The Caribbean coast of Panama keeps one of the best preserved mangrove and coral ecosystems in the world; The political and economic autonomy of the Guna ethnic group has much to do with this natural miracle.
The San Blas archipelago is a succession of hundreds of islands and small keys where you can enjoy impressive beaches, almost virgin seabeds and a local culture that continues to maintain the ancestral customs of its people.
A Natural Wonder Created by a Tsunami
In the middle of the islands, in what seems to be the center of the immensity of the sea, there are shallow transparent water sandbanks called “Sandbanks” where people can swim in warm waters and have contact with marine species from starfish even manta rays.
According to the Gunas, these pools used to be islands that sank more than 100 years ago due to a tsunami that hit the area. This area is the favorite for many tourists who make a “tour” to Guna Yala, since it makes them feel in the middle of the ocean like few other places in the world.
A Large Natural Pool
Most of the Visitors are destined for this sector at the northernmost point, which are those that are protected by the Gulf of Guna Yala. In this area, the concentration of small islands and rocks form a truly gigantic pool where people can walk in water up to their waists, feeling like they are in the middle of the ocean. A true wonder of nature, where children and adults can swim, take photos, play water sports, relax or snorkel to enjoy the beauties of the surrounding coral reefs.
How to Get to Paradise
To visit Guna Yala and reach the beautiful natural pools, there are multiple “tour” operators that offer the transfer service from Panama City to the Port of Carti, which is the starting point to the San Blas islands. There is no public transportation to get to San Blas and upon arrival it is mandatory to pay a tax of USD $20.00 per person. In case the person is Panamanian or resides in Panama, the tax is USD $5.00
In Puerto de Carti, you take a boat to one of the many islands at your disposal. The boats are shared and have a maximum capacity of 12 people. A seat can be reserved in advance through a tour operator or upon arrival. The boat trip to the islands depends on the distance and the weather. Isla Aguja is 15 minutes away, however Isla Perro is 35 minutes away. From the island where you stay you will be transported to the “Sandbanks” of San Blas, an icon of Panamanian nature that no one can miss.
