Christmas in Panama/San Blas Islands

On December 7, 2007, we left Shelter Bay Marina, Colon, Panama for the 100 mile trip east to the San Blas Islands. We made 2 overnight stops on the way and arrived at Chichime anchorage (San Blas Islands) on December 9. We checked into the Kuna Yala Port Captain’s office on December 10, paid the $8 fee and started our exploration of these beautiful islands. Most of the islands are only a few miles apart. The tradewinds at this time of year are wonderfully cooling making sleeping at night very comfortable. Temperatures are in the mid-80’s with the water temperature is between 83-84 degrees. The longest trip we have made within the islands is from Porvenir, port of entry island, to Nargana, some 20 miles east.

On December 19, we left Dream Caper anchored off Nargana in the care of Frederico, a trusted Kuna Indian, who at night sleeps in the cockpit of our locked boat to guard it. We took a flight in a Twin Otter via Aeroperlas Airlines to Panama City, a one hour flight where we met Portia’s son Mako who flew in from California. We spent 3 days in Panama City staying with our friends in the Albrook Condo and enjoying Panama City. On December 22, we, along with Mako, flew back to Nargana. We took Dream Caper to various islands over the next 5 days, snorkeling and kayaking. We spent Christmas anchored in the “Swimming Pool,” named because the water is swimming pool blue. In the evening we attended a Christmas potluck on “Barbecue Island” where 70+ people attended including a dozen local Kuna Indians. The food was delicious and the camaraderie enjoyable. On December 27, we sailed to Porvenir where Mako flew back to Panama City to catch his flight back to California. It was wonderful spending time with Mako.