san blas jungle tour

MAZATLAN JUNGLE TOUR

Venture well outside of Mazatlan to the neighboring state of Nayarit, where we will tour the colonial capital of San Blas and the nature preserve of La Tovara.  Known as "The Mexican Amazon", the river carries us through the La Tovara wildlife sanctuary, where we can see white egrets, rufous-necked wood rails, turtles, giant blue iguanas, crocodiles, and all kinds of other wildlife and migratory birds.

Our tour will also take us to the colonial port of San Blas, and the ruins of the old fort, where you will get an incredible view of mountains, ocean, beaches and a jungle of palm trees.  We will end our full day tour of one of the great jungles of Mexico with a delicious Mexican lunch at the La Tovara restaurant.

Cruise Passengers: Sorry, this tour is too early for most cruise ship schedules. If you're in doubt, ask us .

Runs:  Wednesdays and Saturdays at 6:30 AM.

Duration : 12 Hours Approximately

Departs: Pick-up at your Mazatlan Hotel

Round-Trip Transportation

Expert English S peaking G uide

Bottled Water, Beer and Soft Drinks Onboard

Boat ride through the La Tovara Jungle

Lunch (No drinks included)

OR MAKE IT PRIVATE!

Don't Forget:

• Sunscreen and Hat
• Extra Cash for Drinks, etc.
• Swimsuit and Towel
• Comfortable Shoes

Kids:   All ages are welcome. Kids prices apply from 5 to 10 years old.  Kids under 5 are free.

LOADING CHAT...

Discover San Blas and La Tovara Mangroves Adventure

LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP. YOUR MAZATLAN ADVENTURE IS JUST A CLICK AWAY

San Blas Port and La Tovara Jungle Boat Tour from Mazatlan

Swamps, crocodiles, ancient ruins, and more! That’s what you’ll get on our awe-inspiring Mazatlan San Blas Jungle Expedition. From traveling through the swamps and streams to watching crocodiles in their natural habitats and exploring ancient ruins, this tour has it all. And you can even take a swim! The quintessential Mazatlan experience, it’s no wonder so many people put San Blas tours at the top of their lists!

Your expert guide will navigate through swamps and streams with mangroves so close you can almost touch them. The lush greenery is visually stunning but keep your eye out for wildlife. That’s what you came to see, and you’ll catch plenty of it on our Mazatlan San Blas Jungle Expedition, especially when you stop at La Tovara. The saltwater and spring water mix at La Tovara, making it the perfect spot for reptiles, fish, and birds. Spot crocodiles lounging, giant iguanas roaming around, and colorful birds flying among the flora and fauna. Then, dip into the warm water for a swim before you head to San Basil. Make the trek to the top of San Basil hill, where you’ll explore the military fort ruins. Bring your binoculars so you can enjoy the stunning views of palm trees, beaches, and mountains from the top of the hill. This is as impressive as the wildlife, so pause for a moment to take it all in. This is easily one of our most action-packed Mazatlan eco-tours, and you can book your trip today. With special deals on our Mazatlan San Blas Jungle Expedition, there’s no reason to miss out on the fun!

San Blas and La Tovara National Park Expedition Details

San Blas and La Tovara Nature Reserve Includes:

• Round-trip air-conditioned transportation from Mazatlan hotels
• Bottled water, soft drinks and beer aboard the vehicle
• Visit to the rustic colonial town of San Blas Mexico
• Discover the ancient ruins of the old military fort atop San Basil hill
• Overlook of the town, the Sierra Madre mountains, Pacific Ocean and La Tovara National Park
• Jungle boat ride through the mangrove wetlands
• Birdwatching and turtles, iguanas and crocodile spotting
• Impressive river top log stilt houses
• Lunch at a restaurant inside of La Tovara Wildlife Reserve
• All taxes included in the price

Departures: Runs Wednesdays and Saturdays at 6:30am. Free pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Mazatlan.

Length: Approximately 12 Hours.

San Blas and La Tovara Nature Reserve Recommendations:

• Comfortable clothes & sunglasses
• Closed toe shoes
• Bio-degradable sunblock and insect repellant
• Cash for tips, souvenirs and beverages in La Tovara

Children: All ages welcome. Children under 5 years old are free of charge. Children 5-10 pay a discounted rate.

Cruise Ship Passengers: This excursion is too long and early for most cruise itineraries. Cruise passengers can check out our closer to town sightseeing excursions instead.

Note: This tour requires a minimum of 6 people to operate. If you are a smaller group, we can place you on standby and try to put together more guests. Contact us to check availability.

Insider Tip: This activity takes place in the neighboring state of Nayarit. La Tovara Wildlife Sanctuary is home of thousands of migratory birds making it really popular for birdwatching.

Groups: 8 or more? Go private!

Reserve Your Discover San Blas and La Tovara Mangroves Adventure Now

Retail: $119.00

Real Deal: $118.00

Real Deal: $88.00

Visit All Our Sites!

• Costa Rica Tours
• Panama Tours
• The Mexico Tours Site  
• TOLL FREE +1-866-217-9704  
• WITHIN MEXICO +1-800-822-4577  
• WORLD WIDE +52-322-222-4935  
• www.TheMexicoTourSite.com  
• info@themexicotoursite.com  

The Real Deal Tours, All Rights Reserved, © 2011-2024 | Website by Creative Concepts

Tour Jungla San Blas

San Blas, Nayarit México

Jungla San Blas

Vive un encuentro en medio de una exuberante vegetación tropical, que cubre a un conjunto de canales naturales y una jungla de manglares que te llevarán a recorrer una aventura acuática observando en el recorrido una gran diversidad de especies de aves entre algunas migratorias y reptiles como cocodrilos y tortugas, todo en un maravilloso lugar, donde se origina una mezcla de agua dulce que proviene de un gran manantial y la salada del mar, para formar un singular ecosistema de transición donde se juntan el río, el mar, la vegetación y los escurrimientos terrígenos. En esta belleza natural podrás nadar disfrutando de la frescura del agua y del ambiente que te rodea.

También serás testigo de la historia y cultura del pueblo de San Blas desde la Contaduría (El fuerte de San Blas) haciendo posible la toma de fotografías panorámicas del pintoresco puerto, a su vez conocer el muelle donde parten todo tipo de embarcaciones entre manglares y el agua del mar, haciendo todo esto una experiencia que jamás olvidarás.

6 horas + Traslado

Lugar de desarrollo

Disponibilidad.

Actualmente: Disponible

Días de salida

Solo los días de la semana: Martes, Jueves, Sábados, hay salidas

Todos los meses del año es temporada

Tu experiencia incluye

• Transporte terrestre.
• Recorrido histórico al Cerro de la Contaduría.
• Paseo en lancha por los manglares.
• Avistamiento de cocodrilos, tortugasy aves en su habitad natural.
• Visita al cocodrilario.
• Visita a el manantial de agua dulce.
• Bebidas (Agua , refresco y jugo).
• Seguro de Viajero.

Recomendaciones

• Ropa ligera y cómoda.
• Traje de baño.
• Lentes para el sol.
• Sombrero, cachucha, etc.
• Zapatos cómodos ó tenis.
• Cámara fotográfica acuática y de vídeo.
• Bloqueador solar y repelente bio-degradables..
• Cambio de ropa y toalla.
• Accesorios personales (solo los necesarios).

