What to expect on a Chichime Island day trip in San Blas
Chichime Island, also known as Wissudub, has a rustic, active atmosphere shaped by its shoreline, dramatic island setting and reef-protected water. Time for beach exploration and swimming is paired with a Guna-prepared lunch, and island staff manage the routing locally.
Sea San Blas is 100% Guna-owned and has run trips in Guna Yala for more than 20 years. Your trip pays local captains, cooks and island hosts directly. Your hosts on Chichime are the family of Chichime Island.
Lunch follows your time on Chichime. Options include fresh seafood, the catch of the day, fish and chicken, served with rice, fries, salad and fruit, plus one drink of juice, soda or water. Vegetarian and other dietary options are available. In the afternoon you visit the Natural Pool/Starfish Pool for time in the water, then Diablo Island, the final stop of the day. There are shared bathrooms on the island.
Who it suits
Travellers who want an active mix of beach time, swimming and several stops. Children are welcome, with youth (ages 5–9) and toddler (ages 0–4) rates. The 4x4 SUV mountain route is unsuitable for some travellers with mobility or health concerns.
How your day on Chichime unfolds.
Early morning: Getting there
Panama City to Chichime Island
Pickup, the shared 4x4 SUV over the mountain route and the boat to the island.
- 5:00 – 5:20 AM
- Pickup from your hotel, Airbnb or other confirmed location in Panama City
- 5:30 AM
- Leave Panama City in a shared 4x4 SUV
- 6:30 AM
- Gas-station stop before the mountain route; breakfast available to buyNot included
- 7:15 – 7:30 AM
- Passport verification at the Guna Yala regional entrance
- 8:00 – 8:45 AM
- Arrive at the port and prepare for the boat transfer
- 9:30 AM
- Arrive at Chichime Island, also known as Wissudub
This itinerary is tentative. Times and stops may change without notice, and activities may not happen in the order shown, due to local Guna logistics, weather or sea conditions.
Mid-morning: On the islands
Chichime, the Natural Pool and Diablo Island
Beach time and swimming on Chichime, lunch, then two more stops.
- 9:45 – 11:30 AM
- Relax on the beach, explore the shoreline and swim in the surrounding waters
- 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Included lunch with your choice of juice, soda or waterIncluded
- 1:00 – 1:30 PM
- Natural Pool/Starfish Pool, for time in the water
- 2:00 – 3:00 PM
- Diablo Island, the final island stop of the day
Expect sudden weather changes during the trip.
Afternoon: Heading back
Back to Panama City
The boat back to the port, then the shared 4x4 SUV back to the city.
- 3:30 PM
- Arrive back at the port
- 3:30 – 4:00 PM
- Shared 4x4 SUV leaves for Panama City
- 7:00 – 7:30 PM
- Estimated drop-off in Panama City
Arrival time back to Panama City will vary due to traffic and weather. Our round-trip transport takes you back to your hotel, Airbnb or hostel in Panama City. We can also drop you off at Tocumen International Airport, Albrook Airport or Albrook Bus Terminal at no extra cost. Inform us before you leave the islands so we can arrange it. *Pickups and drop-offs at the Westin Playa Bonita or Dreams Playa Bonita cost an extra USD 10.00 per person, payable when you book.
What’s included.
Included
- Round-trip shared 4x4 SUV transport from Panama City
- Round-trip boat transfers
- Visit to Chichime Island
- Visit to the Natural Pool/Starfish Pool
- Visit to Diablo Island
- Island fees, separate from the Guna Border Fee
- Lunch with one drink: water, juice or soda
- Snorkelling mask and snorkel (no fins)
- Life jacket, with child sizes available
- Professional staff
Not included
- Guna Border Fee, paid in cash: $22 for foreign visitors, $7 for Panama residents, free for ages 0–9
- Optional breakfast at the morning stop
- Drinking water beyond the drink served with lunch
- Alcohol: you can bring your own
- Beach towels
- Soap and other personal-use items
Before you go.
What does the Chichime Island Day Trip cost?
The trip costs USD 125.00 per adult (ages 10+), USD 95.00 per youth aged 5–9 and USD 50.00 per toddler aged 0–4. Prices are per person. The Guna Border Fee is separate and paid in cash where applicable.
Can I add extras or add-ons after I book?
All extras and add-ons must be selected and paid for when you book. Once the day of your trip arrives, you can’t add or request any extras or add-ons.
Which places does the day trip visit?
The planned route includes Chichime Island, the Natural Pool/Starfish Pool and Diablo Island. Exact attractions, timings and the order of activities can change because of weather, local logistics and island staff decisions.
What is included in the trip price?
