By Ramiro Del Rio
Perro Chico Island: The Shipwreck Island of San Blas
If you’ve seen even ONE photo of San Blas, it was probably taken here: a rusty shipwreck peeking out of the turquoise water. Perro Chico Island (Assudub Bipii in the Guna language) is the star of the Cayos Limones.
The Shipwreck
Just a few meters from the beach lies a ship that sank decades ago and has since become an artificial reef. Today it’s a natural aquarium: sergeant fish, parrotfish, blue surgeonfish, and sometimes stingrays swim among the coral covering the hull.
The best part: it’s 2 meters deep and you can swim out to it from the shore. You don’t need any experience—it’s the most accessible snorkeling spot in all of Panama.
The Island
Small enough to cross on foot in 5 minutes, with palm trees, white sand, and calm waters on its sheltered side. There are cold coconuts and natural shade to rest in between dips.
How to Visit
Perro Chico is included in our Classic Day · 3 Islands and in the VIP Day · 4 Islands + Guna Community. Both also stop at the Natural Pool; the price of each one is on its own page.
Tip: Arrive early (our tours arrive around 8:30 AM) to snorkel at the shipwreck before the other visitors.
Book your visit to the shipwreck here.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is the shipwreck at Isla Perro Chico? The shipwreck at Isla Perro Chico lies 2 meters deep, and you can swim out to it from the shore. You don’t need any experience: it’s the most accessible snorkeling spot in all of Panama.
What fish can you see at the Isla Perro Chico shipwreck? The ship sank decades ago and became an artificial reef, where sergeant fish, parrotfish, blue surgeonfish, and sometimes stingrays swim among the coral covering the hull.
Which tours stop at Isla Perro Chico? Isla Perro Chico is included in the Classic Day · 3 Islands and the VIP Day · 4 Islands + Guna Community. Both also stop at the Piscina Natural, and the price of each one is on its own page.
What time should you get to Isla Perro Chico to snorkel the shipwreck? Early: our tours arrive around 8:30 AM, so you can snorkel at the shipwreck before the other visitors.