Go farther into San Blas on our Cayos Holandeses tour. Travel from Panama City to a quieter part of the archipelago for a day of palm-lined islands, clear Caribbean water and time to swim. We plan visits to two islands and a shallow sandbank or natural pool, subject to weather and sea conditions.

Our team arranges the shared 4x4 transfer, boat journey and island lunch. The Holandeses Cays lie within Guna Yala, the homeland of the Guna people. Your route and exact stops depend on the conditions on the day.

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Cayos Holandeses Tour at a Glance

This is the choice for travelers who want to travel farther than our standard San Blas route. If you prefer shorter boat transfers and the more familiar island stops, compare our San Blas day tour from Panama City.

What to Expect on Your Tour

We pick you up early at your Panama City lodging for the shared 4x4 journey to the Port of Cartí. The mountain road is winding, and the drive typically takes around 2.5–3 hours. We may stop for last-minute snacks or essentials along the way.

At the port, our local team coordinates your motorboat transfer to the Holandeses Cays. Allow approximately an hour each way on the boat, although sea conditions and the route can change the travel time. The ride may be bumpy or wet, so protect your phone and other belongings.

Once you reach the cays, enjoy time on the beach, swim in clear water and have lunch on an island. We also plan a shallow sandbank or natural pool stop where conditions allow. After the final island visit, the boat returns to Cartí for the drive back to Panama City.

Explore the Holandeses Cays

The Holandeses Cays are the reason to choose this trip. Our planned route takes you farther into San Blas than our standard day tours, with opportunities to relax on sandy islands and enjoy the surrounding water. You can swim, spend time in the shade and snorkel when conditions are suitable.

We plan to visit two islands and a shallow sandbank or natural pool. The local crew selects the exact stops with weather, ocean conditions and guest safety in mind. Wildlife sightings, snorkeling visibility and a particular island stop cannot be guaranteed.

Travel through Guna Yala with respect for its communities and surroundings. Please follow local instructions on the islands and avoid touching coral or marine life.

What's Included

• Shared round-trip 4x4 transportation from Panama City to the Port of Cartí.
• Round-trip boat transportation to the Holandeses Cays.
• Planned visits to two islands and a sandbank or natural pool, conditions permitting.
• Island taxes included in the tour price; the separate Guna Yala entrance fee is excluded.
• Lunch, generally a fish or chicken meal with sides.
• One drink with lunch.
• Snorkeling equipment when available; supply is limited.

Request a vegetarian meal or tell us about dietary needs when booking so we can check what the island kitchen can provide.

What's Not Included

• Guna Yala entrance fee: Paid separately in cash. Allow $22 for international visitors or $7 for Panamanian residents, and confirm the amount before travel.
• Optional lobster lunch: $25 supplement, subject to seasonal availability and advance confirmation.
• Additional food and drinks, personal purchases and optional gratuities.
• Playa Bonita pickup: $10 per person supplement.

Check the booking calendar for pricing and availability on your chosen date, and select any applicable extras before completing your reservation.

Approximate Schedule

• 5:00–5:45 AM: Pickup at your Panama City lodging.
• Around 8:30–9:00 AM: Arrival at the Port of Cartí.
• Morning: Boat journey toward the Holandeses Cays and first island visit.
• Midday: Island lunch and time to swim or relax.
• Afternoon: Further island and sandbank stops, conditions permitting.
• Around 3:00–3:30 PM: Begin the return boat journey toward Cartí.
• Around 7:00 PM: Expected return to Panama City.

These times are estimates. Road traffic, port operations, weather and sea conditions can change the schedule and the order or number of stops.

What to Bring

• Passport or Panamanian cédula for the Guna Yala checkpoint.
• Cash for the entrance fee, optional purchases and tips.
• Swimwear, towel, sunglasses and a hat.
• Lightweight sun-protective clothing and comfortable sandals.
• A dry bag or waterproof case for the boat ride.
• Your own mask and snorkel if snorkeling is important to you.
• Drinking water and any personal medication you may need during a long day.

Sun-protective clothing helps limit sunscreen entering the water. Follow local guidance around reefs and swimming areas.

Before You Book

• Longer boat journey: The Holandeses Cays are farther from Cartí than many standard day-tour stops. The boat ride can be rough or wet.
• Flexible route: The crew may adjust or omit stops when weather or ocean conditions require it.
• Shared transport: Your road transfer is shared with other guests. Island and boat services are locally operated in Guna Yala.
• Simple facilities: Expect a rustic island setting and a locally prepared lunch rather than hotel-style service.
• Last-minute reservations: A booking placed after 6:00 PM for the following day requires explicit confirmation from our team.
• Pickup: Be ready at your confirmed pickup point and keep the WhatsApp number supplied with your booking available.

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider the winding road and extended boat ride when choosing between this trip and our single-island San Blas beach trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Cayos Holandeses?

The Cayos Holandeses, also called the Holandeses Cays, are a more remote group of islands within the San Blas archipelago in Guna Yala, Panama. This tour reaches them by road from Panama City and then by boat from the Port of Cartí.

How is this different from your standard San Blas day tour?

This route travels farther by boat to reach the Holandeses Cays. Our standard San Blas day tour focuses on a different set of island stops closer to the usual day-tour route.

How many islands will we visit?

We plan two island visits plus a sandbank or natural pool stop. The exact route can change because of weather, sea conditions or local operations.

How long is the boat ride?

Allow approximately one hour each way between Cartí and the Holandeses area. This is an estimate, and the actual duration depends on conditions and the route.

Can I snorkel on the tour?

Yes, when the location and conditions are suitable. A limited supply of snorkeling equipment is available, so bring your own mask and snorkel if this is a priority. Visibility and marine-life sightings vary.

Are lunch and the Guna Yala entrance fee included?

Lunch and one drink are included. The separate Guna Yala entrance fee is paid in cash at the checkpoint and is not included in the tour price.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Families can join, but this is a long day with a winding mountain drive and an extended boat ride that may be bumpy. Consider your children's comfort with both journeys before booking.

Can I book as a solo traveler?

This tour operates with two or more guests. Contact us if you are traveling alone and would like us to check whether a suitable departure is available.

More Ways to Explore Panama

Want the Holandeses Cays as part of a longer island stay? Explore our four-day San Blas Islands package. For a different San Blas day out, choose our island-hopping day tour or the more relaxed Isla Aroma beach trip.

Beyond San Blas, discover the Caribbean coast on our Isla Grande and Portobelo tour, or spend an active day in the mountains on our Anton Valley tour.

Tour Cancelation Policy

Please read our Tour Cancelation Policy before booking.