Panama’s coastal waters are dotted with some of the most beautiful islands in the world. These unique treasures offer all of the benefits of Caribbean islands, with better vegetation, weather, wildlife, and without hurricanes, high prices, and crime.
Best known among Panama’s offshore getaways are the Pearl Islands just forty miles out to sea in the Gulf of Panama. This chain of islands is part of the Las Perlas archipelago, the outcropped rim of a long extinct volcano.
Over the millennia, the action of waves and wind have combined to produce a rich volcanic soil that now supports a lush and diverse eco-system that is one of the most visually stunning on earth.
Real estate values abound on several of the larger Pearl Islands like Contadora and San Jose. Life on these islands features all of the comforts of home with world class developments, resorts, golf courses, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping readily available.
The Pearl Islands offer a rarified pleasure for the privileged few able to afford the ultimate in discreet getaways, your own private island.
Many of the Pearl Islands remain sparsely populated, or entirely uninhabited. For a price, you can make like Robinson Crusoe and forge your own island culture.
The list of islands currently for sale is too lengthy to mention here, but some of the more notable ones are Isla Gallina, Buena Vista, and Isla Quiros. These offerings range in size from less than one acre to more than twenty. Pricing ranges from as little as $2M to more than $20M.
Whether you are shopping for a private island, or just looking for a condo on the beach, Panama has an answer for you.
Panama’s real estate offerings are as diverse as the country itself. From the beaches of the Pearl Islands, to the mountain vistas of Boquete, to the urban sophistication of Panama City, this remarkable nation offers just what you have been looking for. Plan your visit to Panama soon, and make sure to look into Panama real estate, your affordable place in the sun.
For more information about the incredible opportunities in real estate here in Panama, click here.
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Posted by Mike | Under Archipelago de Las Perlas, Contadora Island
This Resort offers ocean view rooms with air conditioning, hot water, mini bar, room service, and other amenities. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery from panoramic decks. The exotic view and the clear water convert this hotel into paradise. There are plenty of Panama beach rentals, including a nude beach.
The Pearls archipelago is composed of 90 islands and more or less 130 islets or keys, among them Contadora is noted for its wildlife. These islands are a paradise for nature lovers, and you can visit them by boat.
Scuba diving and snorkeling in this area is among the best in the world. Contadora and many of the nearby islands are surrounded by coral reefs 20 feet deep. Here you can enjoy marvelous undersea beauty.
The hotel, islands and the surroundings offer many activities. Walk around the island paths, observe flora and fauna and the natural scenery. Various tours and excursions are available between islands. There are also ATVs, golf carts and scooters, so you have fun ways to cross the island.
For more information about Contadora or to book hotel or tour reservations contact us today.
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Posted by Mike | Under Contadora Island
The Contadora Island Inn is a delightful bed and breakfast style accommodation on Isla Contadora, Panama. The Inn includes two five-bedroom homes that have been completely renovated and are located in a peaceful residential area, just a few minutes’ walk to nearby beaches. The front and back decks of the Inn showcase a native tropical wooded area with luscious palm trees, indigenous flowers and bird life. Our Inn is an awesome place to stay whether you rent one room or an entire house as you enjoy your tropical vacation. Book on-line now!
The beautiful island of Contadora is located off the Pacific coast of Panama, in the Gulf of Panama, and is only 30 miles (a short 15 minute flight) from Panama City. The island is one of the jewels of the Pearl Island Archipelago, home to lush vegetation, tropical birds, warm turquoise waters and some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by Mike | Under Contadora Island
“On Contadora Island you’ll have a number of dining choices. The resorts such as the Punta Galeon and Villa Romantica have excellent food and incredible service. If its local flavor you’re looking for then Le Suiz, La Sagitoria, or Angelina’s all have good food at extremely reasonable prices,” said one traveler’s review. Do remember that the tap water is not safe to drink on Isla Contadora – most island residents won’t necessarily clue you in by offering or providing bottled water, because they can drink it safely.
Some visitors to Isla Contadora have become breathless from the multiple joys of a mealtime at Villa Romantica. One excited guest recorded: “The vista from its restaurant is breath-taking, we saw a humpback whale leaping out of the Pacific, while we were having our lunch at the restaurant.” “We liked the food, it was slightly expensive, but not too outrageous, lunch for 3 cost us $35, including the tip. Charlie and his staff are the epitome of customer service! For a change of pace, Villa Romantica’s restaurant guests are invited to cook for themselves on hot stones or in fondue pots. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by Mike | Under Contadora Island, Contadora Island Restaurants
There are a couple of tourist transportation alternatives going to Isla Contadora, the faster, but slightly higher cost of the morning flight out and evening flight back is only the first choice of many. Air Panama and Aeroperlas have several fifteen minute (or so) flights each day, from Panama City’s Albrook area airport for about $60 roundtrip. With the longer day that would give you at the beach, you could plan a day trip, enjoy the beaches, scuba a couple of hours, and still be back for Happy Hour in Panama City. How relaxing would that be?
