Cayos Holandeses in San Blas, Panama
Cayos Holandeses, also called the Dutch Cays, is a group of islands in Panama’s San Blas archipelago, in Guna Yala (also commonly written as Kuna Yala). You’ll visit the cays and spend every night on Pelicano Island.
The boat ride from Pelicano to the first Cayos stop takes approximately one hour. You’ll explore with local Guna guides and join guided snorkeling.
Your Cayos excursion includes a visit to an unnamed island before stopping for lunch at Ibin’s beach restaurant on Isla Banedup. After lunch, continue exploring islands and sandbanks before returning to Pelicano Island. Stops and timing may change with local arrangements, weather and sea conditions.
All overnight accommodation is on Pelicano Island. Excursion days and island stops are tentative.
Two nights on Pelicano Island. Or stay for a third.
Both packages include the Cayos excursion with lunch, nearby island excursions and a natural pool, transport and meals. You’ll sleep on Pelicano every night. Stay for three nights to add a community visit and an extra night on the island. Your island team will arrange the excursions, with free time between activities.
Nights2from USD 299.00USD 350.00Per adult, plus 7% sales tax.
- Round Trip from Panama City
- Cayos Holandeses + Lunch
- Nearby island excursions + natural pool
- 2 Nights on Pelicano Island
- Meals
- Community visit not available
Late Checkout: Add-on · USD 35.00 per adult
Book Now
Nights3from USD 399.00USD 450.00Per adult, plus 7% sales tax.
- Round Trip from Panama City
- Cayos Holandeses + Lunch
- Nearby island excursions + natural pool
- 3 Nights on Pelicano Island
- Meals
- Community visit included
- Free time between activities
Late Checkout: Add-on · USD 35.00 per adult
Book Now
Your tentative Cayos Holandeses itinerary
This is an example schedule, not a fixed timetable. Local arrangements, group numbers, weather and sea conditions can change the order and timing of excursions. Our staff on the island will confirm the plan during your stay.
Pick a start date on the booking card to see your dates here.
Day 1 · Arrival
Panama City to Pelicano Island
Panama City pickup, shared transfers and arrival on Pelicano. If time and local arrangements allow, you may visit nearby islands that day. All times are approximate.
- 5:00 – 5:20 AM
- Pickup within the designated Panama City coverage areas
- ~5:30 AM
- Depart Panama City
- ~6:30 AM
- Roadside breakfast stop — not included
- ~7:15 – 7:30 AM
- Passport verification
- ~8:00 – 8:45 AM
- Arrive at the port
- ~9:30 – 10:30 AM
- Arrive on Pelicano Island and settle in
- On Pelicano
- Lunch and dinner included; free time around any arranged excursions
Day 2 · Example excursion day
Cayos Holandeses excursion
This example itinerary places the Cayos visit on day two. Your island team will confirm the schedule.
- Approximately one hour
- Boat ride from Pelicano to the first Cayos stop; conditions affect timing
- At the cays
- Guided snorkeling with local Guna guides; masks provided
- Before lunch
- Visit an unnamed island
- Lunch
- Lunch included at Ibin’s beach restaurant on Isla Banedup
- After lunch
- Visit islands and sandbanks before returning to Pelicano. Stops and timing may change with local arrangements, weather and sea conditions.
- On Pelicano
- Breakfast and dinner included; remaining time is free time
Day 3 · Standard checkout
Return to Panama City
Breakfast on the island, the only meal included today, then the boat to the port and the shared drive to Panama City. All times are approximate.
- ~6:30 – 7:30 AM
- Breakfast
- ~7:45 – 8:00 AM
- Depart Pelicano Island for the port
- ~8:30 – 9:30 AM
- Arrive at the port
- ~12:00 – 1:00 PM
- Estimated drop-off in Panama City
Arrival time back to Panama City varies with traffic and weather. Shared transport returns you to your hotel, Airbnb or hostel within the pickup area. Drop-off at Tocumen International Airport, Albrook Airport or Albrook Bus Terminal is available at no extra cost; inform us before leaving the islands.
Pickups and drop-offs at the Westin Playa Bonita or Dreams Playa Bonita cost an extra USD 10.00 per person, payable when you book.
Day 1 · Arrival
Panama City to Pelicano Island
Panama City pickup, shared transfers and arrival on Pelicano. If time and local arrangements allow, you may visit nearby islands that day. All times are approximate.
- 5:00 – 5:20 AM
- Pickup within the designated Panama City coverage areas
- ~5:30 AM
- Depart Panama City
- ~6:30 AM
- Roadside breakfast stop — not included
- ~7:15 – 7:30 AM
- Passport verification
- ~8:00 – 8:45 AM
- Arrive at the port
- ~9:30 – 10:30 AM
- Arrive on Pelicano Island and settle in
- On Pelicano
- Lunch and dinner included; free time around any arranged excursions
Day 2 · Example excursion day
Cayos Holandeses excursion
This example itinerary places the Cayos visit on day two. Your island team will confirm the schedule.
