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How to get from Panama City to San Blas?

There are two ways to get from Panama City to San Blas. We organize the transfer from any point in Panama (from the door of your hotel or home to the selected boat).

View of the San Blas Islands archipelago by day


By air


Without a doubt, this is the fastest and most fun way to get to the charter in San Blas, in just 40 minutes you can enjoy our boats and during your flight you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Central American jungle and the paradisiacal San Blas archipelago.

There are two airports in San Blas, one on the island of Porvenir “very close to Carti” and the second in Nargana, near the island of Corazón de Jesus.

If you decide to travel by plane, give us a call and not only can we coordinate your flight, but there may be some free seats on your dates that you may be able to fill at a cheaper price.

The recommended departure time is 7:30am, but we are happy to accommodate your schedule, just let us know when booking.


Flight details:


Departure from the local Albrook terminal in Panama City

Check-in departure time: early morning

Departure time at check-out: identical to check-in time

Arrival in: Corazón de Jesús or the Future

Type: Private aircraft

Duration: 40 minutes

Costs: depends on the number of passengers and the total weight, see information below

Airport tax: $20/person

Once you arrive in Corazón de Jesús, you will be welcomed by our captain

transferred to the catamaran, which is anchored next to the runway.

The transfer time from the piste to the catamaran is a maximum of 3-5 minutes

 

IMPORTANT, DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT!!!


5 main reasons why it is highly recommended to fly to San Blas:


  • The flight time is 40 minutes instead of the 4 to 5 hours for the road transfer and water taxi.

  • The departure point can optionally be local to Albrook PAC or international to Tocumen PTY .

  • Fly and avoid water and street taxis, which are not convenient for some people.

  • The landing at Corazón de Jesús is just a stone's throw from the Keys, and if you arrive by water taxi or road, it's a 2-hour boat ride from the tip of the Holandeses Keys.

  • Flight costs have fallen compared to previous years.

Where do you fly to after San Blas?

  • Options include the local Albrook Airport in Panama City or Tocumen International Airport, which is good because you can get to San Blas without having to change airports.

Where do the flights land?

  • Sacred Heart and the Future


Which of the two landing spots is the best?

  • We prefer Corazón de Jesús because the Keys are easy to get to, but sometimes we can fly to El Porvenir for weather reasons.


How long do flights to San Blas Corazón de Jesús or Porvenir take?

  • 40 minutes


What time do private flights to San Blas depart?

  • Because they are private, you can take off whenever you want. Although flights are normal from 6am to 8am and we prefer our guests to leave for San Blas early in the morning, we can always adapt to any time of day. Please note that San Blas airports do not have lights and return flights must be made during the day.

                                                      

Is it safe to fly to San Blas?

  • Some of our guests are often afraid of flying in small private planes. It goes without saying that the aviation industry in Panama is 100% regulated and inspections are carried out just like in the US or any other western country. In the absence of any flight problems, we can state that flights to San Blas are perfectly safe.

Are flights to San Blas private or shared flights?

  • The flights are private. Regular airlines like Air Panama do not fly to San Blas, only small private planes.

                                 

How do I get to the catamaran from San Blas airport?

  • The catamaran captain will be waiting for you next to the runway and will take you on board the tender in a short 2-minute walk.


Is weight a problem when taking a private flight to San Blas?

  • It can be. You must pack light and respect the weight restrictions on the aircraft you have booked. You can always leave your luggage with the airline in the PAC. Please do not leave any valuables behind.


How much does it cost to fly to San Blas?

  • Check the prices here on our page about flights to San Blas. We can include all the costs of private flights in our services. This way you will receive from us both the catamaran rental and the confirmation of the private flights, as well as all the practical information you need.


How do I book the flight to San Blas?

  • Just send us your total passenger and luggage weight along with your names and passports. We'll take care of the rest.


How do you book a flight to the San Blas Islands and how much does it cost?

  • You will need to arrive at the local Albrook terminal in Panama City. From there, with only your passport, you can take a 40-minute private flight to Corazón de Jesús (literally, the Heart of San Blas). The cost of private flight transfers to the San Blas Islands depends on the aircraft you use.


Albrook Airport is conveniently located in Panama City and is just a short taxi ride from your Panama City hotel or residence. Private transfers from your hotel to the local terminal are also available upon request, just let us know.


Flights to San Blas take 40 minutes and you can book any of the available aircraft in the table below. Make sure you meet the weight requirements.


Booking the flight is very simple: tell us your intention and we will send you the booking details. You can pay for the flight with your credit card.


When to leave for the San Blas Islands: We recommend flying in the morning and arriving at the catamaran before 10am, but you choose the exact time, we adapt to your needs. The return flight on the disembarkation date will be at the same time as the previous landing.


Flight prices: Prices


By land 4×4 + boat


Costs for road travel


  • Ground transportation from the hotel, Tocumen Airport or any other point in Panama City to the San Blas Terminal in Carti:

  • $60/person for a shared 4x4 round trip.

  • (Transportation from another location in Panama and/or with private transport, see costs)

  • Private $180 Round trip $180. (maximum 6 seats).

  • The car will take you to the port of Carti in San Blas, where a boat will take you to the sailboat or catamaran. You will normally be expected at the boat around 9:30 am.

The price for the boat is $60 per person round trip.


One way Panama - San Blas

  • Pick up time at the door of your home or hotel: between 5:15 and 5:45 am.

  • Arrival at the port of Carti (Guna Yala) around 8:30 am.

  • From the port, a boat takes you


Return from San Blas – Panama

  • Pick up time for RETURN: 7:30am.

  • Arrival at the port of Carti (Guna Yala) at 8:30 a.m.

  • Arrival in Panama City: 12:30


Payments you have to make in addition to the boat rental

  • Payments for car and boat transport as well as regional taxes must be made

  • to be paid directly to the driver and the boat driver.

  • Round trip transportation by car: $60 per person.

  • Round trip boat fare: $60 per person.

  • Entry tax: $20 for foreigners and $5 for Panamanians or residents.

  • Port use: $2 per person.

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