Restricciones

• Tarifas de niños aplican de 4 a 8 años de edad.
• Niños menores de 4 años pagan $200.00 por gastos administrativos y de seguro (no incluye alimentos).

Saliendo de Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit

• Salida 08:00 hrs. Regreso 20:00 hrs.
• Horario del Centro / UTC 7

$ 1,903 mxn

$ 1,479 mxn, menor 4 a 10 años, menor 0 a 3 años, saliendo de rincón de guayabitos, nayarit.

• Salida 09:00 hrs. Regreso 19:00 hrs.

$ 1,672 mxn

$ 1,216 mxn, saliendo de san blas, nayarit.

• Salida 11:00 hrs. Regreso 17:00 hrs.

$ 1,058 mxn

Saliendo de tepic, nayarit.

• Salida 10:00 hrs. Regreso 18:00 hrs.

$ 1,163 mxn

• Salida y regreso
• Desarrollo del tour
• * Horarios, tarifas y lugares de salida y regreso pueden variar sin previo aviso

El clima actualmente

Registrarse como agencia, tasa de cambio utilizada como referencia, 1 usd = 0 mxn última actualización: may 3, 2024.

3 Days in San Blas Islands! Beach & Jungle Tour includes La casa de papel

• Tour to snorkel and Natural swimming pool
• 3 Meals per day
• 2 nights accommodation - Private Cabin
• Boat transfer to all islands
• Transport from your hotel in Panama City
• Hiking in the jungle up to a waterfall
• Drinks soda, water, beer (available to purchase)
• Entrance fees 22 USD per person.
• Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
• Island Fee of the islands to visit 3USD per people.
• We pick up in all hotels in Panama city
• Infants must sit on laps
• Infant seats available
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• 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

• 518michaelab 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Worth it The driver was on time, communication was good, one stop on the way to the port on the petrol station, there was a new road to the port, so no bumpy road at all, only last 5-10min, 6 pers. in SUV, maybe more comfortable would be to take only 5 pers. The road way to the port is throught the jungle, with nice views. The first island was nice, we spend there 2 hours, natural swimming pool is just the shalow water, but it was really nice, we stopped there for 20min., on the 3rd island we had a lunch, fish was delicous, however, I would prefer to stay there longer, there was the nicest water and weather. The trip starts at 5am, but its definitely worth it. Next time I would spend at least one night, cause otherwise you are still in hurry. Read more Written May 1, 2024
• RickH1115 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles San Blas Islands Great trip. Food was excellent. Such beautiful islands. Snorkelling and kayaking were good. Davis was an excellent guide 👏 Read more Written April 30, 2024
• Departure198386 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles One day tour from Panama City to San Blas Once you're in the area of San Blas, it is beautiful. I don't know, it is worth a driving to the area from Panama city is not recommended. It is 4 hrs of driving n by boat, and it is one way. Actual time spend in the San Blas is 6 hrs or so, and it is included lunch. Before booking, research it more about the trip Read more Written April 29, 2024
• iamsalicious 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must see when in Panama Great experience, beautiful views. Highly recommend. Starts early, ends late. Bring sunscreen, water shoes and water. Read more Written April 29, 2024
• rundianarun 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles 14hours = 3.5 hours of beach/water time If you value your life, do NOT book this trip! The road is literally like a rollercoaster for over 2 hours. All of the drivers ( I know it wasn’t just ours because you can see the others in front and behind) pass on blind corners, goWAY too fast for the conditions, and drive in both lanes to cut corners. We had several near misses. It was quite terrifying. I cannot stress enough how scary the road and the driving is!! Other things: We were picked up half an hour late. When you are getting up at 4:30 am, an extra half hour matters They put 6 passengers in an SUV. No consideration was given to tall people. Common sense would have the shortest people in the very back. My husband and I are 6 foot. 3 hours with our knees behind our ears is not fun. There were much shorter folks who had far more room. We spoke up about it, but nothing was done. If you have any type of motion sickness, you will be sick on this drive even if you take precautions. The drive there is made even longer bc you sit in a passport control line for about 45 minutes( not the tour company’s fault, just an FYI). Once we got to the dock, it was a cluster”f”. The people in our car were all in separate boats. We were taken to a guide who said we were not in his group. Luckily my partner saw his name on the guide’s sheet. My name was not. It took an hour to get everyone sorted out and into the boat. Don’t think that you will be on a nice boat. If you go on a weekend, like we did, you will be stuffed like sardines onto benches on a typical Panamanian boat like they use for fishing You go to three islands, not four. One is a sandbar that you get 20 minutes at ( they call this a natural swimming pool) The first island was where we had the most time ( 1 hour 45 min). The swimming was yuck ( full of turtle grass and shallow). No chairs or anything else to do. The second island was an hour, where the entire time was taken up by lunch. 3rd was the 20 minute sandbar and 4th we had one hour fifteen minutes, for swimming with boats (one side of the small island had water one foot deep, the swimming side had a small area where there were no boats). 8. We did not get any fruit as was advertised. There was no snorkeling equipment ( there was nowhere to snorkel anyway). The last island had two kayaks (one with no seat) that all 20 people were supposed to share in the hour we had. There were chairs only at the last island. They were not loungers, they were upright, plastic stacking chairs. The islands were pretty to look at from the boat, but don’t think you will be having a nice beach day with great swimming. For a 14hour excursion, you have a total of about 3.5 hours to be on a beach or in water. Read more Written April 28, 2024
• 10shanaeb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful Overnight Camping Adventure From pick up to drop off, we were incredibly cared and provided for. Our first driver, Julio, was wonderful. He gave us a great understanding of what we would be experiencing in our travels and among the native Gunayala people. The trek to the port is a bit arduous - the mountain pass is narrow and full of twists and turns (motion sickness pills are recommended for weaker stomachs). Once we arrived at the dock, we were greeted by all. Davis, our tour guide, explained about the tour and the people and ended with a welcoming hug before we left the dock. My partner and I enjoyed 4 islands and a natural pool over 2 days. The overnight camping experience on Nugnudub Island was incredible and felt once-in-a-lifetime. It was very cool and felt like we had a remote island to ourselves for a day (once the other tours were over). The Nugnudub family was super hospitable and provided great meals and kept the bar open as long as we wanted it. Highly recommend if you enjoy camping and want to experience island life. While the weather is often hit or miss during the rainy season, we still would recommend this beautiful experience for a couple seeking an adventure. Overall, this tour is highly recommended by us - we felt safe, we were at peace and everyone was very accommodating and hospitable. Read more Written April 26, 2024
• 256scarletta 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely loved every second of this outing Davis was an amazing tour guide and his attitude and passion for his work made the entire thing 10 times better! The views and activities were awesome too!! Read more Written April 24, 2024
• muccells 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles `Day tour San Blas islands Signed up for this tour to see many beautiful islands. Be advised you must have your actual passport, they won’t accept pictures. The start time is really 5am. The trip to get to our destination was almost 3 hours with a few short breaks. The islands were beautiful and the water green. Our was filled and about 20 plus people. David our guide was able to communicate with us in English. He was very helpful. The lunch was fish or chicken. I heard the fish was good, chicken was ok a bit dry but overcooked then undercooked. The first island we went to they had a bar and David mentioned to go thru him. Not sure you could just order from the little bar.He mentioned to us just order and he would keep a track of it til the end. Well I ordered a margarita only one it was good I only ordered one. It’s basically option to get that but needs to be paid in cash. Well at the last island the bill was addressed. $12 for a margarita!!! I did see many people with beer so that was cheaper. Also when paying they said they get some change. $15 was given and only $1 returned. I don’t mind tipping which didn’t happen since I didn’t receive the full amount back. Yeah its only $2 but let me make the choice to tip. So I would recommend crew members advise the tourist what the drink prices are. We just happened to go to a gas station with an ATm our first stop.. Some people were hip and not sure if they had their own boat but at the store aa the gas station they bough 2 foam coolers, filled it with ice. And loaded it with beer and water. You give him the cast because the driver has to pay an entrance fee (its regulated) I’ve done many of there boat tours from Thailand and the Philippines, Overall a great experience. If you get car sick or motion sickness I would use the patches behind the ear the night before. About 1 hour of the driving is windy roads in the mountain. I would recommend this tour, We arrived back in the city area and it was about 6:15ish I also wish some of the islands had the reclining pool type of chairs. One of the ladies in our group had a 1 year old and she did great. The crew help her ours a bunch Read more Written April 22, 2024
• Tammicakes 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect day trip! This was such an amazing experience! I would definitely do it again. I would recommend that they invest in a van or small buss for comfort instead of an SUV because there is not enough room for six people to fit comfortably. Aside from the side of the transport vehicle, everyone was amazing, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. Pack light! You will be getting in and out of a boat all day. Bring some Dramamine. The winding roads are treacherous. Read more Written April 22, 2024
• H5840RNclaudiah 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Be careful A beautiful place to visit. It is sad that they cannot make it more professional or comfortable. When we started the trip by car in the morning driver chrashed with an other car (no serious thing) we waited 2,5hours on the road no car instead to pick the team up. Be careful with your belongings. We left our bag in the boat what they canged for an other but nobody told anything. It was a bad surprise. Even we booked for the English trip almost nobody spoke with us only Spanish. Do not leave anything in the car because you will never see it again. Communication is s*itty. Read more Written April 20, 2024
• 66CHRISB66 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Fast-paced, well-organized, and very tropical San Blas Island tours are fantastic! No need to go to Bocas Del Toro! Just plan on an exciting day while in Panama City. The car drive over to the boat launch was exciting! Our driver maneuvered the highway gracefully and the mountain roads with expertise! He even stopped for wildlife photo opportunities. While stopping at different islands was cool as was the snorkeling in the middle of the ocean in the blue swimming area, we really loved going to the island with the sunken ship. It has all we really needed! Also, the Texaco stops were too long and actually unnecessary on the way back. Read more Written April 15, 2024
• traveler11251984 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour of Panama Had a great time. Davis was a great guide. I was able to visit at least 4 islands. Had a hot meal and some beverages. Definitely would recommend for first timers. Read more Written April 13, 2024
• india t 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun day at San Blas Islands Overall, I had a great time on the tour. The islands were beautiful and the staff were nice and friendly. Our tour guide was David, we was great. It was well worth the long journey to get here! Read more Written April 13, 2024
• Bru_night 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles San Blas getaway for one Davies was great, from the moment we got on the boat until we got back, he always counted everyone and made sure we had our life vests while traveling from island to island, the food was good, beer was cheap (!). The islands are breathtakingly beautiful… the tour gives us enough time to enjoy and explore the islands which is great. Reason why i gave 3 stars. The pick up was done by a guy in an SUV with a total of 7 adults, needless to say traveling for almost 3hrs squeezed in an SUV is not ideal. For a grou p that big I would expect a van with individual siting. On the way back the guy next to me had wet shorts.. no comments. In addition to that, the driver didn’t introduce himself, didn’t even say good morning when i walked in and showed up 25 minutes before the arranged time. Obviously I wasn’t ready and he had to skip me and come back (which he did an hour later and half hour after the time he told me he’d be there). The pick up portion was a mess!!! Lastly, these tour companies should include ALL charges in their rates. Have us pay them and then have cash to pay at the gate of the park is just a hassle especially for people who live in the 21st century and pay everything with their phones (me). Have some extra cash and a credit card machine for the ones who for whatever reason dont have cash with them to avoid unnecessary stress (i lost my wallet the night before the tour hence the issue) Read more Written April 13, 2024
• VictorG1399 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Davis, great guide! Our guide Davis was great! Very nice, amicable, courteous and professional in what he does. Great meeting you! We strongly recommend Davis for future visits to the islands. [email protected] Victor Grimaldo. Read more Written April 11, 2024

