San Blas Sailing is pleased to invite you to the Kuna Yala (San Blas) archipelago, off Panama’s Caribbean coast and made up of 370 coral islands that stand as a genuine paradise for windsailing, snorkeling around coral reefs and complete relaxation. Come and take a swim in its turquoise crystal-clear waters and take a closer look at the well-preserved culture of the Kuna Indians –just another major attraction this destination has to offer.

Spending a week away from any form of civilization and from the crowded tourist destinations doesn’t mean you need to travel halfway around the world! Just a few hours away from all major cities in the Americas, or just making a nonstop transatlantic trip from Europe, the Kuna Yala (San Blas) islands in Panama are within everybody’s reach. Following a wonderful flight over the archipelago from Panama City, you get to Corazon de Jesus. It’s time then to hop on one of the sailboats the San Blas Sailing company has there, with the owners steering their own boats, though they are people who truly have vast experience in sailing the Caribbean waters. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. The boat skipper and owner is also your personal guide. And after a good boat ride down the quiet waters of the archipelago –the natural protection consists of a great coral reef– you’ll lower the anchor in one of their hidden paradises. Most of these boats carry two-seat kayaks for better exploration of the islands. There are also small dinghies equipped with outboard motors to take you closer to the coral reefs where you could practice snorkeling. Most of these islands are blessed with white-sand tongues of only one foot deep which are very convenient for small kids to play around! In Kuna Yala, luxury is construed as the wealth of nature, pure air, fresh and healthy food –all boats are rigged with fishing rods and Kuna Indians sell fresh seafood, lobsters and giant crabs. The archipelago is an exclusive territory of the Kuna Indians who live in the tradition of their own native land. There are no cars, no roads, not even a bicycle. There are only hand-carved canoes –known locally as ulus– propelled by nothing but oars, paddles or sails. The villas are thatch-roofed and women wear the traditional “molas.” The makers of the famous molas will explain to you how they spend months weaving these garments until they become genuine works of art. San Blas is also a cultural and ethnic destination. At sunset, as your housekeeper cooks a delicious and healthy, is also time to sip a Cuba Libre (rum and coke). The day was packed with thrilling experiences: the dancing dolphins swimming near the bow, the encounter with a huge sea turtle or the memory of the dazzling colors of the coral reefs and the clown fish flitting around with their lovely stripes. The comfort of the cabin depends on the kind of sailboat you choose. The fleet of boats docked in San Blas consists of monohull vessels and catamarans between 34 and 65 foot long. They can be rented exclusively by tour group or shared with other travelers. It’s an “all-inclusive onboard” formula at very reasonable prices that sway between 110 euros per person a day (a cabin on a monohull vessel) to 150 euros per person a day (a catamaran cabin), 800 euros a day for a 42-foot-long catamaran for six guests, and up to $1,500 a day for a Catana-make deluxe catamaran. Special packages for honeymooners, business travelers and special event attendants are also available.

San Blas Sailing is a company of tour oper­ator Native Tours, a reliable Panama City-based incoming group that includes multilingual staff, pick­ups at the airport, hotel bookings and plane rentals, as well as tours all across the country, like those to the famous Panama Canal locks, Darien, the El Valle and Boquete volcanoes or just a city tour around Panama City. Special packages also give you the chance to sail around San Blas after spending a few nights stay at an Eco Lodge in the tropical jungle. Check them out! Nativa Tours also operates charters to Las Perlas and Coiba in the Pacific coast, as well as to Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean shore.

Nativa Tours / San Blas Sailing YMCA building local #6 Balboa – Panama City Rep. of Panama Phone: 507+ 314 1800 507+ 314 1288 Fax: 507+ 314 0735

E-mail reservas@sanblassailing.com

www.sanblassailing.com www.thepearlislands.com