The San Blas Islands Of Panama. A Great Adventure Destination

In 2001 I was fortunate enough to go on a sailing adventure that started in Texas and ended in Panama. The best part of the trip were the San Blas Islands of Panama, home to the indigenous Kuna people.

The San Blas Islands, also known to the inhabitants as the Kuna Yala are a series of low lying islands numbering around 360 that stretch from near Porvenir Panama down to near the border with Columbia. Only a few of the larger islands are accessible by air travel from Panama City.

If you have the time and can afford it there are some charter operators that offer sailboat tours of the smaller islands. The conditions can be primitive but the rewards of getting to see native culture and unspoiled islands outweigh the hardships of getting there.

If you plan on visiting by air there are regular flights to Nargana and Rio Sidra out of the international airport in Panama City. Flights often depart in the very early hours of the morning so you may need to be at the airport before the sun comes up.

There is some lodging available in the islands, everything from huts with hammocks for rent, to modest hotel rooms. Find a reputable tour company offering tours of the San Blas. The trip is well worth it.

Take along some spending money to buy local crafts. The Kuna women sew beautiful embroidered cloth called molas. They are sought out worldwide by collectors for their extraordinary detail and craftsmanship.

Also be advised that the Kuna don't really like their photos taken. They feel, like many other indigenous peoples that you are taking a part of them. I don't blame them, the San Blas is their home, not a zoo, and you are a guest.