Dog days on Isla Diablo

So I have my sister over. It’s like being a child again. She comes to visit, brings chocolate and new clothes over, and gives me an excuse to splash a little bit on ice cream and cheesecakes! Oh yes, and go shopping.

Apart from that, we went to San Blas. I know it’s not Maldives but as close as it can get on my route around Caribbean. It’s a bit expensive to get to but once you’re there, it’s not so bad at all and by that I mean totally worth the money. Jeep cost $60 return, you can book it with Lunas Castle Hostel. And believe me, there is no alternative or way around this transportation. No buses run to the port. I’ve met a girl who tried to do it herself, ended up saving $12 but had a horrid day. Jeep leaves 5am from Panama city, picks you up from wherever requested, takes about 3/4hours until reaches the little Kuna Yala port. In addition to the jeep fare you’ll have to pay $20 entrance fee, $2 port fee and a fee for a speedboat (which depends on which island you’re going to). If you’re prone to travel sickness, bad for you, tablets are highly recommended for this jeep ride. Having a strong stomach I needed one on the way back…

Then it depends what island you choose. I did a long research and chose to stay on Diablo Island, which is about 30min speedboat ride from the mainland and has crystal clear Caribbean waters around with very affordable accommodation. You have to negotiate with island owners but longer you stay, cheaper you pay. We’ve stayed 5nights/6days, and got it down to $25 per night in a tent with 3 meals a day and snorkelling gear included. Plus, you get one trip around the islands. If you can afford, there is a choice of private bungalow or dorm. Island itself has bucket shower and toilet- very basic.

Food is not bad, pancakes for breakfast, fish of the day with salad and rice for lunch and occasional fruit if you’ve been good enough:)

There are no organised activities, so bring a book for a lazy days in a sun. Also snorkelling is amazing! In a nearby island there is a ship wreck, which you can explore and many coral reefs around. Make sure you bring sun cream, as snorkelling will burn you to ashes. Last but not least, bring some pocket money, as they sell beer and coca cola for $2, and believe me it’s very tempting to open an ice cold can while swinging in a hammock!