Voted "BEST San Blas Day Tour" four years in a row, we’re proud to offer our most exclusive San Blas adventure—an unforgettable journey to the stunning and secluded Holandeses Cays, one of the most remote island chains in the San Blas archipelago.

Stretching along the Caribbean coastline for over 100 miles, the San Blas Islands are one of the last untouched tropical paradises on Earth. This breathtaking region, home to the indigenous Guna people, remains largely undeveloped, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a peaceful and simple island life. We're honored to collaborate with local Guna communities to offer you a respectful and immersive experience in their island home.

Our San Blas Islands Tour takes you deep into the Holandeses Cays, a rarely visited part of San Blas known for its crystal-clear waters, thriving coral reefs, and wild palm-lined beaches. This tour includes visits to 2 remote islands and a shallow sandbank, where you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and disconnect from the outside world. Please note that exact stops may vary depending on weather and ocean conditions.

Thanks to our strong relationships with the local Guna communities, we are able to offer this exclusive experience at an unbeatable price and with exceptional service.

✅ Why Choose Our Holandeses San Blas Islands Tour?

• Early and reliable pick-up from your lodging in Panama City
• Comfortable 4x4 vehicles with bilingual drivers for the 2.5–3 hour jungle drive
• Boats with shaded awnings for a more comfortable island transfer
• A freshly prepared island lunch (fish or chicken with sides), plus one included drink
• Snorkel equipment provided (limited availability—bring your own if possible)
• Visit to 2 wild, remote islands in the Holandeses plus a sandbank/natural pool
• Excellent customer service, available 24/7 before and after your trip
• Easy and secure online payments via card, PayPal, or crypto
• Best value for quality and experience

 

TOUR OVERVIEW – San Blas Islands Tour to Holandeses Cays

Your day starts early with a pick-up from your lodging in Panama City between 5:00am and 5:45am. You’ll travel through Panama’s lush mountain region in a shared, comfortable 4x4 vehicle, arriving at the Port of Carti around 8:30–9:00am. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at a grocery store for any last-minute snacks or essentials.

From the port, you’ll meet your island guide and hop on a lancha (motorboat) for a scenic 60 minute ride to the remote Holandeses Cays. While the ride may get splashy depending on ocean conditions, all our boats offer shade and safety gear for a smoother journey.

Your first stop is a secluded Holandeses island, famous for its soft white sands and vibrant turquoise waters. Swim, explore, or simply relax in paradise. These islands are some of the least-visited in San Blas, giving you a rare chance to experience them with minimal crowds.

At midday, we’ll provide a delicious lunch featuring freshly grilled fish or chicken, rice, plantains, salad, and one drink of your choice (beer, soda, or bottled water). Vegetarian and special options (like lobster) are available with advance notice.

Next, we’ll visit a remote sandbank or shallow reef, a natural swimming pool surrounded by water so clear it looks unreal. Enjoy snorkeling or simply float and soak in the surreal beauty of the Holandeses seascape.

Finally, we’ll visit one more wild island before heading back to Carti by boat. Expect to depart around 3:00–3:30pm, arriving back in Panama City by approximately 7:00pm.

If you’re looking for a true island escape far from the crowds, this San Blas day tour to the Holandeses Cays delivers an unforgettable Caribbean experience in one of the last wild tropical frontiers on Earth. We can’t wait to share this slice of paradise with you!

⚠️ Important Travel Notes

• This tour includes a 2.5-hour drive each way over curvy mountain roads—please be prepared for lots of sharp turns.
• Boat rides can be bumpy and wet, depending on the weather. Dry bags and water-resistant clothing are recommended.
• We believe the journey is worth it—but it's best suited for adventurous travelers who want to explore off-the-beaten-path locations.

 

TOUR SUMMARY – San Blas Day Tour to Holandeses Cays

• Price: $143 per person
  (Children ages 4–7: $133)
• Duration: 14 hours
• Group Size: Small groups (shared transport)
• Available: 7 days/week
• Start Time: Pick-up between 5:00–5:45am

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED - San Blas Islands Tour

• • Roundtrip transfer from Panama City
  • Boat ride to/from Holandeses Cays
  • Island taxes
  • Visits to 2 remote islands + sandbank
  • Lunch + 1 drink
  • Snorkel gear (limited supply)

 

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED - San Blas Islands Tour

• Guna entrance fee: $22 per person (internationals), $7 for residents
• Optional lobster lunch: $25 extra (with advance notice)

 

TOUR ITINERARY - San Blas Islands Tour

(Approx. times)

• Pick-up from Panama City lodging between 5:00am and 5:45am
• Arrive in Port of Carti of San Blas at 9:00am
• Guided Day Tour from 9:00am to 3:30pm
• Pick-up from Port of Carti by 4:00pm
• Arrive in Panama City at 7:00pm