More to explore in Panama City

Buy it with

3 Days in San Blas Islands! Beach & Jungle Tour includes La casa de papel provided by Panama San Blas Tours

LA TOVARA & SAN BLAS TOUR

English Speaking Naturalist Guide

Round-Trip Transportation from Meeting Point

Jungle Boat Tour in La Tovara

Continental Breakfast

Snacks, Fruit, Soft Drinks and Water

Binoculars, Telescope and Field Guides

You'll Need:

• Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Sunscreen
• Neutral Colored Clothing (not bright)
• Insect Repellent
• Camera, Hat and Sunglasses
• Good All-Terrain Walking Shoes

Kids:   All ages welcome.  Kids price applies to ages 4-11 years.  Kids under 4 years old are free.

IMPORTANT:  THIS TOUR HAS LIMITED AVAILABILITY.  PLEASE CONTACT US TO CHECK AVAILABILITY BEFORE BOOKING

LOADING CHAT...

Jungle Tour La Tovara

La Tovara San Blas Nayarit Tour

Description

Visit "La Tovara", one of the largest protected natural areas in the country and where visitors can discover the colorful and varied flora and fauna of the region.

La Tovara park is an extensive mangrove forest and federally protected nature preserve accessible by small boats. We'll visit the region's only Crocodile Reserve, where you'll learn about these amazing creatures, and watch for a dazzling array of wildlife, such as exotic birds, tropical fish, and more as your expert guide fills your trip with amazing facts about what you're seeing.

Recommendations

• Printed booking confirmation.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Confirmation will be received.
• Within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
• Bring a hat and sunglasses.
• Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent.

Cancellations Policies

• Pick up and drop off at Hotel or personal address.
• Certified multilingual tour guide.
• Entrance fee to "La Tovara".
• Visit to Crocodile Sanctuary and Zoo.
• Transfer to San Blas, Nayarit.

Recomended Tours

April 18 San Blas Adventures: Lisa’s famous jungle waterfall hike

Most San Blas Adventures take place on picture perfect deserted palm tree islands or in crystal clear water around pristine coral reefs. Not this one. The famous “Lisa tour” is actually one of the few main land based activities in Guna Yala (San Blas in the Guna’s language). It’s a lot of fun combined with a great insight to the culture of the Guna people. Lisa, your tour guide, will show you the beauty of the jungle that surrounds the river that runs by the same name as the village she is from: Rio Sidra.

Let the San Blas adventures begin

Around eight o’clock in the morning, Lisa comes by the boat with her lancha (a little dugout canoe with an out board engine) to pick us up. Us, that’s Maria (captain of SV Joana), our charter guests Carrie and Scott with their daughters Lyla and Carly and me, Nike (crew on SV Joana at that time). We were anchored off the island Salardup with SV Joana , but I think there is an anchorage just off Rio Sidra as well where you could be picked up.

