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San Blas Islands Remote Paradise Day Trip to Holandeses Cays

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Overview

14 hours

Mobile ticket

We take you where few others go—deep into the remote and unspoiled Holandeses Cays, far from the crowded tourist routes. With our close ties to the Guna community, we offer an authentic, respectful, and immersive experience on some of San Blas' most beautiful islands. You'll travel in comfort with shaded boats and reliable 4x4s, enjoy a freshly prepared island lunch, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Our small group size ensures a relaxed, personalized vibe, and our 24/7 customer service means you’re supported every step of the way. For travelers seeking raw beauty, real adventure, and an escape from the ordinary—this is the San Blas tour you’ve been searching for.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Chicken or Fish with Coconut Rice and Plantains. Vegetarian Options available

Island Taxes

Shared roundtrip transfer from your hotel in Panama City to Port of Carti

Air-conditioned vehicle

Shared boat/lancha transportation all day

One beverage: Bottle of water, soda or beer

Snorkel and Mask (Depending on availability. Please ask boat crew)

Border patrol Guna Entrance - Internationals

Border patrol Guna Entrance - Panama Locals

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

1

Panama City

Your adventure begins early in the morning with a hotel pick -up in Panama City between 5:00AM and 5:45AM. From there, you’ll journey through Panama’s dramatic jungle highlands in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle. The drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and winds through lush rainforest, mountainous curves, and traditional Guna villages. It's not just transportation—this scenic route is a memorable part of the experience. Keep your eyes open for tropical birds, monkeys, and even sloths along the way. We’ll make a quick grocery stop so you can grab snacks or drinks before heading into the Guna Yala territory.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable
2

San Blas Islands

Once you arrive at the Port of Carti, your Kuna tour boat captain will welcome you aboard a spacious motorboat with shade and safety gear. From there, we’ll head out into the Caribbean Sea for a 60 minute boat ride to the Holandeses Cays—some of the most remote and least visited islands in San Blas. The ride may be splashy or bumpy depending on ocean conditions, but the views are stunning: vivid blue waters, scattered islands on the horizon, and the sense of venturing far off the beaten path. The remoteness of the Holandeses means fewer tourists and more unspoiled nature.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Options

San Blas Islands Remote Paradise Day Trip to Holandeses Cays

Pickup included

Reviews

4.25

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

3
0
0
1
0
  • Please go and disconnect from civilization

    AngelaLuz01,

    Jul 19, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    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

  • One day trip to holandeses 100% worthy!

    O1727KRsarahs,

    Jul 19, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    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!

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  • mike29er78,

    Jul 18, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    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.

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  • This trip is really a 10...

    Harlan I,

    Jul 15, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    2.00

    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).

From US$183.00

4.25
4 reviews
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