Island Hopping at San Blas – 4-Day Getaway in Panama City
Panama City is an amazing destination for holiday makers and thrill seekers from all over the world. Like many of the beautiful cities found within the Caribbean, there’s a variety of activities you can do and explore. One of the best ways to see the area is by packing your bag for 4-day of island hopping at San Blas, which is an archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Panama.
Getting There
The main port of departure for island hopping in San Blas is Puerto de Carti, which is located around 3 hours away from Panama City. You can reach by a variety of different ways:
- Taxi – You can book a taxi to take you directly to Carti Point. This will be the most convenient option, but also the most expensive. Prices typically start at $70 USD depending on where you’re starting the journey.
- Bus – If you want to save money, there’s a bus from Albrook bus terminal that goes directly to Cartí. You can catch this bus from 6am-7pm, running every two hours and costing around $4 USD.
- Ferry – You can catch the ferry from Panama City, however, this option will take much longer than the other two options because the ferry doesn’t go directly to Cartí. After arriving in Nueva Gorgona, you’ll then have to catch another bus or taxi to Puerto de Carti.
What to Expect
Once you arrive at Cartí Port and complete registration, you’ll typically head out and begin exploring the nearby islands. Depending on what specific tour you book, and how many days your trip lasts, you’ll either camp on one single island, or spend time visiting a few different islands. Most tours include overnight stays on four different islands, giving you plenty of time to explore and appreciate the beauty of each one.
During your tour, you can expect to find crystal-clear waters, jaw dropping beaches and fresh seafood like lobster, crabs, and fish. You’ll also experience a unique culture and customs with the indigenous people known as the Kuna Yala. Tour operators are typically good about explaining the culture and lifestyle to provide a more educational experience.
Typical Itinerary
Most 4-day tours to San Blas will follow a similar itinerary. Here’s what you can expect:
- Arrive at Cartí Port for Registration
- Head out to the first island
- Explore nearby islands
- Island hopping (camping overnight)
- Departure from Cartí Point
When it possible, your tour operator will arrange a camping site near an isolated beach or beach bar so you can truly disconnect from reality and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Although, every day may not be full of adventure, you’ll still be able to appreciate the beauty of nature and take in all these unique islands have to offer.
Things to Do on the Islands
During your time on the islands, there’s a variety of activities and experiences you can enjoy. Depending on what package you book, some operators may include more adventurous activities like hiking, fishing and kayaking while others may focus more on loafing around on the beach enjoying some local dishes like ceviche and patacones. The activities here are as follows:
| Possible adventures | |
|---|---|
| Exploring Local Beaches | Enjoying fresh seafood |
| Snorkeling | Hiking |
| Fishing | Kayaking |
What to Bring
When packing for your tour, there are a few essentials that are important to note:
- Sunscreen – As most of your day will be spent outdoors and under direct sunlight, it’s important to apply sunscreen protection before heading out.
- Bug Spray – This is necessary if you plan to spend any time outdoors during sunset or when camping overnight.
- Clothing – Comfort is key here! Be sure to bring lightweight clothing that will keep you cool during the day.
- Medical Kit – As certain areas on the island have limited access to medical care, it may be wise to pack an additional medical kit with remedies commonly used such as ibuprofen, antihistamine, and other items.
- Cash – Credit cards are rarely accepted on the islands, so be sure to bring cash in case of emergencies.
- Packing cubes – There are various types of packing cubes available on the market and they can really come in handy when packing for such an adventure.
Final Thoughts
Island hopping in San Blas is a great way to truly appreciate the beauty of Panama City in 4 days or less. With crystal-clear waters awaiting at every turn, you’ll be sure to make wonderful memories during this fun-filled getaway. These 4-day tours are reasonably priced and give you plenty of opportunity to explore each island and take in all its beauty.
Ready to enjoy this 4-day getaway? Plan your adventure and book your spot now.
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