Pelicano Island: San Blas Panama Day Trip & Community Visit

Planning a trip to Panama and craving a taste of tropical paradise combined with a dash of local culture? The Pelicano Island day trip offers just that. This adventure promises sun-soaked beaches, vibrant underwater life, and the chance to walk in the footsteps of characters from Netflix’s Money Heist. From the moment we hear about it, it sounds like the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and cultural insight—something that appeals to many travelers.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are its stunning natural pools and sandbanks, the chance to snorkel around lively reefs, and the opportunity to visit multiple islands in a single day. Plus, you get to meet the Kuna community, learning about their traditions firsthand. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention that the island can get quite crowded and that the facilities are rustic. Still, for those seeking an authentic escape with good value, this trip hits the right notes.

This experience suits travelers who love scenic scenery, cultural exchanges, and underwater adventures, especially if they’re eager to explore the San Blas Islands beyond just lounging on a beach. If you’re looking for a full-day, action-packed escape with memorable photo opportunities and a taste of Indigenous culture, this tour could be just right.

Good To Know

• Stunning scenery and natural pools make for excellent photo opportunities.
• Cultural interaction with Kuna guides provides authentic insight into local traditions.
• Multiple island visits allow for varied landscapes and experiences.
• Snorkeling offers glimpses of vibrant marine life around Pelicano Island.
• The tour is all-inclusive, with lunch and transportation included.
• The rustic facilities and growing crowds are worth considering before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

The Pelicano Island day trip offers a balanced blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural connection. Starting early from Panama City, your journey begins with a 75-minute jeep ride through scenic landscapes, setting the tone for the day ahead. The trip is operated by Sea San Blas, a reputable company known for its focus on safety and authentic experiences, with a fully licensed and insured family guiding the tour.

The journey includes a visit to a local food market, giving you a quick taste of local life, followed by a safety briefing before heading further into the San Blas region. As you approach the islands, the excitement builds—not just because of the promise of beautiful scenery but also because of the chance to experience locations used in Money Heist—a fun nod for fans of the series.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Travel to San Blas

Your day begins early, with pickup from your hotel between 5:00 and 5:20 AM. The driver, Marco, and the team prioritize punctuality and safety, making sure everyone is comfortable during the roughly 2.5-hour drive. The scenic drive through Panama’s landscapes offers a chance to see the countryside change from urban to lush tropical.

Cultural Stop at a Food Market

A brief stop at a local food market allows you to soak in the local vibe. Here, you might pick up some snacks or simply observe daily life in the region. This is a nice touch that adds depth to the trip, helping you connect with local life beyond the tourist spots.

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Journey to Pelicano Island

After some more driving and a quick safety briefing, the adventure continues with a 20-minute speedboat ride across turquoise waters to Pelicano Island. The boat ride alone is picturesque, with waves lapping against the boat and panoramic views of unspoiled islands dotting the horizon.

Exploring Pelicano Island

Once on Pelicano Island, you get about three hours to explore. It’s enough time to enjoy the pristine, white-sand beaches, take photos with the backdrop of “Money Heist” filming locations, and relax. The island’s popularity has increased over time, and some reviews mention that it’s becoming more crowded and the island is getting more developed with cabañas and facilities, which slightly diminishes the sense of untouched paradise.

Snorkeling and Swimming

Snorkels are provided, and many users say the underwater scenery is lively and colorful. Expect to see coral reefs and a variety of marine life—adding an exciting dimension to your day. During the swim, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant fish and possibly small reef sharks or rays, depending on the day.

Lunch and Additional Island Visits

A three-course lunch is included, served on one of the islands—generally a good-quality, buffet-style meal. Later, the tour visits additional islands and sandbanks, giving you different scenery and photo opportunities. These stops include Anmardub and Naranjo Chico, which are known for their unique landscapes and quieter atmospheres.

Final Stops and Return Journey

After exploring the San Blas region, the boat rides back to Puerto Tupile Dibin, and the journey home begins. Expect a 2.5-hour drive back to Panama City, giving you a chance to relax after a full day. The trip concludes with you back in the city around evening time.

