isla iguana tour

Isla Iguana Day Tour

• Azuero Day Tours
• Boat Expeditions
• Nature & Wildlife
• Wildlife Observation

Discover a secluded paradise and wildlife refugee.

Isla Iguana is a short 25-minute boat ride from Pedasi, but it’s like a different world. Isla Iguana is a secluded paradise, considered a wildlife refugee, inhabited only by rare birds, giant lizards and purple and red crabs. It is a snorkeling and diving paradise as it has the biggest area of well-preserved coral reefs in the Gulf of Panama with 14 different coral species, more than 350 tropical fishes and over 200 species of invertebrates. In addition, five species of marine turtle come to the island to lay their eggs from April to September and humpback whales swim around these waters from June to November to mate. In this full day tour, you will also have the opportunity to relax in its white sand beaches or swim in its turquoise water. At the end of the tour, you will enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant in the town of Pedasí.

Unmute for the full sensory experience

Visit the Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to the Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge. This place is swarming with unique marine birds and tropical fish and features a massive coral reef. Perfect for a day trip, there are many activities you can do from whale watching to scuba diving, snorkeling, bird watching, camping, swimming, picnicking, and fishing. The area is also home to over 5000 types of birds. This is the perfect island to enjoy everything that nature has to offer when it comes to both marine life and wildlife.

This Activity is...

Adventurous, educational.

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Isla Iguana Tour

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Isla Iguana

It is important to consider the tide when planning to go to Isla Iguana. If it is short tide, El Cirial beach almost dries out and the boats cannot get there. Make sure to ask locals about the tide conditions to arrange the best time to visit.

Things to do in Panama Isla Iguana is the top natural attraction of the Azuero Peninsula offering the only white sand beach of that region and beautiful crystal clear waters. Isla Iguana is a secluded paradise, considered a wildlife refugee, inhabited only by rare birds, giant lizards and purple and red crabs.     It is located only 8km off the shore of Pedasi, Los Santos and it is accessed only by boat. Isla Iguana is a snorkeling and diving paradise as it has the biggest area of well-preserved coral reefs in the Gulf of Panama with 14 different coral species, more than 350 tropical fishes and over 200 species of invertebrates. In addition, five species of marine turtle come to the island to lay their eggs from April to September and hump back whales swim around these waters from June to November to mate.   This island offers two beaches to choose from: El Cirial, the main and larger beach, and El Faro, smaller and more secluded. El Cirial has calm waves and is perfect to soak up the sun and take a nice swim in their amazing waters. El Faro has stronger currents but is more popular for snorkeling. There is a hiking trail you can follow to go from one beach to the other.   One interesting fact about the island is that it was used as a practice bombing range by the U.S Air Force during World War II, leaving huge craters across the island that you can still see, especially if you do the trail or from the lighthouse in the middle of the island. Experts believe that they might be some unexploded ordnance in the waters and if a scuba diver should find them, they need to leave it untouched and reported to the authorities. In the 90's there were two 1,000 pound unexploded bombs found in the waters and it was decided to detonated them under secure conditions to avoid any mishap in the future.   How to get there?   You need to go to Pedasi town in Los Santos province and arrange with local fishermen to give you a boat ride to Isla Iguana. The most accessible place to take the boats is Playa Arenal and it can take from 15 to 20 minutes to get there.   

IMPORTANT NOTE:

There is no facilities whatsoever in Isla Iguana, so you need to take your own water and food. It is possible to spend the night but you need to notify the rangers. Also, it is highly recommended to bring a lot of sun block and insect repellent.

• Phone +507 65139207

8k by boat from Pedasi , boats to be taken in El Arenal beach , Los Santos

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Home » travel » An all inclusive journey to Isla Iguana

An all inclusive journey to Isla Iguana

• Emilie Fournier
• agosto 16, 2023

One of the most popular attractions in the Azuero peninsula is probably the wildlife refuge of Isla Iguana. Famous for its white sand beach, crystal clear waters, extensive mangrove forests and coral reefs, a tour to the island is certainly a great way to connect with nature.

Located at about 1 hour and a half from Playa Venao, Isla Iguana is a wildlife reserve accessible by boat from the shore of Playa Arenal in the town of Pedasi. 

