Santa Isabela

To the east of the Isla Grande the coast becomes wilder, and the ocean more pristine. Nestled in a remote cove about two-thirds of the way between Isla Grande and the Kuna enclave of El Porvenir, is one of the country's best eco-lodges, Coral Lodge, which provides access to miles of coral reefs that few divers have seen. Those reefs, known as the Escribano Bank, hold giant sea fans, staghorn and elkhorn coral, colorful sponges, legions of parrot fish, moray eels, and several sea turtle species. The lodge is near the fishing village of Santa Isabela, which is 16 km (10 mi) from the nearest road, in Miramar, and 29 km (18 mi) by water from the island of El Porvenir, which is reached by daily plane flights. Coral Lodge thus allows you to experience the beauty and culture of the Kuna Yala (of the San Blas Islands) without having to stay in the rustic Kuna-run lodges.