By Ramiro Del Rio
How Much a San Blas Day Trip Costs: $114, $135 and $149
A day trip to San Blas comes at three prices, and the difference isn’t the service — it’s how many islands you set foot on, and with how many people.
The three
- $114 · the Deal — 2 islands and the Natural Pool. The full day, in its shortest version.
- $135 · the standard — 3 islands. This is most of the catalogue: what changes is the area and the theme (Cayos Limones, Coco Bandero, cultural, photography, couples), not what you get.
- $149 · the VIP — 4 islands plus a visit to a Guna community, in a smaller group.
All three leave your hotel at 5 AM and include door-to-door 4x4 transport, the boat ride, lunch on the island and a guide from the Guna community. And with all three you sleep back in Panama City that same night.
What you pay separately
The Guna Yala regional tax: $22 for foreigners, $7 for nationals, cash on arrival. The community collects it, not us. Under-10s are exempt.
Drinks, coconuts and any molas you buy on the island are not included. Bring small bills — there are no card machines out there.
Which one suits you
First time and watching the budget? The Deal does the job. Want to pick your area or theme? The standard. Going only once in your life? The VIP adds an island and the community visit.
Compare all three and book — you hold your spot with a deposit and pay the rest on the day.