Sailing to the San Blas Islands has been one of my true sailing highlights. I was on a Lagoon 450 catamaran participating in the World ARC and were on our way to Panama City via the canal. We'd stopped in Colombia for a few days and the San Blas were just off the coast of Panama.
Relatively untouched, we anchored off islands that had just a few shacks used by the Kuna Indian fishermen and their families. They moved from island to island in their small traditional sailing boats. Put us to shame I'm afraid.
Sailing the San Blas Islands
January 2015
The Kuna Indians from what I could see still live a pretty traditional life and their handwoven mola are incredibly colourful and intricate. The kids we met on one island we certainly pretty happy just playing and swimming amongst themselves. It was a pretty special time just getting a glimpse of how simple life could be. It helps when you live in a tropical paradise I guess!
Yours truly enjoying a sundowner
The local children were so happy
A typical fishing boat sailing between the islands
Home for the Kuna Indians
Some of the ladies we met and the mola handcrafts they had created
I don't know where all the boys were? This island there were only girls!
My crewmate Marina and her new best friends
Marina making friends with the local Kuna Indian children