Cayos Holandeses

A remote cluster of palm-fringed coral islands surrounded by turquoise water and a natural reef barrier known as 'The Wall.' It offers some of the finest snorkeling, swimming, and yacht anchorages in the whole archipelago.

Things to do

• Snorkel The Wall — Drift along the outer reef barrier that shields the Holandes Cays, teeming with coral heads, reef fish, and the occasional nurse shark.
• Anchor in the Swimming Pool — Drop the hook in the famous shallow sandbar between the cays where crystal-clear turquoise water is barely waist-deep.
• Explore shipwreck snorkeling — Snorkel over the remains of vessels that ran aground on the reef, now encrusted with coral and swarming with fish.
• Beach-hop the palm islets — Wade or paddle between tiny uninhabited coral islands ringed with coconut palms and white sand.
• Kayak or paddleboard the lagoons — Glide across the protected inner waters to spot starfish, rays, and small reef sharks in the shallows.
• Buy fresh seafood from Guna boats — Flag down passing dugout canoes selling lobster, crab, and fish caught that morning.
• Sunset from a yacht deck — Watch the sky turn over the reef from one of the archipelago's best-protected anchorages.

Food to try

• Grilled Caribbean lobster — Fresh spiny lobster caught by Guna divers, grilled simply and served on the boat or beach.
• Fried whole fish with coconut rice — Local reef fish fried and paired with rice cooked in coconut milk, a Guna staple.
• Guna coconut bread (dule masi) — Dense bread and dishes made from the coconuts that the Guna carefully harvest and protect.
• Fresh crab — Blue crab bought straight from passing canoes and boiled or stewed.
• Patacones (fried plantains) — Smashed and fried green plantains served as a crispy side with seafood.

Local customs & good to know

• Pay the community and island fees — The Guna Yala is an autonomous indigenous region and visitors must pay entry and anchorage fees to the local congress.
• Never touch or take coconuts — Coconuts are private Guna property and currency; taking them without asking is a serious offense.
• Ask before photographing Guna people — Always request permission and expect a small tip is customary, especially for women in traditional mola dress.
• Bring your own supplies — These islands are remote and uninhabited with no shops, so carry fresh water, cash in small bills, and provisions.

Nearby

• Dog Island — 5 km
• Devil Island — 6 km
• Coco Bandero Cays — 8 km
• Isla Aguja — 12 km