There is also regularly scheduled hydrofoil ferry service from the docks in Balboa to Contadora Island. That trip requires 2-3 hours or so each way, but is only about $4.00 more economical than the air flights. You can chose to go by ferry out in the morning, spend the day at Contadora Island’s Beaches, snorkel awhile, and explore the azure blue of the undersea world and then take the evening ferry back to the mainland.
Whichever means of transportation you choose, don’t miss seeing the astonishing variety of sea life surrounding this tropical paradise island. But do remember, that one person’s dream can be another person’s nightmare; so be sure to bring the entertainment everyone in your party will want, whether it’s books, music, movies or games…because you won’t be able to buy it on Contadora Island. In fact, you won’t be able to get cash there either, since there isn’t an ATM or bank, so carry what you’ll need.
Perhaps you and your guests will look forward to having a longer time to relax on the white beach sands, in the Contadora sunshine and feel the warm, beach breezes; even to investigate the lodging alternatives so you can plan to spend the night, or perhaps the month exploring the in the coral fields surrounding this 1.2 sq. km. Pacific Isle.
For more information about Contadora or to book hotel or tour reservations contact us today.
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Posted by Mike | Under Archipelago de Las Perlas, Contadora Island, Contadora Travel Guide
Searches for the mostly unrecorded truths about the prehistoric residents of Archipelagos de las Perlas, help to reconstruct the social, political, ideological and natural world of the native peoples; but will we ever truly grasp the contextual nature the ethno-historical sources offer about pearls in the pre-colonial eras? Exploring the context of the sociopolitical and supernatural worlds of the southern Central American Natives, before they ever met a European; how the pearls they collected were used in daily activities and how they functioned as symbols of identity, wisdom, and knowledge are part of understandings gleaned from those truths.
Based on archeological evidence, it is now possible to divide objects forming part of the daily lives of South Central American Natives into three categories: sacred object, “monetary” objects and objects of value. The inhabitants of the isthmus had many means of distinguishing themselves from one another, among which ornaments, clothing, language and bodily ornamentation all played complementary roles. Pearls were a large part of the ornamentation used in all three categories.
In those pre-historic times, jewelry given by Native peoples was believed to have magical-religious powers. Pearls were guarded by the basket in the chiefs’ houses…they were even recorded being taken from the Pearl Islands and transported to the Caribbean where the Chief of Comogre received them. Moreover, on some occasions natives are recorded as having given Spaniards pearls in designs together with gold, as a sign of their hopes and plans for peace.
Yet, even allegedly pearl-free, the Archipelagos of La Perlas continues to enchant each of us to visit again, with amazing sea life in azure seas, and bright skies decorated with beams of sunlight and rays of moonlight. We are privileged to sit on the sea’s shore just as did the pre-historic men, women and children…and admire them.
For more information about Contadora or to book hotel or tour reservations contact us today.
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Posted by Mike | Under Archipelago de Las Perlas, Contadora Island
The history of the pearls from the Archipelago de Las Perlas has been of interest to archaeologists, and other historians as well as the general public for a long time. Some of the pearls gathered in these islands are not in national and foreign museums; instead they are in private collections and in the hands of individuals…and have been discovered more as a result of the manner of the Spanish plundering and their adversities at sea, rather than of archaeological investigation.
In Pre-Columbian times, Las Perlas Islands were ruled by an Indian king whose main focus was pearl-diving. Pearls were then used as ornaments and to trade with. First settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, pearls were found in the waters around Contadora, including the astonishing 31 carat, over 400 year old Pelegrina pearl owned now by Elizabeth Taylor. This is pearl jewelry with a renowned history, since its owners have included a Queen of Spain, a French Emperor and an English Queen.
Contadora Island was the destination of the Spanish fleet for all the pearls collected to be counted, in route to the Spanish Court. The Pearl Islands stimulated the greed of many Spanish conquistadors. Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, who discovered and gave name to the Pacific Ocean from a point less than 90 kilometers from San Jose Island, was attracted by its wealth in gold and pearls. Later on, the Archipelagos de las Perlas sheltered infamous pirates of many different nationalities, who for several centuries looted the wealthy Spanish settlements and fleet.
For more information about Contadora or to book hotel or tour reservations contact us today.
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Posted by Mike | Under Archipelago de Las Perlas, Contadora Island
Contadora Island (Isla Contadora, as it is known in Spanish) lies at the northern end of the Pearl Island Archipelago. “The Pearls” are Panama’s Pacific version of the popular Bocas del Tora and San Blas islands of the Caribbean side. However, where the Caribbean islands are often drenched during rainy season, during our rainy season on Contadora it usually only rains for a few hours during the late afternoon or in the evening. The rest of the day is sunny and ideal for sun lovers.
As a year round vacation spot, The Pearls have been home to three seasons of the popular CBS television series “Survivor”, with Contadora serving as the show’s base of operations.
