Nurdub Island Cultural Stay in a Guna Village

• First day: Lunch and dinner
• Following day(s): Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Last day: Breakfast only – unless late check-out is booked  (available upon request)
• All traditional island meals prepared by our island cook
• Protein options: fish, seafood, or chicken
• Side dishes: rice, fried plantains, or potatoes, served with a portion of salad
• Dietary restrictions: please inform us in advance if you have any special requirements

Identification & Money
Passport (for foreign travelers) or Panamanian ID (for locals) – original documents only and mandatory for entry into Guna Yala.
Cash (USD only) – needed for entry fees, extra drinks, snacks, optional activities, and souvenirs. No ATMs or card payments are available on the islands, at the port, or at checkpoints.

Clothing & Protection
Swimwear
Reef-safe sunscreen, after-sun care
Light, quick-dry clothing: t-shirts, shorts, and a long-sleeve shirt for cooler evenings
Hat and sunglasses
Windbreaker or light rain jacket – especially useful outside the dry season

Beach & Water Gear
Beach towel
Waterproof bag – to protect electronics, phone, camera, and other valuables from sand and water
Snorkel gear – optional but highly recommended if you own it

Food & Drinks
Water, drinks, and snacks – meals are included, but you may want extras. Some islands have small kiosks selling beer, sodas, water, and snacks

Personal Care
Towel and toiletries – bring your own soap, toothbrush, shampoo, etc.

Electronics
Chargers, adapters, fully charged power bank, solar panel charger
Flashlight or headlamp – electricity is usually available only from 5:30–10:00 PM

Other
Insect repellent – just in case

Good vibes and an open mind – the most important items for a smooth, enjoyable trip to a remote place like Guna Yala 🌴✨

This is a recommended packing list based on our experience. Feel free to bring anything else you feel is necessary.

Day 1 – Journey to the San Blas Islands

Example based on a 2-night stay. 1-night stays follow a similar schedule with adjusted timing and activities.

05:00 AM    Pick-up from your hotel, Airbnb, or residence in Panama City.

07:00 AM    Refreshment stop before entering the jungle road to Guna Yala (San Blas). Use the restroom, buy snacks and drinks.

08:00 AM    Passport control and visitor fee payment (cash) at the Guna Yala checkpoint.

08:45 AM    Arrival at the port. Your driver will introduce you to our local team, who will coordinate the boat embarkation and transfer to the island.

09:15 AM    Boat departure to the island. Travel time varies depending on your island’s location and sea conditions (typically 20–40 minutes).

10:00 AM    Arrival at your island, check-in, and leisure time.

12:30 PM     Lunch

02:00 PM     Afternoon island-hopping tour to two nearby beach islands and the Natural Pool (or one beach island and a Guna community), or leisure time on the island.

06:30 PM     Dinner and free evening or optional social gathering in the island’s communal area.

Day 2 and more – A full day to relax and explore the San Blas Islands

07:30 AM    Breakfast

12:00 PM     Lunch

AM/PM       Leisure time on the island or join an optional morning or afternoon island-hopping tour (can be added to the package).

06:30 PM    Dinner and free evening or optional social gathering in the island’s communal area.

Last day – Journey back to Panama City

07:30 AM    Breakfast and check-out

08:00 AM    Boat transfer back to the port

09:00 AM    Car transportation back to Panama City

12:00 PM – 01:00 PM Estimated arrival in Panama City

Enjoy the island until 3:00 PM with our optional late check-out for $25 USD per person (includes lunch). Approximate arrival in Panama City is around 7:00 PM.

Times and activities are approximate and may vary depending on local conditions, trafic, and community coordination.

• Roundtrip ground transportation from Panama City to the Guna Yala port (shared service)
• 4×4 vehicle with maximum passenger capacity of 6 persons (private car upon request)
• Pick-up and drop-off in Panama City at your hotel or residence.
• Roundtrip boat transfer between the Guna Yala port and the island (shared service)
• Pick-up: Your must be ready to be picked up at 05.00 AM is required as you might be the first person(s) to be picked up.
• The driver will contact you between 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM once he arrives at the pre-arranged pick up location (your hotel, Airbnb or residence).
• Babies (0–2) must sit on a parent’s lap during the car ride or a baby seat can be provided and will be charged as regular transportation as it takes up a seat.

