Some of my best travel moments have been impromptu decisions that have left me breathless in wonder and joy. Choosing to sail the San Blas islands in Panama was a spur-of-the-moment decision; the details were finally nailed down only a day before I was whisked away from Tocumen airport to a nearby marina.

I Travel By Boat worked diligently (and quickly) with me to set up a 5-day, all-inclusive sailing cruise among a group of Indigenous-owned islands in the Caribbean. Before embarking on my journey by sea, I knew that the captain of the catamaran was Italian and that another solo female traveler would be joining me. Other than that, I didn’t know quite what to expect, but I went in with an open-mind and an adventurous spirit.

I can honestly say that I was completely blown away by the beauty I encountered on a moment-by-moment basis.

Small uninhabited islands.

Pristine beaches.

Pure blue water.

Delicious, fresh coconut.

Open skies with epic sunsets.

Kind, thoughtful Kuna people.

A brand new friend, Mindy, from Portland.

And pretty much all the lobster, fish, and shrimp I could eat.

When we dropped the anchor at our first location, I couldn’t stop smiling. There were three separate islands surrounding us. I marveled at nature’s charm and the fact that I had a whole day to explore this mini paradise.

Mindy and I scooted into the kayak, armed with sunscreen and bottles of water. We leisurely paddled to our first island, eager to see this spectacular setting up-close.

It was stunning.

I walked slowly along the perimeter, studying the intricate seashells and the itty-bitty hermit crabs. The water slowly lapped the fine sand, tempting me to float within the bliss of its bathwater temperature. I silently thanked the clouds that gradually rolled in, covering the sun and protecting my fair skin from a killer burn.

Eventually my rumbling stomach told me it was time to return to the sailboat, hopeful that Captain Claudio would have a glass of white wine and some victuals ready to be served. I said goodbye to the island, a natural space that was unlike any I had every experienced.

I couldn’t wait for tomorrow.