San Blas 4-dages Island Hopping Adventure fra Panama City

The coordination between the islands, the boat operators and various accommodations was extraordinary. The food was delicious. Each person associated with the tour was a delight. The coral was gorgeous Be flexible , be kind and patient and you too will have a wonderful trip. Brush up on basic Spanish!

The islands are super beautiful! Of course, you have to know that there is a very rustic life and that is part of the experience. Other islands are more beautiful than others (Isla Aroma we loved, Isla Diabolo for example was not quite as beautiful in our opinion). Communication is difficult, of course, as only Spanish is spoken. We also felt that the guides and drivers had no interest in communicating with us and did not try to talk clearly or slowly. Actually, here in Panama I get along quite well with my Spanish skills, but there I really struggled. Also we had the impression that the people there did not feel like visiting Touris at all (which is fully understandable and okay) but they already made that very noticeable, which is why we felt uncomfortable in some cases.

First driver refused to answer simple question in English or Spanish. "Is this the only stop where we can buy water" Storms made travel unsafe but we were transported anyway. Fresh fish was nice but a lot of processed American food. First "tour" was just a quick walkthrough of people selling their stuff Prices on islands for water and basics varied widely. No communication between organizer, vendors and guests. We only got back to Panama City due to the kindness of a boat captain and independent driver. Do not recommend

The San Blas island-hopping trip was the highlight of my Panama trip—and honestly, the highlight of my year. Four days were spent on small, secluded islands, each with calm, highly swimmable beaches. Ina, and especially Aroma, had great snorkeling directly off shore (bring your own snorkel—it’s worth it), with plenty of fish and clear water. Aroma, in particular, has a fairly significant reef structure essentially right off the beach. If I had to choose a favorite island, it would be Aroma. In conversations with others on the excursion, there was a clear consensus that it was everyone’s favorite. When we arrived, a departing guest told us, “It’s very laid back here—you’ll love it,” and that turned out to be completely accurate. If you can only choose one island, choose Aroma. The accommodations are rustic but charming. Pelicano had an over-water bungalow, while Ina and Aroma were more traditional tiki-hut style—Aroma even had sand floors. Connectivity varied: Pelicano had Starlink while we were there; Ina showed 3G but I couldn’t connect to the internet (possibly an eSIM issue); and Aroma was able to connect via nearby cell towers. Overall, connectivity wasn’t an issue—this isn’t what the islands are meant for anyway, and I was for others to believe I was unreachable. We were initially concerned the food might be plain, but it exceeded our expectations. On New Year’s Eve, the locals prepared a special additional meal, which was a great touch. Meals and excursions were announced by a conch shell. There was not a very rigid schedule, and it was refreshing to fully relax and not think about time until hearing the conch blow. Breakfast typically took place around 6:30 a.m., though sleeping in was difficult regardless due to the nature of the accommodations. Morning light and the sounds of other guests would usually wake you, but it wasn’t a major issue and it was still easy to get a restful night’s sleep. Drinks were available on all islands—beer was about $2, and some islands offered cocktails for around $5. Snacks were also available on some islands. We somewhat expected a livelier social atmosphere. While there were occasional conversations with other guests and a larger gathering on New Year’s Eve, most people seemed to be there to relax and unwind rather than party or heavily socialize—which we enjoyed. The off-island excursions were nothing special, but they did help break up the day. Communication with the organizers was sometimes difficult in English. That said, it was generally easy enough to go with the flow or rely on Spanish-speaking guests when needed. My only real critique is the process of getting back to Panama City. It’s chaotic—once you get off the boats, there are close to 100 trucks, and you have to find a driver heading to your accommodation (or somewhere nearby). We weren’t entirely clear on how the process was supposed to work. A Spanish-speaking friend we met helped organize a ride for us; without that assistance, there may have been delays or confusion. Still, this minor friction doesn’t come close to outweighing the overall experience.

This was the highlight of our trip to Panama. I read another review that dissed Aroma Island, but it was my favorite. A thatch hut on the beach with sand floor. Minimalist Paradise. You keep the door shut with a couch shell. The folks that lived there were so kind and it had the best food of the three islands we stayed on. (Order the Traditional food). The other islands had rustic, rough cabins. It rained everyday we were there but usually at night. The thatched hut didn't leak, but the cabins did and the metal roofs were noisy. I loved it all, but think of it like camping and bring the minimum things you need. We brought water, swimsuits, towels, toiletries, phone power bank, waterproof phone case, flash light, water shoes, and waterproof bag. Conserve fresh water and don't bring or leave trash. Don't put toilet paper in the toilet, put it in the basket next to the toilet. The toilets and showers are functional. There weren't any bugs. We visited different islands everyday, snorkeled, swam, and flopped on pristine beaches. The sand was powdery white, the sea was shades of blue and green. Everything was photogenic.

