These Islands Are At Risk Of Disappearing

The archipelago of more than 350 islands in the Caribbean Sea is known as San Blas Islands, a supremely popular destination in Panama. Home to the indigenous Guna tribe for hundreds of years, the entire cluster of islands is currently at risk of sinking within decades.

San Blas is known as Guna Yala to the natives who call it home, the tribe who won independence from the Panamanian government in 1925 following their staged revolution. The indigenous people, as a result, now operate under their own constitution and respective government, separate from the rest of the country.

While they live on less than 100 of the San Blas Islands, they protect all of the more than 350 that unite to become San Blas. Large-scale developments do not exist here, nor do any modern builds.

The special sanctuary of San Blas Islands has been known to captivate tourists and locals alike. From the turquoise, crystal clear water to the palm-tree dotted beaches and soft-as-silk sand, there is a mesmerizing, completely uninterrupted view from island to island. In fact, the only buildings on San Blas are the small, basic huts for minimal shelter.

Over time, the Guna Yala has become more vulnerable as the reefs have slowly stripped away the protective barrier that once surrounded and supported the islands. The sea level, as a result, has increased at an accelerated speed. Also affecting the rapidity is poor resource management, leading to significant coastal erosion.

The future of San Blas Islands, as it stands currently, is in significant danger of disappearing to land under the sea within a matter of decades. The fate of the islands is no longer an “if” but a “when” the local, native, indigenous people will be forced to leave their home, the beloved San Blas Islands.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.