- Approximately one hour
- Boat ride from Pelicano to the first Cayos stop; conditions affect timing
- At the cays
- Guided snorkeling with local Guna guides; masks provided
- Before lunch
- Visit an unnamed island
- Lunch
- Lunch included at Ibin’s beach restaurant on Isla Banedup
- After lunch
- Visit islands and sandbanks before returning to Pelicano. Stops and timing may change with local arrangements, weather and sea conditions.
- On Pelicano
- Breakfast and dinner included; remaining time is free time
Day 3 · Late checkout
Return to Panama City
Breakfast and lunch are included. Vacate the cabin at 9:00 AM; spend the remaining time on Pelicano before the afternoon transfer. Transfer times are approximate.
- 9:00 AM
- Vacate the cabin and store your luggage
- Before departure
- Lunch and free time on Pelicano
- ~3:00 PM
- Depart Pelicano Island for the port
- ~7:00 – 7:30 PM
- Estimated drop-off in Panama City
Late checkout costs USD 35.00 per adult and includes lunch. It must be selected and paid for when booking and cannot be added on the day of the trip.
Arrival time back to Panama City varies with traffic and weather. Shared transport returns you to your hotel, Airbnb or hostel within the pickup area. Drop-off at Tocumen International Airport, Albrook Airport or Albrook Bus Terminal is available at no extra cost; inform us before leaving the islands.
Pickups and drop-offs at the Westin Playa Bonita or Dreams Playa Bonita cost an extra USD 10.00 per person, payable when you book.
Day 1 · Arrival
Panama City to Pelicano Island
Panama City pickup, shared transfers and arrival on Pelicano. If time and local arrangements allow, you may visit nearby islands that day. All times are approximate.
- 5:00 – 5:20 AM
- Pickup within the designated Panama City coverage areas
- ~5:30 AM
- Depart Panama City
- ~6:30 AM
- Roadside breakfast stop — not included
- ~7:15 – 7:30 AM
- Passport verification
- ~8:00 – 8:45 AM
- Arrive at the port
- ~9:30 – 10:30 AM
- Arrive on Pelicano Island and settle in
- On Pelicano
- Lunch and dinner included; free time around any arranged excursions
Day 2 · Excursions
Cayos, nearby islands and community visit
Activities are arranged across the stay. The Cayos excursion may take place on day two or day three.
- Cayos excursion
- Approximately one hour by boat to the first stop. Explore with local Guna guides and join guided snorkeling; masks provided. Visit an unnamed island before lunch at Ibin’s beach restaurant on Isla Banedup, then visit islands and sandbanks before returning to Pelicano. Stops and timing may change with local arrangements, weather and sea conditions.
- During the stay
- Nearby island excursions, a natural pool and a community visit
- Between activities
- Free time on Pelicano; breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 3 · Excursions and free time
Continue your Pelicano stay
Join the activities your island team has arranged. Your package includes one Cayos excursion, which may happen today if you didn’t visit on day two.
- As arranged
- Cayos excursion, nearby island excursions or community visit according to the confirmed island plan
- Between activities
- Free time on Pelicano
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 4 · Standard checkout
Return to Panama City
Breakfast on the island, the only meal included today, then the boat to the port and the shared drive to Panama City. All times are approximate.
- ~6:30 – 7:30 AM
- Breakfast
- ~7:45 – 8:00 AM
- Depart Pelicano Island for the port
- ~8:30 – 9:30 AM
- Arrive at the port
- ~12:00 – 1:00 PM
- Estimated drop-off in Panama City
Arrival time back to Panama City varies with traffic and weather. Shared transport returns you to your hotel, Airbnb or hostel within the pickup area. Drop-off at Tocumen International Airport, Albrook Airport or Albrook Bus Terminal is available at no extra cost; inform us before leaving the islands.
Pickups and drop-offs at the Westin Playa Bonita or Dreams Playa Bonita cost an extra USD 10.00 per person, payable when you book.
Day 1 · Arrival
Panama City to Pelicano Island
Panama City pickup, shared transfers and arrival on Pelicano. If time and local arrangements allow, you may visit nearby islands that day. All times are approximate.
- 5:00 – 5:20 AM
- Pickup within the designated Panama City coverage areas
- ~5:30 AM
- Depart Panama City
- ~6:30 AM
- Roadside breakfast stop — not included
- ~7:15 – 7:30 AM
- Passport verification
- ~8:00 – 8:45 AM
- Arrive at the port
- ~9:30 – 10:30 AM
- Arrive on Pelicano Island and settle in
- On Pelicano
- Lunch and dinner included; free time around any arranged excursions
Day 2 · Excursions
Cayos, nearby islands and community visit
Activities are arranged across the stay. The Cayos excursion may take place on day two or day three.
