San Blas

So its a little island archipelago on the Caribbean coast of Panama. It is very sweet, and if I want to be cheesy I would say San Blas is a blast. So this entry will be more to inform, as before I went I attempted to research about this mysterious place, but for one of the very few times in my life the Internet and my guide book let me down.

For some reason the info on is archipelago was not helpful, nor that accurate, and it was kind of a struggle to figure shit out...or I just didn't have the right resources. So first if you want to go, don't even think about flying. You are much better off getting a round trip in a 4x4 which can be arranged for you by any of the youth hostel. Ask for Junior, hes legit! They come pick you up at 5AM any you make a few little stops, to get breakfast and any last minute supplies, and then you arrive at the little port or the spot where the canoe picks you up you board and then take off to the islands.

A few things to know first. The islands are inhabited by Kuna Indians, an indigenous people. They live very primitive in huts with no potable water and live on fish and rice. They do however do get shipments of soda, beer, water, and marijuana to sell to the visitors. I indulged in two. Guess which?

They make their living on the tourists by selling them random things they need or want, including jewlery and traditional cloths and stuff like that. They are very conservative speaking their native toung and some spanish. The men all speak Spanish and the women who are fortunate enough to go to school do to. Thankfully times have changed and all of the younger women now go to school and all of the kids learn, Kuna, Spanish, and some English.

Make sure you negotiate your price for staying on the islands first, before you take off. You don't have to pay until your trip is over and they take you back to the drop off area. The dude tried to charge me 25$ per night but I schisted him and pulled a maneuver. I am nice like that, and if you go I suggest trying something. Be creative!

Also it is recommended to bring food to "munch on" or just to eat, as the food they provide you with, will keep you alive, but it is far from good. I would say tolerable for a day but I would not rely on that. Bring canned food and stuff that wont perish in a short time. Tuna, canned veggies, chips, apples, oranges, salt, pepper, and the like.

The first spot I went to was Isla el Diablo. Real rocky but a jungley island. The water wasn't that great for bathing/swimming due to all the rocks. It was sweet however to hand the hammock that the natives lent me, and drink Flor de Canas and pass out.

Next mooring I had some of the Kunas take me to Isla Pelican. This island was probably about 2,000 meters squared ( You could fit at least 2 on an American football field). This was the most private beautiful island I have ever seen in my life including pictures. There was this turquoise ring around the island and then a deep blue all of the sudden as the depth went from about 7 feet to 25 suddenly around the whole island. It was an underwater cliff that was around the whole thing. Too cool for words.

Stayed there for the night, then took off the next day to Isla Ansuelo. Bigger, awesome sunset and closer to the main port.

As I was in the car returning, accompanying me was this dude from Israel who had the worst mosquito bites I have ever seen. He was on Robinson Island, and that is the most popular. Thats the party island, which was not what I was after. I would say if you go, bring mad replant and make sure it works, as many of them don't.

Yea so theres a bit of info. Hopefully the next person who wants to go can find this and not be as confused. Lonely Planet get your shit together.

Much love to Panama, another great country on the vast planet of ours.

PS If picturs wernt so God damn incriminating I would take some. I gotta keep my chances alive incase I ever do want to run for office. Or I could just go the gangster rought and be a dictator......