In our case, the boat ride was some 15-20 minutes cruising towards the beautiful green hills of the mainland. I just love it, when the trade winds have blown most of the thick rain clouds away and you can see the soft green curves of the mountains that look like comfy pillows.

Even though I spent a good four to five month in total in the area of San Blas with my boat Karl  during the last three years, I never got to do the Lisa hike. I once tried , but there were some boat issues on the way there, so I had to turn around. Now that I finally get to do it, it’s during my first charter trip that I am working for Sail Joana . This is the second day of our guests being on board and we are off to the jungle. Fortunately, our guests are ok with me filming the adventure, so you will be able to see the trek in one of the upcoming episodes of Untie The Lines Season 3 sometime in the future.

The funeral of a “saila”

When we arrive, Lisa is discussing some issues with our lancha driver in Guna language. I only know about five words in Guna and have no idea what they are talking about. Our guests are looking at me with big question marks in their eyes and I feel thrown back into the times when I worked as a tour leader in Peru in my early twenties. After some investigation I find out, that there is a funeral today in the graveyard that we have to pass on the way to the river. And it is not just any funeral, but they are burying one of their “sailas”, which are political and spiritual leaders in the Guna culture. Understandably, they do not want to be disturbed by tourists marching through their ceremony.

Silently we walk for some twenty minutes, keeping together and trying to find a path that will cause the least disturbance possible. It seems that the ceremony has not started, yet, and Lisa shows us the cemetery where her family is buried. She tells us that she cannot go any closer because she is feeling a bit unwell. When the Guna are ill, their spirit becomes weak and if Lisa would pass too close to her family’s graves, their spirits would try to catch her and drag her with them. Who could blame them…

When we come by some Guna women along the river, they ask us for some matches to light their incense but unfortunately we did not bring any. But we did bring Joana’s boat dog Niko. The Guna always giggle when they ask for the dog’s name, because “nika” means “I have” in Guna language. The Guna ladies have a dog with them at the river as well, and we have to make sure Niko passes quickly and smoothly. I call out “achu nika” to them, which means “I have a dog”, and they giggle again. Those moments always leave me wondering if they are laughing about me or if they are just a very jolly bunch of people.

Walking uphill through the jungle

We continue hiking and the path winds slowly uphill through lush green vegetation. Lisa is pointing out some medicinal plants along the way and sharing more stories about the Guna and their beliefs. A highlight are some little red flowers along the way that she calls “the lips of Marilyn Monroe”. I will let the pictures speak for themselves…

It’s hot and humid, but the walk is very pretty and we know that a refreshing waterfall will be waiting for us at the end of this trail. Niko is romping through the bushes somewhere and Lyla, the older one of our charter guest’s daughters, asks if there are any tapir around. “They will come out once the mangoes and avocados are ripe, still a month from now”, Lisa replies.

Our visitors are in good shape and after an hour and a half we reach our lunch spot. Just before that we enjoy a beautiful view of Salardup on the one side and the highest hill of San Blas on the other. The sacred mountain that stretches in front of us is also the border of the comarca Guna Yala, the San Blas territory.

A refreshing waterfall lunch break

We have just reached the Rio Sidra and the two adventurous girls, Lyla and Carly, are already splashing around in the delicious cold water. They did not hesitate for a second before they jumped off the rock, some three meters above the deep crystal clear pool. Lisa does this tour all the time, so she knows where it’s safe to jump and where not. She has been guiding this jungle hike for thirty years now and she tells me she still loves it each time she gets to do it. You can tell by the enthusiasm in her voice when she tells her stories.

Ok, but now it’s lunch time. Where are the cups, the cold water, here’s the pasta salad, the forks…”did you pack the pineapple, Nike?”. Ups, no, I did not…we had talked about it in the morning but then nor Maria nor me had actually put it into one of the backpacks. Well, “how about some Trail Mix, anyone?”. I am taking mental notes for the next run: remember to bring some fruit, Lisa and the second guide have asked for soda…Mosquito repellent for the guests would be good, too.

Sliding, jumping and wading down the river

After lunch, the best part of the trip begins: from now on, we walk down the river, through the river. We are gliding down natural water slides, jump off the rocks into sparkling pools and there is even a liana to play Tarzan on. Well, in our case it’s actually mainly Janes that get to use the natural swing. The kids seem to love it.

Two further attractions along the way back are the spotting of a white hawk (that of course I did not catch on camera) and a wooden “ulu” that is ready to be sent down the river for the final wood carving. “Ulus” or “cayucos” are the kayaks that the Guna use to get around the islands. They are carved in one piece from a massive tree trunk. Some of them even have a mast and sails, the others are moved purely by muscle power.

A fun day trip comes to an end

When we come back to our lancha, we are still counting four charter guests and a dog. That’s a success, I’d say, right? It’s been an exciting day and I have to say, if this is what working in charter business is like, then hey, I’m up for more! But I have to keep in mind that this is not the usual daily charter routine. It’s an additional tour with Lisa as a guide that can be booked for an extra 25$US. This fact makes it easier on our end because we only have to provide food, translation and entertainment. Wait a sec, isn’t that, what we usually do as well? Never mind…it felt good and our guests seem very happy, not only the kids…And if the guests are happy, we are happy!

Cheeky Scott enjoyed the day that much, that he actually wants to try and keep this place a secret from all of you:

In case you would like to explore the beauty of this part of the world and join us for some San Blas adventures, we still have room on our two special Untie The Lines charters in June 2017 on Sail Joana . You can check out rates & dates here . Maria and I would love to welcome you on board!

If you are interested in any dates outisde those two charters in June, you can find Sail Joana’s contact details here .

This post has 1 Comment

Miss your youtube videos. Hope you’re fine. Cheers, Gus

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

CAPTCHA Code *

• Skip to content
• Skip to primary sidebar

This Rare Earth

A travel resource for the adventurous and often-solo female

Visiting the San Blas Islands, Panama: Everything You Need to Know

Panama , Blog , North America / February 5, 2023 by Monica / Leave a Comment

Planning on visiting the San Blas Islands in Panama? This stunning island group in Panama’s Caribbean Sea are a rustic and peaceful experience. This guide to San Blas covers Wailidup Island, San Blas day tips, multi-day excursions, and what to expect. Here is everything you need to know about the San Blas Islands in Panama!

Pin Me for Later!

I knew it would be a good trip in that very moment.

That moment in the car, just after sunrise, when the sun peeked through the clouds. When the beat from the music hit just right, and the winding roads swayed my body side to side.

I just knew in my gut that I had made the correct decision to go to San Blas.

Want to visit San Blas without all the planning? Consider these tours!

4 Day San Blas Island Hopping Adventure Tour : This tour will stop at multiple islands so that you really see what San Blas has to offer! Go hiking in the San Blas jungle, tour Pelicano Island, and snorkel in clear blue waters. Book your four day adventure here !

1 Night in Sea Hut San Blas Islands Tour : If you are short on time, but still want to experience the paradise of San Blas, this tour is for you! Stay overnight in a beach bungalow, snorkel to a sunken boat, and kayak in the clear water. Book your tour here !

