San Blas Islands: Authentic Guna Experience

Explore the untouched beauty of Holandeses Cays with our exclusive San Blas Islands day trip. Snorkel, savor local cuisine, and connect with Guna culture.

Duration: 14 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Panama City - The adventure kicks off early with a hotel pick-up in Panama City between 5:00 AM and 5:45 AM. From there, the journey takes you through Panama’s stunning jungle highlands in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle. The drive lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, winding through lush rainforests, mountainous curves, and traditional Guna villages. This…
What's Included
  • Shared roundtrip transfer from your hotel in Panama City to Port of Carti
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Shared boat/lancha transportation all day
  • Lunch
  • One beverage: Bottle of water, soda or beer
  • Snorkel and Mask (Depending on availability. Please ask boat crew)
  • Island Taxes
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees
  • Entrance fees
Additional Information

Experience a journey to the untouched and secluded Holandeses Cays, far removed from the usual tourist paths. With strong connections to the Guna community, this tour provides a genuine, respectful, and immersive experience on some of the most stunning islands in San Blas. Travel comfortably in shaded boats and dependable 4x4s, savor a freshly prepared…

Location
Panama City
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(4 Ratings)
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1 star
Angelaluz01
Jul 19, 2025
Please go and disconnect from civilization - Toalla reccomended. Web enjoyed the holandeses cays just for us! Triste tour is recent and there is almost no turists visiting the Islands. Expect a long Day and ride as the islands are far but is worth it. The Gunas are shy but they do their best. Donde expect any luxury, just a day exploring the islands. Disconnect and be grateful for being at the moment with beautiful sorrounding! I Will go again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O1727krsarahs
Jul 19, 2025
One day trip to holandeses 100% worthy! - We really enjoyed this tour despute the rainy season in Panama. Its unbelievable we were able to visit the holandeses islands in just a day trip. I was looking to visit them however it was only possible to do it by sailing charter that costs usd 350 per person per night in a shared cabin! This one day tour is worth it! You have to know that the holandeses islands are like 1 hour away by boat so expect a long ride however is very worthy! Less touristy, more virgin islands!... It is a shared tour so expect shared cars and shared boats. I will totally do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mike29er78
Jul 18, 2025
- This tour was hands down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Panama. From the moment we were picked up early in the morning to the time we got dropped off in the evening, everything felt like a dream. Yes, it's a long day and the road to San Blas is definitely bumpy and winding, but trust me—it’s absolutely worth it. The boat ride out to the islands was stunning. When we arrived at the first island in the Holandeses Cays, I couldn’t believe how clear the water was—it looked like something off a postcard. We snorkeled, swam, and just relaxed in some of the most beautiful, untouched beaches I’ve ever seen. There were moments where it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. Our guide was amazing—super friendly, helpful, and full of interesting facts about the region and the Kuna Yala people. He really made everyone feel welcome and went out of his way to make sure we were having a good time. Lunch was simple but tasty (fresh fish, plantains, and rice), and eating it under the palm trees by the beach just added to the experience. What I really appreciated was how raw and real it all felt. No tourist traps, no big crowds—just nature, culture, and genuine connection. It’s not a luxury experience, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. There’s no Wi-Fi, no fancy facilities, and honestly, no need for them. You’re just completely present and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. If you're looking for a true escape, somewhere remote and magical, this trip delivers. I came back salty, sun-kissed, and totally recharged. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Harlan_i
Jul 15, 2025
This trip is really a 10... - This trip is really a 10 hour round trip commute - with a 2-3 hour stop over on a couple of trash-strewn little islands where the tour company has commercial relationships. 2 stars only because of the fantastic views on the drive across the middle of the country (which was the highlight of the trip).
Review provided by Viator
From $183
up to 14 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).