STORIES FROM THE SEA: The Hidden Secret of Gunayala

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 chartering a sailboat, but I’ll admit … I hesitated when it came time to wire money to Panama. After reading countless reviews, my wife and I decided to take the chance. And we are so glad we did.”

From the moment Todd and his wife stepped onto the Kaya, they felt at home. Marce and Julieta, the crew, prepared unforgettable meals with fresh seafood and fruit. One night, they even slept on deck under the stars, with the ocean softly rocking them to sleep.

But what truly stood out was Captain Estefanía. Having lived among the Guna people, she understood their language and opened a door to their world. Through her guidance, the couple visited villages, met families, and left with memories of both paradise and culture intertwined.

For Rebecca, attention to detail made all the difference. "Our two-night sailing adventure in San Blas with Pablo and Silvia was absolutely incredible! From start to finish, the agency guided us through every step of the logistics. They went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. 

Delicious and thoughtful meals complemented the beauty of the surrounding islands. Between dips in crystal-clear waters and walks on postcard-perfect beaches, we were also welcomed into the Guna community, a cultural encounter that added more meaning to the trip than just sun and sand.

We couldn’t have asked for a better experience," she wrote. 

What these tales show us is that the best part of coming here is the building of bridges and connecting that happens in the natural exchange of worldviews among our guests, our crew and our local hosts (with a backdrop of unfathomable beauty). 

That… is what’s truly unforgettable about Gunayala.