A chain of 365 islands 56 NM from Colon, and keys extending over 160 km along the Caribbean Coast from the Gulf of San Blas to the Colombian border. 80% of the islands are uninhabited. Although only a 20-minute plane ride away from Panama City, a trip to the San Blas islands will transport you 20 centuries into the past. The Kuna Indians, who are fiercely independent from the Panamanian government, run all the islands as an autonomous province with minimal interference from the national government. They have maintained their own economic system, language, customs and culture, with distinctive dress, legends, music and dance and thus have avoided traditional tourism development.

 

 

DAY 1

 

EL PORVENIR

We land at "Corazon de Jesus" airport after a 30min. flight from Panama City, Panama. The small plane flies over the entire San Blas archipelago's incredible scenery and reefs.

LATE MORNING: Take a leisurely cruise in a "Kuna Dugout Canoe" up the Rio Diablo in a "kayuko" - a large wooden canoe used by Indians. The river provides all the fresh water for Corazon de Jesus. The trip upstream is filled with birds, fish and the sounds of the jungle over the steady roar of the outboard motor. Our Kuna guide takes us to a point in the river where a Kuna Cemetery is nearby and we walk over for a visit. The cemetery is very peaceful, filled with the scent of jungle flowers and well kept up. Each grave is decorated with the inhabitant's cup and plates, to signify that his or her place would not be taken. For the trip down the river we use the Kayaks, which have been towed behind the dugout canoe. We are going down with the current, so often we just drift and watch the jungle pass by, right in the middle of an assortment of monkeys, iguanas, and lots of exotic birds.

AFTERNOON: Onto Isla Verde (Green Island), 4NM from the base, in an incredible anchorage with turquoise waters you would not believe! Isla Verde is a beautiful small deserted island with one of the nicest reefs in Panama. While you may not see many fish, the diversity and the colors of the corals are some of the best in the world. The slopes up to the island are covered with star fish and one sea cucumber. Spend a very relaxing afternoon snorkeling, (scuba diving is not allowed in the San Blas), kayaking and playing in the clear, blue water of the Caribbean.

 

DAY 2


CAYOS HOLLANDES

Three to four hours sailing to Eastern Cayos Hollandes. It is one of the most beautiful and interesting anchorages of the islands. A stunning variety of reefs including a large coral reef: snorkelers drift in a strong current, holding the dinghy, among Manta Rays, and Barracudas! This is a good place tol buy some provisions from Indians. "Mr. Robinson", and old Indian man, will tell you the old Kuna legends.

DAY 3


LOCAL VILLAGE

A two-hour sail and anchoring west of the large reef. We visit the island inhabited by about 10 families of Indian fishermen. We take the opportunity to have custom Kuna bracelets made for us. And again, snorkeling and spear fishing, and a kayak ride around the reefs. We also take the opportunity to discover more of the Indian population.

DAY 4

 

NOGUARGANDUP

We sail to Naguargandup, and cross the Hollandes Channel, an excellent fishing spot (yellow tunas and Sierras). There is a little opening through the coral reef. This is another magnificent anchorage.

 

DAY 5


RIO SIDRA

Sail to Rio Sidra, where we will visit a "village-island" inhabited by about 500 Indians who are still living the old traditional life. A unique characteristic in the Caribbean: the bamboo huts are very close to each other. The island is filled with smiling kids eager to make contact. This is the pure, authentic Indian life.

DAY 6

 

KUANIDUP

After breakfast, we take a leisurely cruise to Kuanidup, 6 NM, on a beam reach. Kuanidup is a little island where Indians have built "cabañas", which are some sort of little hotel made out of palm huts. During the day, we will enjoy their beach and hammocks. We spend a very relaxed afternoon taking the kayak out to visit the hotel and deserted island and snorkeling among the coral reefs. The highlight is swimming in the midst of a thick cloud of hundreds of thousands of neon fish, a truly humbling experience. The reefs are very nice and the water surrounding the reefs is always shallow enough to stand up in. The village is very nice, a great place to buy Molas, bracelets, and fresh Kuna Coco Bread. If you’re interested in local cuisine, this may be a good time to have dinner at the village and sample a local meal.

 

DAY 7

 

CHICHIME

Sail to Chichime, kingdom of lobsters and giant crab fishermen. Behind the reef, the anchorage is absolute heaven. Snorkel the gorgeous reef or simple enjoy a great swim.

We sail to Cayo Chichime. Three or four Kuna families live on Cayo Chichime and they come to the boat to sell molas and an octopus. This is a good opportunity for a very interesting intercultural experience. The Kunas greatly appreciate good sewing needles and thread (for the women), and a selection of good quality hooks for the men. Children will appreciate pencils. Extra material for sewing is also a big hit. In turn, it’s very likelym they will offer to walk you around the island and look at their homes.

This is also great place for swimming to the island as you can float to shore, walk upstream and float back to the boat.

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