Panama: Sandy Beaches & San Blas Sunsets

from $764.15 USD 6 Days Tour

Looking to unplug and drop off the grid in total island style? This 6-day adventure takes you from the buzz of Panama City to the untouched paradise of the San Blas Islands — and trust us, it’s next-level. Start by soaking in the city’s mix of modern energy and historic charm, before setting sail for the Caribbean. Picture crystal-clear water, palm trees swaying over white sand, and zero Wi-Fi to distract you. The San Blas Islands are run by the Indigenous Guna people, giving you the chance to connect with local culture and traditions while living that beachside barefoot dream. No filters needed — this is as real as paradise gets.

Travel Style

18-to-Thirtysomethings

Service Level

Basic

Physical Grading

2 - Light

What's Included

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Big Night Out Moment: Panama City. 3-night San Blas Islands Stay supporting the local ingenious community. Guna Indigenous Community Visit & Presentation. Island Visits. Free time for beach, snorkelling, swimming, and lounging. Free time in Panama City. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

What are the main highlights of this trip?

Kick back off-grid for three nights on the remote indigenous community-run San Blas Islands, Swim snorkel and chill in crystal-clear waters surrounded by coral reefs, Learn about Guna traditions with a hands-on Mola-making and ancestral medicine demo, Soak up the vibe with lazy beach days palm trees and salty hair, Explore Panama City’s urban charm

How large will the group be?

Max 16, Avg. 14.

What meals are included in this trip?

3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

private vehicle, ferry, boat

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Where will we stay during the trip?

Hotels (2 nts), Basic Island Huts (3 nts, multi-share).

Itinerary

Day 1

Panama City

Arrive at any time. Get ready to explore the life and energy of Panama City where each neighbourhood promises something new. Choose to check out the impressive skyline and beauty of the bay. You could learn about the country’s history by checking out Casco Antiguo and discover fun exhibits at the Biomuseo. Metropolitan Natural Park also offers a green oasis for nature lovers. Join a welcome meeting in the evening to get to know your newest travel family and opt to grab a meal at a local restaurant or rooftop afterwards as a way to break the ice and get the party started.

Day 2

Panama City/San Blas Islands

It’s time to bid farewell to the mainland as the group travels early this morning to catch the ferry to the magical and largely untouched San Blas Islands. The islands are governed by the local Guna indigenous community and the archipelago is made up of 365 islands, of which only 50 are inhabited by the Guna community. The islands’ well-protected natural beauty make them a top destination to experience while in Panama, especially before word gets out about this wonderful paradise. Arrive to the community of Carti and pay a visit to the chief at their local Congress House for a brief welcome. Then, continue by boat to Asseryaladub Island, where you will have free time to relax on the beach and explore the underwater world of snorkelling. Gather round with the group after an included dinner this evening and listen to stories about Guna culture for a truly unique introduction to the San Blas Islands.

Day 3

San Blas Islands

Remember, a trip to the San Blas Islands won’t look like an island experience you’ve had before. So embrace the local customs and cuisine, and keep in mind there’s no internet access. You will be completely unplugged for a few days. It’s paradise without the everyday creature comforts, and you’ll be surprised by how much you enjoy the simple things in life. After breakfast visit a natural pool and check out the starfish lounging beneath the surface. Then, visit another island for a slight change of scenery. Relax more on the beach here, play some games in the water with your travel pals and go snorkeling. Arrive back to Asseryaladub Island and your cozy huts there for more free time. Kick back in the common area and take it easy, there’s nowhere to be but here.

Day 4

San Blas Islands

Today, learn more about the prevalent traditional practices of the Guna. In the morning travel by boat to the Aguadub Community for a presentation and cultural session highlighting Guna tradition. This includes the art of crafting Molas, a traditional textile made from layers of colored fabric created to form patterns and pictures inspired by their universal beliefs. Listen as a member of the community discusses the significance of beadwork and ancestral medicine shared by a local healer. Return to Asseryaladub with a great appreciation for the indigenous community that calls these islands home and how they are working to protect and preserve its untouched beauty. This afternoon take advantage of free time to swim, snorkel, and maybe play a game of beach volleyball as a group. End the day feeling far more connected to this immensely special place.

Day 5

San Blas Islands/Panama City

Spend a leisurely morning on the island and soak up the magical connection you have built by visiting. Then, wave goodbye to the palm trees swaying in the breeze and the small waves crashing in the white sand as you board the boat back to Puerto Carti. From here, travel back to Panama City by private vehicle. Enjoy free time to explore the vibrancy of this city and if you desire, dance the night away with your new close friends. A rooftop bar seems like the perfect vibe for tonight’s night out on the town. The choice is all yours.

Day 6

Panama City

Depart at anytime. Or perhaps consider spending a few extra days in the lively Panama City. Before you go, make sure you swap information with your newest travel family because someday maybe you'll meet up in another part of the world.

Is travel insurance required for my trip?

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

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