Central America: San Blas Islands And Santa Catalina Panama

San Blas Islands

After leaving Panama City we took a 3 hour buss at 5 am to the San Blas islands. We were packed in a small car built for 6 with 8 people, one of which had too much to drink the previous night. The roads were steep and windy and yes because of him we had to stop and pull over for him to barf at least 5 times throughout the trip. It wasn’t to much of a big deal but was pretty annoying. We did have to stop and do border checks because technically we were not in panama but in on the islands of the Kuna tribe but there were no issues at the borders.

After arriving to the port which was nothing but an entrance into a muddy lagoon, we boarded a tiny vessel that looked as if it would not last too long above water with the amount of people and luggage that got in. The port area looked as if we were about to get on the Jungle cruise at Disneyland, Lots of palms and a nice island. After loading 12-16 people onto the 18ft skiff and tons of bags we began to embark through the lagoon. Soon we reached the ocean where we gained speed and within30-40 minutes we reached our island of Saniduke. The water was amazingly warm and of course as clear there appeared to be tons of underwater mushrooms and small kelp grass. It was ok snorkeling, but nothing like lovers cove on Catalina Island. There were lots of starfish and tons of tiny fish, which were fun to chase because the bigger ones would try and eat them. We also saw a fairly decent sized bat ray that I briefly looked at then swam quickly away.

On the first day of 3 we pretty much got all our stuff set up. We were given the choice to camp or stay in a cabana. We chose to camp in our tents because it was abo $8 off the cabana price of $20. So we ended up paying about $12 a night not including beverages. However it did include 3 meals a day which was definitely was 1 highlight of my time on the San Blas, not necessarily because of the taste but just because what we were eating was always a surprise. Each time it was time for a meal they would bow the conch horn and we would all run over and eat. We had a night of mystery meat which appeared to be a tough steak with rice. On the second day breakfast was my favorite, we received a pancake with a slice of American cheese on the side. For lunch we had chicken and rice and dinner was a seafood mix. They also forgot to give me my plate of food, which was not a big deal. I later made me some tune and crackers which is a key meal to keeping on my budget for this trip. The food really was not all that bad and it was nice that the Kuna ladies cooked us 3 meals a day.

As far as activities on the island there was always something going on. You could chill and read on the island In a hammock, play volleyball, snorkel. Those were pretty much the day activities! At night there was always a party, which was kind of fun. Night swims are always the best, the water remained hot while the air was began to cool off.(it was still pretty hot) I met tons of great people on the island tons of Germans and lots of other Europeans, about 8 Americans either studying at a Spanish school in Costa Rica or studying abroad. The island was only about ¼ of a mile in length you could pretty much walk around it within 4 minutes.

On the last full day we were given the option to go to Dog Island which was a lot of fun. There was a big sunken ship which had lots of coral and sea life surrounding the boat. The fish were obviously used to the people and didn’t really seem to care that you were following them. One of my favorite parts of the island was the crazy cool kitten that would climb the trees and chase after the sticks. At one point it climbed about 10 feet into the tree and then started crying for help, it was really funny.

Getting off the Island was really an adventure. We loaded the boat with about 16 people and luggage, Not to mention the water was pretty rough. I was sitting on the side of the boat because I was moved to help balance the middle. 1 minute in I realized there was no point in trying to stay dry. Each time we went up a wave Mother Nature was to return a big splash in my face. At least it was warm! Once we were about to enter the lagoon the boat stopped because it became wedged on a sand bar. After a few minutes of the driver and friends trying to pry us off the bar, all the guys were asked to jump out and help push us off. I soon began to realize I was crock bait. After a few seconds we got the problem fixed and soon we were back on our way. About 5 minutes later we arrived at the side of lagoon (port) where we hoped off, and then it began to poor.

Santa Catalina

After the 3 hour ride back to Panama City we had to wait about an hour to get on our 5 hour buss to Santa Catalina. We got some food and some cash from the ATM. Then we made an attempted to find our buss. We were not sure which plat form to enter so of course we asked. We were then directed to the other side of the station so me and my extra 80lbs were dragged along on my back and chest and kept trucking. As soon as we got there were told it was at a different platform. We did this several times until we covered each corner of the station and finally found the buss. The bus was tight each seat was filled but the 5 hour journey really was not all that bad. We were let off in Sona where we were going to stay the night but decided it was kind of sketchy so we would just head to Santa Catalina. We got in the taxi where we took the hour and half drive down to Santa Catalina. The drive was scary as hell you could not see anything but trees on the side of the roads and at one point the taxi drive stopped at a restaurant with his friend to grab a beer to go which was kind of scary. He almost hit a horse and a couple of random dogs. But hey we eventually made it and believe me I was relieved to arrive to have made it alive.

The first night we stayed in a place with 2 beds in a room which we paid $15 each for it was nothing special except the frog that was hanging out in the shower. He was pretty big too. The second night we also stayed in a room that was a lot less nice for about $9.5 each with air conditioning that worked about ½ the time at the same hostal. The hostal was right on the beach and could be really cool if they put some work into the place.

Over all Santa Catalina is a small town not too much going on but it known for its crazy surf. We went in the water yesterday which was nice. We stayed away from the bigger waves that were about 12 feet, but it was fun to watch the surfers ride those. Today we are moving to another hostal closer to town which is about $11.25 a night. Its at least a 1.5 mile hike which I’m not looking forward to doing with my 70-80 extra lbs in the 90 degree heat.

One of my favorite parts of Santa Catalina was the fruit I got for myself. I hacked up a pineapple and watermelon for only $3 total.

Ok yesterday we moved in closer to town so we can catch the early bus tomorrow morning. We have ridden the wave of Samona Santa so now we can basically travel without worrying about finding a place to stay. Today was nothing but a day at the internet café up loading stuff on my blog since I have not had internet for many days now. I pretty much wanted to let people know that I was alive. And damn there internet is so slow they must be making a fort ion off me but that’s fine whatever.

Im off to las lajas panama tomorrow and probably wont have access. So happy easter and I will talk to you all in a few days