Passport / National Panama ID:

• Foreign travelers: A valid original passport with the immigration stamp received upon entering Panama.
• Panamanian residents: valid original cedula (national ID) or your eCedula if you are a foreign resident in Panama.
• Original / physical identification documents only – no photocopies or digital copies are accepted.
• Without the required documents, officials will deny entry to the Guna Yala territory.

Guna Yala Visitor Entrance Fee:

• $22 USD for foreign visitors / $7 USD for Panamanians and residents 
• To be paid in cash at Guna Yala Checkpoint (Entry to Guna Yala territory)
• Children 0–9 are free

Note: There are no ATMs or card payments accepted in Guna Yala.

The Guna Yala people only started to allow tourists to visit their islands a few years ago. Here, you won’t find luxury resorts, crowded marinas, or endless restaurants and noisy bars. Instead, you’ll find unspoiled nature, friendly (sometimes shy) Guna hosts, and the opportunity to spend a day in a tropical paradise, far away from the busy city life.

The Guna protect their land and culture, but they invite you to learn about their way of life by letting you into their territory. All services – including island lodging, food, and transportation – are run by the Guna people who take their time and follow their own rhythm. This is part of the authentic Guna Yala, San Blas experience. Therefore, sometimes service may seem slower than what you are used to from city life. Bring an open mind and adventurous spirit: even if the infrastructure is simple, you will be rewarded with unforgettable memories, stunning landscapes, and a chance to relax and deconnect in nature than nowhere else.

Visiting San Blas is about embracing simplicity, local culture, and the pace of island life – an adventure unlike any city experience.

We are here to ensure you enjoy the experience that suits you best.

From private cabins with own bathrooms to premium catamaran experiences, we’ve got you covered. Contact us for a personalized consultation.

• We don’t recommend the tour for pregnant travelers, wheelchair users, or persons with serious medical conditions.
• Guna Yala is a remote location with basic infrastructure; emergencies require helicopter transfer – ensure you have travel insurance covering such events.
• San Blas’ climate is tropical – depending on the season you are visiting San Blas, it’s recommended to bring light rain jacket
• Phone and internet service can be spotty – perfect time to unplug and enjoy paradise. Your photos will shine when you share them later (tag us!). Some islands have Starlink available for a small fee.
• Pets are not allowed in San Blas.

Overnight or Multi-Day Tours

Up to 15 days before the start of the trip: full refund (minus any bank transfer fees).

14 to 7 days before the start of trip: 50% refund.

Less than 7 days before the start of the trip: non-refundable.

The cabins on Nurdub are built in the traditional Guna style, using natural materials. They are simple yet cozy, reflecting the Guna way of life and close connection to nature, and offer an authentic island experience. There is only one type of cabin available, all built and maintained by local families. Each cabin has a sand floor and basic furniture. There are no electric outlets inside the cabins, but electronic devices can be charged in the community area during electricity hours in the evenings.

Phone and internet service on the San Blas Islands can be unreliable and depends on your location within Guna Yala. Most areas have signals for Tigo and Mas Movil, so if staying connected is important, it’s a good idea to get a SIM card from one of these providers before your trip. Most islands do not have Wi-Fi, but some do offer Starlink internet for a small fee.

Yes, you can bring your own drinks and snacks to the islands. There are no supermarkets, only small island kiosks with limited options. If you have any specific item you would like to have, it’s best to bring them with you from Panama City.

Note: Guests are highly encouraged to take their trash back to Panama City when possible, where better recycling facilities exist. Food and sweet drinks should be kept stored in closed bags to avoid attracting insects, as storage space in the cabins is limited.

Most islands in San Blas offer shared bathrooms and showers located outside the cabins. A few islands have started to build private bathrooms inside some cabins, but this is still rare.

Note: On Nurdub, there are only shared bathrooms.

Mola-making isn’t a standard activity offered to tourists on the islands, though you may see Guna women sewing molas during a Guna community tour. If you wish to learn how to make a mola, we can help you arrange a session with local Guna artisans during your stay. Availability depends on the artisans’ schedule, so it’s best to plan in advance.