Piscina Estrella and Isla Perro San Blas islands
Have you heard of San Blas islands in the Caribbean of Panama?
- The exotic 365 San Blas islands stretching 200 miles along the Caribbean coast are inhabited by Guna Yala Indians (sometimes also called the Kunas.)
- You will mostly see only native houses made from thatched palms around the islands.
- Only 10% of the islands – I heard precisely 49 islands – are inhabited.
- Circumnavigators selected San Blas as the 3rd most beautiful destination in the world.
- In 2011 Lonely Planet selected San Blas as the number 3 tropical paradise in the world.
- Indigenous tribe of Guna Yala Indians together with pristine beaches of the Caribbean is what makes San Blas so special as in one place you can see both.
- Many Gunas now live out of selling coconuts to tourists and also their renowned Mola handicraft – reverse embroidery needle work with animal or geometric design, hand-sewn by the Guna women. You can find anything from pillow cases, to wall hangings, dresses, blouses, bags etc. There’s very few accommodation options around the islands, or it is camping, or shared/private cabañas or sailing.
- Many Kunas walk barefoot so I did not feel like a weirdo as I prefer barefoot each time I can, especially on islands but I think you know it already if you’ve read more about me.
Well, I was lucky enough to spend 3 days on San Blas islands. It’s not just all the information I shared above which should make you jealous or at least put San Blas islands on your bucket list when in Central America.
San Blas islands are simply worth it.
After my first day on Isla Hierba, when a bad experience changed quickly into one of the best ones in my life, we visited Nalunega island to see more of the Kuna lifestyle.
Our third, and last day in the unforgettable paradise was spent again differently. We finally could enjoy a calm boat trip to Piscina Estrella which is a place with crystal clear shallow water where you can snorkel and see some starfish. It was an awesome stop which most of us spent completely in the water as the water temperature seemed higher than the one of the air. I guess it was because the wind that came back that day was giving us all chills :)
Afterwards, we made our way to Isla Perro San Blas, one of the most known island of the archipielago. The Dog Island, as the name translates from Spanish, or Achudub island in the Kuna is famous for a shipwreck just a couple of metres from the sand beach. Because of the wreck the island is sometimes also called the Gunboat Island. There’s no accommodation on the island, but a small bar, a volleyball field, beautiful white sand beach and tourists having a picnic under one of the many palm trees. That’s what we did, too.
We snorkeled around the shipwreck, sunbathed and enjoyed pasta with a salad for lunch. It was our last hours in the paradise. I talked loads with Brian, a very sweet Canadian guy. We had to take a photo for my #SexySaturday Facebook hashtag together as very rarely I can find someone handsome and even taller than me :)
Leaving Isla Perro San Blas was a bit painful … In the end, all turned well and I was more than happy I could enjoy San Blas islands for at least those 3 days.
The 3 days in a paradise. The 3 days in my heart forever :)
My trip to Isla Perro San Blas islands was organized by Cacique Cruiser as part of my Adventure and Spa project. Thumbs up for such a good organization, for accommodating my mostly raw vegan diet and for all the laughs and conversations.
***It took me 4 hours to write this post.
Rich
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I was just in Panama but didn’t have time to go to San Blas :( Looks absolutely amazing!!! Did you make it to Bocas del Toro too? We went to Caya Zapatilla from there which was absolutely stunning too.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Oh, you have to go to San Blas for sure! Been to Bocas 3 times, love it, but never made it to Zapatilla yet :D
Sigurdur Bjorgvinsson @redheadexplorer
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It looks like an amazing place to visit. I love the clean beach and the pure blue ocean.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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I truly love those beaches too :) I think we all do :D
The Guy
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I must admit that I hadn’t heard of these islands but they sound very appealing. I also love the idea of the craft works by the locals; always good tourism to support the locally made arts and crafts.
So you said this Canadian guy is rare in that he is taller than you? So how tall are you Alex?