Posts
The San Blas island group consists of 365 islands lying in the Caribbean Sea along the north coast of Panama. They are perfect destination for cruising yachts or parties keen to charter a vessel locally. The islands are surrounded by safe aqua waters and have many comfortable anchorages with fine sandy beaches. The balmy weather is typical of that found in the tropics. Perhaps the greatest attraction to go sailing San Blas, however, is the indigenous Kuna people and their fascinating culture.
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.
The San Blas is home for the Kuna, a distinctive cultural group of people with its own language. Their ancestry dates to before the arrival of the early Spanish explorers during the 1500s. The Kuna have proudly retained their traditions despite regrettable mistreatment and discrimination by the Spanish conquistadors and some modern Panamanian governments. The Kuna are commercially shrewd and have a culture that values selling goods through their own businesses and venues.
Wave to fishermen as they pass by in their distinctive wooden ulu canoes, crafted by hand using methods handed down through the centuries by their ancestors. Buy some of their catch and use the opportunity to barter and strike up a friendship.
The Kuna achieved a form of semi-independence status in 1925. Today they are structured into 49 nine separate communities each with its own political organization. A chief known as a Saila functions as both the political and spiritual leader of that community. They are largely self-governed through the Kuna General Congress which itself is headed by three Great Sailas (or Saila Dummagan).
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.
The Kuna achieved semi-independence in 1925. Today, they largely govern themselves through an elected Congress consisting of one representative from each of the forty inhabited islands in the group. Many Kuna continue to lead a traditional lifestyle. They cook their daily meals over open fires and sleep in hammocks slung in a communal hut. Some communities lack basic infrastructure like running water in their homes.
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.
The San Blas is home for the Kuna, a distinctive cultural group of people with its own language. Their ancestry dates to before the arrival of the early Spanish explorers during the 1500s. The Kuna have proudly retained their traditions despite regrettable mistreatment and discrimination by the Spanish conquistadors and some modern Panamanian governments. The Kuna are commercially shrewd and have a culture that values selling goods through their own businesses and venues.
Wave to fishermen as they pass by in their distinctive wooden ulu canoes, crafted by hand using methods handed down through the centuries by their ancestors. Buy some of their catch and use the opportunity to barter and strike up a friendship.
The Kuna achieved a form of semi-independence status in 1925. Today they are structured into 49 nine separate communities each with its own political organization. A chief known as a Saila functions as both the political and spiritual leader of that community. They are largely self-governed through the Kuna General Congress which itself is headed by three Great Sailas (or Saila Dummagan).
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.
The Kuna achieved semi-independence in 1925. Today, they largely govern themselves through an elected Congress consisting of one representative from each of the forty inhabited islands in the group. Many Kuna continue to lead a traditional lifestyle. They cook their daily meals over open fires and sleep in hammocks slung in a communal hut. Some communities lack basic infrastructure like running water in their homes.
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.
About the Author:
Read more about Sailing San Blas Is One Of The Hidden Treasures Of Panama visiting our website.