One of the first times I visited San Blas, a Guna man on Isla Perro told me about their belief in Baba and Nana — the Great Father and Great Mother. He said that before the sea, the sky, or even light existed, there was only silence. From that silence came two breaths, two halves of one whole, whose dreams became the sun and stars, whose songs shaped the land, and whose tears formed the ocean.

What makes San Blas (Gunayala) unforgettable isn’t just its 365 small islands with white sand, palm trees, and turquoise waters scattered along Panama’s Caribbean coast; it’s the people you meet, the meals you share, and the unexpected moments that leave you saying, 'This was the best part of our trip!'  We’ve collected a few stories from travelers who took the leap, booked a sailboat, and found themselves living out a dream. In Todd’s words: ”I had always dreamed of charteri

The Guna people see the sea as a living world of spirits and stories. One of their most cherished tales is that of Ibeorgun, the Spirit of the Sea, who watches over all who sail or fish in Guna waters. Fishermen are taught to honor the ocean with gratitude and respect — for those who forget may face storms and empty nets, while those who remember are safely guided home.

Imagine stepping off a small wooden boat onto a sun-drenched island, greeted by the gentle sounds of waves and the warmth of the Guna people. For the Guna, a dulemasi, which means ‘our food’ in Guna, is more than just a meal: It’s culture, tradition, and a way to connect with the land and sea. Inspired by the fresh, vibrant flavors of Guna Yala, and based on what they shared with us during our visit to Isla Tigre, here’s a dish that brings a taste of the islands into your ki

Around 2011, after months of backpacking, I discovered a new passion: traveling by sea. Sailing led me to Gunayala, where the spirit of this territory—its language, culture, and deep connection to nature—reshaped my path. Here, the ulu (“boat” in Guna) is more than transport; it’s a symbol of harmony with the environment. Joining an ulu experience isn’t just about sailing—it’s an authentic encounter with the Guna people, their ancestral knowledge, and their way of living in b

On Isla Tigre, guided by Eleuterio, we met the Saila, shared traditional Dulemasi soup, and received a handwoven wini bracelet. The Guna people welcomed us with warmth and culture—an unforgettable experience in Gunayala.

In San Blas, time slows down. The rush of the city fades into turquoise waters, swaying palms, and quiet horizons. Here, you don’t just visit—you belong.

In the crystal waters of San Blas, an unexpected threat lurks: the lionfish. Striking in appearance with bold stripes and flowing fins, it’s as dangerous as it is beautiful. With no natural predators here, the invasive lionfish is spreading fast, disrupting reefs and the fish the Guna people depend on. Local communities are fighting back—catching, cooking, and turning this menace into a meal.

As seas rise, the Guna people of San Blas face losing their ancestral islands. Despite threats of flooding and displacement, they respond with resilience, guided by tradition. Climate change may erase these islands within decades, but the Guna’s harmony with nature offers a powerful lesson. Visit not just for the beauty—but to honor a culture that may soon be gone.