Sailing Nahoavideo
The Guna Tribe: A Silent Battle
5 May 2024 · 29 min · 150K views
What this video covers
The Guna Yala territory, located off the northeastern coast of Panama, remains a primary cruising destination for sailors navigating from the Caribbean toward the Panama Canal.2:30 The region consists of numerous low-lying islands and atolls that have experienced significant erosion and land loss over the past eight years, with some sand spits and small islands disappearing entirely due to rising sea levels and storm activity.16:05 While the Guna people maintain traditional practices such as using hand-carved dugout canoes and creating embroidered molas, local communities have increasingly integrated modern conveniences like solar panels and LED lighting.9:27 The local economy has also shifted, with residents expanding their offerings to cruisers beyond traditional crafts to include organized dinners, barbecues, and tours.14:20 Navigation in the area requires caution due to poorly charted reefs and shallow anchorages, where holding can be inconsistent.4:29 The Guna Yala coastline remains a significant cultural and geographical site, though long-term environmental changes threaten the habitability of many islands.17:44
More from Sailing Nahoa
From Sailing Nahoa — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.



