What to expect on a Diablo Island day trip in San Blas
Diablo Island (Niadub) is one of the most unique and exciting stops in the San Blas Islands, known for its dramatic landscapes, rustic energy and cultural richness. On this full-day tour from Panama City, you travel by 4x4 SUV and boat to reach this remote island and explore the beauty of the Guna Yala region in just one day.
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. On Chichime and Diablo, each island’s family hosts you. Whether you are going solo or with a group, expect authentic island vibes, Guna-made meals and a rare look at one of the lesser-known corners of the Caribbean.
The day includes time to relax on the beach, explore the shoreline and swim in the surrounding reef-protected waters. Along with Diablo Island, you visit Chichime Island and the Natural Pool (Starfish Pool); the exact stops can change depending on the day’s route. The islands have shared bathrooms but no changing areas, so change in the bathrooms or arrive with your swimwear on. Lunch is served on Chichime Island.
Who it suits
Travellers going solo or with a group who want a hands-on, active day rather than just sunbathing. Youth and toddler prices are available for children.
How your Diablo Island day trip unfolds.
Early morning · Getting there
Panama City to Chichime Island
Pickup, a breakfast stop before the mountain road, the passport check and the boat to the first island.
- 5:00 – 5:20 AM
- Pickup from your location in Panama City: hotel, Airbnb or similar
- 5:30 AM
- Departure from Panama City
- 6:30 AM
- Breakfast stop at a gas station before the mountain roadNot included
- 7:15 AM
- Passport verification at the regional entrance
- 8:00 – 8:45 AM
- Arrival at the port
- 9:30 AM
- Arrival at the first island: Chichime
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.
Morning to afternoon · On the islands
Chichime, the Natural Pool and Diablo Island
Beach time on Chichime and lunch, then the Natural Pool and Diablo Island.
- 9:45 – 11:30 AM
- Enjoy Chichime Island
- 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Lunch on Chichime IslandIncluded
- 1:00 – 1:30 PM
- Natural Pool (Starfish Pool)
- 2:30 – 3:15 PM
- Enjoy Diablo Island
Expect sudden weather changes during the trip.
Afternoon · Heading back
Back to Panama City
The boat back to the port and the drive to the city, back the same evening.
- 3:30 PM
- Arrival at the port
- 3:30 – 4:00 PM
- Departure by 4x4 SUV 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 — per person, payable when you book.
What’s included.
Included
- Visit to Chichime Island
- Visit to Diablo Island
- Natural Pool (Starfish Pool)
- Professional staff
- Island fees, separate from the Guna Border Fee
- Round-trip 4x4 SUV transport
- Round-trip boat transfers
- Snorkelling mask and snorkel
- Lunch with one drink: water, juice or soda
- Life jacket, with child sizes available
Not included
- Guna Border Fee, paid in cash: $22 for foreign visitors, $7 for Panama residents, free for ages 0–9
- Alcohol: you can bring your own
- Beach towels, soap or other personal items
- Fins
Before you go.
How much does the Diablo Island day trip cost?
The Diablo Island day trip costs — per adult, — per youth and — per toddler. The Guna Border Fee is not included and is paid separately in cash.
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.
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 — 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.
What do I need to bring?
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 the weather change during the trip?
Yes. Expect sudden weather changes throughout the trip.
What is served for lunch?
Lunch is served on Chichime Island. Options include fresh seafood, the catch of the day, fish and chicken, served with rice, fries, salad and fruit, plus one drink: juice, soda or water. Vegetarian and other diet options are available.
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.
Can I buy drinks and snacks on the islands?
Yes. You can buy water, soft drinks, beer and snacks on the islands. Bring cash, as there are no ATMs.
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.
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.
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 ages 0–9 do not pay the Guna Border Fee. Travellers ages 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.
