Girl-cation in San Blas, Panama 2012

Well, I finally had an all girl vacation AKA girlcation.  We decided to go to San Blas Island with Yacht Latina of course. :)

Two nights, three days of Sun, Beach and Girl time.

Me, Lee, Jo, Lynda and Corrin on Nalunega

We started out super early - like 5 AM for me and 4 AM for the girls coming from the beach.  Chris and I spent the night in the city (Gypsy Kings concert the night before).  Late night and early morning and coffee not available til 6 AM!?! yeah... I was not in my element.
But needles to say, we were on the road by 6:30 (tons of traffic coming from the beach delayed our trip by 30 minutes.
I called shotgun - whew! and decided to sleep my car sickness away.  Everyone else loved the chatting and being away from husbands, or boyfriends and kids.  This was our time and we were set to enjoy.

Guna Yala school function - DJ system?

Our first thing was to explore our lancha guides, Eric, home island: Nalunega.  Its a big island with a school and big restaurant bar.  There was  recycle museum as well. That was fun to explore.
Exploring a Guna Yala island was interesting. We came at the time where a big community meeting was happening in the main hall.  Women came in one door and sat on one side of the "hall" hut. The men came in the other door and sat in their respective sides. No kids.  After the meeting they would have a festival where big meals (fish soup) would be served to the island community.  Of course, we were not allowed to snap pictures but it was interesting none the less.

Artist and owner of the recycle museum

Store on Nalunega

Laundry area

Supporting the community

Mola bags anyone?

After, Eric dropped us off at the Lady Lu and we were off to Holandes islands.  We bypassed Isla Perro and kept going.  I however decided to sleep my sickness away - again. Corrin and I enjoyed our peace out moment.

Once we anchored, we were off kayaking and snorkeling.  Saw sharks, fish and explored the island.  We had our little cooler and basically relaxed the entire time.  The next day, some of us debated about staying an extra day (1/2 seriously).  But two nights was great taste of San Blas.

The next day we moved on to Isla Verde and basically ended up with a sunburn on my back - too much sitting in the water drinking beer and talking about recipes.

We had a nice gal from France - and her husband sporting a very euro swimsuit thong - selling jewelry that she made from coconut and Kuna vegetable "ivory".  We also had a family come on board selling us Molas.   I must say I was happy with my purchases, as well as the other ladies.  So sun, beach, snorkeling, swim, kayaking, drinking and shopping...not bad for us girls.

Me, Jo, Corrin, Catherine, Lee and Lynda - Isla Verde

you'll find her - Catherine "Tagua" Catamaran, Isla Verde

Like all good trips, they must come to an end.  And we bonded, like a wolf pack, and will always have San Blas, March 2012.

Before my water camera stopped working

Yacht Latina - Business opportunity

So, the past couple of months have been a whirlwind of a new thing for me.  I started working.  Yes, my nose is back into actually having to remove myself from household duties (thank God!) and driving a lot that does not include kids in my car.
In March 2012, we started a business adventure: Yacht Latina.  We offer a sailing or motor yacht experience around the North West side to the mid north side of the San Blas Archipelago Islands.
After experiencing this first hand back in September 2011, I'm amazed how many local people, expats, and other folks have not done the San Blas islands.  Its not more than traveling to the Pearl Islands and might in fact take less time.

Map of San Blas - we anchor off Nalunega (far west by El Porvenir)

San Blas you have the option to be driven, drive or fly.  If you drive, you will need a 4x4 to get up the rollercoaster hills and in some cases, cross rivers.  If you are driven, you reserve the space on a Kuna 4x4 who will pick you up from your hotel or hostel in the city around 5:30 in the morning.  The good news is you at least arrive by 8:30, and are cruising by 9 AM to an island.  If you decide to fly, you fly from the city (Albrook airport) and arrive in El Porvenir or Corazon in less than 30 minutes.  These are small planes and weight is something they take seriously - so don't over pack!

We had a great start in March. April slowed down (typically end of tourist season) and we picked up in May - much needed advertising and contacts worked with emails and promotions.  I think the price of $150 a night per person is fairly reasonable since we include all meals, non alcoholic drinks and the water toys (snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing rods, etc).  Not to mention we take the off beaten track for our guests to feel like they are on the islands by themselves.

The Lady Lu

We have two vessels: Lady Lu and Low Keys.
Lady Lu is 63' Goudy and Stevens classic motor yacht. This is possibly the ONLY motor yacht out there and that makes it really fun.  She has 4 cabins - one with a queen bed and full A/C. Although we don't really promote the A/C because of fuel burning and high costs! $5 gallon for diesel here....

The Low Keys is a 41' sailboat with 7 bunk beds.  I have yet to go on this, but it sounds likes sailing this around the islands would be a good adventure.

The Liliana - coming soon near us.  I can't wait.  Now that is a dream vessel.  Hopefully we shall see her after August.

Our Lady Lu "crew" includes Captain Phil Morris.  He is a savvy captain who loves boats, people and also is a great cook. He also hires a local Kuna to help with the cleaning and maintenance of the boat.  As for Low Keys, we have Captain Ed.  Both are great to chat with about sailing and adventures from the US to Panama can fill your mind better than pirate stories. LOL

Kayaking with a sail - like the Kuna Yala

My job is basically to fill the boat.  I take in the email inquiries, coordinate dates, take the deposits coordinate with the 4x4 Kuna drivers, shop for food, and make sure they have the provisions on board before they cruise out.

Its fun, busy work.  Especially when we have back to back trips.  We are still going through the motions like taking a minimum on board. Communication between the captain (crappy reception and phone service when its raining out there). And of course when the boat is not moving - what to do.  We have had many guests sharing their stories: from retirees to back packers.  Its all so interesting chatting with these people.

I spy starfish

Personally: I've had the greatest time visiting San Blas more than a few times now and it really feels like something new each and every time.  You never know what to expect and which islands have what.  Too many to choose and too little time.

If you feel the inclination to explore islands and experience the indigenous Guna Yala (formerly known as Kuna Yala), drop us a line at www.yachtlatina.com or find us on facebook or twitter @yachtlatina.  Let the adventures continue.....