- Cayos excursion
- Approximately one hour by boat to the first stop. Explore with local Guna guides and join guided snorkeling; masks provided. Visit an unnamed island before lunch at Ibin’s beach restaurant on Isla Banedup, then visit islands and sandbanks before returning to Pelicano. Stops and timing may change with local arrangements, weather and sea conditions.
- During the stay
- Nearby island excursions, a natural pool and a community visit
- Between activities
- Free time on Pelicano; breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 3 · Excursions and free time
Continue your Pelicano stay
Join the activities your island team has arranged. Your package includes one Cayos excursion, which may happen today if you didn’t visit on day two.
- As arranged
- Cayos excursion, nearby island excursions or community visit according to the confirmed island plan
- Between activities
- Free time on Pelicano
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 4 · Late checkout
Return to Panama City
Breakfast and lunch are included. Vacate the cabin at 9:00 AM; spend the remaining time on Pelicano before the afternoon transfer. Transfer times are approximate.
- 9:00 AM
- Vacate the cabin and store your luggage
- Before departure
- Lunch and free time on Pelicano
- ~3:00 PM
- Depart Pelicano Island for the port
- ~7:00 – 7:30 PM
- Estimated drop-off in Panama City
Late checkout costs USD 35.00 per adult and includes lunch. It must be selected and paid for when booking and cannot be added on the day of the trip.
Arrival time back to Panama City varies with traffic and weather. Shared transport returns you to your hotel, Airbnb or hostel within the pickup area. Drop-off at Tocumen International Airport, Albrook Airport or Albrook Bus Terminal is available at no extra cost; inform us before leaving the islands.
Pickups and drop-offs at the Westin Playa Bonita or Dreams Playa Bonita cost an extra USD 10.00 per person, payable when you book.
Nearby island excursions
Visit approximately two nearby islands and a natural pool. Typical stops include Amardu and another island such as Ina, Naranjo Chico or Franklin. The islands visited and excursion order depend on local arrangements and conditions.
What’s included.
Included
- Round-trip shared 4x4 SUV transport from Panama City
- Round-trip shared boat transport
- Overnight accommodation on Pelicano Island in your chosen cabin type
- Meals during the island stay
- Fresh seafood or chicken
- One drink with each meal: water, juice or soda
- Pelicano Island entrance
- Cayos Holandeses excursion with lunch
- Guided snorkeling during excursions, with masks provided
- Life jackets
- Nearby island excursions + natural pool
- Community visit: three-night package only
Not included
- Guna Border Fee, paid in cash: USD 22.00 for foreign visitors, USD 7.00 for Panama residents
- Drinking water beyond the beverage served with each meal
- Alcohol: you can bring your own
- Beach towels
- Soap or other personal items
- Food purchased at the roadside breakfast stop
- Late checkout: USD 35.00 per adult, including lunch
Stay with your local Guna guide and group whenever you are in the water. Follow their instructions, do not swim away independently, and avoid touching marine life or coral. Calm-looking water can still have currents, and conditions can change.
A private cabin does not make the transport or excursions private. Pelicano Island accommodation
Cayos Holandeses tour FAQs
Where are Cayos Holandeses?
Cayos Holandeses, also called the Dutch Cays, is a group of islands in the San Blas archipelago in Guna Yala, Panama. On this package, you visit the cays by boat from Pelicano Island.
Do we sleep at Cayos Holandeses or on Pelicano Island?
You’ll sleep on Pelicano Island every night. You’ll visit Cayos Holandeses for an excursion with lunch included, then return to Pelicano. The day of your visit may change with local arrangements and conditions.
Is this a day trip from Panama City?
This is an overnight package, with either two or three nights on Pelicano Island. The Cayos visit takes place during your stay; this booking is not a same-day return trip from Panama City.
How do I get to Cayos Holandeses from Panama City?
Your package includes shared 4x4 transport from Panama City to the port and boat transport to Pelicano Island. During your stay, a separate boat excursion takes you to Cayos Holandeses. Pickup is generally 5:00–5:20 AM within the designated Panama City coverage areas. Westin Playa Bonita and Dreams Playa Bonita pickups cost an extra USD 10.00 per person. Pickup is available within our designated Panama City service area.
How long is the boat ride from Pelicano to Cayos Holandeses?
Allow approximately one hour to reach the first Cayos stop from Pelicano Island. Travel time varies with the route, weather and sea conditions.
What is the difference between the two-night and three-night packages?
Both include accommodation on Pelicano, the Cayos excursion with lunch, nearby island excursions and a natural pool visit. The three-night package adds one night and a community visit. The community visit is not available with the two-night package. Excursion timing is tentative, with free time between activities.
