When we talk about Dog Island Panama, we are referring to the island located in the Guna Yala Region, Narganá, sector of Gardi.
Its true name in Guna language is “Assudub Bibbi” that etymologically comes from 3 words Guna: Assu (Dog), Dub (Island). For differentiating from the another Dog Island the word Bibbi (Small) is added.
It has numerous owners from same blood families, who rotate their care in periods and which is established by the owners’ assembly of Big Dog Panama.
Dog Island Services
Dog Island Panama offers a series of services:
- Day Tour: You are able to enjoy its crystal clear waters and its facilities such as bathrooms and showers.
- Camping: If you are looking for an inexpensive way to spend the night on this beautiful island, the camping is ideal for you. Usually, they offer you the tent, an inflatable mattress, and 3 meals.
- Cabins: This option brings you closer to the Guna culture, you will spend the night in a Guna-style cabin in a comfortable bed. Includes 3 meals.
- Rooms: If you like comfort then the option of rooms is for you since it is all made of wood. Includes 3 meals.
We must emphasize that in all the options the bathroom is shared.
Things to do on dog island Panama
Among activities that you able to do:
- Snorkeling: You are able to discover the mysteries hidden by the Sunken Ship and its surroundings.
- Volleyball: It has space where you are able to have fun.
- Campfire: With the permission of the administrators, this activity is able to do under the stars.
- Buy crafts: You can find a mini market where you can buy crafts such as molas, winnis, etc.
- Gunas Stories: There is not a Guna that does not talk about its culture and life.
- Board games: You can play a variety of board games, just ask the administration.
It is one of the most visited islands by tourists where its main attraction is the sunken ship and where many try to explore its history and all its natural wealth.
Dog Island Panama – The Sunken Ship
In the year of 1958, the Colombian Ship called Buenaventura passed through the waters of San Blas Islands Panama. It proceeded from the province of Colon with merchandise, food and alcoholic beverages. Due to a wrong navigation, it touched on some reefs close to Dog Island Panama, where its engine damaged.
It was the Honduras Ship that had to come to the rescue and towed the Buenaventura Ship but it started to burn in flames and stayed where at the place where we know today.
According to our grandparents, the Gunas residents of other islands came to help, rescuing alive all the crew and passengers. Many of these merchandise were left in the background in a warehouse. In those times there was no diving equipment so the Gunas tied a rope at ankle so that they could be take out immediately when taking a merchandise. In one of those attempts a Guna who was a policeman lost his life.
Finally, on this island the program was filmed in 2013 The Amazing Race, which the production reserved the island during a weekend to film the program.
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