Sailing to San Blas, Panama – Sea TV Notes

Entering the San Blas Archipelago

We entered the San Blas island archipelago from the east and stayed for four days. If you have the time, it’s worth staying longer to experience this stunning region fully. For safe navigation in San Blas and all the usual tools and techniques, it’s best to use the Panama Cruising Guide by Eric Bauhaus.

This guide is invaluable, and we also found it helpful on the Pacific side of Panama. The islands reminded us of our stay on the Pearl Islands. You should plan your approach carefully, with particular attention to your draught.

Safe Navigation Tips

As you approach the shallows, it’s essential to have a lookout on the bow, ideally wearing polarised sunglasses. This makes it much easier to spot shallow areas or coral heads that may not be marked on the chart. Additionally, it’s preferable to approach with the sun behind you for better visibility.

Docking and Anchoring in San Blas

The docking options in the San Blas islands are almost limitless. We avoided approaching the central island, Nalunega, and the nearby islands where there is an organised ‘entrance’ fee that includes payment to the authorities of the Kuna tribe.

Important Recommendations

• Avoid damaging underwater pipes when anchoring.
• Remember that every coconut, whether on the tree, sand, or water, belongs to the Kuna tribe.

Our Anchoring Experience

We anchored near the ‘swimming pool’ and chose a spot near an island inhabited by two small families and another island with only a small strip of sand around it. We swam ashore and walked around, connecting with the eternal peace of the islands. However, when we returned to the boat, we noticed a nine-foot-long crocodile swimming near the reef where we had just been snorkeling!

It seemed frightening, but later, on a visit to the inhabited island (safely in the dinghy), we were told that “small crocodiles are old friends, and have never harmed us.”

Socializing at the Barbecue Island

The Barbecue Island is a beach where yachtsmen gather for an evening on the beach. Everyone brings food and drinks for a shared meal and a chance to compare stories and experiences. Local people visit in their typical ‘keno’ boats, offering fresh lobsters for about $15 each and coconuts for $1. They also sell colorful naive crafts.