We really enjoyed the overall trip. It is a beautifull part of the world. Transport to the location was nice. Communication was good from the organiser Sadly some small details let the experience down. For instance construction rubbish were present next to our accommodation The worst part we felt completely let down from day 4. We paid for 4 days ,re received a message saying that We could leave first thing in the morning or stay on the beach. Bearing in mind you pay a good price for 4 days there are no transport not even food on day four. We should have booked 3 days not 4 the fourth day was a joke as I said nobody cares for you . We got picked up and dropped us off.Driver again was very good Food was nice apart from breakfast which usually consisted of dry eggs .

We went a 4 day 3 night excursion and it most definitely was an experience of a lifetime, my girlfriend was the one who wanted to go on this journey and I wasn’t too sure about it, but now all said and done I’m really glad to have experienced it and most definitely recommend it

We did The 4 days tour and we totally recommend. The tour was perfectly organized, always available for Questions on whatsapp and super helpful along The way. Really worth organizing with them if you are planning to visit San Blas.

I went March for 3 nights. If you are up for basics, on sandy desert islands, away from home comforts this is absolute heaven. Eg this is not a hotel. It is basic shelters on a beautiful desert island. There is a new road just complete (March 2024) from Panama City so it’s not bumpy like the last reviews say….but it is very windy. Have faith in the process. You will never know what is happening or where you will go - it will not be islands as listed on the itinerary but you won’t be disappointed… so…. relax, get to your most chilled place and know that someone will bring a boat round and shout your name at some point and all will be well. We went to 3 islands a day and slept on a different one each night. One had no power, one you poured water down the toilet to flush but that was more that I expected. Some had power and flushing toilets. Peaceful heaven… day trippers come onto the island for 2/3 hours then leave it just to your group. I would not recommend this for day trippers- it is too far a journey.. stay at least a night, 2 if you can and 3 was great. If you need detailed plans day to day this ain’t for you. If you can let go and go with the flow I have never been anywhere more beautiful. You are safe. Tou will be fed chiecken and rice/ fish and rice/ breakfast eggs…You will have food but bring own water and a few snacks from the gas stop on the way. Most places you can buy water and beer and Coca Cola. And even cocktails at some. At this time of year you only need swimsuit shorts and something to cover up from the sun. It is hot at night so do not need anything warm at this time of year. Some swimming shoes useful for snorkelling around sunken wrecks or one of the rocky islands. Because you are largely in the water and travelling by the local boats you will be wet all the time so just wear your swimsuit and a clever up. . You don’t need anything here. It will only be sandy and wet.. Leave your suitcases at your hotel. Most have free storage is you ask. You have to climb in and out of the boats often from the shore/ the water … if you ask loud enough before you set off they will put a ladder in boat which really helps but we didn’t get that til day 3. But we all helped eachother in and out. No mosquitoes on islands. Bring power bank cos you’ll want to take a lot of photos. You’ll see clear water and amazing underwater wildlife. If there was some information that would have made things better but we learnt there is none and you’ll only find out what is happening when something is happening but it works!!! Bring waterproof phone case and bring Colombian pesos you may want drinks, or to buy things from local tribes. Probably the best thing I have ever done.

I went March for 3 nights. If you are up for basics, on sandy desert islands, away from home comforts this is absolute heaven. Eg this is not a hotel. It is basic shelters on a beautiful desert island. There is a new road just complete (March 2024) from Panama City so it’s not bumpy like the last reviews say….but it is very windy. Have faith in the process. You will never know what is happening or where you will go - it will not be islands as listed on the itinerary but you won’t be disappointed… so…. relax, get to your most chilled place and know that someone will bring a boat round and shout your name at some point and all will be well. We went to 3 islands a day and slept on a different one each night. One had no power, one you poured water down the toilet to flush but that was more that I expected. Some had power and flushing toilets. Peaceful heaven… day trippers come onto the island for 2/3 hours then leave it just to your group. I would not recommend this for day trippers- it is too far a journey.. stay at least a night, 2 if you can and 3 was great. If you need detailed plans day to day this ain’t for you. If you can let go and go with the flow I have never been anywhere more beautiful. You are safe. Tou will be fed chiecken and rice/ fish and rice/ breakfast eggs…You will have food but bring own water and a few snacks from the gas stop on the way. Most places you can buy water and beer and Coca Cola. And even cocktails at some. At this time of year you only need swimsuit shorts and something to cover up from the sun. It is hot at night so do not need anything warm at this time of year. Some swimming shoes useful for snorkelling around sunken wrecks or one of the rocky islands. Because you are largely in the water and travelling by the local boats you will be wet all the time so just wear your swimsuit and a clever up. . You don’t need anything here. It will only be sandy and wet.. Leave your suitcases at your hotel. Most have free storage is you ask. You have to climb in and out of the boats often from the shore/ the water … if you ask loud enough before you set off they will put a ladder in boat which really helps but we didn’t get that til day 3. But we all helped eachother in and out. No mosquitoes on islands. Bring power bank cos you’ll want to take a lot of photos. You’ll see clear water and amazing underwater wildlife. If there was some information that would have made things better but we learnt there is none and you’ll only find out what is happening when something is happening but it works!!! Bring waterproof phone case and bring Colombian pesos you may want drinks, or to buy things from local tribes. Probably the best thing I have ever done.