smithtribesailing: San Blas Islands, Panama

My sister in law, Nix, took this pic of T R I B E from their yacht, Safari's mast.
Check out her website http://www.nixogierphotography.com/

San Blas, an archipelago of around 340 coconut palm filled, aquamarine surrounded, islands just east of Panama.

This is how the Indians get around their islands

Layla the beach babe, Storm and Teak in the background

We spent a month sailing in these warm tropical waters, diving with rays, dolphin and turtles.

Looks like Robinson Crusoe, but actually a home of one of the local Kuna Indians, pretty cool!

Nix and I taking a walk around an island

These islands and part of the main land closest to them is known as Kuna Yala and run exclusively by the Kuna Indians, who remain traditional in their way of life. The third child, if born a boy, is raised as a girl and so transvestite living is the norm here, something I find difficult to accept as it is not by choice, but rather by tradition.

Kuna Lady selling her wares in a beach hut, those are Mola's in the background.

Sky having traditional Kuna beadwork done

T R I B E anchored off Coco Banderas

These island are just gorgeous. This is one at Chicime.

Layla getting ready to buy fresh Kuna bread

Regardless, their woman are very creative and making mola's (layered, colorful, fabric art finely hand woven images of sea creatures and geometric shapes) and offering them to passing yachts provides an income.

Rourke loading his speargun, not an easy task for him.

Girls just wanna have sun!
Layla, Sky and Sasch

Sky reeling in a fish

Chris caught dinner

Me shopping for, well, um… avo's

What the Kuna's call civilization on the island of Nargana, above and below

Kuna kiddies selling the days catch with their dad, I love this pic!

There is a great surf spot in San Blas off the island Chichime, one of our favorite islands, the kids had a blast… I took pics of them from our tender.