A clear guide for travelers who only need transportation and are not booking a Sea San Blas tour.

What This Service Is:

We offer shared transportation between Panama City and the San Blas Islands for travelers who only need transfers, without booking a tour or package with us.

This is important to understand:

These transfers are a completely separate service and are not the same as the transportation included in Sea San Blas tours.

If you are booking a tour, your transportation will follow the schedule and instructions for that trip—not the times listed on this page. This page applies only to travelers who want transportation only.

Who This Service Is For

Standalone transfers are ideal if:

• You already arranged your own island accommodation.
• You’re visiting friends, family, or a lodge in Guna Yala.
• You simply need reliable transport in and out of the region.
• You are not booking a Sea San Blas tour but still want professional, vetted drivers and boats.

If you are booking a tour with us, your transportation follows your tour’s logistics—not the transfer service on this page.

What’s Included

All standalone transfer services include:

• Shared 4x4 Jeep from Panama City to the Guna Yala border (Cartí).
• Shared boat (lancha) from Cartí to the islands and back (depending on your booking).
• Government-required 4x4 transport along the Cartí Road.
• Babies ages 1–4 travel free when seated on an adult’s lap.

These transfers are shared, not private.

Transfer Options & Prices

All prices are per person. Payments are final and non-refundable.

Schedules

Panama City → San Blas (Outbound)

• Pickup Time: Between 5:00 AM and 5:20 AM
• Be ready in your hotel lobby or pickup point at the start of this window.

This is the only departure window for transportation-only transfers leaving the city.

San Blas → Panama City (Return Routes)

These schedules apply only to travelers returning from the islands with the standalone transfer service.

We offer two return windows:

Morning Return

• Pickup in islands: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
• Arrival in Panama City: Approx. 12:00 PM

Afternoon Return

• Pickup in islands: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Arrival in Panama City: Approx. 7:00 PM

Important Policies

1. Strict Pickup Policy

To keep the schedule running smoothly for all travelers:

• Drivers cannot wait for late passengers.
• If you miss your pickup window, the service is considered missed.
• Missed transfers cannot be refunded or rescheduled.

2. Payments Are Final

All transfers are:

• Non-refundable
• Non-changeable
• Non-reschedulable

Please double-check your dates before paying.

Before You Book

Please make sure you understand:

• These are shared transfers.
• Travel times can vary depending on weather and sea conditions.
• You must bring cash for Guna entrance fees (not included).
• Cell service is limited once inside Guna Yala.
• If you’re booking a Sea San Blas tour, do not use this page—your tour already includes transportation details.

What to Bring

We recommend:

• Passport (required at Guna checkpoint)
• Cash for government entrance fees
• Small waterproof bag
• Light clothing and sandals
• Snacks and water
• Any medications you may need
• Towel if you plan to swim upon arrival

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this service private?

No. All standalone transfers are shared. Private transportation to San Blas is extremely limited and must be requested far in advance.

Is the return schedule the same as the outbound schedule?

No. Return schedules only apply to San Blas → Panama City transfers.

If I’m late, will the driver wait?

No. Drivers must stay on schedule for all passengers. A missed pickup is considered a missed service.

Can I book this if I’m taking a Sea San Blas tour?

No—your tour includes its own transportation. Use this page only if you need transportation separately.

How long is the ride to the docks?

About 2.5–3 hours depending on road conditions.

How long is the boat ride?

Usually 20–40 minutes depending on your destination.

Can I bring large luggage?

Yes, but space is limited. Soft bags like duffle bags, backpacks are better than hard suitcases.

Do infants pay?

Infants ages 1–4 travel free on an adult’s lap.

Need Help?

If you’re not sure whether you need a standalone transfer or a tour transfer, feel free to ask. We’ll guide you to the correct option so your logistics run smoothly.

Updated on: 12/12/2025