Which stops are included in the Cayos Holandeses excursion?
You’ll visit an unnamed island before lunch at Ibin’s beach restaurant on Isla Banedup. After lunch, you’ll continue visiting islands and sandbanks before heading back to Pelicano. The other stops aren’t listed by name, and the route may change with local arrangements, weather and sea conditions.
Which other islands will we visit?
Nearby island hopping usually visits approximately two islands and a natural pool. Typical stops include Amardu and another island such as Ina, Naranjo Chico or Franklin. Stops can change with local arrangements and conditions.
Is snorkeling guided, and what equipment is included?
Yes. Local Guna guides accompany you in and around the water. Masks are provided; other snorkeling equipment is not included. Stay with your guide and group and follow their instructions.
What should I know before swimming or snorkeling?
Stay with the local Guna guide and group, and do not swim off independently. Follow instructions even when the water looks calm, because currents and conditions can change. Avoid touching marine life or coral.
Are the excursion days guaranteed?
No. The itinerary is tentative. Local arrangements, group numbers, weather and sea conditions can change the schedule. On a three-night stay, the Cayos excursion may take place on day two or day three, with other excursions arranged around it.
What happens if weather affects the Cayos excursion?
If weather prevents or postpones the excursion, our team will contact affected guests to discuss the situation and agree on an arrangement. The available options depend on the circumstances, so we cannot promise a particular alternative, refund or rescheduled date in advance.
Should I choose a shared or private cabin?
Shared cabins accommodate 6–8 guests and private cabins accommodate 2–4. Both use shared bathrooms, with basic showers that use treated water. A shared cabin is shared with other travelers; a private cabin is just for your group. A private cabin does not make the transport or excursions private.
How much does the Cayos Holandeses package cost?
In a shared cabin, two nights cost USD 299.00 and three nights USD 399.00 per adult. In a private cabin, two nights cost USD 350.00 and three nights USD 450.00 per adult. These are whole-package prices, not nightly rates. Sales tax of 7% applies at checkout. The Guna Border Fee is paid separately in cash: USD 22.00 for foreign visitors or USD 7.00 for Panama residents. Late checkout and applicable pickup surcharges are extra.
What meals and drinks are included?
Both packages include lunch and dinner on arrival day, breakfast, lunch and dinner on full stay days, and breakfast on departure day. Lunch during the Cayos excursion is included. Late checkout adds departure-day lunch. Meals come with one beverage: water, juice or soda. This does not include unlimited drinking water. Extra drinking water and arrival-day roadside breakfast are excluded. Meals may include seafood or chicken; the menu depends on the day’s availability.
What should I bring?
Your original passport, swimwear, drinking water, a beach towel, toiletries, a dry bag for the boat and cash for the Guna Border Fee and island purchases. Photocopies of passports are not accepted. Panama residents pay the resident border fee. There are no ATMs on the islands.
How does booking and payment work?
Choose your cabin, package, dates and guests. We place a payment authorization hold while checking availability with the island. Payment is charged once availability is confirmed and your booking is confirmed.
Can I choose late checkout?
Yes. Late checkout is available for both packages at USD 35.00 per adult, including lunch. Vacate the cabin at 9:00 AM and store your luggage. Departure from Pelicano is around 3:00 PM, with an estimated Panama City return around 7:00–7:30 PM, depending on traffic and conditions. Select and pay for it when booking; it cannot be added on the day of the trip.
Is this trip suitable for everyone?
This package currently accepts adults only. It is not wheelchair accessible. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers, people with back or hip problems, or anyone with a serious pre-existing medical condition.
Cancellation & refunds.
You may cancel your trip at any time. For customer cancellations, you receive a 90% refund when you cancel 5 or more calendar days before your trip starts, a 50% refund when you cancel 3 or 4 calendar days before, and no refund when you cancel 2 or fewer calendar days before. We count Panama calendar dates; refund tiers change at midnight in Panama. Sea San Blas may consider an exception for a verified emergency; exceptions are not guaranteed. All payments are processed securely on our website or via bank transfer.
Cancellation and refund policy
Passport, transport and border requirements
- Bring your original passport. Entry is not permitted without it, and photocopies are not accepted.
- Shared transport is used for all customers; it is not private.
- Travellers ages 0–9 do not pay the Guna Border Fee. Travellers ages 10 and older must pay it in cash: USD 22.00 for foreign visitors or USD 7.00 for Panama residents.
- Food at the breakfast stop is optional, not included, and paid separately if you choose it.
- There are no ATMs on the islands, so bring enough cash for the Guna Border Fee and personal purchases.
Traveller suitability
This trip is not wheelchair accessible. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers, people with back or hip problems, or anyone with a serious pre-existing medical condition.
