Official Language:
Kuna
Secondary Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
US Dollar
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Population:
Approximately 40,000 people call San Blas Islands
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for San Blas Islands: The climate is tropical and two seasons dry and wet. It is dry from January through April. The temperature is generally at 80°F to 85°F (27-29°C) degrees wiht cooler tempertatures in the evenings, with almost no rain. November and December are part of the wet sailing season of the Panama Canal. The trade winds keep the breezes fresh and constant, moderating the temperatures.
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Cruise ships arriving at the San Blas Islands usually anchor off the coast of one of the islands. Passengers are transported ashore by tenders to one of the Kuna communities. Some of the most visited communities are Porvenir, Naluenga and Wichub Hula. Situated on an archipelago of 400 little Caribbean islands, the San Blas Islands are located off Panama's northeast coast of the Caribbean. A stop in the islands provides a view of a society that is not modernized and is content to live in nature as it is. The Kuna Indians are primitive, and they rule the islands and inhabit the islands of the San Blas.
The Kunas have managed to preserve their own language and cultural traditions over the centuries, despite influences from European colonies. The Kunas' economy is reliant upon its coconut and fishing industry, much of which is exported to Colombia. The Kuna women, adorned with necklaces and arm bracelets, are known for their intricately made stitches, the so-called "molas", which visitors to the islands are able to purchase. The molas originates from early body painting which was first transferred to cloth painting. If you decide not to go diving or snorkeling you will be able to buy handcrafted molas fabrics, jewelry and other unique souvenirs.
Those islands that are inhabited are populated almost entirely by the Kuna Indians, direct descendants of the Caribs, a people who once inhabited almost the entire Caribbean and north coast of South America. In the heart of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef - the second largest reef in the world. Here you'll find untouched corals, sponges and a variety of marine life.
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Attractions |
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There are limited attractions in the San Blas Islands. You will not find the duty-free shops, market squares, restaurants, cafes, forts or museums you've seen throughout your Caribbean itinerary. You will almost always tour the Kuna village or thatched hut village. Here you see the actual village not a reproduction, or a restoration. The people you will see here do not work in a park they natives in their natural habitat. You can enjoy molas shopping. The Kuna know the value and creativity of their molas. Every stop at the San Blas Islands provides a chance to look at, sample, and if you like purchase.
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More Information |
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