Perro Chico Island

Perro Chico is small — you could walk its shoreline in under ten minutes — but it punches well above its size for one reason: the shipwreck. A sunken vessel rests in shallow water just off the island, now an artificial reef covered in coral growth and patrolled by schools of colorful reef fish.

The shipwreck snorkel

This is the single most requested stop on most San Blas itineraries, and for good reason — the wreck sits in water shallow enough for beginners and non-certified snorkelers to explore comfortably, usually just a short swim from the boat or the beach. Visibility is typically excellent, and guides will point out the spots most likely to have larger fish or the occasional ray resting on the sandy bottom nearby.

Beyond the wreck

Perro Chico itself is uninhabited and mostly used as a day-stop rather than an overnight base — it’s really the water around it, not the island itself, that’s the draw. A narrow strip of beach gives you a place to dry off and eat lunch between snorkeling sessions.

Good to know

• Best for: snorkeling (any skill level), photography, a quick, easy stop between longer beach time on other islands.
• Facilities: minimal — this is primarily a snorkel stop, not a lounging island.
• Pairs well with: most day tours combine Perro Chico with 2-3 other islands in the same itinerary, since the stop itself is relatively short.