We have not edited out the uncomfortable parts. If someone says the road shakes you about or the toilets are basic, it is here: we would rather you knew before a 5 a.m. start.
We went for the day and, even though the 5:00 AM start is rough, it was worth every minute. We saw three different islands and the sandy pool. If you have little time in Panama, this tour is far more worthwhile than staying in the city.
The famous "natural pool" in the middle of the ocean is unreal. Standing waist-deep watching giant starfish was the high point of the trip. The toilets are very basic and fresh water is limited, but if you go with an open backpacker mindset, it is paradise on earth.
I travelled alone and felt completely safe. The community really looks after visitors. The sunken ship off Isla Perro is stunning for easy snorkelling. One thing: buy motion-sickness pills if you are not used to mountain curves.
The contrast between the capital’s skyscrapers and arriving here is stark. The water has a clarity I had not seen even in the Bahamas. Key tip: buy snacks and enough bottled water before leaving the city, because choice on the islands is very limited.
The local family that hosted us could not have been better, always attentive and smiling. The islands are tiny; you can walk around Isla Perro Chico in five minutes. Bring your own snorkelling gear — the sunken ship there is full of marine life.
I had doubts after reading about the long transfers, but our Guna guide handled both the road and the sea very well. Lunch with fresh lobster for a small extra cost was one of the best food moments of my holiday.
In Central America we have beautiful beaches, but the calm of the water in the San Blas cays is unmatched. There are no strong waves, ideal for swimming quietly for hours. Very grateful to the local boatmen for their patience.
Kayaking between two tiny islands was my favourite memory of the year. The water is so clear you see the sandy bottom and the corals without even getting under. I recommend water shoes in case you step on a sea urchin.
The drive through the Guna Yala mountains has some fierce curves, but the local driver was very careful. The moment you step onto the Cartí dock and see the first islands in the distance, the tiredness vanishes.
The famous natural pool looks like a hotel pool, but out in the open sea. Being able to stand hundreds of metres from shore with warm water up to your chest and giant starfish either side is surreal.
The freshness of the seafood is unmatched. They offered us a whole lobster caught that same afternoon at a very reasonable price. They grilled it with garlic and lemon — simply unbeatable.
The water is so calm and shallow along many shores that it feels like a sheltered lagoon. Ideal for floating on your back for hours without worrying about treacherous currents.
The boat crew were very attentive. When it rained a little on the way back, they covered all our backpacks with thick tarpaulins so nothing got wet, and looked after us the whole time.
I have dived in many parts of the world, but the calm of the reef near Isla Perro Chico has a special magic. The sunken ship is colonised by fire coral and brightly coloured parrotfish.
I recommend bringing a big power bank for your camera, because you will want to take photos all day. The landscape shifts tone with the sun and every hour is a different show.
We did the one-day trip and made the most of every minute. The transfers between the 4x4 and the boats are well coordinated. If you go with energy and a taste for adventure, the day gives you a lot.
Bring your own snorkelling mask so you do not depend on whether they rent them out. We spent hours exploring the coral beds near the beach and saw small nurse sharks, completely harmless.
I took incredible photos with just my phone; you do not need to be a professional photographer when the water is that fluorescent turquoise. Worth every cent of the transfer cost.