09:30.67N 78:37.07W San Blas, Panama

Lisanne
Eric Alfredson
Sat 4 Mar 2017 02:24
Friday March 3rd, 2017.
We had a rolly crossing from Cartagena towards the San Blas Islands. 25-30 knots of wind and big waves from the last days’ strong winds. Unfortunately a really big wave rolled over the stern and filled the dinghy and launched the Jon Buoy ( safety equipment). Se now we wonder if someone finds it and start wondering what has happened.
 
After 22 hours we reached Paradise ! Wow ! What a place! We had heard so much about San Blas and it is really a unique place on the earth. We are now on satellite communication only and can’t send any pictures but will do so when we get to Panama.
 
Tha first two nights we anchored in Holandes Cays in something called the “Swimming Pool” anchorage. Well sheltered behind a big reef lies some sandy islands withs stunning beauty. We had a lazy day and recovered from the night sailing. We went snorkeling on the coral reefs and went ashore to explore the island.
 
This morning we moved to Coco Bandero Cay, a group of extremely scenic islands situated behind a four mile barrier reef. They may be the most beautiful in all of San Blas with their white sand beaches and chrystal clear water. We snorkeled for a while and went ashore on one of the small islands and met some of the local Kuna indians.
 
We plan to stay in the San Blas archipelago until Monday when we have to go to Colon/Shelter Bay at the Canal entrance for the inspection and measurements for the Canal crossing.