Leann and I have four weeks of vacation so we agree to split it: she plans 2 weeks, I plan 2 weeks. Her first trip of the year was a week-long kayak trip to the San Blas islands off the North Coast of Panama. The San Blas archipelago contain 378 islands within an area of 100 square miles. Many of the islands are uninhabited but the larger ones are inhabited by the KUNA people.
Before departing (2nd week of March) news was starting to break about a new virus originating in China. Scientists were equating it to the flu so we discussed and decided to proceed with the trip. The world changed significantly while we were paddling from island to island.
Our first day started with a boat ride across the Gulf of Guna Yala to Tiger Island. This stretch of water was to far to paddle so we started our kayak trip with a boat ride.
From then each day was pretty much the same, paddle to an island, set up camp, swim, snorkel read and relax. Here are the islands we visited in order: Tiger Island, Diadup Island, Sichirdup Island, Salardup Island and Bidirdup Island
There is a sizable Kuna population on Tiger Island, Leann bought a few mola:
Typical campsite for most of the trip
We made a trip to the mainland and paddled up river it was nice to swim in fresh water.
Smallest island we visited, didn’t spend the night but it was nice place to get out of the kayaks
Guides are required by the Kuna if you want to visit, added bonus they did all of the cooking. This sauce was amazing, we had that SH*T on everything
Paddled to Bidirdup Island and set up camp for our last night We were all looking forward to more snorkeling Unfortunately COVID had other ideas, guide told us to pack up, all tourists had to be off the islands by midnight.
So we packed up and headed back to Panama City. We had an extra day in Panama city. Leann loves animals and read about monkey island. We signed up for a tour and were glad we did. The White Face Capuchin and Geoffroy’s Tamarin Monkeys were very friendly
Back to Panama City, took this picture for our middle daughter (Julie) who is an architect and likes Frank Gehry designs
Since we left the islands early we had another day to spend in Panama City before flying home. The news was not good on the COVID front so we changed our flight and came home a day early. For some reason it was cheaper to change our flight to first class than coach. Easiest decision I ever made. I have not been on a plane since, strange times.