San Blas Islands Day Trip and Money Heist Tour : For those who would rather do a day trip, or are avid Money Heist fans, this tour is for you! Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and visiting three different islands on this busy day trip. Book your day trip here !

Table of Contents

Though Panama is a relatively small country, traveling to the San Blas islands does require some effort.

What To Expect:

Plan for a pre-sunrise departure – 5am to be exact. Mentally prepare for a three-or-more hour car ride into the Guna Yala lands – and if you are someone who gets motion sickness, you may need to physically prepare, as well.

The last hour of the trip snakes through the jungle, up and down hills, and crosses some of the worst pot holes I’ve seen (and I’ve seen a lot). In fact, vehicle need to have 4WD to even make it to the boat docks.

You’ll arrive at said docks after paying a $20 entrance fee and a $2 boat docking fee in cash (bring US dollars – more information on money matters in Panama can be found here .)

There is a lot of hustle and bustle at the docks – small boats coming and going; passengers being shuffled to different groups to find their specific boat. And then, it’s off to sea.

The first visible Islands you see are where the native Guna Yala people live. I found these communities fascinating and actually wish we could have stopped here. Clusters of wooden houses pile atop each other in giant groups that appear to cover every last grain of sand.

After a quick food and vegetable stop at the community islands, the captain heads out into the open Caribbean Sea toward the tiny islands that dot the horizon.

Read on for everything you need to know before visiting the San Blas Islands in Panama!

You May Also Like: Visiting the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks

1. Prepare to be waterlogged.

I traveled to San Blas on a calm and sunny day. But still, it didn’t matter..

You are on the open ocean after all – the Caribbean sea to be exact.  And, you are in a very tiny boat. Be prepared for a rough ride and expect that whatever you are wearing will be soaked. The water comes crashing in! I wore a thin rain-shell jacket , which worked wonders.

The best way to combat this is to try for a seat near the front of the boat. Most of the water splashes in toward the middle and back seats. As far as luggage, here are my recommendations.

Some boats have tarps to cover the bags, but others don’t. And even if they do, water can still seep underneath since the “floor” is not flat. Bring a raincover for sure. (Here is the backpack brand that I’ve used for years (and highly recommend), which comes with a raincover. If you already have a bag, here is a raincover only .)

Also, since I was traveling with expensive camera gear, I took the raincover idea one step further. I put my backpack within a garbage bag to help block out water even more so. Vanity be damned! Keep that camera safe! You should also plan to bring a dry bag for the boat ride as well as day trips. I highly recommend this brand , which comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

If you have a laptop, camera, or tablet – or just don’t want to get your luggage soaked – plan ahead.

2. Your San Blas boat-mates will be a mixed bag.

Some people on your boat / island may just be there for a day trip. Others may be spending 1 night. And still others could be there for 2 nights or more.

In my experience, other riders may also be dropped at different places than you – other islands, or, even on catamarans. (Boat to Boat service, if I may!)

I was the very last drop-off from my boat. I like to think they saved the best island for last.

You May Also Like: Is Panama Safe for Tourists?

3. Pack as light as possible.

On my trip out to the San Blas Islands, Panama, I had one medium-sized backpack and one small duffel bag. This was actually all I had packed for my entire trip to Panama, by the way, so I brought everything with me to the islands. (You can snag my full Panama packing list , too.)

However, if you are not a tried and true carry-on-only packer like me, not to worry. many hotels in Panama City will allow you to store unnecessary bags there until you return from San Blas.

I was not returning to the same hotel I departed from so I could not do this (nor did I want to, since the majority of my bags was camera equipment, which I intended to use on the islands).

4. Don’t expect luxury on the San Blas Islands in Panama.

These islands are primitive.

I spent the majority of my time on Wailidup Island. This is where I slept each night , and considered this my “home base” in San Blas. If you come with the right mindset, you are going to love it!

On Wailidup, you have three options for lodging – overwater bungalows with a private bathroom; overwater bungalows with shared bathrooms; or, a cabin on the sand. Price varies accordingly, and I’ve listed them from most expensive to least expensive.

I booked the middle option, the overwater bungalow with a shared bathroom, and I was pleased with my choice. I will share below what an overwater bungalow in San Blas is like!

Pro Tip, shop around for pricing. I found a much better deal on a third-party site than was offered on the official lodging’s website at the time. Score!)

These are the exact bungalows I booked, and I highly recommend them. But again, don’t expect luxury!

The Bungalows

I fell in love with my bungalow .

I’ve slept in a treehouse in Malaysia. I’ve slept on houses on stilts. I’ve slept in beach huts in Belize and Fiji and the Cook Islands. I’ve even camped in the Arabian Desert, and in Wadi Rum, and in the White Desert in Egypt.

What I hadn’t yet experienced was staying in an overwater bungalow. I had this chance on the San Blas Islands in Panama.

Now, for the sake of clarity, you will not have the same experience in San Blas as you would in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, for example. Do not come to the San Blas Islands expecting luxury.

The bungalows are essentially wooden huts on stilts, constructed only with wooden boards, meaning that there is a gap between each board on the floor and walls. The good news is, the pleasant and constant breeze keeps even the thought of bugs far far away.

A quick note, the outermost floor of my cabin was wet the entire time I was there. I assume this was from high water level before I arrived but honestly it wasn’t a big deal for me. The room has a tall table for luggage so nothing ever needs to sit directly on the floor.

The small balcony facing the clear blue sea was the best part. Just writing about it all makes me want to go back

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Monica || Solo Female Travel 🌵 Desert Wanderer (@thisrareearth)

The Bathrooms

There are six shared bathrooms and showers for use. With six total bungalows, this meant I never had to wait. Ever. Not once. So, it was fairly convenient to share and they were close enough to the bungalows. Easy.

The only thing unpleasant about the bathroom situation is that the freshwater must be shipped in.  By night-time, a metallic or sulphur type of smell was strong (and stinky) from the sink and toilet water. I imagine this is from the pipes but I am not really sure.

Also, be aware that there is no hot water. Brace yourself if you shower late at night, because the wind will make everything feel quite cold.

You May Also Like: A Panama Itinerary for 7 or 10 Days

5. ABSOLUTELY bring your own snacks.

This goes double for vegetarians.

Guests have a choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian meals while on San Blas’ Wailidup Island. Being a vegetarian, you can guess which option I chose.

And, while all of my meals were tasty – let’s just say that they were pretty *light*.

On the day of my arrival, having woken up at 4:30am and traveled approximately 5 hours to get there, I was hoping for a bit more than light . ¡Yo tengo mucho hambre!

My lunch consisted of about 1 cup of rice, 4 or 5 slices of cucumber and tomato (each) and about 10 pieces of cooked carrots. Add some lettuce and onion and that is probably what – a 200 calorie meal?

For me, this simply wouldn’t be enough. Especially because lunch was at 12pm and dinner wouldn’t be until 730pm.

So friends, stock up.

My driver insisted that everything is available on the island. I would say in actuality, SOME things are available on the island, and, it is at a cost. Meals will be included in your nightly rate but all drinks, even water, require cash. So do bring 1$ and $5 dollar bills, but also BYOS (Bring your own snacks. And drinks.)

There will be a stop on the way at a gas station with small hot bites, typical snacks and cold drinks. I, however, had stocked up the night prior to my trip at a large grocery store, and had my snacks and drinks in my suitcase.

