is a bumpy, curvy mountain road with some spectacular views, Kuna Indian check points (don't forget your passport) till you get to a basic, rustic parking lot with a host of small primitive boats. Its a pounding ride, but our boat pilot did the best to keep the passengers dry for a 35 minute trip to islands that are paradise. Google the pictures, they are accurate. We snorkeled on a ship that wrecked 10' from the beach. The sand and water is warmer than the Pacific, much shallower as well. Lunch was provided and was decent, but you only get one soda. (we brought rum, hint) Then it is off to more islands, for snorkeling, swimming on a sand bar (they call it a natural pool) and finally, to a shack bar on an island across the channel from the first stop. There are rudimentary hotel shacks and of course, native made souvenirs to purchase. They are mostly the same as other places. Then a 35 minute boat ride back, which was a bit more pleasant than outbound, due to following seas. The good news is the mountain road on the Kuna side is being currently paved, so part of that ride will be smoother.
Response from Host,
March 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the adventure and the spectacular views. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
