Hello, I’m Eli, traveling a bit around South America, and one of the most beautiful experiences I had was spending a week sailing in San Blas with a three-person family: Daniell, Josh, and their little boy.

A friend and I had the chance to stay on their sailing boat. From the very first moment, we felt welcome. Their boat quickly became more than just a place to sleep — it became a floating home filled with laughter, good conversations, and a strong sense of community.

During the week, we explored the stunning islands of San Blas together. We went snorkeling in crystal-clear water, surrounded by colorful fish and coral reefs. Every day brought a new small adventure — discovering quiet beaches, watching the stars on the deck if it was not raining or claudy haha and falling asleep to the gentle movement of the sea.

What made this experience so special was not only the beautiful surroundings, but the people. Daniell and Josh are incredibly open-minded and welcoming. They value community deeply and made us feel like part of their family. We shared our means and resources, cooked meals together, and exchanged stories and experiences from our travels and lives. Food plays an important role in their daily life. Daniell is very passionate about body and mental health, especially nervous system regulation, and you can feel how consciously they approach their lifestyle. Healthy, nourishing food is a natural and important part of their everyday routine.

Josh has an impressive knowledge of speerfishing. He shared many insights with us — about the sea, different fish species, and sustainable fishing practices. It was inspiring to see how connected he feels to the ocean and how much respect he has for nature. For him hunting under the water is his to meditate to be in the moment.

We also spent time with the local sailing community, meeting other travelers and families. There is something very special about this kind of community — supportive, free-spirited, and deeply connected to nature.

Their little boy is full of energy and curiosity. He is open, playful, and always ready for an adventure. We spent time playing together, exploring beaches, and simply enjoying the freedom of island life. His joy and liveliness brought even more warmth to the experience.

This time we spent was a time of connection or reconnection — to the ocean, to community, and to a slower, more intentional way of living. I’m deeply grateful for this experience and for the openness and generosity of this beautiful family. It’s a memory I will carry with me for a long time.