I brought tortilla chips, pretzels, 2 large water bottles and 2 flavored beverages (which I always crave when I’m in salt water), two apples, caramel corn, and granola bars. Being a vegetarian, I am somewhat used to fending for myself in countries where vegetarians are not common. It’ not so unusual for me to have a secret snack-pack, haha.

My intention was to rely primarily on what I’d brought for extra sustenance, and then of course purchasing additional items was an option if needed.

You May Also Like: What To Wear in Panama: A Packing List for Women

6. Sit back and relax.

One of the reasons I saved San Blas for the end of my trip was because I’d been so *go go go !* on the rest of my Panama itinerary , and I wanted to end the trip with some chill days.

I definitely got to relax, read, swim, and explore the island at length. It was so incredibly nice – in fact, it had been months since I last had any time to read for pleasure, and that was one of my favorite parts. It was lovely to swing in the hammock of my bungalow, reading to the sounds of crashing waves below.

There is no Wifi on Wailidup, or in San Blas in general. If you absolutely need entertainment like movies or shows, download them beforehand. My international phone plan surprisingly gave me cell service there – something I truly did not expect.

You May Also Like: Best Travel Apps

No matter what, plan to bring your own external batteries for charging phones, cameras, or tablets. Electricity was only turned on overnight via generator, and was off by the time I woke up for the sunrise. This was more than enough for me, though.

🗺️ Planning Your Next Big Trip? 🗺️

This Rare Earth now offers Custom Itinerary Services for destinations across the world! If you are feeling overwhelmed while planning your next big trip, or don’t know where to start, I can likely help. Fill out the form below to learn how we can create a fully customized itinerary tailored to your unique travel preferences and needs!

7. The views can’t be beat.

You are on the Caribbean side of the country, and the water is gorgeous . Different shades of crystal clear blue stretch out in all directions. Other islands dot the ocean around you.

There was only one other couple staying on the island at the same time as me, so I got to experience solitude at It’s finest.

Wailidup is a sight to see!

The palm trees perch right on the coastline and overlook the clear sea. Coconuts cluster around the sand and green grass and plant life peek through.

The sunrises and sunsets are fiery in the vast blue skies, and the passing clouds only make it all the more beautiful.

You May Also Like: The Best Places to Visit in Panama

8. You’ll have the chance to see other islands too.

Now, how you see them depends on what you’ve booked. You have some options.

It’s possible to book a trip that includes everything; hotel pickup, boat ride, island room and board, and tours all together. But, it is also possible to piece-meal together exactly what you want via different operators.

For example, you could book your stay on the island of your choice, and then separately book a tour for passage to other islands and areas.

No matter how you do it, you’ll likely visit the shallow “pool” which is a patch of sand knee-deep in the middle of the ocean, where some starfish can be spotted if you’re lucky. And, you’ll likely stop on some other islands with cabins and tourists and drinks.

Somehow I ended up on the owner of Wailidup’s boat tour, don’t ask me how! We went to a separate island for lunch – Isla Diablo. This island was much more crowded, with lots of cabins and tents and people. I can tell you that I was happy to be staying on a quieter island, but this is a personal preference.

Lunch from the hotel Dad Igwa was a bit more “sophisticated”  shall we say, and consisted of rice, coleslaw, smashed plantains and fries. There were also options of fish or meat for non-veg travelers of course. And, the portions of all of them were quite large.

We also visited the “pool” mentioned above and then one other island afterwards, though I never got the name of it. All in all, a nice taste to see what’s out there on the San Blas Islands.

Ready for Adventure? Subscribe Today.

Unsubscribe at anytime.

9. You can choose early or late departure on your last day.

I chose late departure because why not ? More time to spend on the beautiful San Blas islands on my last few days in Panama.

If you choose early departure, expect to leave around 11-ish, give or take. If you choose late departure, expect to leave around 4. The late checkout can sometimes come with an extra cost so definitely verify that with the specific lodging you book.

Upon departure, you are back on the small boat and headed toward the mainland – wave goodbye to the beautiful paradise of San Blas Islands, Panama (or better yet, a “see you later”).

10. Think “pack it in, pack it out.”

I did unfortunately see some trash around Wailidup Island – thankfully not too much but it was there.

Wailidup Island is remote enough that taking trash and recyclables out is not always easy for the businesses. But, it IS pretty easy to take back all of the water bottles you brought because lets face it – if you had room in your bag before, you have room now. Luckily, this time they will be empty (lighter, yay!).

So do the island a favor and pack it in, pack it out.

You May Also Like: A Complete Panama Travel Guide

11. Sleeping above the water is FANTASTIC.

I never knew how much I liked falling asleep to the sound of ocean waves until I was literally above them. It is incredibly peaceful here. No loud music, no distant parties, and loads of stars blanketing the sky.

My overwater bungalow would sway with the passing waves, rocking me to sleep perhaps! I kept my balcony door open at the beginning of the night for the breeze, until it got too cool and I used the small fan provided instead. (They do run that generator at night, as previously mentioned.)

The bed was pretty comfortable. No complaints from me. It was such a peaceful experience – I’m telling you, as a true desert child, I am shocked at how much I loved this experience.

At the time of departure, I wished I was staying at least one more night. Now I know how much I live it, I just need to go back and do this again. In Panama, or, elsewhere around the globe.

12. Nobody will speak English.

I used to live in Costa Rica , therefore I do speak Spanish. However, my Spanish has unfortunately gotten worse in the years since I left.

There was a mixup about my departure and I didn’t have the words to express my questions… nor did they possess the words in English. So, we were at an impasse.

Luckily, a couple from Spain was on the deck at the same time as me. I am forever grateful to the woman for helping me translate more complicated sentiments to the staff of Wailidup! But the point is, be prepared for no English across most of San Blas.

Pro Tip, if you find yourself in a similar situation – many of the boats’ captains are English speakers, so you can always ask them for help too.

13. Which island to choose?

Admittedly, there are more islands within San Blas that I didn’t see. Some are inhabited and some are not. But, here are my thoughts based on the ones I experienced.

If you want seclusion and quiet (and overwater bungalows) I’d recommend Wailidup Island. The peacefulness here was incredible and just what I needed after being on the go all over Panama City , Chiriqui , and beyond.

If you want to interact with more tourists and travelers, try for Perro Chico or Isla Diablo. The settings are just as beautiful, but the beaches will be covered with more humans here.

Another option that I did not try was to book an overnight catamaran stay . I personally wanted to be on the overwater bungalow this time, but in the future I’d consider booking a catamaran.

Picture sailing around island to island atop of the clearest blue water, sleeping on the boat every night – just magical.

I love helping my community plan amazing trips. When booking these services, consider booking them through the links below. Without any extra cost to you, you will be supporting This Rare Earth .

Thank you so much!

🏠 Get the best hotel prices here!

🛏️ Find a hostel bed here!

🚣 Book your favorite tours and activities here!

🚗 Get the best rental car prices here!

⚠️ Keep your personal data secure here!

⚕️ Get a quote for travel insurance here!

🗣️ Start speaking a new language here!

💻 Shop my top Travel Essentials here!

