Tourists traveling via sailboat in the majestic Guna Yala Archipelago are highly likely to be attracted by the island chain of East Lemon and Chichime Cays renowned with yachts moored to the shores close to a spectacular scuba site. There are many scintillating islands for travelers to visit in the area; this article will describe all the major ones for you in great detail.
Isla Banedub
This peaceful family-run private isle is a hot favorite among travelers. The beach lies in the southern part of the San Blas Islands, finding itself away from the current and hence the water here is shallow and calm. The atoll offers good snorkeling and fishing opportunities, along with good views of the extensive marine life, most notable of the lot being the Lionfish. Beautiful jellyfish illuminating the crystal beach waters during the night is one of the most magical and memorable views on the island.
Banedub Cabanas
The island has a few huts, cabins, campsites and a restaurant bar serving seafood meals and cold beer. Travelers can stay in one of the thatched hut cabins named Banedub Cabanas fortified with tarpaulin covers, surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches featuring turquoise Caribbean waters. The cabins feature both single and double beds with shared bathrooms and showers. Guests can dine at the tables set along the shores while enjoying the views of the beautiful sea. Tours are arranged by the family at an extra price, which includes snorkeling at the Pelicano and Perro Islands.
Isla Perro Grande
This island located near Banedub Island offers wild camping opportunities to the more courageous and adventure-loving tourists. Participants have to carry their gear and must keep their trash packed out to preserve the site. The island offers no infrastructure for staying, but the host, Daniel, can prepare simple seafood meals for guests and arrange tours to Carti and nearby islands.
Chichime
Isla Chichime is one of the bigger islands in the chain, serving as the perfect spot for singles, couples or families needing some peaceful time away from the congested beaches. The island has two other names – Achutupu Dumat (Big Dog Island) and Wissudub, named after the tropical Icaco fruit that is a specialty here. It is a scintillating tropical paradise featuring white sand beaches bigger than all the other islets, crystal clear waters, and marine life. Snorkeling is possible on the house reef. The atoll serves as a meeting point for sailors as it is a popular harbor for boats arriving from Columbia. It also provides enough opportunity to interact with the local Kuna people and learn about their language, culture, and lifestyle.
Ogob Nega
The island of Chichime has four cabins in total that are well developed and kept very tidy and clean. A 20-minute walk from the island will get you to the Ogob Nega cabins, which are the most preferred lodgings in the area. This group of five cabins is located a 45-minute boat ride away from the mainland of East Lemon and is renowned all around the archipelago for its scenic views, snorkeling, delicious food and hospitable services. The lodgings offered are five premium contemporary but comfortable cabins featuring wooden floorings and tin roofs, offering shared bathrooms and showers. The in-house bar-restaurant serves three meals a day of seafood with rice, salad, and fruits.
Isla Tortuga (Morodup)
Tortuga Island is a small, idyllic place run privately by a single family in the region. This immaculate place features a beautifully raked white sand beach with calm turquoise water. It serves as a great spot to indulge in snorkeling and the more courageous tourists can swim with the nurse shark or around the Caribbean Reef. After enjoying the scintillating views and exhilarating activities, visitors can retire at the Coconut Bonfire, relishing some delicious grilled fish.
Isla Tortuga Camping
Ten guests at a time are allowed to camp under the palm trees at Isla Tortuga Camping. Tents and cushions are provided by the camping guides themselves. Meals include delicious seafood featuring lobster, fish and fried plantains prepared by the renowned Panama City chef, Blas Preciado. Camping per person is priced close to $90 USD, which includes both meals and transportation from Carti Islands. The island also offers one fine restaurant and hammocks for thirty people at a time.
Wailidup (Tiadup)
Wailidup is a beautiful island in the East Lemon Cays, featuring a sprawling beach rendering postcard views of the sea and dense green forests. The atoll, also known as Tiadup, just like Chichime Island, features ample mooring, making it a popular meeting spot for sailors. Tourists will find here the most idyllic and immaculate cabins built on water. The floating restaurant here is very popular among travelers. The atmosphere, music, and people on this picturesque island make it one of the most animated places that the archipelago can offer at your disposal.
Lodgings
The island offers outstanding accommodation facilities, ranging from straw huts on the beaches to the beautiful floating cabins with both private and shared bathrooms. Most of the cabins also provide traditional hammocks on their balconies for visitors to relax and enjoy the views.
Tourists will find the Kuna Niskua Lodge on a beautiful spread of white sand. The lodge offers five beautiful cabins constructed on stilts over the water, featuring lovely high ceilings. Guests can relax on the shady decks here, enjoying the soothing breeze that flows throughout the day. Lodgings are also available on the beach, but the cabins are preferred because of their location and the cabin bathrooms are also better maintained.
A floating restaurant named Ig Uabi is available on the island, which is one of the greatest capacity eateries in the archipelago. It can house up to forty guests at a time, serving them local specialties, including fried fish, squid, chicken, and coconut rice accompanied by salad, fruits, and beans.
Conclusion
Above was all about the beautiful islands in East Lemon and Chichime Cays. The island chain includes a plethora of spectacular white sand atolls for tourists to enjoy. All the islands render an exhilarating and delightful experience for visitors. Travelers can relax and enjoy the scenic views and indulge in snorkeling, fishing, swimming and adventure camping. Some of the islands also serve as major harbors for ships arriving from other countries and as such, are perfect meeting spots for sailors.
Guests can stay in beautiful thatched huts and floating cabins constructed on stilts over the water and enjoy majestic views from traditional hammocks on their balconies. Restaurants are located both on the beaches and floating over the water, serving delicious seafood and other traditional cuisines. All these features attract a lot of tourists to Cayos Limones and Chichime every year and they should be a part of your future plans as well.
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