Enjoy a virgin beach with peace of mind

By choosing the all inclusive tour to Isla Iguana, you can enjoy this unspoiled island with peace of mind, as every detail has been taken care of. First, a private transportation will take you from Playa Venao to Playa Arenal, where a shared roofed boat and its captain will be waiting for you. Before getting in, it is important that everyone go through the immigration office that is located on the shore. Because the island is protected, it is mandatory to show a valid passport before being allowed to visit. 

The boat is scheduled to leave the shore at 9 am, taking about 20 minutes to get to the island. Once you get there, you will have plenty of time to enjoy this special piece of land. Snorkel equipment and beach chairs are included in the tour, so you can sit back and relax or go for some exploration. Other than simply enjoying the beach or snorkeling, the main activities to do on the island are to walk in the forest, observe nature or try fishing.

As the island is a wildlife refuge, it is mostly untouched by human activities. This means that nature is very rich on the island : there you can find lots of animals, birds and a variety of plants in the forest. There is literally nothing on the island : no facilities, no restaurants, not any hotels. However, the tour includes some snacks and drinks for you to enjoy on the island. We simply advise you to bring a good amount of water and wear sunscreen. Also, please note that any alcoholic beverages, smoking, pets and loud speakers are not allowed on the island.

After half a day on the island, the captain of the boat will take you back to the shore, where a private transportation will bring you to a local restaurant to enjoy a nice lunch, included in the package. The duration of the whole journey is around 6 hours from beginning to end. There are daily departures every morning for this tour all year round. Different options are available for you to choose the tour that fits your needs, although we highly recommend the all-inclusive one to maximize the experience.

Quick details about the tour :

• Leaving Playa Venao at 8h30 am 
• From Playa Arenal (Pedasi), the boat taxi leaves at 9 am and take about 20 minutes to reach the island 
• Enjoy plenty of time on the Island for the activities mentioned above
• Returning to the shore of Playa Arenal around 2 pm 
• The tour is the only one in the region that includes a meal in a luxury restaurant in Pedasi 
• Other tour options available during the whales season : whale watching and Isla Iguana combined in the same tour.

Isla Iguana Tour

• +507 6560-4505

Whale Watching Tour

¡get close to humpbacks, more to explore.

Surf like a local : Azuero surf itinerary with Jose Broce

Playa Venao is definitely good for surfing, but there are a lot of other impressive waves to ride in the region. We had the chance

One of the most popular attractions in the Azuero peninsula is probably the wildlife refuge of Isla Iguana. Famous for its white sand beach, crystal

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Isla Iguana

6 hrs. approx.

Snorkeling Hiking Relaxing beach day

Bilingual Guide Private Transportation Boat Lunch & snacks Entrance Fee Snorkel equipment

Comfortable clothes and shoes Swimwear and towel Sunblock

DESCRIPTION

This morning you will be transferred to Playa El Arenal in Pedasí, where your boat takes you to Iguana Island – a wildlife refuge 8 kilometers off the coast. The island is famous for its white sand beach, crystal waters, mangrove forests and coral riffs including 12 different types of corals that shelter more than 300 species of fish. Dolphins are frequently seen, turtles and between June and October you will have the chance to see humpback whales that migrate from cold waters to Panama’s Pacific coast with warmer water temperatures.

Iguana Island is also home to a large breeding colony of frigatebirds and as the island’s name indicates… iguanas.  Also explore a hiking trail that crosses the island from West to East to observe the iguanas and marine birds with your guide.

Min. 2-3 people $135 p/p

4+ people from $120  p/p

Prices do not include taxes.(7%) / Prices and tour availabiliy could vary depending on the season. / For smaller or larger groups, Contact Us!