14. San Blas Islands versus Bocas del Toros, Panama.

Last but not least, I think it’s fair and necessary to compare the San Blas Islands to Bocas del Toro islands in Panama. Most visitors will have to choose one or the other, unless they have an extended period of time for travelling.

I would again say that if you want a natural, primitive peace and quiet, you should choose the San Blas Islands.

If you want true nightlife, then Bocas is the place to go – even more so than Isla Diablo or Perro Chico. Bocas del Toro can offer the true party-life and typical hostel experience that some travelers will crave.

Bocas del Toro is also more built up, with Bocas Town providing all of the amenities one could wish for. There are also overwater bungalows in Bocas, but I didn;t try them out here so I cannot comment on them.

Bocas del Toro will require either an 8+ hour bus ride from Panama City or a one hour flight to David, plus a taxi to the bus terminal, plus a bus to Bocas. Then, you will take a boat out to your island there.

I would identify what type of experience you are looking for, and then go from there. Both are fair options – but I do urge you to try one or the other! Panama truly does have some gorgeous coastline that you would regret not seeing.

And there you have it! A full rundown on what to expect on the San Blas Islands in Panama – from location to vibe to things to do.

I would wholeheartedly return back to the San Blas Islands without hesitation. Wailidup in the San Blas islands is just a dream!

Need more Panama Travel Tips? Check out these guides!

• A Complete Panama Travel Guide
• Is Panama Safe for Tourists? Solo Female Travel Tips
• Visiting the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks
• What To Wear in Panama: A Packing List for Women
• Visiting the San Blas Islands, Panama: Everything You Need To Know
• A Panama Itinerary for 7 or 10 Days
• The Best Places to Visit in Panama
• The Celestine Waterfall Hike in Chiriqui, Panama

If you found this article helpful, consider sharing it on your socials or Pinning it for later!

Have questions? Ask me below! I’m happy to answer!

• Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo Travel: Which Is Better?
• Cancun vs Cabo: Which is Better, Los Cabos or Cancun?
• 10 Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting El Matador Beach, Malibu
• The Perfect Day Trip to Malibu: A One Day Itinerary [2024]

About Monica

Monica has been a solo female world traveler for over 15 years. She is an expert on outdoor adventures, solo female travel, and off the beaten path destinations. She is the founder of This Rare Earth and is a firm believer that the world is not as scary as the media might have you think! Learn more about her here . Connect with her on Instagram .

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Chacala,  Nayarit,  Mexico

La Tovara: Jungle Boat Ride

For birdwatchers and nature lovers, La Tovara Nature Preserve, near the colonial town of San Blas, is well worth a visit. You will see turtles, crocodiles, fish and lots of bird life.

Considered by many to be the top spot for birding in Mexico, more than 250 species of birds call La Tovara home, among them purple gallinules, American coots, anhingas, snail kites, crested caracaras, roseate spoonbills, black-bellied tree ducks, bumblebee hummingbirds, and boat-billed heron. Best bird watching season is between October and early April.

The boat ride lasts approximately an hour and a half. There is a protected place to swim in the fresh water at the far end of the boat trip. There are tables and a restaurant there as well. The boat man waits for a half an hour to an hour at this rest stop. Each boat holds from one to twelve people. Ticket prices vary.

Food stands and shaded picnic area. Public restroom.

Getting There From Fresh Breeze Inn

After a 45-minute scenic drive north along the coast towards San Blas, you will come to the launching area for the Jungle Boat Ride. (La Tovara).

Historic San Blas is about 20 minutes by road to the north.

• Guides & Tours ▽ All Continents Australia Asia Europe Africa North America South America
• For Guides ▽ Members Area Guide Registration
• For Tourists ▽ Tourist Login Complaints And Suggestions

Jorge - Private Guide in Mazatlan

San blas jungle tour.

• Excursion in Mazatlan

San Blas is a small fishing village of about 12,000 people on the Pacific Coast of Mexico located between Puerto Vallarta and Matzalan. If you are active you will not be bored, as there are many ecotourism adventures available here, such as the jungle boat ride, a visit to the village of Singayta, whale watching, surfing, waterfalls and hiking in the jungle and beaches. Jungle Boat Ride We take a boat ride through the mangrove swamps to a natural fresh water pool where you can swim with the crocodiles*. For us, swimming with the dolphins is boring, boring, boring. You will see many species of birds, crocodiles in the wild, turtles and iguanas. You can also visit the crocodile farm as part of this excursion. This trip is a must. Spanish Fort You can walk up to the old Spanish fort on the top of the hill. After Hurricane Kenna, it's now known as the ruins of the ruins. lenght of the tour : 12 hours

In My tours I show you the real mexico

i also provide this EXCURSION AS A PRIVATE TOUR

Additional information

Offered tours:.

Book this tour

Quick tours search

Tour categories.

• Any tour category in Mazatlan
• Private tour in Mazatlan

Payments can be made by credit card, by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button or in the "Pay Now" button for special payments quoted by an agent. Mazatlan City Tour

Stone Island Tour. Experience the beautiful isolated beaches of Stone Island. A must for cruise ship passengers. Copala Tour. Copala is a delightful little town, founded in 1565 built into the slopes of a small valley. Blue Agave Tou r. Visit the only agave distillery in the state and La Noria, a tipical rural small town. El Quelite Tour El Quelite is the vivid image of the Rural Mexico of the past. Considered the most beautifil town in the region Old Mazatlan Walking Tour . Enjoy the charming of the Historical Center of Mazatlan history and architecture. Mazatlan City & Shopping Tour. Visit the highlights of Mazatlán and Shopping areas ztl  

SAN BLAS TOUR FROM VALLARTA

Journey North of Puerto Vallarta, along the scenic North coast of Banderas Bay, enjoying panoramic views as we make our way toward San Blas, about 60 miles (100 km) up the beautiful coastline, passing quaint farming and fishing villages along the way.  Our first stop is La Contaduria , a historical site where battles were fought to protect the port of San Blas, and see the famous Temple of the Virgin Rosario.

THIS TOUR IS TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE SEE OUR SIGHTSEEING TOURS

We'll arrive at the famous river, La Tovara , where we'll board a boat and take an amazing 10-mile (16 km) boat ride through this magical mangroved-lined  ecosystem.  We'll visit the region's only Crocodile Reserve, where you'll learn about these amazing creatures, and watch for a dazzling array of wildlife, such as exotic birds, tropical fish, and more as your expert guide fills your trip with amazing facts about what you're seeing.

There are a variety of fresh seafood restaurants and others serving local Mexican cuisine where we can stop for lunch (not included), and photo opportunities abound in this special area of San Blas!

Cruise Passengers:  This tour makes a great shore excursion if your ship's schedule allows. It might be too long for some cruise ship schedules.

Runs:  Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 AM.

Duration : 10 Hours approximately

Departs From : Your hotel front door (in most cases).  Exact instructions will be included with your confirmation.

Air-conditioned Transportation

Hotel Pickup and Dropoff (in most cases)

Certified English-Speaking Tour Guide

Boat Tour of Mangroves at La Tovara

Visit to the Crocodile Sanctuary

All Admission Fees

You'll Need:

Kids:   All ages welcome.  Kids prices apply to ages 4-11 years old.  Kids under 4 years old are free.  

LOADING CHAT...

