San Blas (Guna Yala)
The beautiful islands of Guna Yala (more commonly known as San Blas) and the vibrant Guna culture has turned Guna Yala into one of the most popular destinations in Panama.
We offer island hopping packages, transportation, and island accommodation bookings right here at Luna’s Castle. Let us help you plan the perfect Island escape. Jeeps to San Blas are available every day (depending on availability), leaving between 5:00AM-6:00AM from Luna’s Castle.
The jeep ride alone costs $82 roundtrip (inlcuding port taxes and extrance fees to Guna Yala) and it takes about 3 hours. The road can be rough depending on the time of year. The jeep drops you off at the Port, where boats will transport you to your island. You need to make a reservation on an island ahead of time, so the boat from the island will come to pick you up. The boat costs from $20 – $30 round trip. There is no public transport available (like the taxi boats in Bocas), also there is no bus to get there.
The San Blas islands are in an indigenous territory called Guna Yala. It is almost like a separate country form Panama. You have to show your passport and pay taxes ($22) to enter. They have their own goverment, their own language (Guna) and no foreigners are allowed to work there or for example own an island. Guests are only allowed to enter with a Guna guide or host.
That makes Guna Yala a very special place and it is unlike anywhere most people have been. It is remote, rustic, and primitive. The behaviors of the locals that work in tourism is not always in line with the level of professionalism that many expect in international tourism. Guna Yala is a beautiful and fascinating place, but it is an adventure travel destination, so please do not expect any luxury. There is also no Wifi in the whole area 🙂
GROUP ISLAND HOPPING & MULTIPLE ISLAND TRIPS
There are 359 tiny islands and the Guna have a fascinating culture. If you want to see more than 1 island a group or multiple island trip may be your best option. Choosing one of these options gives you access to more activities, exposure to the culture, and more amenities in these remote islands.
Luna’s Castle offers group island hopping trips through CACIQUE CRUISER. These trips visit 3 or more islands & starfish pools including transport, boat rides, accommodations, meals & snacks, activities, snorkel equipment, taxes and island fees. This are the options that Cacique offer:
- $183 dorm/ $198 private w shared restroom / $243 private w private restroom – per guest – 2 days and 1 night
- $60 dorm/ $75 private w shared restroom / $120 private w private restroom – per extra night, includes additional day trip
- Also includes a visit to a Guna community and departure at 3pm on your last day
- Home island = Asseryaladub, the home island is included in the total number of islands. Our bilingual guides stay overnight on this island. More information and booking here.
- $158 dorm/ $173 private w shared restroom/ $218 private w private restroom – per guest – 2 days and 1 night
- $35 dorm/ $50 private w shared restroom / $95 private w private restroom – per extra night, does not include additional day trip
- Also includes a visit to a Guna community and departure at 3 pm on your last day
- Home island = Asseryaladub, the home island is included in the total number of islands. Our bilingual guides stay overnight on this island. More information and booking here.
- $145 dorm/ $155 private – per guest – 1 day and 1 night
- $45 dorm/ $50 private – per extra night, does not include additional day trip
- Does not include a visit to the Guna community and departure on the last day is at 8 am
- Upgrade to 3 PM departure on you last day for $15 per guest
- Home island = Diablo, the home island is included in the total number of islands. Our bilingual guides do not stay overnight on this island, the island has a Spanish speaking staff to serve guests. More information and booking here.
- $240 private w/ private restroom – per guest – 2 days and 1 night
- $105 private w/ private restroom – per extra night, does not include additional day trip
- Also includes a private restroom and departure at 3 pm on your last day
- Home island = Icodup, the home island is included in the total number of islands. Our bilingual guides do not stay overnight on this island, the island has a Spanish speaking staff to serve guests. More information and booking here.
Want to go from Panama City out to the islands and back in the same day?
Coconut Express- 2 Island Day Trip
$118 – per guest – 1 day
Pick up at any location in Panama City about 5:30 am and arrive back about 7 pm.
Round trip ground & boat transport
Visit 2 islands, Lunch, snack and drinking water, bilingual guide, snorkel equipment, cooler with ice, volleyball.
- More information and booking here.
1 ISLAND
You have the option to book your ground transport, and accommodation on the islands separately as well. This is usually most cost effective when choosing to visit just 1 island.
With this option you will pay a $82 for round trip transport including port taxes and entrance fees, boat ride between $20-$30 round trip and accommodation $26-$95 for 1 days and 1 night (boat and accommodation cost depend on the island). With this option you always have to leave the island in the morning of your last day before 8 am. The price of accommodations usually includes basic meals. However, snorkeling trips & equipment, visits to other islands and/or communities WILL COST EXTRA and WILL NOT always be available. (Approximately $30 Per Person)
- Chichime island – camping, dorms w/ shared restroom, private w/ private restroom available.
- Franklin island– dorm beds w/ shared restrooms and privates w/ shared restrooms available.
- Ina island – dorm beds w/ shared restrooms and privates w/ shared restrooms available.
- Naranjo Chico island – privates w/ private restroom available. *This trip does include day trips.
- Inquire with reception for prices.
If you have any questions please email us to lunasconcierge@gmail.com
Recent Posts
Hostels in Bocas del Toro
Hostels in San Jose, Costa Rica
Links
