The San Blas island group consists of 365 islands lying in the Caribbean Sea along the north coast of Panama. They are perfect destination for cruising yachts or parties keen to charter a vessel locally. The islands are surrounded by safe aqua waters and have many comfortable anchorages with fine sandy beaches. The balmy weather is typical of that found in the tropics. Perhaps the greatest attraction to go sailing San Blas, however, is the indigenous Kuna people and their fascinating culture.
Only about forty isles have a significant population. Some are populated by one or a few families who take care of the coconut palms. Most islands are totally uninhabited leaving ample scope for adventurous sailors to play Robinson Crusoe.
Drop anchor, launch the tender and find one of many secluded beaches. Walk along its powder sand where the only footprints will be those you make. Doze on the sand and enjoy its warmth as you let your mind drift. The only sound will be birds above and the soothing rhythm of tiny waves lapping the shore.
Drop anchor, launch the dinghy and row to a picture perfect beach. Walk along the virgin sand where the only footprints will be your own, mixed perhaps with those of some small crabs that, as you approach, scurry into the gentle waves that lap the shore. Lie on the beach and feel your body draw warmth from the sand as your mind slowly drifts away into idle thoughts.
As lunchtime approaches, wave hello to the fishermen as they sail by in their ulu canoes, traditional craft they have fashioned out of wood like their forebears have for centuries. Purchase some of their catch that might include fresh lobsters, king crabs and an endless variety of local fish.
Return to your boat to barbecue your fare on deck. Relax with a book or an afternoon siesta. Lift anchor and head for a new anchorage, timing your arrival so that you can enjoy your favorite sundowner. As the dying sun bursts its orange hue into a limitless sky, you will shake your head to make sure it is all real are not something in a dream. As another day in paradise ends, the sky is quickly bejeweled with glittering stars and the night is yours.
The Kuna achieved semi-independence in 1925. Today, they largely govern themselves through an elected Congress consisting of one representative from each of the forty inhabited islands in the group. Many Kuna continue to lead a traditional lifestyle. They cook their daily meals over open fires and sleep in hammocks slung in a communal hut. Some communities lack basic infrastructure like running water in their homes.
There is enough to see and do in the islands to fill a two-week itinerary, even longer. Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities are world class, including amazing coral reefs that are rich in color and vibrant with sea life. Popular islets include Cayo Limon, Cayo Holandeses and the intriguly named Dog Island. Seasoned sailors that have gone sailing San Blas leave vow to return again. Be careful however, the name can be confusing. Be sure not get it mixed up with regions carrying the same name near Cuzco in Peru, Buenos Aires in Argentina or the Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
Only about forty isles have a significant population. Some are populated by one or a few families who take care of the coconut palms. Most islands are totally uninhabited leaving ample scope for adventurous sailors to play Robinson Crusoe.
Drop anchor, launch the tender and find one of many secluded beaches. Walk along its powder sand where the only footprints will be those you make. Doze on the sand and enjoy its warmth as you let your mind drift. The only sound will be birds above and the soothing rhythm of tiny waves lapping the shore.
Drop anchor, launch the dinghy and row to a picture perfect beach. Walk along the virgin sand where the only footprints will be your own, mixed perhaps with those of some small crabs that, as you approach, scurry into the gentle waves that lap the shore. Lie on the beach and feel your body draw warmth from the sand as your mind slowly drifts away into idle thoughts.
As lunchtime approaches, wave hello to the fishermen as they sail by in their ulu canoes, traditional craft they have fashioned out of wood like their forebears have for centuries. Purchase some of their catch that might include fresh lobsters, king crabs and an endless variety of local fish.
Return to your boat to barbecue your fare on deck. Relax with a book or an afternoon siesta. Lift anchor and head for a new anchorage, timing your arrival so that you can enjoy your favorite sundowner. As the dying sun bursts its orange hue into a limitless sky, you will shake your head to make sure it is all real are not something in a dream. As another day in paradise ends, the sky is quickly bejeweled with glittering stars and the night is yours.
The Kuna achieved semi-independence in 1925. Today, they largely govern themselves through an elected Congress consisting of one representative from each of the forty inhabited islands in the group. Many Kuna continue to lead a traditional lifestyle. They cook their daily meals over open fires and sleep in hammocks slung in a communal hut. Some communities lack basic infrastructure like running water in their homes.
There is enough to see and do in the islands to fill a two-week itinerary, even longer. Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities are world class, including amazing coral reefs that are rich in color and vibrant with sea life. Popular islets include Cayo Limon, Cayo Holandeses and the intriguly named Dog Island. Seasoned sailors that have gone sailing San Blas leave vow to return again. Be careful however, the name can be confusing. Be sure not get it mixed up with regions carrying the same name near Cuzco in Peru, Buenos Aires in Argentina or the Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
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