Isla Iguana Experience

• Use of Snorkelling equipment
• Beach equipment (sun tent, sand mat, beach games)
• Cooler with drinks (waters, sodas, sparkling water) and lunch (snacks, sandwich, and fruit)
• Private transportation
• Entry/Admission - Isla Iguana
• Selina Playa Venao, Calle Dr. Belisario Porras, Las Escobas del Venado, Provincia de Los Santos, Panama The group meets 10 minutes before departure time (9:00 am) at the Selina reception.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• 123makaylac 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Isla de las Iguanas Unfortunately as an overall review I would have to admit the Isla de las Iguanas tour was poorly organized and a bit of a let down. When we booked the tour we were told we would leave at 9am, but found out later at night through WhatsApp that we would be leaving at 10:30am. Luckily we hadn't made any other plans for the day so that was fine. It may be helpful if tour agents let customers know that departure time is variable based on the tides and not necessarily 9am-3pm. We actually left Selina Playa Venao around 11am as we waited awhile for the rest of the group. Driver was kind but very quiet, so we assumed the guide for the tour would be out boat captain. When we arrived at the port we met our captain who was also very nice. He took us over to the island across the channel, and once we anchored and got on the island it was already almost 1pm. He sort of just sent us on our way to look around. We wasted some time looking around for where to "register" (it was communicated through WhatsApp that we would need photos of our passports to do this). Although we found nothing, and when we asked our boat captain about it he said that wasn't necessary. Our captain did lend us some gear to snorkel and look at the corals on our own. He also had some nice fruit cut up for us there and some boxed lunches with some (very small) wraps and chips. Luckily we brought our own snacks to eat as well. We took our lunches over to la playita on the opposite side, ate, watched some iguanas for a few minutes and came back. When we came back to the main beach he said we only had 30 mins left (needed to leave at 2:30). With only about 1 hour 45 minutes total on the island, we wanted to use all of our time so quickly went snorkeling again. Although we were ready right on time (2:30) the boat nearly left without us. Overall I would recommend that: - The excursion be advertised as a visit to the islands and not a tour because there is really no guided element to it. - The timing be communicated better with the customers, and the time spent on the islands be extended. We were mostly disappointed that we just couldn't spend more time. - Lower the cost associated a bit and not include lunch. Just encourage customers to bring their own food that they know will be enough for them. Some redeeming highlights: - Both drivers were very kind to us, and when we did ask questions did their best to answer. - The island itself is absolutely stunning, and beautifully conserved and maintained. Despite the very short time we spent there we observed a lot of wildlife. - The booking process was very easy and straightforward. Read more Written April 10, 2023
• Giuls2505 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Overpriced, bad trip to Isla Iguana Not worth the price. You are driven to the iguana island and ‘parked’ there. The ‘guide’ doesn’t talk to you and had zero information and island history, fauna or flora. Driver and boat captain also don’t explain anything. The boat ride is uncomfortable and bumpy and you get completely wet, which wouldn’t be an issue if someone told you about it in advance. Selina and the tour operator refused to do anything even though we were 6 people and every single person gave feedback saying it was not at all in line with the price. The ‘lunch’ which is included is not a meal and can barely be described as a snack. It’s not tasty, it’s a very cheap chicken wrap. Such a shame that Panama Heavens and Selina aren’t offering any kind of recovery service even after 6 people clearly expressed how disappointed we were. It simply feels like a scam. Read more Written February 21, 2023
• CarbyCZ 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Don't book this company! This was a terrible tour!☹️🤬 Don't book this company, choose another one, they will be much better! This was a really terrible tour. I am well traveled person and in spite of Ariela being a great tour agent, that was all. We were supposed to be picked up at 5am, the driver arrived at 6.05am! We spent 1 night 2 days. The tour should consist of visiting 1 island per day /excluding the island you stay on/. We had to argue the tour guide, to take us to the other island next day, finally he agreed as he was completely disorganized and we spent there 10 minutes only! The island you sleep on is poor. There are much better islands. The first visited island was great, but that was the only highlight. The tour guide, as I said very disorganized, was changing plans every 10 minutes, some people from the same tour slept somewhere else, and were treated differently. We were promised to go to the other island for the next day at least for one hour. Finally, he did not want to take us there at all and we had to spent most of the time on the Miryadub island, which is worth for 20 minutes maximum, not 1 and half day!. Avoid this island! After an argue he took us to the other island for 10 min but you can't enjoy it such a short time. This tour was a complete mess, thou tour guide had no clue what various people booked and where should they stay. He was changing the plans too often! The island where you stay is poor compared to other island in the area. The tour guide has no common sense. Taking us to other island would be so easy but he forced us to stay, eventhough we asked him. The drives were also horrible, on both ways. Sometimes unbelievable slow on highway, watching into their phones and texting all the way long. So, if you have chance, definitely go somewhere else. I hope this helps. Read more Written February 12, 2023
• A M 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Transportation and communication was really bad I booked the San Blas day tour from Casco Viejo. It was scheduled at 5am, the driver picked us up at 5:30am. Very grumpy driver, doesn’t talk much or explain anything. We made a first stop at a supermarket to buy breakfast, we were all ready to leave but the driver was nowhere to be found. We waited 20min by the car. Then we made a second stop. No explanations from the driver, he said something was wrong with the car and we had to wait for another one. We stayed at the gas station for 1h30, he then drove us 30min to meet another car (so the car was working fine). All in, it took us 5 hours to get to the port. Instead of 2h30-3h00. By the time we got on the boat and headed for the first island, they told us we only had 2h30 left to spend on the islands. So everything was rushed. 45minutes on the first island, then another 35-40min on the second one for lunch, we were supposed to snorkel and do kayaking but there was no time. Then 30min at the natural pools, and that’s it we were heading back to the port. On the way back, the car had a tire issue. We were stopped for 30+min. The islands are a must see, but the transportation and communication was really bad. The driver was on whatsapp and instagram watching videos while driving at a high speed. It didn’t feel safe at all. Read more Written February 5, 2023
