A trip to Guna Yala is unlike any other type of vacation the Visitor has experienced in the past. It is an adventure from the moment the boat sets sail until you begin to discover several of the 365 islands that the Guna Yala Archipelago has. A semi-autonomous region of Panama where the laws of the Guna ethnic group are followed.
Tour this Paradise in a Day
Visiting much of this unique paradise in the Panamanian Caribbean can take several days, however, it is possible to live an intense and unforgettable experience in a single day. These tours take the Visitor through beautiful crystalline and turquoise waters, to see an island where beneath its waters there is a sunken ship full of marine life, and even enjoy its white sand beach surrounded by palm trees.
Visit the Natural Pools in the Middle of the Ocean
Another stop to enjoy during this one-day experience is to visit the natural pools called “Sandbanks”. Located in the middle of the Ocean, Guests can get off the boat and walk in shallow waters. These pools used to be islands that sank over 100 years ago due to a tsunami that affected this entire region. A place where people can come into contact with marine species, from starfish to manta rays.
Local Gastronomy and Relaxation
Another activity on these tours is to enjoy the local cuisine, where you can try fresh fish and seafood, even lobsters. All accompanied by salad, rice with coconut or fried plantains and drink. Experience that takes place in the restaurants with roofs made of palm tree leaves. After lunch, Visitors can continue enjoying the beach, where they can go snorkeling, discover the fish diversity and its impressive corals. It is also possible to relax in a hammock on the edge of the beach or walk around the island accompanied by a Guna, who will tell you the history of the island and lifestyle.
After an intense day, the tour ends between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., since the region closes for the entry or exit of people at 5 in the afternoon. Whether it is a day trip like the one described in this article or a couple of days experience, all the islands offer multiple and varied activities: bonfires, beach games such as volleyball and soccer, snorkelling, canoe rides around the island and visit a Guna community to experience its lifestyle and more.
How to get to this Paradise?
From Panama City, you drive to Carti, the main port of the Guna Yala Islands, with an all-terrain vehicle. The two and a half hour trip takes the Visitor through the central mountain range to the port of Carti. From there the boats leave for the islands. It is advisable to hire the services of tour operators who will take care of the entire experience.
