General
Watch out for starfish! A tip for your sailing adventure in San Blas
If you’re planning a sailing holiday around the San Blas Islands in Panama, you’re probably already dreaming of the stunning scenery: crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and marine life that will leave you speechless. But there’s one small yet important detail we can’t ignore: please don’t touch the starfish.
Yes, we know—they’re beautiful, like something out of a fairy tale. But… did you know that touching them can actually harm them?
At Sailing Life Experience, we want your adventure in San Blas to be memorable not only for its beauty, but also for how well we care for the environment. So let us tell you why it’s so important not to touch these amazing sea creatures!
Why shouldn’t you touch them?
- They’re more fragile than they seem
Starfish may look tough, but their skin is very sensitive. If you touch them with dirty hands or take them out of the water, you can transfer bacteria that harm them. Even a gentle touch can cause them stress and weaken their health. - They can suffer if taken out of the water
Starfish need to stay submerged in water to survive. Taking them out, even for a minute, causes them extreme stress. It’s not just a harmless gesture—it can do real damage. - They play a vital role in the ecosystem
Starfish help control populations of other marine animals like molluscs and mussels. If we touch or move them, we disrupt that balance, potentially affecting the whole marine ecosystem.
How to enjoy them without causing harm
When you’re sailing through the waters of San Blas, take a moment to admire the starfish from a distance. Let their beauty amaze you—without touching them. Instead of handling them, enjoy the moment and let them carry on with their role in the sea.
They’ll be much happier—and so will you!
In summary…
San Blas is a natural paradise we all want to enjoy, and that means being mindful of our impact.
At Sailing Life Experience, we invite you to explore this unique destination in a way that’s both respectful and responsible.
Only by caring for nature can we continue to enjoy its wonders for years to come.
So now you know—next time you see a starfish, admire it from afar, and let it keep shining in its ocean home.