• Hannegreen 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Helpful I was happy with the tour I booked to San Blas with one night sleepover there. Ariela at the tour desk in Selina was so helpful with booking trips and answering all questions about how to get to other cities etc! Thank you :) Read more Written January 22, 2023
• Elena Z 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Bad tour to the San Blas Not sure where to start because I have so much to say about this tour. I have travelled a lot by myself around the world and I can definitely say that this is one of the worst tours that I have done in my life. We were sold something, that did not match AT ALL our real experience. We were sold the pack of 3 days / 2 nights Read more Written January 16, 2023
• leigh h 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Bad tour to San blas Islands Where to start? In decades of rough and ready travel this is the most disappointing tour we can remember. The road trip, as advertised, is extremely rough and long and the boat ride is long as well. On the day we went the east wind was blowing and we were bounced silly and hit by wall after wall of waves. All part of the adventure if the island (Miria Dub?) was worth the trip. The cabanas are primitive. 3 of the 5 banos were out of service and there was mostly no tp in the 2 operating ones. 3 of the 5 showers were locked off and 2 of the other 3 had no doors. Only 1 of those 3 had an intact shower head. We received confusing information about bringing water but luckily we erred on the side of caution and brought some as on our second day, it was announced that they were out of drinking water. Drinks were "included" but by the second day we were told they were also out of sodas and beer and they , along with the tp and water, were never replenished. The island itself has a poor shallow beach and no snorkeling in practical terms. They know this and take guests back 40 minutes to an island we had stopped at (Naranja Chicas?) for a decent beach and snorkeling. That island is also an actual Guna Village with a real cafe. Note though that the cabanas are elderly and aren't positioned to get the sea breeze as at Miria Dub. Basically our impression from talking to other tourists, is that the snorkeling in San Blas is generally disappointing. Certainly nothing we saw or heard remotely compared to Belize. After enjoying the great beaches and restaurants of Contadora island, San Blas was even more disappointing. We really recommend going elsewhere in Panama or at least doing a lot more research to find a desirable option in San Blas Read more Written December 19, 2022
• Lisanne N 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good! Really good service. the driver was exactly on time, and it was a comfortable bus! Would recommend it. Read more Written November 23, 2022
• Q6174QKtheresar 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Do not book San Blas with Panama Heavens Unfortunately my expectations were not met at all… All the fun stories I’ve heard from friends having beers and rum with the Guna people and snorkeling around the islands were not the case for this trip. The island Miryador, where you stay is really unauthentic and basically consists of 5 tourist bungalows and the kitchen area. It is not populated by families and only occasionally hosts the people cooking and driving the boat. You can barely go into the water to swim because there is so much drift wood in the water and as they’re trying to widen the island, everything is surrounded by spikes. I stayed for two nights and I was alone on my second night, which no one told me before and made it feel very lonely and boring. We didn’t even get water with most of our meals. I was expecting an island full of people and nice talks with the Gunas around a bonfire, and trust me those do exist on other islands. If you want to socialize and not stay on a secluded island with nothing to do then you should definitely book with another provider. Read more Written October 13, 2022
• Oskr_is_here 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Don't do the canal tour with Panama heaven Worst canal tour, I felt like it was just a taxi service! I bought this tour at Selina casco viejo it was $30 but it was more like a very expencive taxi service because we only went to the miraflores visitors centre. Taking an uber will safe you a loooot of money. Also they never said that I have to buy the ticket at the entry for the canal so at the end it was $40.. The "tour guide only "speak" inside his car and drop you off in the entrance of the canal visitors centre and then back to the hostel, they say the tour it was from 2:00pm until 6:00pm, it was a lie, I was back already at 4:30, I feel it was a joke tour! Read more Written September 29, 2022
• cluasb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Juan's the man. Fantastic experience from start to finish. A friend recommended I contact Juan "Blanco" to do a fishing trip and I'm so glad I did. We caught some great fish (rooster fish, yellow fin tuna and Amberjack) and we ate the freshest ceviche you'll ever eat - caught by me and prepared by Juan. On top of that, we were lucky enough to see dolphins, turtles and even a humpback whale and her calf on the way. Juan and the captain were great company and made the day even more memorable. 100% recommended. Read more Written September 2, 2022
• Travellinglm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great shuttle service! Cannot recommend this shuttle enough, we took a different shuttle to Playa Venao and had an awful experience. Our way back to Panama City was comfortable, spacious and felt safe at all times. Driver was really pleasant and helpful! Read more Written July 24, 2022
• Nathalie V 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles San Blas Islands and Jungle trip My friends and I had great experiences with Panama Heaven’s tours and Adal was very helpful and professionel all the way through! We had a 1-night stay at San Blas which we really enjoyed and a very informative trip with Andrew to the jungle, where we also passed one of the locks of the canal:)) Read more Written July 6, 2022
• nachidelange 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great value! I had a smooth and comfortable trip on the shuttle. There are definitely seats that have less leg room than others, so I'd recommend being first in line to get in the shuttle if you're taller than average. Wifi worked the whole way and we had no issues and arrived early. At the time of my ride, I paid $60 for the trip and thought it was well worth the value for the 5ish hour trip. :) Read more Written June 21, 2022
• JOSO_111 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles No comfort for tall people I am 1.76cm and could barely sit straight/zero room for legs, wifi was not working - so "comfort" is stretching it a bit. Friendly driver! Read more Written May 13, 2022

