Explore the untouched beauty of Holandeses Cays with our exclusive San Blas Islands day trip. Snorkel, savor local cuisine, and connect with Guna culture.
Explore the untouched beauty of Holandeses Cays with our exclusive San Blas Islands day trip. Snorkel, savor local cuisine, and connect with Guna culture.
- 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…
- 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 scenic route is more than just transportation—it’s a memorable part of the experience. Keep an eye out for tropical birds, monkeys, and even sloths along the way. A quick grocery stop allows you to grab snacks or drinks before entering the Guna Yala territory.
- San Blas Islands - Upon arrival at the Port of Carti, the Kuna tour boat captain will welcome you aboard a spacious motorboat equipped with shade and safety gear. The journey continues with a 60-minute boat ride into the Caribbean Sea to the Holandeses Cays—some of the most remote and least visited islands in San Blas. Depending on ocean conditions, the ride may be splashy or bumpy, but the views are breathtaking: vivid blue waters, scattered islands on the horizon, and the feeling of venturing far off the beaten path. The remoteness of the Holandeses means fewer tourists and more pristine nature.
- San Blas Islands - Spend the day visiting two beautiful, untouched islands in the Holandeses Cays, each featuring soft white sand, tall coconut palms, and calm, turquoise waters. These islands are rarely visited by other tours, offering plenty of space to relax and unwind. Swim in the warm Caribbean Sea, explore the beaches, take hammock naps under the palms, or simply enjoy the peaceful island atmosphere. Due to the remote location, wildlife sightings like seabirds or reef fish just off the shore are common. It’s the perfect setting to disconnect and soak in the raw beauty of nature.
- San Blas Islands - A tour highlight is a visit to a shallow natural sandbank in the middle of the sea, often called a “natural pool.” Here, you’ll stand waist-deep in crystal-clear water surrounded by sea stars. It’s an ideal place to float, relax, and take stunning photos. You’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel in calm, reef-protected waters near the islands. With vibrant coral formations and tropical fish swimming all around, even beginner snorkelers will have a great time. Snorkel gear is provided (limited quantity), but bringing your own for the best fit and comfort is welcome.
- San Blas Islands - Around midday, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch by local Kuna hosts on one of the islands. The standard meal includes a choice of grilled fish or chicken, accompanied by coconut rice, crispy plantains, and a fresh salad. A refreshing drink—water, soda, or local beer—is included to complete the meal. Vegetarian options and lobster (for an additional fee) are available with advance notice. All food is prepared in a clean kitchen with fresh ingredients, and the laid-back island setting enhances the experience. Dine by the sea and savor the simplicity of island life.
- San Blas Islands - At 3:00 PM, depart from the final island and begin the boat ride back to the Port of Carti. This return trip offers one last chance to soak in the stunning seascapes of San Blas—tiny islands dotting the horizon, glistening turquoise waters, and the feeling of having truly escaped the modern world. Depending on sea conditions, the ride may be bumpy or wet, so keeping a dry bag or poncho within reach is recommended. Boats are equipped with shade and safety gear, and experienced Guna captains ensure a safe and smooth journey back to the mainland.
- Panama City - Once back at the port, the driver will be ready to greet you and assist you into the 4x4 for the return journey to Panama City. The drive back takes around 2.5 to 3 hours through the mountainous jungle roads of Guna Yala. It’s a scenic, winding route with occasional slow curves and potholes, but it’s also a chance to reflect on the day’s adventure and perhaps spot some wildlife one last time. Many guests use this time to nap, relax, or scroll through the amazing photos they captured. Arrival back at your lodging is around 7:00 PM, leaving you refreshed and full of unforgettable memories.

- 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
- 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
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
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…
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 island lunch, and snorkel in pristine waters filled with vibrant marine life. The small group size ensures a relaxed and personalized atmosphere, while 24/7 customer service offers support at every stage. For those in search of unspoiled beauty, true adventure, and a break from the ordinary—this is the San Blas tour you’ve been looking for.
- SAN BLAS DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING: ️ What to Expect on a San Blas Day Tour Transportation 2.5–3 hr ride from Panama City in shared 4x4s (6 passengers). Extra seat available at added cost. Pick-up 5:00–5:30 am — drivers can’t wait more than 10 min. Port check-in may feel informal, but the Kuna run it smoothly. 20–40 min boat ride (can be wet/bumpy). Boats may stop at other islands for guests. ️ Island Experience Rustic facilities: limited shade, basic bathrooms. Beaches often shallow — walk out further to swim. Islands can be busy in high season. Relaxed pace, no fixed schedules. ️ Food & Drinks Fresh meals (fish or chicken, rice, salad, patacones). One drink included (water, soda, or beer). Extra snacks/drinks available at port or on islands. Kuna Culture Only Kuna operate tours; most don’t speak English. Respect traditions: ask before photos, dress modestly in villages. Nature & Environment Plastic debris may wash ashore, though Kuna clean regularly. Sandflies/mosquitoes common in rainy season → bring repellent. Weather unpredictable; rain possible (no refunds). Health & Safety Limited medical care; emergencies require evacuation to Panama City at guest’s cost. Final Note This is not a luxury tour — it’s about disconnecting, experiencing Kuna culture, and enjoying pristine Caribbean islands. Bring patience, flexibility, and respect for an unforgettable adventure.
- Departure time is between 5:00am and 5:45am from your Panama City lodging. If staying at Playa Bonita area, your departure time is between 5:00am and 5:15am.
- You are welcome to bring a cooler with your own drinks, potable water, snacks and beverages (fruit juice or alcohol). The driver will stop at a supermarket on the way to San Blas in order for you to purchase additional items.
- PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT. WITHOUT IT, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE KUNA TERRITORY AND THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS.
- Please be advised that San Blas is in the Guna territory, which is an autonomous, Indian zone. The services are very basic. The Gunas will be providing all touristic services, such as meal preparations, car and boat transportations, lodging, and tour guiding. We are proud to be working with this friendly tribe and with each booking we give back to the community, supporting their customs and their traditional way of life. We kindly ask you to respect this beautiful culture and their simple way of life, leaving your expectations behind and learning about their innocent culture.
- We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.
- In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs, please bring cash. You can buy additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc.
- Infants need to sit on laps
- The journey to San Blas involves a 2.5–3 hour car ride each way on winding mountain roads, followed by a 25–30 minute boat transfer that can be bumpy and wet depending on sea conditions. While some travelers find the drive and boat ride challenging, most agree the islands are well worth the effort. We do our best to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, but please understand that road and ocean conditions are beyond our control. We appreciate your patience and adventurous spirit!
- Boats may also stop at other islands along the way to pick up or drop off guests before reaching your destination.
- While the check-in process in the port may feel busy and a little unstructured, the local Guna community has a well-established system, and all guests are taken care of.
- The road to San Blas is very curvy. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, please prepare accordingly by bringing appropriate medication.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.