The San Blas islands are a beautiful group of 365 islets lying off the coast of Panama in the Caribbean Sea. They are perfect destination for a sailing holiday. If a cerulean sea, safe and comfortable anchorages, multicolored coral reefs, swaying palm trees, pristine beaches with powder-fine sand, balmy weather, and friendly locals with an interesting history hold any attraction, then sailing San Blas will be richly satisfying.
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.
Wake in the morning aboard your boat and feel your spirit lifted by a stunning sunrise. Enjoy an early morning dip as the warm sea caresses your body. Take breakfast with fresh fruit, delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee, all grown or sourced locally. Check your marine chart and the weather forecast then lift anchor and set sail to explore the next cove or one of the many little islands visible in the distance.
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.
One of the key attractions of the island group is its people, the Kuna. This distinct ethnic group is fiercely proud. Its ancestry traces back through time for more than 500 years. The Kuna have retained their culture despite repression by early Spanish colonialists and, more recently, by several unsympathetic Panamanian governments.
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.
Wake in the morning aboard your boat and feel your spirit lifted by a stunning sunrise. Enjoy an early morning dip as the warm sea caresses your body. Take breakfast with fresh fruit, delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee, all grown or sourced locally. Check your marine chart and the weather forecast then lift anchor and set sail to explore the next cove or one of the many little islands visible in the distance.
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.
One of the key attractions of the island group is its people, the Kuna. This distinct ethnic group is fiercely proud. Its ancestry traces back through time for more than 500 years. The Kuna have retained their culture despite repression by early Spanish colonialists and, more recently, by several unsympathetic Panamanian governments.
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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