The Comarca de San Blás includes not only the Archipiélago de San Blás with its 378 islands but also a strip of Caribbean coastline from the Colon Province almost to the Colombian border. The Kuna Indians have governed this province since the 1920s and they maintain their own economic system, language, customs and culture. They are a colorful people with their distinctive dress, music, dance and legends. There is a feeling of being in another world - straight out of the pages of National Geographic. The men still fish from canoes and climb for coconuts as they have done for centuries. It is obvious when you visit the San Blas Islands, why they are a very popular tourist destination. These picturesque islands are covered with white sand, coconut palms and surrounded by crystal clear blue water.

Cruise ships passing through the Panama Canal often stop at one of the larger northern San Blas islands near the entrance to the Canal at Colon. Passengers can then disembark to shop for the magnificent moles embroidered by the Kuna women. The arts and crafts of the Kunas are famous. The bright tropical scenery and wildlife is often reflected in their colorful molas. These molas are a rainbow of reverse appliqué embroidery in geometric designs made by the Kuna women that are popular souvenirs for visitors.

The Kuna have been resisting changes to their culture since the Spanish first arrived over 500 years ago and they have actually done a pretty good job of maintaining their way of life. The San Blas province has its own government. Each different island is run by its own chief. Tourism is limited to only a few of the islands, and you must get permission from the chief before visiting any of the islands. Electricity and running water are not found in the outer islands. Even with these barriers, some of the Kuna have decided to share their world with outsiders and have set up small lodges for a few visitors at a time.

If you are lucky, you may have an adventure on Dolphin Island, one of the many Islands in the San Blas archipelago. You will spend your day with the Kuna Indians, experiencing their primitive way of life. There is no electricity or air-conditioning. Cooking is still done over an open fire in a smoky hut dedicated solely for this purpose. Farming, cooking, sewing and food-gathering is done much as it has been done for hundreds of years. It is amazing that this place exists a mere hour from Panama City. If you happen to bring snorkeling gear, the coral is virtually untouched and beautiful. Marine life is abundant, so you will be treated to a vast array of brightly colored tropical fish. After a long day, it is back to Dolphin Island for a meal prepared by the Indian women. Delicious!! After spending the night, you’ll head back to civilization with a new awareness and appreciation of an entirely primitive, but wonderful, culture.