My first trip to Islas de San Blas in 2015 turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. At the time, I was working at the travel agency Cacique Cruiser, and my boss, aiming to improve my ability to sell destinations in Spanish, decided to send me to San Blas for one night and two days. The idea was simple: get to know the place deeply to offer a better experience to our clients. However, fate had much more exciting plans in store.

Upon arrival, I joined a diverse group of 12 people from Germany, Belgium, the United States, and Canada, among others. Each of us was on a different package: some on Coconut Express, others on Chill, and a few on the exclusive Island-Hopping package, which promised daily island visits. The day was perfect, with the sun shining brightly, and we were all set for adventure.

Just when I thought everything was going as planned, the company’s guide decided to resign and return on the same boat we had arrived on. I found myself at an unexpected crossroads: my boss asked if I could stay and take on the role of guide for that week. What started as a one-night, two-day trip turned into a stay of six nights and seven days. And to add a touch of challenge, my English-speaking skills were quite basic!

At first, my English phrases were rudimentary, as if I were learning to speak for the first time: “time eat,” “go now.” But soon, what seemed like a barrier turned into an opportunity. As the days went by, my language skills rapidly improved. Words became coherent sentences, and I was able to share the rich Guna culture, describe the wonders of the islands, and enjoy the paradise-like environment with surprising fluency.

That experience not only strengthened my English but also deepened my love for Islas de San Blas. Since that trip, Islas de San Blas has become my favorite destination in Panama. Now, I have the privilege of offering others the same unforgettable experiences that transformed me.

If you’ve ever wondered how a trip can change your life, my story with Islas de San Blas is the perfect example. I not only discovered a paradise destination but also found a new passion and purpose in adventure.

Josie…