The price includes shared round-trip 4x4 SUV transport from Panama City, round-trip boat transfers, the listed island stops, island fees, lunch with one drink, a snorkelling mask and snorkel, a life jacket and professional staff. Each 4x4 SUV has a seating capacity of 6 passengers. The Guna Border Fee is not included.
What time is pickup and when will I return to Panama City?
Pickup from your confirmed Panama City location is scheduled for 5:00 – 5:20 AM. The estimated return to Panama City is 7:00 – 7:30 PM.
Where can I be picked up and dropped off?
We pick you up and drop you off at hotels, hostels and Airbnbs in and around Panama City. When you book, search for your pickup location and the booking system will tell you whether it’s inside our pickup area. Pickups from the Westin Playa Bonita or Dreams Playa Bonita cost an extra USD 10.00 per person. You can change your pickup location up to 24 hours before your trip; changes on the morning of the trip aren’t possible. After your trip, we can also drop you off at Tocumen International Airport, Albrook Airport or Albrook Bus Terminal at no extra cost. Just let us know when you leave the islands so we can arrange it.
Do I need my passport for the Chichime Island Day Trip?
Yes. You must bring your original passport for verification at the regional entrance. Photocopies are not accepted, and entry is not permitted without the original document.
What should I bring on the Chichime Island Day Trip?
Here’s what to pack for the day. There are no ATMs on the islands, so bring enough cash in US dollars.
- Original passport
- Cash for the Guna Border Fee
- Cash for souvenirs
- Drinking water
- Snacks and any additional personal drinks
- Beach towel and beach accessories
- Camera
- Dry bag or waterproof backpack
- Sunscreen and after-sun care
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Dry clothes to change back into
- Good vibes
Can I bring my own alcohol, drinks and snacks?
Yes. You’re welcome to bring your own alcohol, drinks and snacks on the day trip.
What drinks are included with meals?
Lunch comes with 1 drink: water, juice or soda. If you’d like more, you can buy extra drinks on the islands.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. Island staff can prepare eggs with other foods such as rice, beans, potatoes, fries, salads and fruit, among other options. What’s available varies from island to island, so tell the staff your requests when you arrive. There are no vegetarian protein options such as tofu or soy products. Vegans can have a double portion of the sides, such as rice, beans and salad, in place of the chicken, meat or fish. We recommend that vegetarians and vegans bring their own snacks, food and drinks to have during and between meals.
Is there Wi-Fi or phone signal on the islands?
Wi-Fi is generally unavailable on day trips because of the constant island hopping, and phone signal is very weak.
Who pays the Guna Border Fee?
Foreign visitors aged 10 and older pay $22, while Panama residents aged 10 and older pay $7. Children aged 0–9 do not pay the fee. Payment is due in cash.
Can toddlers join the trip?
Yes. The toddler category covers ages 0–4 and costs USD 50.00 per person. Toddlers must sit on an accompanying adult’s lap during all ground and boat transport. Child-size life jackets are available.
Is the trip suitable for travellers with mobility or medical concerns?
The trip is not wheelchair accessible. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers, travellers with back or hip problems, or anyone with a serious pre-existing medical condition.
Is the itinerary guaranteed?
No. The itinerary is tentative, and sudden weather changes are possible. Attractions, schedules and activity order may change without notice based on local logistics and island staff decisions.
Will I see starfish at the natural pool?
Starfish are usually around the natural pool, but they won’t always be there, so sightings aren’t guaranteed.
Cancellation & Refunds
You may cancel your trip at any time. For customer cancellations, you receive a 90% refund when you cancel 5 or more calendar days before your trip starts, a 50% refund when you cancel 3 or 4 calendar days before, and no refund when you cancel 2 or fewer calendar days before. We count Panama calendar dates; refund tiers change at midnight in Panama. Sea San Blas may consider an exception for a verified emergency; exceptions are not guaranteed. All payments are processed securely on our website or via bank transfer.
Passport, transport and border requirements
- Bring your original passport. Entry is not permitted without it, and photocopies are not accepted.
- Shared transportation is used for all customers; it is not private.
- Toddlers must sit on an accompanying adult’s lap during all ground and boat transportation.
- Travellers aged 0–9 do not pay the Guna Border Fee. Travellers aged 10 and older must pay it in cash: $22 for foreign visitors or $7 for Panama residents.
- Breakfast at the morning stop is optional, not included, and paid separately if you choose it.
- There are no ATMs on the islands, so bring enough cash for the Guna Border Fee and personal purchases.
Traveller suitability
This trip is not wheelchair accessible. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers, people with back or hip problems, or anyone with a serious pre-existing medical condition.
