5.0 The car ride is long and...
angela_c, April 2026
The car ride is long and at the end bumpy. Make sure to bring your passports as you’ll need them at the border.
The day we went the weather was rough so that made for a very painful non relaxing boat ride. Once we got to the islands it was calmer and weather was a little better. We were given fruit immediately and our own table and chairs in the shade. The water was perfect. Lunch was good and a drink included. We went to two other islands and the swimming pool. It would have been nice just to stay at one location though. Our guide was great, so kind to help carry our drinks and bags at each stop. We headed back early cuz it started getting windy and we were just done at that point. The ride back was smoother. Try not to have to use the restrooms at the dock. They are not very nice and yell at you to pay them.
5.0 San Blas was a blast and a must do when visiting Panama!
Patricia_R, March 2026
I was quite nervous about this trip due to the reviews about the roads and boat ride. I believe thise reviews are exaggerated. The last hour of the car ride was through the mountains so yes it was winding but the roads were paved and I felt extremely safe. If you get motion sickness so I would recommend taking a Dramamine. The boat ride was fine and sooo worth it once you get to the islands. We visited white sands where we had a tasty lunch and the clearest waters I’ve ever seen. We visited the natural pool island which was a sand bar in the middle of the ocean where we saw starfish. We visited two other islands which were just as beautiful. San Blas is a must do when visiting Panama. Our group did a few excursions during our 7 day visit and this was everyone’s favourite.
5.0 Breathtakingly Beautiful San Blas!
Monica_B, May 2025
A truly unique experience touring various islands of San Blas and getting to see and learn more about the Cuna indigenous culture. The private tour actually got us to the islands to have them all by ourselves for a bit, and the islands and water are stunning! Definitely worth the effort to get out there. (Given the rudimentary cabins for rent out there, I am glad we only did a day tour vs. spending the night out there.)
5.0 The best tour we have taken.
George_S, April 2024
The private San Blas tour was epic. We were picked up at our apartment by a private driver. He did a great job of getting ahead of the other tours for an early start and left the gas station as soon as we finished eating to get us there sooner. Once we got to the port we had our own boat, guide, captain and first mate. It was great. We were 5 people. We were alone on our first island for about an hour before others arrived. Eddie brought fresh pineapples for our family and brought our drinks to where we sat swam and snorkeled. The natural pool was pretty cool. A perfectly white sandbar about 2-4 feet deep surrounded by deeper water. Again - only ones there and stayed until we wanted to go. We went to have lunch. That food was OK. I had bones in my fish fillet, the whole fish by brother got was better and interestingly I think the chicken was the best meal. That island was cool with a sunken ship. Last we went to pelican island and relaxed in hammocks in the water and on the beach. The crew shared drinks with us and taught us what they could about their culture and even some of their words. I felt both immersed in their culture while having a first class experience. Seeing other boats with 10-15 people on them this is the way to go for sure.
Response from Host,
April 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review of your private San Blas tour! We're thrilled to hear that your experience was nothing short of epic. It sounds like your private driver, Eddie, and the rest of the crew went above and beyond to ensure you had a memorable adventure, from enjoying the solitude of the islands to indulging in local flavors and learning about the local culture. We appreciate your kind words and are glad that the private setup provided a more personal and enjoyable experience compared to the larger group tours. We look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure soon!
5.0 Great tour.
lardog123, April 2024
Great experience from the word go.
Be aware it takes time to get there from Panama City. Took 4 hours from 5:00AM hotel pick-up before your toes hit island sands. 3 1/4 to get to the Marina. However, the SUV we travelled in was newish and clean. The driver only had rudimentary English skills, which made for limited discussion during a long trip. But he was pleasant and accommodating. The last hour's drive is in the mountains before you hit the sea. Twisty-turny, uppy-downy you go. If you have a modicum of being subject to car sickness, take a Gravol. If you are on a tour where you might get stuck in the back seats of an old Honda CRV, take several. Frankly, i think a lot has to do with the temperment of the driver. This private tour vehicle and its driver were terrific. I watched and he seldom went over 40kph in the mountains and he wasn't offended or challenged by several other vehicles taking risks to pass him. He calmly drove on, for which i was appreciative. We have taken six tours this trip and note that every single tour guide and driver are male. Brings to mind that a high school boy's locker room, after the game, with various air-clouded AXE body spray assaults confronting you, the impact has nothing on some of these guys. If you have scent sensitivity, i would suggest requesting a scent free driver. I had to ride with the window open all the way. The islands were wonderful but you have to be aware that while the boat and guides are private to you, the places you go are not. One aspect of this excursion that was unique to the private tour was the guides stopped say a hundred meters or so off one of the islands, dropped the anchor, and we snorkeled with them looking at sting rays, etc. Apparently i saw a shark, as proven by the video the guide took during our swim, but i didn't realize i saw it. Ha. The shark was the same colour as the coral. Terrific tour, worth every penny. enjoy.
