Published on Nov, 2022
If you are looking for paradise on a budget this is it! My wife and i visited the Maldives earlier this year and spent over $15,000 on that trip. However, we found pictures of San Blas online and were amazed when we realized it's not as widely spoken of as The Maldives.
We ended up taking a multi-country trip with our first stop in Panama city. We booked a 3 day 2 night trip to San Blas for around $650 for two.
The reservation includes pick up from your hotel at 5am. You will likely be in a 4x4 with a total of 7 people. 2 hours later you will make a stop at one of the largest supermarkets ever. Then, you will make your way into the bumpiest 1.5 hr drive of your life. This 1.5 hour drive will lead you to the port where all of the boats are dock. Be prepared, because once you get there, you will be rushed to and loaded onto a boat with all of your things—no time for a restroom break.
Then, it will take approximately 20 to 25 minutes to get to your island (we stayed at Walidub island).
The entire length of the trip (from pick up to drop off) took about 5 hours.
Once on the island, you will be met by the Kuna Yala employees/natives that take care of the island and the guests within it.
Now, to the island experience:
If you are going here thinking you will be in luxurious accommodations, you will be sorely disappointed. The cabanas on the island are like cabins you would find at a Campground. The beds did not all have sheets, the electricity only runs from 6p to 6a, the water from the faucet and shower smell like feces, the toilet will not flush properly (yes, your poop will just float in the toilet bowl), you will get stung by a gazillion mosquitoes, the walls are paper thin, it may be extremely windy at night and you might have a hard time sleeping, it will either be too cold or too hot at night and the wall fans don't all work, and you might not be provided with a detailed itinerary of your stay.
But, with all of that said, if you keep all of that in mind, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Kuna people are always happy and very accommodating.
Expect to be fed 3 times a day. The food is great, but don't expect a Michelin Star restaurant.
The price of your stay also includes an island hopping tour with a free lunch!
My wife and I honestly couldn't believe we only paid $650 for a pickup, drop off (they will even drop you off at a different location if you need them to), 3 meals per day, an island hopping tour, and free lunch on our tour!
If you are not someone who is nitpicky about every tiny detail when you travel, then I highly recommend this tour!
Free Cancellation