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Isla Iguana Experience provided by Panama Heavens, Tours & Shuttles, Playa Venao

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Choose destination, iguana island tour.

This tour awaits you in Pedasí - Panama. You will have a tour of Iguana Island and you will be able to observe birds and white sand with crystalline water. If you are lucky you will see a dolphin greet you from the sea.

• Observe hundreds of birds
• More than 40 hectares of coral reef
• If we are lucky we will see a dolphin greet

AVAILABILITY

Start location.

Arenal Beach, Pedasi

END LOCATION

Tour language.

English/Spanish

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Detailed description.

Iguana Island is an island formed by volcanic rock, and was declared Wildlife Refuge. The island is an important nesting zone for migratory birds with a population of more than 5,000 specimens of the species Tijereta "Fregata Magnificens" an indicator of fishing productivity in the surrounding waters. From afar you can observe hundreds of birds that fly over the place in search of fish to feed their chicks at any time of the year. In addition you can have the opportunity to observe other species of birds such as Piquero Pardo, Reed Gull, Osprey, American Oyster, Warbler, frigates or tijeretas and pelicans. It should be noted that Isla Iguana is surrounded by more than 40 hectares of coral reef, which makes it the island of the Gulf of Panama with more coral reef in the area. Iguana Island is a key point to visit by nationals and foreigners who daily travel to the island attracted by its white sand and crystal clear waters. Here you can do different water sports such as Paddle Board, Snorkel, Diving, where you can safely see a number of different species of fish such as parrotfish, yellow snapper, soldierfish, butterflyfish and hawksbill turtles among others. In the months of July to October you can observe the humpback whales with their offspring around the island.

Tour Tickets (may vary by date)

Tour itinerary.

1 / 09:00 a.m.

Private boat with their respective life jackets (Roundtrip) - Iguana Snacks Service: Ice Cooler, Water Bottles, Sodas, Cookies, Seasonal fruits. - Private Gazette with Music, Umbrellas and Chairs for clients of Isla Cañas Tours. - Guided visit to the visitor center (Bilingual guide previously requested) - Complimentary Snorkeling Equipment (For groups of 1 to 10 people)

1 / 02:00 p.m.