• Tripadvisor

San Blas Eco River Tours & Birding in Riviera Nayarit Mexico

San Blas Bird Watching

San Blas eco river tours in Riviera Nayarit are worth the experience. This area of Nayarit is world renowned as “the” best destination in all of Mexico for bird watching.

From the brown pelican and Rufous-bellied Chachalaca to the Neotropic Cormorant, the Anhinga, the Great Egret, Tricolored Heron, White-Faced Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, and many, many types of Terns, Gulls, Woodpeckers, Swallows, and Doves, if you are a bird lover, then San Blas eco river tours in Riviera Nayarit Mexico should be your next vacation!

Come enjoy a guided San Blas Mexico river tour through La Tovara National Park, a protected crocodile reserve that is also home and sanctuary for many tropical bird species and turtles.

About San Blas Mexico

San Blas Riviera Nayarit was once an important Colonial trading port with the old world charm of elaborate Colonial architecture, some of which is still standing. Today, San Blas is a peaceful little fishing village in Riviera Nayarit, located just 35 miles north of Rincon de Guayabitos, and only 100 miles up from Puerto Vallarta Airport.

Surrounded by coastal mangrove lagoons and natural estuaries, this area is home to more than 300 species of migratory and local bird species. In fact, over 80% of the migratory birds come here during the winter months from North America, making San Blas eco river tours Mexico’s best, undisputed birding location.

Here are a few other types of birds you are likely to see while on a San Blas eco boat tour:

• Yellow-Winged Cacique
• Streak-Backed Oriole
• Bronzed Cowbird
• Western Meadowlark
• Rufous-Backed Robin
• White-Collared Seedeater
• Sinaloa Crow
• Social Flycatcher
• Great Kiskadee
• Belted Kingfisher
• Lineated Woodpecker

Things to Do in San Blas Nayarit

Other attractions and things to do in San Blas include:

• Barrel surfing, snorkeling, and other water sports on Borrengo Beach
• Sailing to the Isabel Island, a volcanic island in Bahia de Matanchen
• Chartered sport fishing for Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Tuna, and more
• San Basilio Fortress (which dates back to 1530) and other Colonial ruins

Book a San Blas Eco River Tour!

Along with eco boat tours and bird watching with naturalist guides, San Blas is best known for its calm, white sandy beaches, friendly locals, and fresh, delicious, specialty cuisines.

Cruising through the incredible ecosystem of river La Tovara, seeing exotic birds in the mangrove trees, visiting the crocodile reserve, and exploring rustic towns and historic ruins, all combine to deliver an authentic total Riviera Nayarit experience.

Watch a YouTube video about San Blas excursion tours in Riviera Nayarit. Also, check out our Land Activities page to explore other incredible Riviera Nayarit adventures including a Sea Turtle Release program!

Book Your Trip Now

Get the hottest deals and latest news in your inbox!

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Privacy Policy

Plan Your Trip

Getting Here Where to Stay Maps & Guides Transportation

Brochures & presentations

Destinations

Nuevo Nayarit Flamingos Bucerías La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Destiladeras Punta de Mita Litibú – Higuera Blanca Sayulita San Francisco Lo de Marcos Punta Raza Los Ayala Rincón de Guayabitos La Peñita More…

SAN BLAS TOURS

San Blas is the perfect setting for getting in touch with nature — vast expanses of beach and awesome mountains make it a paradise for discovering endless experiences.

Discover it for yourself!

• Tour in the bay

Boat Ride at La Tovara

Isabel island national park.

• Birdwatching

Sport fishing, whale watching, swimming with whale sharks, Isabel Island, seabirds observation and turtle camp.

There are plenty of interesting places to discover around san blas, such as fishing trips offshore, humpback whale watching during winter months, swimming with whale sharks, visiting isabel island and boat rides for seabirds watching..

Ricardo Murillo - Pipilas Team

Cell phone: 323 117 9763

Local phone: 323 285 1281

[email protected] [email protected]

Social Media:

To request tours cost, please contact the specialized and authorized service supplier directly.

Sartiaguin tourist rides

Phone number:

Cell phone: 323 108 5203

Local phone: 323 285 1297

[email protected]

Visit the Aayetsie Wakie Turtle Camp at Borrego Beach

San Blas' Aayetsie Wakie Turtle Camp

Definitely, you can not miss this boat ride among the mangrove swamps where amazing flora and fauna are observed along two water sources, la tovara and camalota lagoon where you can visit the kiekari crocodile., you can reach kiekari through the services of la tovara cooperative by boat or even by road towards matanchén bay. it is a reproduction and protection preserve for species that have been rescued, managed by the ejido of la palma de san blas, where you can watch the local wildlife and have a dip in the water source., ride to the tovara.

Julio Villafuentes - La Tovara Cooperative President

Cell phone: 323 106 6917

Local phone:  323 116 9997

Fixed cost per person of about $ 200

Kiekari Crocodile Preserve

Phone Number:

Cell phone:  323 108 6321

Cell phone:  311 114 7038

About $40 pesos per person.

Isabel island National Park

Located on the pacific ocean platform, 70 kilometers northwest of san blas, it is an island of volcanic origin with an area of 194 hectares. the island ecosystem can be considered a natural laboratory and important refuge for seabirds. the diversity of species present on isabel island and its important ecological role led it to be decreed as a protected natural area in 1980., the park can be visited from san blas by hiring a park-authorized boat..

www.islaisabel.conanp.gob.mx

There are different routes for bird watching, you can choose between hiking, lagoons, the ocean and Isabel Island.

Jonathan Vargas

Cell Phone: 311 230 3544

[email protected]

San Blas Birding

José Antonio Robles Martínez

Cell Phone : 311 120 9287

[email protected]

www.birdingmexico.com

Francisco García

Cell Phone: 323 282 8835

[email protected]

Mark Stackhouse

[email protected]

Carlos Villar Rodríguez

• About San Blas H
• Legal Notice
• Media Kit 2016

• National Parks
• Discover San Blas
• How to get here
• Official video
• FOLLOW US :
• CONTACT US :
• +52 323 285 0112 | [email protected]

San Blas Riviera Nayarit 2024

Day Tour in San Blas Islands - All Included - Visit 4 Islands in 1 Day

San blas adventure - 4 days island hopping in san blas islands, 3 days island hopping in san blas islands - stay in a different island everyday, romantic getaway to san blas islands - island pelicano, snorkeling lovers - perro chico island - stay 1, 2 or 3 nights in san blas islands, private day tour in san blas islands, all inclusive day tour to san blas islands, 3 days 2 nights cayos holandeses san blas adventure, 2 days 1 night san blas adventure in panama, private island in san blas - romantic camping, 2 days/ 1 night cabins over the water - island guardub, premium san blas adventure - 4 days island hopping in san blas islands, catamaran in san blas islands day tour, san blas adventure - 6 days/ 5 nights island hopping in san blas islands, aguja island - stay 1, 2 or 3 nights., 3 days comfort adventure in san blas islands, vip private ocean to ocean panama canal and jungle tour, premium foodie tour in panama casco viejo, balance for san blas tour.

CONTACT INFO

+1 207 245 1103, we are a social responsable tour operator, and supporting guna ayala community in line with united nations sustainable development goals.  we are no1 agency for tour to san blas islands in panama, offering autentic experiences with our packages all included, [email protected] whatsapp:  +507 6012-9523 +507 6485-2841, useful links.