Visiting Panama’s San Blas Islands

There are so many reasons to fall in love with Panama’s San Blas Islands that it’s hard to count. Exotic birds, lush vegetation, white beaches and sapphire colored seawater will all make you never want to leave. Stretching from the Panamanian coast to almost the Columbian border, the San Blas Islands are as relaxing as they are enticing. With 378 islands to choose from, you will have a hard time deciding which one to lounge on.

The Kuna Indians inhabit the San Blas islands and are able to operate away from the national government for the most part. This allows them to preserve their own cultural heritage and economic system.  While visiting, you will feel like you have stepped into the past as you experience their distinctive dress, language, music, and traditions. There is so much to do on the San Blas Islands, you won’t know whether to kick back and relax or take part in something adventurous.

Time moves a bit slower in the San Blas Islands, so there is plenty of time to enjoy your accommodations or soak up the sun with a delicious cocktail. You may also choose to go swimming in one of the pools or at the beach. Snorkeling is a particularly exhilarating experience as there are thousands of colorful fish living in the coral reefs.  If you want to do a bit of shopping, you can walk among the Kuna traders.  You will find wares of coconuts, fish and hand-crafted items. Be sure to keep an eye out for beautiful fabrics fashioned with bright colors and eccentric designs.

The most popular of the San Blas Islands are Achutupu, Kangantupu, and Coco Blanco. These islands are all pretty close together, so its possible to visit all three. They are just a plane ride away, or if you have a spontaneous streak, you can ask a Kuna merchant ship to take you along as they travel from Colón. Between April and June is the best time to visit, as the temperatures are just right and the sea life is the most active.

The San Blas Islands offers visitors a little slice of heaven. Sun, sweet drinks, crystalline waters, soft sand, and friendly people all come together to make the San Blas Islands one of the most beautiful vacation detinations.