 

WHAT TO BRING - San Blas Islands Tour

• Passport or Cedula for Kuna territory entry
• Comfortable and adequate clothing to protect yourself from the sun and thus avoid the use of sunscreen. Creams (even biodegradable ones) are polluting and for that reason we do not promote their use
• Due to limited snorkel gear available we suggest you bring your own so you don't miss the underworld of San Blas
• Swimwear
• Sun glasses
• Towel
• Camera
• Cap or hat
• A reusable bottle to fill with water during the day
• Cash for tips and souvenirs

 

PLEASE NOTE:

• ATTENTION LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS: Bookings made after 6:00pm for the following day are NOT guaranteed until we respond and explicitly confirm your tour itinerary. If your booking is not confirmed by one of our booking specialists, your tour will be scheduled for the subsequent day.
• Add $25 per person for a fresh lobster meal (ONLY BETWEEN JUNE AND FEBRUARY with advance notice)
• Discount of $40, if you prefer to drive to Carti in your own transportation. Only 4x4 cars are allowed into the territory.
• Round-trip transportation from Playa Bonita area add $10 per person

 

FAQ

What is included in a your San Blas day tour?

Our San Blas day tours include round-trip transportation from Panama City, a boat ride to the islands, island entry fees, lunch, and one drink. While there will not be a personal tour guide available throughout the day, our boat crew is more than willing to assist and will gladly provide more insights into their history and culture when asked. The indigenous Kuna are more reserved but when approached they will open up and be very helpful.

Do I need a permit to enter the Guna Yala region?

Yes, visitors must pay an entry fee to access the Guna Yala region. The cost is $7 for Panamanian nationals and $22 for foreigners. This fee is paid in cash at a checkpoint before reaching the port. Please bring cash.​

How long does a day tour last?

Our San Blas day tours generally last about 14 hours. Pickup in Panama City is early (around 5:00 AM), and you'll return by 7:00 PM. The time on the islands typically ranges from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, depending on weather and travel condition.

I heard that the road to San Blas is bad. Is it worth it?

Absolutely! While the road to San Blas can be challenging, its curvy and steep terrain is part of the adventure, and the destination is well worth it. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural experience with the Guna Yala community. Many travelers find the journey adds to the excitement, making their visit to this tropical paradise even more unforgettable. With our experienced drivers, the road is handled with care, so you can focus on enjoying the experience ahead! Please note, that driving etiquette is different than what you are used to from home.

Can I drive to San Blas on my own?

Yes, you can drive to San Blas, but it requires a 4x4 vehicle. The road leading to the port of Cartí is steep, curvy, and often in poor condition, making it unsuitable for standard vehicles​. We do not encourage our guests to attempt this journey on their own. We also need to note that if you are delayed, our tour cannot wait for your arrival. Standard cars, Taxis and Ubers are not allowed to enter the Guna Yala region, so planning your own transportation can be complex​

What should I bring for the tour?

It's recommended to bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, a towel, flip-flops, a hat, snorkeling gear (we have a limited amount available only), a waterproof bag for electronics, and cash for extras like drinks or souvenirs​

Is this tour family-friendly?

Yes, San Blas tours are great for families. The shallow, clear waters are ideal for kids, but keep in mind the long drive and boat rides when planning with younger children.

OTHER TOUR SUGGESTIONS

Enhance your Panama experience with these additional tours, each designed to complement your visit and offer even more insights into the country's rich history, diverse landscapes, and iconic sites. Check out the links below for more unforgettable adventures! We personally believe that the following adventures should not be missed while travelling to Panama.

Isla Grande Panama – Caribbean Island Hopping & Portobelo Fort - $118
Visit Isla Mamey, Isla Linton, Isla Grande, the famous Love Tunnel & the historic Portobelo Fort

 

Anton Valley Hiking Day Tour - $111
Join us on an active day in Anton Valley, hiking the crater and exploring the town. We offer two tour options for more variety.

Embera Indian Village, Chagres River and Waterfall - $69
Meet the ancient Embera tribe on a 6 hour cultural tour

Bioluminescence Tour - $39
Dive into another world as you float in a sea of glowing lights

 

SAN BLAS DAY TOUR DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ

While San Blas is a beautiful island archipelago with stunning beaches and clear waters, it also has its downsides, for which we would like to make you aware off. 

In San Blas only the Kuna population is allowed to work in the territory. The services and infrastructure are not what most of us are used to. Kunas are not very service oriented and can often seem shy or reserved. A stay in San Blas can be compared to a camping vacation that offers minimal comfort, services and amenities. We strongly advise those who have 5 star expectations to think twice before embarking on this adventure. We do have alternative tours in Panama with more high-end services. 

