Virginia and I have slight differences on our time in Kuna Yala (the San Blas Islands). It is true that it was not for us the wonderful experience it has been for many others, in spite of the physical beauty of the place. This only proves that a single experience of a place cannot render a full description and remains merely a moment in time image reflected in the circumstances and constraints of the viewer.
There is a sizable "resident" population of mostly U.S. cruisers in a small part of the San Blas and here we felt a debilitating ennui. Most are there for long periods of time, sometimes years, and basically do nothing but snorkel. This is not for us. To get an understanding of the local Kuna Indians requires moving further east away from the highly visited islands and spending time, far more than we had available.
Life here consumes time. Travel needs high sun to pilot through coral heads in and out of anchorages and in the rainy season in particular this can limit available sailing time to a few hours a day and sometimes several days a week are not suitable for moving around. Then to meet and spend time with the locals also requires spending long periods of time.
So without investing that time our view of the San Blas was restricted. It's OK we're off to Columbia now and that will be a contrast for sure.