The San Blas Islands lie on the northern coast of Panama. The area is inhabited by the Guna Yalas and maintain and manage the islands autonomously from Panama.
Most cruisers will travel downwind from Cartagena, Columbia, while others choose the route from Colon via Portobelo or Puero Lindo. As we traveled from Colon, the first islands along the path are Chichime. Chichime is very popular and easy to approach, even at night.
Provision in the “Swimming Pool”, an area of super clear water in the Hollandes Cays. Once a week, a panga circles the area with fresh vegetables, fruit, fish and chicken. Special items can be ordered for next week delivery.
Departure from Golfito, Costa Rica, Providencia has arrived at Puerto Armuelles in the evening, the first check-in port of Panama. The second day in the morning we just crossed the pier to the beach where the port captain located.
As described in the cruising guide, the Port Captain was waiting on the shore to give us a hand for dingy landing. The strong built, around 40 year man seemed know we would pay a visit at that moment, with his welcoming gesture.
Dinghy landing to Port Captain in Puerto Armuelles, Panama checking in
The checking process made easy as all the departments of immigration, agriculture are connected to the same building. As we all thought we got everything done after all, the computer made a joke on us, the officers couldn’t complete the final navigation permit, we would have to go to Flamingo in Panama City to obtain.
Glance from flamingo
The first impression of Panama City is Hong Kong alike international metropolitan, sky high rise buildings on blue clear water, busy crowd hurry in and out through metro system. With American heavy influence the city reshaped the business, infastrucure and culture, along with the canal revenue, Panama makes $70 Billions GDP, vs. HongKong $400 Billions.
Panama is the country captures every desire for cruisers, tourists, and young backpackers, whether you search tropical nature and adventure or settle for leisure with sipping cappuccino in metropolitan venue. As Panama is well known as canal infrastructure, it overrides its own natural beauty.
There are over 1400 island and exotic cost lines presenting white sand beaches, ocean rock with unique bird spices, and popular surfing bays. 76 National parks offer tropical plantations and lavish rainforests, many precious living spices like Jaguar, Iguana, monkeys, slars and are living among in this paradise.