5.0 Excellent!
LAVINIA_S, August 2023
It was downright stunning! We had a great time and you did a good job preparing us for what was in store. Our tour team was friendly and helpful. My only issue, and this is minor, is if you have customers who are senior citizens, it's a bit hard to get in and out of the boat. Our tour team was very helpful ensuring my parents had support getting in and out, but it was difficult. Regardless, I can't wait to go again! It was magical!
3.0 Lunch was bad. Coordination of your company was not good on the different islands. Boat guys did not speak English.
Nikhil_C, May 2023
Islands were nice. Lunch was not good. Drive was ok. The stop was crowded with lot of people. Bathrooms were bad everywhere.
Response from Host,
May 2023
Hello,
We are surprised with your rating as in private option you have chosen the time spend in each island. The lunch is the food prepared by local people. Please read about san blas before travelling as you can choose weather or not the trip will fit your type of travel. San blas is an indigenous community and they try their best to serve people, bathrooms in some places are still needed to put water on to, etc..
Our guide speaks basic english, enough to order food and drinks, basic instructions. They are still taking English lessons but it takes time and many practice to improve,
Thanks
5.0 Top experience
Matteo_B, March 2023
Great experience. Very well prepared and good level of service l. Nice people with how have a day of tour.
5.0 San Blas amazing experience
560amadeom, November 2022
To complete your experience in Panama, you have to go to San Blas, you are speechless when you arrive and see the Archipelago , they receive you very friendly and to know the islands in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, much peace and tranquility . The only detail is the road with many bumps but nothing that cannot be overcome
5.0 Highly recommend!
Melanie_B, June 2022
A truly amazing experience and highly recommend! The second half of the car ride is extremely bumpy due to torn up roads so be prepared. The guides are amazing and the islands are beautiful. Great snorkeling and great food.
5.0 Unfailing in the visit to Panama
mcaleroclavijo, October 2021
Spectacular everything! From the hotel departure to the return. The islands are amazing, the people's attention spectacular!! They fulfilled 100% what the package mentions
Response from Host,
October 2021
Muchas gracias Marco! fue un placer atenderles!!
2.0 Misleading Advertising
Arnold W, August 2019
We booked and paid for a private day tour for Tuesday Aug 6, 2019. My wife (who is Panamanian) and I took the tour to San Blas after seeing the ad stating Private Tour. We thus assumed it would be so. We understood that transportation to San Blas and back to Panama was in a shared transport, which was no problem with us, but they neglected to tell us that they would cram 7 people in a 4x4 car meant for 5 passengers,
Arriving at the port to go to San Blas, they informed us that we had to wait for other people coming in other cars to be able to take the boat. So what part of our tour was private? We were then told we would have to pay an additional $ 60 to take a private boat. Seemed like a classic switch and bait.
The return trip was extremely uncomfortable and the driver drove at reckless speeds to try and get back to Panama City after a long delay from one of the passengers.
We emailed Panama San Blas Tours on August 15, 2019 but never received a response. While San Blas itself was beautiful, Panama an Blas Tours was disappointing. Tourists beware of this company,.
Response from Host,
August 2019
Mr. Arnold,
As explained to your wife, you DID NOT book a PRVIATE TOUR with us, this comment is out of place. You booked a PREMIUM DAY TOUR English speaking guide which the difference in price Is huge. 169USD per people (what you paid in promo) vs. 259USD per people which cost the Private tour.
The premium tour, it has many advantages vs. regular plan: Lobster lunch, priority in car seats, Boat for only 8 people vs. regular 15-20 people, but IT DOES NOT INCLUDE A PRIVATE CAR OR A PRIVATE BOAT. This infomation is not new, since our agent informed at the moment of reservation very clear in the email about whats included and what is not, and also the reservation sheet has this same information.
However, we ALWAYS TRY TO DO the best for our clients to have a happy experience, and we understand while you were in the tour you wanted a private boat, and we were able to help you with this request for only +60USD additional, which is way less on the price for a Private tour.
We are sorry you still are not comfortable, but there is no reason to Provide any type of refund for this tour, since it was all clear since the booking.
Thanks again for travelling with us.
Marisol
4.0 Excellent Value
Michael S, June 2019
This private tour is an excellent option to the group tours that are available. You share a 4x4 ride with another couple and then get into your own private boat. You follow the same itinerary, but are not part of a larger group, so you have a bit more flexibility to set your own pace.
5.0 Worth the craziness getting there
geraldj462, March 2019
Picked up on time, long long drive out there, but it’s the only way to see San Blas. Will stop on the way out at a nice gas station for your only chance for a restroom, snacks, and supplies. Could possibly change into bathing suit there, if your not already in yours. Then it’s up into the mountains for a crazy drive. I’m ok with that kind of drive, if your not take precautions, like Dramamine, ginger ale, and eating a very light non greasy breakfast. Check point in the mountains is next, have your passport and a $20 bill ready. Once at the marina, there is a check in process, and a chance to use a 25 cent pay toilet (no toilet paper) I would recommend you be in your bathing suit and have a water proof area for your phone. We did everything described, breakfast, beach time, used restrooms at Walli and Dog islands, kayaked, lunch, natural pool, snorkeled sunken boat, Ect Ect
Highly recommend