Contadora island is situated approximately 30 miles off the country’s Pacific coast, making it a mere 15 minute flight from Panama City. The Island has numerous private homes, and acts as a refuge for many of Panama’s most wealthy families. Main roads on the island are paved and some back roads are dirt. Most streets are lighted and can be safely explored day or night. There is, however, not even a single traffic light! A typical Contadora “traffic jam” consists of only two vehicles! While there are cars and pick-ups on the island, transportation is normally limited to golf carts [link to new golfcarts.htm page], four wheelers, scooters and bicycles – some of which can be rented by the hour or day.
There are eleven beaches on the island. All have white sand and protected coves. The water is turquoise and teeming with tropical fish. Panama’s only nude beach is found on Contadora Island, on it’s southern side. All of Panama’s beaches are public by law. For a truly private beach experience, hire a local boat captain to drop you off on one of the nearby unihabited islands for the day.
The island boasts several restaurants, including both European and local Panamanian specialities. There are three small grocery stores, a medical clinic that is open ever day, a small police force and one gas pump! There are no banks or ATMs on the island, so bring all the cash you think you will need.
The waters surrounding Contadora Island are typically warm (but cool in February), turquoise colored, and ideal for swimming or snorkeling. Scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, sport fishing, and boat tours are available on the island.
The map below of Isla Contadora shows the road system that exists on the island, as well as the island airport and numerous beaches that run along it’s coastline; most of the beaches are accessible by the public. The beaches are most often separated by rocky shoreline.
For more information about Contadora or to book hotel or tour reservations contact us today.
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Posted by Mike | Under Contadora Island, Contadora Travel Guide
The Pearl Islands are over 200 islands sprinkled throughout the Gulf of Panama. Of these, only a few are inhabited and only a few have the amenities of Contadora. It boasts several hotels and restaurants, a few shops, a primary school, a police station, and an airport. The island is about 750 acres, is crossed by several roads, and can be walked around in an hour. The 300 local residents include a number of transplanted travelers who were passing through and got stuck – and it is easy to see how that could happen. The Pearl Islands are incredibly welcoming. Developments and tourists are few and the islands are idyllically diverse and incredibly lush. Looking around there is a sense that the jungle will reclaim the buildings before the buildings could possibly claim the jungle. Orchids and vines grow as easily on rooftops as on trees. And with some luck, the move for bigger, taller, grander development will be limited to the mainland.
Yachts heading to the South Pacific often stop at Contadora Island as it’s just 50km south of the Panama Canal. The easiest way to get there, however, is to take a $50us (return) flight from Panama City. The flight from the mainland will allow you to get a glimpse of the ships converging on the canal as well as some aerial views of many of the Pearl Islands.
Contadora is a practical hub to explore from, or simply, to explore itself. There are a few choices in lodging on the island. Hotels include the larger Hotel Contadora and the newly renovated and expanded Punta Galeon. Both are a few steps from the airport — literally. Villa Charlito is another option with its 7 rooms, as is checking at the Duty Free shop window for flyers advertising private rooms that might be available.
For more information about Contadora or to book hotel or tour reservations contact us today.
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Posted by Mike | Under Contadora Hotels, Contadora Island, Contadora Travel Guide
The name in Spanish is the “accountant” and this island holds history as no island in the Pacific Ocean . The island was utilized by the Spaniards from century XVI to XVII to account for all the gold and silver brought from South America , specifically Peru and Bolivia.
Spanish galleons would anchor to unload tons of gold and silver pieces only to be weighed, labeled and recorded on meticulous archives so then it could be loaded back up in these galleons that would end their journey in Flamenco Island , right off Panama City . Contadora is now known by foreigners because of the recent Pearl Island television reality show . The island has Hotels and all inclusive resorts; a large European community inhabits the mansions in the island. Over a dozen white sand beaches, including a nude beach (Playa Sueca) are easily accessible by a series of trails that cut across the island in every direction.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are superb. Swimming from Playa Larga towards the point to reach Playa Sueca takes you through the best areas to spot turtles and sharks; the most common is the white tip. There are two ways to get to Contadora, by plane or by boat. Daily flights to Contadora leave before 8:00 A.M. from Marcos A. Gilbert airport, and only takes 27 minutes to get to the 750 acre island. The Pearl Islands are over 200 small size islands 200 miles away in the Panamanian Pacific Ocean. The largest one is called Kings Island , and its right off Contadora. If you wish to visit Contadora via boat, you can choose a speed boat that will take you there in one hour, or charter a slower vessel that will tour in the pacific headed towards The Pearl Islands.
If you are looking for an exciting destination, we strongly recommend you check this place out, a couple of shops are available, and if you are booking through a hotel in the Island, well, they will most likely pamper you and cater to your needs.
For more information about Contadora or to book hotel or tour reservations contact us today.
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Posted by Mike | Under Contadora Island
