San Blas Islands, Panama – Day 1

August 2, 2016

There is only 1 flight per day to Playon Chico and it leaves at 6:00 AM. We debated if it made sense to spend the night near the airport or just get up an hour earlier. To save an hour, it didn’t make sense really. So, at 2:45 we got up and departed by 3:15 A.M. Nowhere near the butt crack of dawn…ha ha.

We found the parking garage for the Albrook Airport and walked the half block to the airport. We had been to the regional airport twice before about 6 years ago. The first time our flight to David was canceled and they put us up in a crappy hotel. I still call it the gun shot hotel, since shots were heard outside in the night. (another reason that staying in a hotel the night before didn’t make sense…the ones close to that airport aren’t in the best neighborhood) Then we flew back from Bocas del Toro which was a better experience, though the plane left an hour or 2 late. Our guide waited patiently for us to arrive.

Albrook Airport

After we  and our luggage were weighed (yes they weighed us too) we waited to go through security. We took a seat and then they came around and said the plane would be about an hour late. It wasn’t that long actually and we walked out to the 12 seater single prop plane to take us to Playon Chico. The flight was around 30 minutes long. We had great views of Panama City, Metropolitan Natural Park, the mountains and the coastline and ocean from the air. Then we got our first view of Yandup from the air! Very pretty! http://www.yandupisland.com/index.php?language=english

 inside the plane

 Panama City

 Yandup

 Yandup

flying over Playon Chico Community

We were greeted upon arrival by the staff of Yandup and they sprayed us with bug spray (no- see-ums were relentless) and pointed out the surrounding area. They wait until the people leaving  get on the plane and for the plane to take off before we leave for Yandup. The guides introduced themselves and we had Domi, Tomas and Blanco.

 bridge that connects the mainland with Playon Chico Island

 Playon Chico Airport

 Playon Chico Airport

 school next to the runway

sand crabs beside the airport

 plane returning to Albrook Airport

We walked the short distance to their boat dock and climbed in the boat for the 10 minute boat ride to Yandup. I chuckled as I noticed a lawn mower that was sunk under the boat dock. The chuckle was because I swear it’s the first lawn mower I have seen since living here. Most yardwork is done with a weed-eater or machete.

lawn mower under the dock

 boat ride past Playon Chico Community

 children playing

 Yandup Island

Upon arrival we were shown to our cabana over the water. It does have electricity and running water. No hot water, but a nice shower and flushing toilet. Huge wrap around deck with 2 hammocks, a rocker and a chair. Inside there was the double bed and an extra single bed, a hanging chair, closet area and a floor fan. There was mosquito netting, but we never needed it. We really never encountered any insects on Yandup. They explained the daily schedule and then we were escorted to breakfast which was 2 fried eggs and bread. Oh, the “juice course” was this warm banana mush drink that wasn’t all that appealing. (might have been better cold?)

We went to unpack and get ready for the morning beach & snorkel excursion. We had some free time so we chilled on the deck which had a great view of Playon Chico Community in the distance.

Domi blew the conch shell to let everyone know it was time to head to the boat dock for the tour. We traveled about 30 minutes to the island where we climbed out of the boat and waded to shore. We were told that swimming and beach time was best where we landed, but snorkeling was a short walk to the other side of the island. So, of course we made a beeline for the reef. One sad looking dog kept us company. Despite how unhealthy the dog looked it wagged its’ tail and seemed quite unaware that he looked near death.

We were pleasantly surprised that the snorkeling was as good as it was there. Quite a lot of healthy corals and lots of pretty and interesting fish. It starts out with a sandy bottom and then sea grass where we saw an eel and a very pretty ray that we had never seen that kind before. Then, the water starts to get deeper and huge brain corals, anemones, various corals and sponges abound.

 little fish beside the boat while waiting for it to leave

 the deserted island (it did look like there was one hut there)

 wished I'd brought a bag of dog food (and a vet)

 Sharp Tailed Eel

 Yellow Stingray

 Grackle eating the coconut

All of the snorkel pictures were movies shot with the Go Pro and I extracted stills. Greg is working on a compiled snorkel video (or 2) of all of the snorkeling on the trip.

We were there about 2 and a half hours and then went back for lunch. Each party had their own table and the Kuna ladies bring out 3 courses of the food of the day. (no choice).) The first course was a warmish fresh tomato soup and the main course was a freshly caught fish filet with curried onions on top. Dessert was thinly sliced watermelon. (good thing we brought Oreos)

We had free time until the afternoon excursion which was at 4:00. We explored the small island and hung out on the deck in the hammocks. I had issues with my mask leaking that morning, so we went to the beach area on the island to test it again. It seemed to do better. Perhaps, I just had some hair in the way that caused it not to seal right.

The afternoon excursion was a boat trip to the Mangroves. Domi explained how the Mangroves sustain his people. It was thick and dense and Domi hacked our way through with his machete. They use smaller boats to continue further on, but ours was too big to keep going. Next we went to another area in the Mangroves that had starfish and sea cucumbers.

 Red Mangroves

 Domi talking about their customs

 Domi hacking our way with the machete

 starfish

 sea cucumbers

 urchin

 urchin

 the sky looked bleak in that direction

 the sky looks better in this direction

back to Yandup

Dinner that evening was fried sweet plantains, crab with chopped veggies and plantain chips and orange slices for dessert. (again good thing we brought Oreos)

We had a wonderful first day at Yandup. They are "all inclusive". Your lodging includes 3 meals a day and 2 tours a day. Of course you can choose to stay on the island if you prefer. Soda and alcoholic beverages are for sale. They also offer other tours if you wish to purchase any. Otherwise, they choose the food you are served and the tours for the day. In general the morning excursion is snorkeling or beach time and the afternoon there is hiking or visits to their community. The food is geared to fish and shellfish, but you do have the option to request (in advance) if you prefer no fish or a veggie option. I'm not a big fish person, but all meals but one was quite good.

We went to sleep with the sound of crashing waves coming to shore under and around our cabana. Oh, and a very loud and dramatic storm brewing outside, lightening lighting up the sky.