Fish and Lobsters in Holandes Cays, San Blas/Panama

The water in Holandes Cays is the prettiest in San Blas. We liked the BBQ Island anchorage area. It is John’s favorite anchorage in whole San Blas so far. The anchorage is sandy and not so deep with good holding. BBQ Island is very well-maintained with green grass and palm trees. What we were told is that the cruisers cleaned the island and gathered together on this island for BBQ’s so that’s how the name came about. Now, the Guna maintain the island and charge US$3/person to visit. There are many charter boats that bring the tourists here. We did some snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing by the reef. Fish life was good compared with other San Blas islands we visited. John caught some fish and we also bought lobsters. We have been eating canned chicken and canned tuna for a while. We have not had fruits for a while and are almost out of fresh vegetables.

We anchored two more places in Holandes Cays. At Caobos Island, we were able to see clear to the mountain range on Panamanian land. For the last two months, it was a little hazy and we were unable to see the mountains. Snorkeling was not as good as we thought. It might be we didn’t go to the right place. Somehow, we saw many sting rays here. John also saw two nurse sharks at Caobos but I didn’t, luckily. Next day, we moved to Miriadup Island in Western Holandes Cays. John caught four mackerels spearfishing. While I stayed alone on the boat, a Guna man rowed to our boat and asked for fresh water refill (5 liters) and coffee. I filled his water jar with fresh water but didn’t want him on board for coffee because I wasn’t comfortable inviting a stranger when I am alone. After he left, I wished I gave him some candies and some food. He was awfully skinny. Maybe, he doesn’t have anything much to eat other than fish and coconuts. How else can he afford any other type of food living on an almost deserted island…