Read on, because the beautiful destination we're about to show you is so much more than just a relaxing holiday spot. It's a temple of life that blooms in the beautiful colours of the forests, corals and soft flowers that take refuge there. It is a sanctuary of culture, a land of tribes and eternal traditions. It is 378 pieces of paradise scattered in the Caribbean. These are the San Blas Islands of Panama, and this is the ultimate guide to discovering not only their beauty, but also their soul.
The San Blas Islands in Panama
Firstly, let's talk about where this beautiful archipelago is located and what advantages this unique location offers. The San Blas Islands have an interesting location both off the coast of Panama and off the coast of Colombia. The archipelago consists of 378 islands, of which more than 300 are uninhabited, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Due to this protective geographical location, both Panama and the islands do not suffer from severe hurricanes and storms. This makes yacht charters and holiday visits possible all year round and the main seasons are:
- December to April - this is the season for trade winds. And this is good news for any sailor as this period is perfect for sailing due to regular winds and little to no wind.
- May to November - During this season there is little wind and rare showers. However, it is a dream period for snorkelling and diving. During this period, the island's underwater world shows its true beauty and blooms before your eyes thanks to the great visibility under the clear water.
The Guna Yala people
But it's not just the breathtaking nature that makes this place unique, it's also the people. The protected land, community, heritage and culture are kept alive to this day by the Guna people. This indigenous tribe, which is short for Guna Yala, is most prevalent around the San Blas Islands. But they also live in Panama and Columbia. San Blas is an independent territory that even used to bear the tribe's name.
The Guna are not just a resident or an oppressed community. They are the ones who rule the islands. They are the ones who have protected the land, its unique culture, beautiful nature and their independence from the destruction that mass tourism can bring. That means no big hotels, no chain restaurants or fast food, no foreign companies and money-making, environmentally destructive machines. The way to find a mobile phone signal is to hop in a dinghy. The way to enjoy life is to just be there. On a wild island, among happy people, without worries, under the sun with a straw hat. But you decide which way you want to go.
If no electricity and small roads are not for you, there are also islands like Tupile that offer most of the daily necessities we are used to. On this more developed island you'll see a small school on the dock, a Mormon church, hardworking women wearing eye-catching traditional mola fabrics and laundry lines filled with brightly coloured clothes. These lines stretch from one side of the island to the other, which is actually only a 5-minute walk away.
The heavenly nature of San Blas
We can't talk about these beautiful islands without talking about one of their greatest treasures - the breathtaking nature. If you love travelling and sailing, you've probably visited many golden sandy beaches, but we think the beaches of San Blas will still amaze you. The crystal clear water is the same colour as the clear blue sky, while the white sand is soft, almost like walking on clouds. Dozens of starfish cover the seabed and when you see the Guna people fishing with a line around them, as they have done for hundreds of years, you can imagine yourself in another, cleaner and more beautiful world.
And where the white sandy beach ends, a beautiful jungle begins, its front lines filled with coconut palms and colourful flowers. A true paradise on earth that we simply cannot describe in words. It's one of those places you just have to see to understand.
Sailing on the San Blas Paradise Islands
There are other ways to get to this place, such as hiring a car or flying there. But these modes of transport take so much away from the experience. The perfect way to explore the many islands is by sailing. Rent a sailboat or enjoy the comfort of a catamaran and experience the pure bliss of sailing from island to island, stopping at places that make your heart beat faster. With Tubber, the possibilities range from adventurous sailing to a luxurious retreat. It all depends on which boat is right for you. Moreover, a yacht charter is the perfect solution if you're someone who wants to experience nature while staying comfortable and enjoying a little luxury.
Packing list
When it comes to food and drink, we have some advice to share with you. Whether you're taking a budget holiday on an island or planning to sail there and enjoy the night on the deck of your yacht, the most important thing is to bring your own water. It's important to stay hydrated when exploring such wild places and experts recommend one litre per person per day. Of course, you can buy water on some islands, but it costs $5 for a small bottle and that's just not enough. Therefore, we recommend that you bring your own water and drinks. You should definitely bring snacks if you're going on a day trip. But if you plan to sail happily for a week, you should bring more food. Seafood and rice don't always fill you up and, as mentioned, there aren't many restaurants on these islands.
We also have a full packing list that tells you everything you need to know about supplies on a sailing holiday, but here are a few things we can add specifically for a trip to San Blas.
- Sarong for the beach
- A lightweight sheet if you're in a place where there are only hammocks
- Mosquito repellent
- Adventurous spirit
- An open mind
- Relaxed attitude and willingness to disconnect from the world and get in touch with nature
We wish we could truly describe the beauty of the San Blas Islands in Panama. We wish we could portray the feeling of being there. But we can only try and hope that we succeed with a grain of doubt that it's possible, because a place like this has to be seen, touched and felt. That's the only way to discover its magical atmosphere and life-changing powers.
Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page if we managed to inspire you and show you how amazing these islands are. And remember,