The western keys, with their picture-perfect palm trees and laid-back atmosphere, are among the most photographed.
The west of San Blas holds some of the most photogenic cays in the Caribbean. Chichime is the star: twin islands with palms leaning over clear water and reef close to shore. Then Waily, with its hidden-island feel, and Franklin, known among younger travellers for its easy-going atmosphere.
The western zone sits a little further from the port than the Limones, so there is more sailing — part of the appeal, because you pass cays and sandbanks on the way. First island around 8:30, island lunch at midday, and the last swim in the Natural Pool at 15:30 before heading back.
We pick you up at your hotel from 5:00 am by 4x4 and cross the mountains, about two and a half hours of curves. Includes transport, boat with life jackets, lunch and a local guide. The comarca entrance fee is separate, paid the same day, in cash or by card to the driver.
Great if you came for the photographs and the atmosphere: Chichime is probably the most recognisable postcard in the whole comarca.
Maybe not your tour if boats make you queasy: the run west is longer than on the nearer routes.
4x4 trip from Panama City to Guna Yala.
Sailing to Chichime, the most famous key in the area.
Chichime, Waily, and Franklin, enjoying a traditional island lunch.
One last swim, then back to the city as evening falls.
You leave before dawn and there is nowhere to buy anything all day. The full packing list, and what happens if you forget each thing →
With 72 hours or more of notice you get 100 % of the deposit back, or you change the date at no cost. Inside those 72 hours the deposit is no longer refundable, because by then your seat in the 4x4 and the boat is held and nobody else can use it; even so, if you tell us, we try to reschedule. And if we are the ones who cancel, which only happens for real sea safety, you choose between another date at no cost or 100 % of what you paid.
$135 per person, with the door-to-door 4x4, the boat, lunch and the guide included. The comarca entrance fee is paid separately, once: $22 for foreigners and $7 for residents, in cash.
3: Isla Chichime, Isla Waily, Isla Franklin. The order is set by the tide and the sea that day, not by a fixed schedule.
Pickup at your Panama City hotel is around 5:00 am, and you are back in the city late in the afternoon. The early start is set by the mountain crossing and the tide, not by preference.
Chichime, no contest: twin islands with palms leaning over the water and reef a short swim from the sand. Waily supplies the day's silence and Franklin the young crowd.
Somewhat longer than to the Limones, because the west is further from the port. You pass cays and sandbanks on the way, but if you get seasick easily, keep it in mind.
What does not depend on this tour — your ID, the comarca fee, route changes forced by the sea — is answered in one place instead of on every tour page. See all the frequently asked questions →
