Panama Pearl Islands

The Pearl Islands are one of Panama’s biggest attractions and clearly a treasure waiting for you to discover it. You may have seen it on TV and this should be on top of your list of places to visit in the country. Get ready to discover the natural beauty that makes the islands so special and enjoy snorkeling and sailing amongst a range of other activities to consider.

Pearl Islands in Panama

50 kilometers to the South of Panama City lie the Pearl Islands or the Islas de Las Perlas. The islands were named by the explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa during his discovery of the Pacific Ocean or as called it, the South Sea, in 1513. Interestingly he never went to islands himself but met Indians, inhabitants of the islands, at sea. They were on boats crusted with pearls and also wore glorious pearls on themselves. When the explorer reported on the magnificent beauty and riches of the region it became a popular spot for adventurers and pirates alike. It wasn’t just the natural beauty of the 200 odd islands or the pearls that attracted them but the numerous back bays and secret coves that provided them a much need haven.
 
‘La Peregrina’ is one of the most famous pearls that were retrieved from the reefs here. The pearl has traveled all across the globe and has been owned by royalty, Spanish, French and English, at varying periods in history and is now owned by Elizabeth Taylor. 
 
If the exciting history of the islands doesn’t attract you then its virgin beaches and aquamarine waters surely will. All this set against the wonderfully green background of the jungle that enchants visitors. To see the Pacific islands in their entire splendor could rake up all your time in the country and so you would need to plan ahead on what you want to do and where all you want to visit.
 
There are 200 Pearl Islands in Panama, though only some are inhabited. The island of Contadora is amongst the few that have been developed and is an ideal place to base your exploration of the Pearl Islands. The island is hardly over a kilometer in size and a wonder to discover. You will enjoy the sights and sounds that one encounters only in the jungle. It is when you arrive here that you consider it a blessing that the development on the mainland has left the islands mostly untouched.
 
Getting There

A 15 minute flight from Panama City will bring you to your destination. Your flight will cost about US $50-60. If you decide to take a ferry, do so for the thrill of being on the sea, and not to save money as the cost will amount to about the same.
 
What to do

The Panama Pearl Islands is a treasure for visitors to discover and cherish. The land, the terrain and the flora, fauna and marine life that teems in its seas are what make this part of the world so special. In fact it is the only place where the American TV Show ‘Survivor’ decided to base two of its series. So you may have seen the islands on TV, now get ready to experience them.
 
You can consider snorkeling, sailing, diving, sailing or fishing. The seas are rich in marine life and you may sight whales, sharks and many rare fish. The Contadora is home to few resorts and it is wise to secure booking before you arrive. This is especially true for the peak tourist season, which spans from December to April. The island is also home to several celebrities.

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