Silversea Luxury Cruises À SAN BLAS ISLANDS

The San Blas archipelago is located off the Caribbean coast, east of Colon, and is made up of 365 islands that range in size from tiny ones with a few coconut palms to islands on which hundreds of Kuna Indians live. Only about fifty are inhabited. The Kuna rule the San Blas Territory with internal autonomy, and have tightly preserved their language and cultural traditions over the centuries, despite influences from European colonies. In addition to their own language, Spanish is widely spoken and many men work on the mainland, but live on the islands. The women wear costumes with unique designs based on local themes, geometric patterns, stylized fauna and flora.

The island of El Porvenir is one of the main seats of government for the Kuna Indians. Many Kunas from the other islands came to settle on El Porvenir, bringing with them their traditional arts and crafts, including the famous molas. These intricately hand-sewn designs are made by the women of the tribes as part of their blouses and dresses. With the increased tourism, molas are now a favoured souvenir and craft item for visitors.

Going Ashore in San Blas Islands

The ship is scheduled to anchor off Carti Island. Guests will be taken via the ship's tenders to the island where they can explore the small settlement on foot. There are no structured facilities, but guests may wander through the narrow pathways lined by wooden dwellings.

Local women sell souvenir items, in particular the intricately stitched and colourful molas used on blouses, bags and T-shirts. U.S. dollars are readily accepted. If you are planning to take photographs, be sure to bring a supply of dollar bills ashore with you.

Tenders operate continuously and guests may return to the ship at any time.

Embrace your sense of adventure and the beauty of the San Blas during this exhilarating, leisure-day, snorkelling excursion to one of the numerous San Blas islands, Perro Grande.

El Proviner

After tendering ashore, meet the locals of San Blas and enjoy a guided tour of El Proviner. Then embark on island style boats with outboard motorboats, for an relaxed ride across to Perro Grande.

Perro Grande

Upon arrival, receive your safety and snorkelling instructions and equipment, then enjoy the depths of the Perro Grande surrounds and experience at your leisure.

At the conclusion of your visit, embark the boat and commence the short ride back to the tender pier. Guests have the freedom to return at leisure.

Formerly known as the San Blas Archipelago, the 365 islands and the coastal land belonging to the Guna ethnic group received its new name of Guna Yala in 2011. The approximately 30,000 Guna live along the Caribbean coast and on 36 of the islands. An autonomous province of Panama since 1924, with its own constitution approved in 1945, the San Blas Islands are governed by the Kuna Indians, whose ancestors arrived in the early 19th century from the mainland along the Colombian-Panamanian border.

Strung along the throat of Panama's dramatically beautiful Kuna Yala coast, the men farm bananas, plantains and coconuts, while the women, colorfully dressed and adorned with nose rings, beads and bracelets. The women are famous for the handicrafts they produce, of which the best known are the "mola" -embroidered designs worn mainly by the women. The geometrical designs were originally painted onto the bodies, but were eventually transferred onto cloth and used as adornments for shirts. Here, you can experience a genuine slice of Central American culture from an indigenous people who are staunch protectors of their traditions and environment. The remoteness of these islands protects an independent people who prize their communal culture with its rich oral history and artistic heritage.

El Provenier

Board your tender to visit the remote Island of El Provenier. Whilst visiting El Porvenir, local women will come over from neighbouring islands, displaying their handicrafts and their molas -which not only make for good photos but are highly sought-after souvenirs.