islas san blas, pa

This is going to be a relatively short log, or summary. Not because the San Blas Islands aren't absolutely amazing and worthy of an extensive overview, but because there is really only one way you are going to be able to go through them. That is through a tour. So understanding what they are, the fact that you should go, and who your options to go with are is really the only thing that I can add for you. So here, it will be structured differently. Below I will have a few different sections, one with the different tour operators. My personal experience with the one that I selected, and the reputation that I knew of with the other providers.  With that being said, a little bit about the San Blas Islands. I think they are the most special part of the country of Panama. The San Blas Islands are a chain of 300+ small Caribbean islands that are in the lower portion of Panama essentially on the way to Colombia. The islands are, for the most part small and relatively uninhabited. Many of them being completely vacant of human life. That is not to say that there aren't large population centers, there are. A handful of the islands are bigger, and contain large populations of the Indigenous group that inhabits the islands, — the 'Guna Yala'.  A little more on the Guna Yala (Kuna for short). They are the group of Indigenous people who live on these islands and have lived on these islands for generations. They remain relatively autonomous from the Panamanian government, since the San Blas Revolution in 1925. You will see, plastered throughout the archipelago, flags that commemorate the revolution, and their right to stay autonomous from the Panamanian government. It's a fascinating and inspiring story of an Indigenous group remaining independent. Their flag is unique and based on relatively recent history, can be jarring. The Kuna flag depicts a swastika (not to be confused with the Nazi symbol) symbolizing an octopus that, according to local tradition, created the world. The swastika is level, rather than the titled version that is synonymous with hate.  As you pass through the islands out here, you will likely be passing on a sailboat, a catamaran, or a large speedboat depending on your preference. As you pass the islands you will see that many of them have simply one wooden structure on them. Primitive and beautiful, with what appears to be only a family or two living on them. Their clothes drying in the wind, subsisting off of fish and coconuts, along with the fresh water wells that have been dug in the center of the islands. The men and boys go out daily in wooden dugout canoes to fish, selling some of their catch to the moored sailboats and the rest remaining to feed their families.  The special part of the San Blas to me is the sheer traditionality and authenticity of it. There are no foreign restaurants, shops or hotels. No investment has been made here outside of investment made by the Kuna and their people. So it is a very pure and real place. The trip through the San Blas typically takes about a week, — 5 days and 4 nights if weather permits. The trip can be expensive when you think of it at first. Between 500 and 700 USD, depending on the tour company you choose. However, when you break it down the price is not bad for the experience you are getting. This includes your accommodation, all of your meals, the experience of a lifetime, sleeping on a sailboat at 3 different islands, a 2 day open ocean crossing, visits to multiple islands, as well as your travel expense between Panama and Colombia. For me the price is valid, and you should just sack up and do it.  To end this, the islands are magical. They look exactly how you would picture paradise from a Hollywood movie. They have been featured in Hollywood movies, Netflix's 'Money Heist', and Sports Illustrated swimsuit shoots. Additionally meeting and interacting with the local Kuna was such an honor. They are kind, welcoming, and bestow the most unique and beautiful traditional dress I have ever seen from an Indigenous community. Make sure you bring a little extra money to buy a souvenir, some coconuts, or a few beers from them to support.  With that long winded explanation finished — do the San Blas.