Home

San Blas Out & About

 

                               OUT & ABOUT

 

                      SAN BLAS ARCHILEPAGO 

 

 The majority of the Kuna live in the San Blas Archilepago which is apart of the Comarca de Kuna Yala. The Kuna have governed the Comarca ("autonomous territory") de Kuna Yala "Kuna-land" or "Kuna mountain" in the Kuna language) since the 1920's. Living across 49 communities (each run by their own chief), they maintain their          own economic system, language, customs and culture with their distinctive dress, music, dance and legends.     The Kuna are known for their decorative art, known as molas. The name of the Kuna language in Kuna is "Dulegaya", meaning "people's language".
 
 
The Kuna have a matriarchal society with the line of inheritance passing through the women.  Men move to their mother-in-law's house after marriage and apprentice with their father-in-law for several years. Divorce is uncommon and daughters are prized.
Within families, labor is divided along gender lines. Husbands gather coconuts, cultivate the food, provide firewood, make the clothing for themselves and their sons, weave baskets and carve tools and utensils. Wives prepare the food, build and repair the dwellings, collect fresh water from the mainland rivers (if they are on one of the many island without running water), unload the boats, sew female garments, wash the clothes and clean the house.
 The traditional dress of the women is spectacular. The gold nose rings, beaded arm and leg bands, sarongs and the colorful mola blouses are works of art. The Kuna men have adopted a clothing style more traditional to the men of the western world and appear rather drab in comparison.

 
                                                                                               
 
 
The Kuna have a custom for every event and happening in their life and these customs are passed on to their children through dances and chants. These events are also documented in their molas. Notably, Kuna politics are dominated by a congressconducted by the49 chiefs of the 49 Kuna communities and their interpreters. Chiefs derive their authority from their knowledge of the sacred chants and the interpreters derive theirs from their ability to interpret the chants for the people. And, participation in the "congresso" is for men only but women's (silent) presence is permitted.
 
 
Molas, farming, fishing, some hunting and tourism are a huge part of the Kuna economy.  (Notably, tourism
is limited to only a few of the islands and permission must be obtained from the chief of the community before any islands may be visited.) Coconut farming is the main cash crop and other crops are grown but mostly for their own consumption. Women, with their molas, are an important source of income and are credited for being the main reason health care and education are improving. 
                                                                                                         
  • In February local customs are on display, during the annual Tule Revolution festival, which marks Kuna independence with dancing, food and crafts.  Our Kuna guide will be sure to make you feel right at home  with the introductions and explanations of their customs.  It won't be long before you are becoming a Kuna Brother or Sister....  Just make sure you aren't left behind....

 From the aquatic activities and the underwater fauna + flora observations; to the discovery and exchange of culture + traditional beliefs of the Kuna cimmunity, to sitting back and relaxing, while you're onboard Outnaboat allowing your professional crew to take care of everything - to pamper and spoilt you, as you take in all the great outdoor life the San Blas Archipelago  has to offer.

 Sailing in San Blas is a real pleasure 1-3 hours each day of sailing or more if you want.   Captain Connor loves to teach as he sails & walks about the yacht. The Captain can save valuable  time to find the best shelter or the best place for snorkeling.  Each night is spent at anchor: anyway, San Blas has no marina!

                                                                           

The best time to cruise the San Blas Archilepago is from June to October when the winds are weaker and the visibility is best. There is almost no current at this time; the water is clearer and it’s the best time for sub-marine fishing and snorkeling. This time of year is traditionally 'off-peak-season' for the charter vacations and you will experience, fewer sailing boats as a result.

Once anchored the snorkeling is truly accessible for all: for beginners with 3 feet deep to 100 feet down for the professionals. Note that the Kunas do not allow scuba diving and there are no decompression equipments aboard the boats. However, spear fishing is allowed and hunting enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of fish. If you do not fish, Most meals are based on the catch of the day.
Animals are also numerous and very interesting to observe: bird watching includes seabirds but also river birds, more numerous. Marine life is represented by eagle rays, barracudas, sea stars, nurse shark, but also the clown fish, parrot fish and thousands of small fishes of all colors.
 

 

The Coral of all colors is also of great interest in the animal kingdom: San Blas offers magnificent “falls” from 3 to 100 feet, excellent for snorkeling or spear fishing. One of the most popular activities is to go up the rivers: with the dinghy of the yacht (inflatable boat or kayak) or a Kuna canoe, guests enter the Rio Diablo (or Carti) and slowly penetrates the rainforest with bird songs; sudden movements at the top of the bamboos and sometimes even the distant roar of monkeys, a closer spider monkey or sometimes a Toucan. Access to the river may be limited depending on the season (if there is little rain or after rain in the mountains for example).

Swimming in turquoise waters is just surreal! It is like a pool but with no “Clorox” and real starfish are on the carpet made of white sand! It’s a real pleasure to enter to the refreshing water in the morning, by the back of the boat, while the others are still asleep.
Kids always like shallow waters to play, swim and have fun: each of the 1000 beaches of San Blas offers a depth of less than 3 feet of sand where children can play safely most of the time with their new Kuna friends.
“Kayaking” is the best way to get to a desert island, a favorite reef, Outnaboat has two two-seat kayaks  The ocean kayak is a real independence for a couple and a good toy for children.

Walking on the white sand beaches of San Blas, on one hand with the quiet turquoise waters and on the other hand with coconut palms, is really relaxing and gives a real sense of freedom: can you imagine walking around an island without having to dodge a towel and bodies!
While sailing, the captains will fish and that could be the catch of the day! However, they have another chance when the boat is anchored.

Spear fishing is excellent for those who know the sport. If you’re one of them, feel free to bring your spear gun to participate in the dives.  Fishing is very important: it is the basis of the meals!
When it’s time to eat, we take it seriously: cooking is something important aboard.  Some specialties are always fresh fish, lobsters and the famous giant crabs of San Blas.   If you enjoy fine cigars or special drinks, please bring them with you or make sure you order them well in advance, (you can also buy them in Panama City).

Most of the guests like a relaxing holiday: there is no special recipe but note that hammocks, pillows for outdoors, good arrangement within the cabin, a floating mattress and so on … are good tools to sleep, read, remake the world or just close your eyes and feel the gentle sun tanning your relaxed body …

The Kuna world and its traditions is a very important aspect in the San Blas Sailing trips: thanks to your captain / guide, you will have access to the famous traditional villages but also to remote households. You will be invited to the best places where they create molas  The best is to access the page of the Kuna Indians to learn more about this ancient culture and strong traditions.
You will be surprised at the traditional villages with children always playing happily around you, old women and their hard look, the younger women waiting for the slightest chance to begin to laugh and casual men.


One thing is certain: in San Blas, the adventure is always there!