Lunch at the end of the tour (Menu is offered to the client on the tour)

- Boat with life jackets (Round Trip) - Service of Snacks in Isla Iguana: Cooler with ice, - Bottles of Water, sodas and finger food. - Public use chairs - Public Snorkeling Equipment

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• Day Tour San Blas Islands
• Private Day Tour
• Island Hopping San Blas Islands
• Overnight Island Stays
• Speedboat Panama to Colombia
• Speedboat Colombia to Panama
• 1-Night Private cabin
• 2-Nights Private Cabin
• 3-Nights Private Cabin

Proceed Booking

Already a member, don't have an account create one., or continue as guest, adding item to wishlist requires an account, stay on isla iguana, san blas islands.

• Private cabin
• Transport incl.
• Check-in daily

• From $175.00 USD per person

About the Island

Stay on Isla Iguana , one of the most beautiful islands in the Cartí region of San Blas and only a convenient 20-min boat ride from the port. A picture-perfect coconut island with a white sand beach spanning all around the island and a colorful coral reef within reach, this island might rival your wildest island fantasies. Stay in simple, palm-thatched cabins that add to the feeling of thoroughly disconnecting from the hectic day-to-day world and enjoy some days in pure paradise bliss.

We organise the transport from Panama City to the island and back and your stay on the island of a local family. The family & their staff will take care of you incl. taking you on an afternoon tour to visit nearby islands during your stay. Our package includes the transport from Panama City to the port, the boat ride to the island, accommodation, meals and one afternoon tour.

Isla Iguana

• Favorite Island
• Restaurant (set-menu)
• Family-friendly
• Afternoon tour included
• Excellent swimming
• Private cabins Traditional thatched huts, sand floor. Western-style beds (mattresses, pillow, sheets) for 2-6 people
• Shared bathroom Western-style toilet & shower (no hot water, no drinking water)
• To pack Please bring towels, shampoo, soap, personal items

Isla Iguana Package

Standard Packages: Pick-up on Day 1 at 5-5:30am in Panama City, Final Day: departure from the island after breakfast with arrival in Panama City at noon/1pm. 

Add-on “Late Departure”: Departure from the island on the final day in the afternoon, arrival in Panama City at ca. 7pm. 

Price (per person)

• Minimum 2 people per cabin; Discounts for children 8 years and younger
• For single traveler, extra charges of $20 USD per night apply

Price Includes

• Transport from Panama City to San Blas & back (pickup at your hotel, shared 4x4/SUV)
• Boat transfer to the island and back (ca. 20mins, incl. safety vests)
• Accommodation in a private cabin
• Meals (vegetarian/vegan options available)
• Afternoon tour to visit nearby islands

Price Excludes

• Governmental entrance & port fee to Comarca Kuna Yala ($22 USD adults, $5 USD children 9 or younger)
• Beverages, drinks, snacks (bring or buy)
• Towels and personal items
• Children 5-8 years 50% of package price + full price for car ride
• Children 0-4 years Stay is gratis (excl. food, which can be purchased in the restaurant), car ride: on parent's lap (free) or purchase of car ride (at full price)
• Governmental Entrance Fee: free entrance for children 0-8 years old

About your stay

• Organisation Island stay & transport organised through San Blas Frontera. Transport from Panama City to the port conducted by independent, registered drivers. Stay on the island (accommodation, meals, afternoon tour) with a local Kuna family.
• Day 1: Arrival - Panama City to the Island Pick-up at your hotel in Panama City ca. 5:00-5:30am & transport to the San Blas Islands, from there boat ride to the island (ca. 20min). Arrival ca. 9-10am.
• Final Day: Return to Panama City Departure from the island: after breakfast, arrival in Panama City: ca. noon/1pm. Late check-out option (main season): departure from the island in the afternoon, arrival in Panama City: ca. 7pm
• Afternoon tour One afternoon tour to nearby island(s) and/or natural pool included in your package, run by the island.

FAQ San Blas Island Stay

How do i book & pay for this island stay.

You can  book via the homepage (pick your desired date in the calendar and choose for how many nights you’d like to come) or book via email at [email protected] .

