Navigating Paradise: A Sailing Adventure from Panama to Cartagena via San Blas

Our journey begins in the bustling but surprisingly inconspicuous city of Panama, where extraordinary seems to blend seamlessly with ordinary. The hot and stuffy embrace of this city welcomes us, hinting at future adventure journeys. Our exploration began in the old town, where the past lingered in the air, whispering in the cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. Despite intermittent pouring rain, strolling on these streets still has a certain charm, which is the prelude to the miracle waiting for us to surpass the limits of the city.

The next day, driven by the strong aroma of coffee at Unido Cafe, we embarked on a pilgrimage to the Panama Canal that could only be described as a bookworm. For enthusiasts of engineering miracles, it’s like walking into a living museum and witnessing the tremendous feat of human intelligence. However, not everyone is captivated by its mechanical ballet; My girlfriend is not infatuated with this engineering spectacle at all, but patiently waits for a container ship to pass by. As an exchange, I promised to give her a cooking adventure, which we found in the Luo Que Sea. This restaurant is a revelation that proves Panamanian cuisine, which is often considered unremarkable, can indeed dazzle the taste buds if given the opportunity.

Another day passed, and we sought the embrace of nature and ventured to the Chagall River. This journey immerses us in the lush and vibrant center of the jungle, where the calm waters of the river guide us to the hidden waterfall. This is a day of discovery, from discovering sloths and eagles to visiting a tribal village. Although it is interesting, it gives us a complex feeling of the fine line between cultural exchange and wonders.

When we were preparing for the main journey to the Saint Blas Islands, people had expectations. Our departure was not charming at all. In the morning, we took a crowded 4×4, full of anticipation and potholes. However, this discomfort is only a small cost. After arriving at El Porvenir, seeing our sailboat signifies the beginning of a true adventure. Our crew includes a Colombian captain, his wife’s chef, a first mate, and a security dog, who are our guides to this new world. This ship carrying ten passengers has become a microcosm of friendship and anticipation.

Our journey to the first island was short, but full of hope. In the afternoon spent offshore, we immersed ourselves in the clear seawater and beach, with a heavenly flavor. Diving reveals a hidden underwater world filled with corals, jellyfish, sharks, and a range of tropical fish. At night, we gathered by the campfire, setting the tone for our future days under the vast starry sky.

As we continue our journey, each island we visit has its unique appeal. From sunbathing on primitive beaches to exploring small and charming islands, this experience is an uninterrupted tranquility. The rhythm of island life quickly established itself, marking our days with sunshine, the sea, and simple pleasures of life.

Days at open sea are like a test of endurance, and seasickness can really mess things up. But the beauty of the sea with its endless undulations and enormousness, brings strongly to mind just how massive nature is, and how little one becomes within it. The landing in Cartagena, in its turn, is almost like going from the tranquility of the island to the hustle and bustle of the city. The streets of Cartagena are so full of life, with colors and sounds that could hardly ever be more in contrast to the peaceful tones of blue and green in hospitality at the Saint Bras Islands.

A visit to the private island resort Mukura Island rounds off the circle of our journey, with quiet retreat from the world. Days of introspection and beautiful beaches seal an adventure never to be forgotten.

All this, so much more than anything else, makes the Saint Blas Islands stand out in riveting beauty and tranquility. An independent state ruled by the indigenous community of Gonayara, it turns toward a different world—one where the rhythms of nature and culture lace themselves into one. This sailing journey to the Caribbean Sea is not just a crossing; it opens on a quite unique setting of explorations through varied landscapes, cultures, and experiences defining this corner of the world. From the Panama Canal, one of the engineering marvels of this world, to the tranquil beauty of the Saint Bras Islands and the vibrant bustle of Cartagena, this adventure is a journey of comparisons and discoveries that prove the fineness and richness of our world and the endless possibility given to those with eyes ready to see.

Where upon reaching the middle of the Saint Bras Islands do our stories find an ever-reaching canvas in adventure; and here, certainly, time all but stumbled to a standstill, entreating us to live literally by the second. We sail through shades of blue, which the Caribbean is sportful in giving, and we have with us a sailboat—a small space of intimacy, stories, and laughter that can be called home. Every island we stop by speaks volumes of the wonderful beauty of nature, which is either not destroyed or protected, allowing us to catch a glimpse of the world far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Takings of the Saint Blas Archipelago with 365 islands—a jewel of pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich cultural heritage ruled by indigenous Gunayala—were the orders of the day. The depth of connection they hold with the land and the sea surfaces in every interaction, offering us an incredible opportunity for growth and learning.

The first island we visited was a fairytale world on earth. Pearlescent white sand, swaying palm trees, and transparent seawater furnished the ideal ambience to soak oneself in relaxation and recreation throughout the day. With a little snorkeling along the beach, we saw a beautiful underwater world full of life. The living coral park is home to various species of tropical fish, jellyfish, and even shy sharks that appear once in a while, all proving the richness of biodiversity of this region. As the sun began to set, the island turned into a fairyland and was painted orange-pink across the sky. Here, right on the beach, a bonfire unites, tells stories, and gazes up at the starry sky above, reminding one that the simplest of things in life are pleasures.

Similar findings will also be made in the following days. Each island has its own characteristics, and some of those islands are very small. It may take a leisurely walk for a few minutes to reach the entire island. However, the peace and tranquility they provide is enormous. One day we found ourselves on an island where two Guna families lived. Their hospitality, their interest in sharing their way of life—it’s very warm. With Guna women, we became familiar with traditional crafts to make complex Molas textiles. We are allowed the opportunity to appreciate and directly buy from craftsmen. Such kinds of interactions are not just transactions but a bridge across cultures—a smile and appreciative communication that goes beyond the boundaries of languages.

Already, days spent at sea are an adventure in their own right. The open seas, rolling waves, and limitless horizon form a combination that is at one and the same time terrifying and uplifting. It is true that seasickness does present a problem for some of us, but the beauty, the grandeur of the sea, cannot be denied. It is a moment of introspection, the rhythm of water soothing our souls and letting us remember our place in the grand plan of things. Our journey in crossing the islands finally ends in Cartagena, but for us, it is not an end to the adventure. This lively city, with all its hues in the streets and vivid dynamism, stands in complete contrast to the tranquility of beauty we have beheld in the Saint Bras Islands. Yet, this is the proper ending, where contrasts bring out the richness and diversity of our journeys.

We reflected upon our voyage, feeling sure now that the Saint Bras Islands had captured our hearts. These islands belong to the indigenous community of Gonayara, a reflection of a world in which nature and culture are in perfect harmony. We are not just traveling from Panama to Colombia; it is rather a voyage that bestows us with an opportunity to soak in the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and its people. From the Panama Canal engineering marvel to the serene white beaches and city streets of Santo Bras, the adventure becomes a tapestry, each time more unforgettable than the last. After all, the Saint Bras Islands symbolize peace and cultural richness through the demonstration that our world holds extraordinary diversity and many possibilities for anyone willing to explore it.

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The San Blas Island: Sailing from Panama to Colombia — The Curious Travel