We really care about our reputation and we want our guests to enjoy their vacation with us. We attempt to be as transparent as possible in order to set guest expectations from the start. We do not own any of the islands and we pride ourselves in providing excellent service during your booking process and attempting to assist you during your San Blas vacation. However, please remember that we cannot guarantee the same excellent service during your stay in San Blas.

Please read all the below information well!

• San Blas is very rustic without the amenities and standards you might be used to from home. Compared to places such as Tahiti and Maldives that are managed by international hotel chains, San Blas has remained autonomous without the influence of outsiders. When visiting San Blas, it should be viewed as a cultural experience where guests visit the paradise islands of the Kunas and respect their traditions and their primitive ways of living.

• • No air condition - None of the islands offer A/C
  • No Wifi - You can buy a prepaid SIM card (Tigo or Digicel), which may or may not have signal.
  • No luxury facilities - Bathrooms may be dirty, sinks may get clogged
  • What seems like trash and clutter around the local huts, are items and tools that Kunas re-use for their daily lives. Please respect the fact that different cultures have different education, perspectives and ways of living and do not expect the cleanliness you may be used to from your home country.

• All services will all be handled by the indigenous Kuna. While Tao Travel 365 strives to provide the best service possible and train the Kuna in customer management, some of the below services are often out of our control.
  • Car transportation - the ride to San Blas takes 2.5 to 3 hours, with 1.5 hours over slow,  curvy roads. For those with motion sickness, please prepare accordingly. The transportation is in a shared 4x4 SUV, with one seat up front, three seats in the middle row and 2 seats in the back row. Seats are assigned randomly. Those who require additional space in the car must purchase an extra seat. Pick up from your lodging is scheduled between 5:00am and 5:30am, but can sometimes be as late as 5:45am depending on the timeliness of other guests that we pick up. Out of respect for all others in the car we ask everyone to wait in the lobby of their building at 5:00am. If you are not at the designated meeting point, the driver will make an effort to locate you, but he cannot delay the transportation by more than 10 minutes. No refunds are awarded to guests who don’t show up on time.
  • Boat transportation - depending on weather and ocean conditions, the 20-40 minute boat ride might be bumpy and wet with ocean spray. 
  • Island kitchen - meal are prepared fresh in the local kitchen and usually consist of fried or grilled fish with salad and patacones (fried plantains).
  • Most Kunas DO NOT speak English.

• Trash is a worldwide problem and unfortunately San Blas has not been spared from the ever increasing issue. During certain tides and ocean and wind conditions plastic trash from throughout the Caribbean ocean accumulates on the beaches of San Blas. While the local Kuna are working hard to collect the constant flood of plastic trash washing up on their beaches, guests will nevertheless find evidence of plastic spread out on the island. Furthermore, Kunas tend to collect certain “trash” and re-use it for their purposes.
• During the wet months (April - December) or during windless days, all of San Blas experiences sandflies, which are little blood-sucking flies that leave itchy marks. Please ensure to bring insect repellent and prepare to return to Panama City with a few itchy memories.
• Weather:  
  • Panama is located in the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which means that the weather is very unpredictable and is impossible to forecast with accuracy. The weather forecast will usually show rain and thunderstorms for most days of the year, when in reality there are oftentimes beautiful, sunny days in San Blas. Please do not rely on the weather forecast in Panama.
  • Due to the tropical conditions in San Blas rain can occur at any time and we do not offer refunds for rainy days.

• Travel Emergencies:
  • The San Blas islands are located in a very remote region of Panama. We ask all guests  to be responsible for their own well being and to be aware that medical assistance can often not be provided right away. The closest medical facility in San Blas is very basic and can only provide assistance for minor issues. Guests with injuries such as broken bones that require more specialized treatment need to be transported to Panama City.
  • Guests are responsible for all charges arising from a medical emergency, such as boat and car transportation and medical care. We suggest all guests to carry a Travel Insurance to cover emergency expenses. For more information, please visit www.taotravel365.tours/travel-insurance/

We kindly ask our guests to lower their expectation when visiting San Blas and to focus on the beautiful remote paradise that San Blas has remained despite the effects that modern society has caused to them. The Kunas are very gentle and kind people, but can also be somewhat shy at times. When approaching them with a smile and an open heart you will be guaranteed an innocent, happy smile in return. Arriving with the right mindset and expectation usually guarantees an unforgettable experience, where guests are able to focus on the beauties of the islands, beaches, ocean and the people, rather than on the limitations that we mentioned above.

 

CANCELATION POLICY - San Blas Islands Tour

Please read our Tour Cancelation Policy before booking.