Payment  is in cash on the day of the tour (US Dollars only). If this is not possible, we also accept payment via PayPal or bank transfer for an additional fee. Please reach out for details.

How is this trip different to your "3 Days San Blas Island Hopping" Tour?

The package you are currently looking at is a “regular Island stay” , meaning you choose the island for a multi-day stay and will spend a few relaxed days mostly on this island. The local family who is running the island will take care of you: they pick you up at the port in their boat and bring you to their island, where you spend most of the time for the duration of your trip. This family also takes you on an afternoon tour to visit nearby islands. It is not a guided tour, but can be booked just like a regular hotel – as long as there is availability, you can choose the time and duration of your stay and your visit is independent of other guests. 

On the other hand, our   3-day San Blas Island Hopping tour is a guided group tour, which runs every 3 days on defined dates and for a fixed duration of 3 days. It is designed to provide you with all the highlights the San Blas Islands have to offer including plenty of activities such as snorkeling and visiting a Kuna village. During the Island Hopping trip, you will sleep on two different islands and spend the majority of the day exploring different islands. It is a much more active tour than the regular island stay described above. 

Which Islands will we visit during the included afternoon tour?

During the afternoon tour (included in the package), the island will take you to one or several nearby islands. The exact itinerary depends on the weather, season and availability of the islands. 

Where does the tour start? Where should I stay the night before?

We organise the pickup at your hotel in Panama City – we recommend staying in the main tourist areas around Casco Viejo, Cinto Costera, Punta Pacifica, Obarrio, Marbella and San Fransisco or Tocumen & Albrook Area.

We can also pick you up in Veracruz/Playa Bonita for an additional charge (and earlier pickup times!).

What should I pack?

Since you will spend most of your time out in nature, please dress accordingly and bring the following:

• Passport : checked by police upon entering the Comarca of Kuna Yala (San Blas)
• Sufficient cash: in US Dollars to pay for the trip in cash, to buy drinks, snacks, souvenirs on the island (small bills of 1 USD and 5 USD recommended) – no credit cards, no ATM in San Blas

Recommended:

• Sun protection:  for the island and the boat ride (sun blocker, hat, T-shirt with sleeves, towel)
• Drinking water: please bring sufficient or purchase on the island, shower water on the island is NOT drinkable and drinking water is not provided by the island
• Swimming gear
• Sandals, flip flops 
• Wetbag or plastic bag  for your valuables in case of a wet boat ride or rain
• Flash light
• Clothes  (to change if you get wet on the boat ride + it might get chilly/windy at night)
• Snorkeling equipment  (the island might be able to rent out but we recommend bringing your own for full comfort)

Wrap sensitive items and put them in a waterproof bag during the boat ride. Keep your passport and cash with you during the car ride for the passport check and entrance fee payment.

How much luggage can I bring?

Is this trip suitable for children.

Yes, this trip is absolutely suitable for children and they usually love it! The San Blas Islands are a great place for families to enjoy a fun and adventurous vacation together. Children can explore the beautiful beaches, go swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters, and learn about the unique Kuna culture. Kuna people are very welcoming and love to interact with children, making it a great cultural experience for kids .

It’s important to bring sunscreen, hats, and other protective gear to keep children safe from the sun and sea and sufficient water to stay hydrated. We recommend that children are at least old enough to walk when visiting the islands and keep in mind that most places do not have special baby equipment (baby beds, baby seats or special food/drinkable water).

If you have any specific questions or concerns about bringing children on the trip, please feel free to contact us.

Does the island provide snorkel equipment?

Most islands provide snorkel equipment to rent, although we highly recommend bringing your own if possible, just to be sure.

Which food options are available?

Food options across the San Blas islands are very similar. With your accommodation package, you will have 3 meals a day of set menus included. The typical dishes are a source of protein (freshly caught fish or fried chicken) with rice or plantains and some vegetables, salad or beans/lentils. For vegetarians and vegans, the dishes are similar but without the chicken and fish. Lobster can sometimes be ordered for an additional charge (during the season). Pasta or processed food is typically not eaten or served on the islands. Please inform us in case of food allergies.

What about the weather?

