HOW TO BOOK A TOUR TO SAN BLAS?

If you've come this far, it's because you've decided to book one of our tours.
We have created this page to make the experience of our customers as easy as possible from the moment of booking.
 
We have 2 methods to book our tours.

BOOK THE TOUR DIRECTLY ON OUR WEB PAGE WITH CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD
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Let's start with the first, certainly the quickest and most convenient, booking with your credit / debit card from the comfort of your office or home.

You will only pay a small down payment, immediately afterwards you will receive our confirmation e-mail with the receipt and all the details of the trip, check well what remains to be paid on the day of your tour (remember that the remaining balance to paid only in cash).

IF YOU CHOOSE THIS PAYMENT METHOD (just making a down payment) PLEASE CHECK YOUR MAIL, SINCE YOU'RE GOING TO BE RECEIVING A SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU'VE BOOKED AND WHAT AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID WHIT YOUR CREDIT CARD, AND FINALLY WHAT YOU NEED TO PAY IN CASH THE DAY YOU GO ON THE TOUR.

The remaining balance is paid on the day of the trip in cash dollars. WHY?
We work together with the Kuna on all aspects of the trip and most of your ticket money stays in San Blas, distributed among the local people we work with and the different communities we visit along the way, including our staff, boats , the accommodation, the food and the beautiful places where we spend time every day.
It is necessary that we receive the balance on the day of the tour in cash to pay for any services provided by the Kuna.

It is very easy to book, but in case you need it we have created a small video tutorial.

BOOK THE TOUR WITH BANK DEPOSIT
The second booking method is a payment through a bank deposit (Banco General), in case you are not in Panama City or you do not have the possibility to pay by credit card.
This payment method is available to everyone (Panamanians, residents or foreigners), there is no need to have a bank account.
​In this case, send us an email to info@sanblasdreams.com and we will send you all the information to book.
*Deposits and bank transfers are only accepted by Panamanian banks and not with international transfers.

ARE THERE MANY MOSQUITOES?

The vast majority of the islands are virtually free of mosquitoes, however repellent is recommended for your convenience.

WHEN IS THE BEST SEASON TO GO?

In the San Blas Islands as in all of Panama the climate is tropical, with a rainy season, from June to November, where you can also have a lot of sun since it is not very common to have very long rains, and at this time of the year it is where the sea is quieter and is ideal for sailing. From December to May it is the dry season, where the blue skies take over San Blas although there is also a windy season. These characteristics make the San Blas Islands an ideal place to visit all year round, so our tours are available 365 days a year.

WHAT AM I GOING TO FIND THERE?

Guna Yala is a simple place, far away from civilization. Modern amenities such as running water, electricity or internet are not accessible there, having that said there are some islands that use solar panel or generators and you may have some electricity at a certain time during the day, regarding mobile internet provided by phone companies, the best one with better reception is TIGO (It is not always steady).
​However, the cabins have comfortable beds and the pleasure of being away from everything and switching off completely.

WHAT ABOUT THE SERVICES LIKE BATHROOMS & SHOWERS?

The bathrooms in most of the islands are shared, there are also islands that have a private bathroom inside the cabin, check the details of each tour.
There are showers with fresh water on the islands. The water comes from a well or from barrels that are filled into a river from the mainland.

HOW MUCH IS THE GUNA TAX?

All Panamanian citizens and residents must pay $8 and tourists must pay $ 23.

HOW MUCH WILL MY CHILDREN PAY?

All children under 4 do not pay, in this case children will have to travel on their parent's laps, if you want the children to have their own seat, you would have to pay $50 per children and let us know before booking. 5 years old children or older pay the full amount. 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Although our packages include three meals, we recommend carrying food, water, fruits or whatever you deem necessary, as these consumer products in the islands are a little scarce. It would also be a good idea to take a flashlight and a fully charged camera. There is no ATM in San Blas, so be sure to bring enough cash. Other items that you may find useful include sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, beach towel, flip-flop, personal belongings and maybe a good book!
As of February 15, 2022 there will no longer be a stop at the supermarket to avoid unnecessary time loss and to be able to arrive at the port as soon as possible. Therefore, we encourage our clients to purchase supplies to take with you to the island (snacks, drinks, water) the day before the tour. Make sure you get enough cash in Panama City before the trip. The remaining balance must be paid in cash dollars. There are no ATMs in San Blas, we strongly recommend to withdraw the cash needed the day before the tour.
The Guna government encourages guests to buy drinks and other local products in the islands to support the autonomous Guna economy.​

WHEN SHOULD I MAKE A RESERVATION?

Given the limited number of rooms, we encourage you to do your booking as soon as possible to get the best option.
We recommend that you book now to guarantee your spot.

HOW DO I GET TO THE ISLANDS?

Our transport service will pick you up between 5:30 and 6 am from wherever you are staying within Panama City in a 4x4.
​From there it is a 2 hours and a half ride to the port. At the port, you will get onto a speed boat that will take you to your home island.

WHAT TIME DO WE COME BACK FROM THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS?

Usually you arrive in the city between 11 am/12pm on the last day.
​However there are tours with return at 7pm, we suggest you read the page of the chosen tour.

IS IT TRUE THAT I SHOULD BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes. It is necessary to enter Guna Yala. Copies will not be accepted by the authorities. Please make sure you have it with you.

IN WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I PAY?

In San Blas as in all of the country of Panama the currency is the US DOLLAR. 

CAN I USE A DRONE IN SAN BLAS?

The use of Drones is not allowed in the San Blas Islands. You could get a fine and get your drone taken away from you.

WHAT ABOUT CANCELLATIONS?

Refunds  of deposit amounts will be given when a guest cancels their booking more than 72 hours prior to departure *5:30am* (If the cancelation is made after 72 hours refund will not be made)..

​If the reservation is made within the previous 72 hours before the tour, and the guest wants to cancel, the deposit paid would be lost.. Exceptions to this policy can only be approved by San Blas Dreams management. If you feel you have circumstances that warrant special consideration, please write to info@sanblasdreams.com.
You can find all details regarding our cancellation policy here.

 Click here to see what to know before you go and our advices!