Cruising Logs

The San Blas Islands: An Overview

The San Blas Islands could very well be  the last undiscovered sailing paradise in the world.

This most beautiful part of Panama is located along the Panama's Caribbean coast and comprises a 365-island archipelago. Established in 1938 as an autonomous Indian territory, the land and marine park of Kuna Yala offer both land and sea treasures. Of the 365 islands, only about one-tenth are inhabited, and those are very crowded. The remaining islands are deserted. You will have the opportunity to experience both.

On the mainland, the "Cordillera de las San Blas" mountain range rises above this gorgeous unexploited, unspoiled and relatively unknown paradise.

Today's Kuna Indians inhabit the islands in the same way their ancestors did: trading coconuts and fishing for crabs, lobsters and snappers aboard their graceful hand carved wooden canoes complete with patchwork sails, called "Cayucos'.

Review the San Blas Cruising Log.

Most of the communities speak only the ancient Indian language and the women still wear the traditional colorful dresses in orange and yellow, highlighted with the world famous "mola" rainbow colored patterns emblazoned with fishes, birds, jungle animals or geometric designs. Their calves and arms are tightly bound with lengths of beads known as "Uinni" and they wear a golden ring through the tip of their nose.

The sailing here is short and cool, but the pair of French adventurers who run San Blas Sailing Charters, Bernard and Jean-Charles, can make it tough and long for those who want it! The islands are totally remote and usually after a few days alone people enjoy seeing other yachts. Especially long term cruising yachts and not chartered yachts.

All San Blas Sailing's yachts belongs to owners that are physically on board except for "Pepita" that has a crew as Bernard has to stay in the office to attend to the business. Due to lack of infrastructure (no marina nor mechanics, no precise charts nor assistance) and to the fact that usually people need to be guided in their relations with the Indian Kuna there's no possibility of bareboat around here.

The boats available are: 2 monohulls, 3 catamarans and 1 luxury 61Ft. powerboat.
View pictures of the boats

San Blas Sailing Charters Web Site | San Blas Cruising Log

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