The San Blas Islands experience a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year and is worth a visit year-round! The weather is mainly influenced by the Caribbean Sea and the trade winds and can vary between sectors and islands. Generally speaking: 

• Dry Season (December to March/April): lower humidity, little rainfall, plenty of sunshine & clear blue skies, strong winds (trade winds). Temperatures: 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Best time for visiting the San Blas Islands, but on the downside more crowds and worse visibility for snorkeling in case of rougher seas from the trade winds. 
• Transition Season (May & June, November): transition from dry to rainy season. Slightly more unpredictable weather, mix of sunny days with occasional showers (30-60min usually), mainly in the afternoon. Temperatures similar as in dry season.
• Rainy Season (July to October): more frequent showers & thunderstorms, usually in short bursts  (30-60min usually, mainly in the afternoon) followed by sunshine, little wind, temperatures 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F). Off-season with less crowds, better visibility for snorkeling with calmer seas. 

It is possible that outside of the dry season you will experience some rain during this trip. That doesn’t mean that it rains nonstop. Instead, there are good chances that it might rain every day, but if so then most likely in the afternoon as a quick downpour followed by sunshine. Since temperatures will still be warm, even when it’s raining, and you’ll still have sun, visits to the San Blas Islands will still be enjoyable. In fact, that’s what Panamanians do – visit the beach all year long. 

The island operates throughout the year. In the rare event of extreme weather conditions, it may be necessary to cancel or modify the itinerary of your stay, we will of course keep you informed in that case.

Read this before booking your trip

A visit to the San Blas Islands promises a unique experience unlike any other vacation you’ve taken. The local Kuna people own and operate all businesses in San Blas by law, foreign investments are prohibited and foreigners/Panamanias are not allowed to conduct any business or work in San Blas , so you’ll have a chance to engage with the community and support their economy. Most of the cabins are managed by large families, providing livelihoods for many locals who have lived on the islands for generations, with limited exposure to the hospitality industry.

However, reaching the islands is a challenging journey as they are situated far from the mainland, making it difficult to import essentials such as building materials, gasoline, and food. All supplies must be sourced in Panama City, transported via 4WD to Carti, and then redistributed to smaller sellers and cabins for an additional fee. The islands have no infrastructure, including electricity or running water, and locals live in harmony with nature.

As you can imagine,  great effort is required to provide a basic service to tourists and the locals do it to the best of their knowledge, and we ask that you leave behind any expectations that you may have from mainland life. The simplicity of the cabins reflects a blend of traditional lifestyles and expensive material sourcing as external funding is prohibited. Likewise, the meals served are mostly based on local food patterns such as fish or seafood with rice, with limited access and attempts to cater to foreign tastes with some sides and salads. Drinking water is a luxury, that needs to be imported from Panama City, and electricity and fresh water require great effort to provide, with usage times sometimes limited. Bed linens are either washed by hand in the river on the mainland or sent to Panama City. There is no communal trash collection or recycling system, and only a few locals speak English, with some not even speaking Spanish.

Nevertheless, we collaborate closely with cabin owners to ensure that your stay is remarkable , with clean and functioning facilities and outstanding service.

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Iguana Island Wildlife Refuge

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In this portal we guide you to organize your tour.

We are not a tour operator.   We do not organize tours or accommodation.

Here you will find the results of more than 20 years of research, environmental education and cooperation with the authorities in the management of the Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge, with the intention of generating important information for visitors, students and the general public who  wants  to know about Iguana Island.  

Attractions

Not Allowed at this time

Plan your visit

Video clip of the week.

The El Niño event that is still forming in the tropical Pacific could wipe out the coral reefs of the Gulf of Panama. On July 21, 2023, sea surface temperature on Iguana Island was 32.4 °C; 4 °C above normal conditions. We observed massive coral bleaching. White corals are still alive. If they do not recover the microscopic algae that they expelled from their cells due to the high temperatures, they will die in the coming months.

event of the week

How was Isla Iguana formed?  

Simulation   of sea level rise   after the last Ice Age.

Currents and upwelling.

Localización Isla Iguana

  General data:

Island area = 58.5 ha

Wildlife Refugee Area = 651 ha

Surrounded by +40 ha of coral reefs

Covered by Tropical Dry Forest

Species of:

  Corals = 17

  Fish = 347

Marine invertebrates >200

Terrestrial reptiles = 6

Sea turtles = 3

Marine mammals = 7

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