The San Blas Islands of Panama is an archipelago comprising approximately 365 islands and cays, of which 49 are inhabited. Our plan is to visit a few of the inhabited islands and meet the locals. There are quite a few touristy islands, mostly uninhabited. Pretty spectacular area...but the waves are pretty rolly and feel like you're in the open ocean.

This is an independent sail. So we island hopped in the short 5 days.

More info on San Blas Archipelago

January 22
Todd woke up at 3:30am and we left the dock at 4:40am. After leaving the marina, the winds were high in the ocean. Made water. Very wavy, windy, and a rolly ride. Seasick motion but still able to watch an hour at a time. Todd did most of the watch, however. I didn't even eat dinner.

January 23
On watch 12:30-5am and Todd finally got some good sleep. Slept on and off during the day. By 9:30am, started the engines as wind died and we want to arrive during daylight. Motored the entire way. Saw dolphins 2 miles from destination. Dropped anchor at Coco Banderos between Saltair and Living the Dream at 5:30pm. Took dinghy to the beach and met up with several boats for bbq dinner. We brought marinated steak and salad and our own drinks. It was nice to meet up with other boats.

January 23 Photos

January 24
Clark's birthday and he's taking the MCAT today.
Up at 3:30am and couldn't sleep so watched a Netflix downloaded movie. Out of bed by 7:30am as boat came by selling molas. Met Jessica and Edna and ended up buying 2 molas for $40 total. Left Coco Banderos then sailed/motored towards Niadup in the middle section of the archipelago. We're the only boat here. Jefe Rodriguez and Jaime came over and we paid $15. Todd took photos of them and they had some ice water. After they left, we got ready and went to shore. Both met us and Jaime walked with us around the island. Fairly clean streets, some garbage by the water side. Lots of kids who wanted their pictures taken. Bought some guna bread (60 cents for 6 pieces) and walked more. Bought some lobster (4 pieces for $10) for dinner that Todd will have to deal with. After walking around, went back to the boat and got dinner ready - Todd on the lobsters and I made mushroom risotto. It was a first for Todd to kill and cook lobster and he opted for the no-boil method. It was quite a fight, apparently.

January 24 Photos

January 25
Didn't sleep well last night as it was pretty rolly. Left Niadup by 8am and sailed/motored towards Nargana but first stopped at Farewell Islands. Anchored. Only boat again. Ate breakfast - French toast casserole and pineapple. We went to shore and walked around - got some beach glass. Lots of garbage that gets brought in from the waves. After an hour, we headed towards Nargana. On our way, a couple were on their wooden boat and they needed a ride so we towed them towards Nargana. Anchored around other boats. Took dinghy to shore and walked around. First to Nargana and paid $6 for something we don't know. Ordered a Gula flag to pick up tomorrow morning. Walked across the bridge towards Corazon de Jesus. Met Alexander who's grandmother told us that mass is at 9am Sunday or 5pm at Nargana. After walking, back to boat. Relaxed and had more mushroom risotto for dinner.

January 25 Photos

January 26
Went to 9am mass at Corazon de Jesus. Picked up our Kuna flag (bandera) then back to boat. Left anchor before noon and headed towards East Hollandes' Swimming Pool area. Beautiful area, lots of boats, clear water. Kincsem also arrived and they ended up giving us a ride to Ibis' Restaurant. Met up with Salinity and Pure Joy as well. Had beers and pizza then went back with Salinity. Quiet evening - just stayed onboard.

January 26 Photos

January 27
Left East Hollandes Swimming Pool by 9am and went towards Ubicandup - Isla Nellie - which is west. Made frittata for breakfast. Got there in 2 hours. Anchored and it took 2 attempts. Aracely and Liheria came on their ulu (dugout boat) to sell some bracelets. Bought some. After, we took the dinghy and Liheria met us by her house and we docked the dinghy there. Met her family and we ended up buying more molas - purse, tshirts, dress, and molas. Walked around the island (150 people), bought some bread, then back to the boat. Todd cleaned the hulls and also the bilge. Made dinner - steak, potatoes, corn - then left anchor by 7pm. Overnight sail to Colon, Panama.

January 27 Photos