The Experience: What We Loved and What to Consider

We appreciated the diversity of the day—each island had a different vibe, from lively snorkeling spots to tranquil beaches perfect for naps or sunbathing. The local Kuna guides were warm and knowledgeable, eager to share their culture but not overwhelming with information, which some reviewers felt was a missed opportunity for deeper storytelling.

The snorkeling was a definite highlight, with colorful reefs and plenty of marine life visible just minutes from the shore. The included lunch was praised for being satisfying and buffet-style, with some reviewers suggesting they’d like a bit more variety or slightly warmer food, but overall, it was good value.

On the downside, some noted that the island is feeling more crowded and commercialized, with more cabañas and facilities popping up. One reviewer pointed out that the island is “not so big and is getting heavily occupied,” which might diminish the sense of pristine wilderness if you’re after untouched nature.

Weather can be unpredictable, so the tour takes place rain or shine. Usually, ocean conditions are the deciding factor for cancellations, so check the forecast if you’re planning around weather.

Transportation and Logistics

Transportation is well-organized, with a comfortable jeep ride from Panama City and swift boat transfers. The early start—at 5 AM—can be a challenge, especially for light sleepers or late risers, but it ensures you maximize your time on the islands. The tour is suitable for most, but note that it’s not recommended for those with back problems or mobility issues, as the boat and some terrain can be bumpy.

The all-inclusive nature of the tour—including lunch, water, and snorkeling gear—adds to the convenience and perceived value. The Guna Yala entrance fee of $22 for foreigners (or $7 for residents) is payable on site, and your guide will help facilitate this.

Is It Worth It?

Considering the price and what’s included, this trip offers a good bang for your buck. You get multiple island visits, snorkeling, cultural insight, and a well-organized transport setup, all wrapped into a packed one-day adventure. For travelers who want a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and activity, this trip is quite compelling.

However, if you’re after exclusivity or pristine, deserted beaches, you might find the increasing crowds and rustic facilities a bit disappointing. The vibrant underwater scene and the opportunity to interact with Kuna guides make it a unique experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for first-timers wanting a comprehensive snapshot of San Blas, especially if you’re interested in snorkeling and local culture. It’s also suited for travelers who prefer a well-organized, all-inclusive tour that minimizes logistical planning.

If you’re open-minded about rustic facilities and don’t mind sharing the beaches with other travelers, you’ll likely find this experience both fun and worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

The Pelicano Island day trip in San Blas offers a lively, scenic, and culturally rich day out. While some aspects are showing signs of growing popularity—crowds and development—the core beauty of the islands remains. For those eager to see Money Heist filming locations, snorkel colorful reefs, and connect with Kuna culture, this tour delivers on multiple levels.

Keep your expectations realistic regarding facilities and crowds, but don’t let that overshadow the genuine beauty and unique experiences on offer. It’s a trip that balances adventure with relaxation, making it a strong option for most visitors wanting a taste of Panama’s tropical treasures without overextending themselves.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire trip lasts about one day, starting early with pickups around 5 AM and returning to Panama City in the evening.

How many islands will I visit?
You’ll visit a total of four different attractions, including Pelicano Island, other nearby islands, and sandbanks, providing varied scenery.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, and many travelers enjoy exploring the vibrant marine life around Pelicano Island.

What is the Guna Yala entrance fee?
The fee is $22 for foreigners and $7 for Panama residents, payable at the entrance. Your guide will assist with this process.

Can I expect crowded beaches?
Yes, some reviews mention that the island gets quite busy and that development is increasing, which can reduce the sense of solitude.

Is the food good?
Lunch is generally well-received, with a buffet-style meal that satisfies most. Some recommend a bit more variety or warmer dishes, but overall, it’s considered good value.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, sunglasses, hat, snacks, drinks, and sunscreen. Avoid large bags, drones, or baby strollers, as facilities are rustic.

This Pelicano Island trip offers a memorable mix of natural beauty, local culture, and adventure, perfect for those wanting a full and authentic day in San Blas.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby