Pearl Islands Panama Islas Perlas
81
Cruises availables
At departure or passage at this port
Emerald Waterways (10 Cruises)
Lindblad Expeditions (36 Cruises)
National Geographic Quest
36 Cruises
| 13 February | 8 days | One-way from Puntarenas to Colon |
| 27 February | 7 days | One-way from Puntarenas to Panama City |
| 27 February | 8 days | One-way from land tour to Panama City |
Ponant (29 Cruises)
Le Bellot
20 Cruises
Star Clippers (6 Cruises)
Frequently Asked Questions
Ships anchor offshore and tenders land passengers according to the tide, sometimes directly on the sand. Amphibious sandals make the operation easier. The archipelago lies about fifty kilometres off Panama City.
Because they supplied Europe's courts with fine pearls fished in the Gulf of Panama, long before cruising. The most famous of them, La Peregrina, passed from the Spanish crown to Elizabeth Taylor four centuries later.
Contadora, the best-equipped in the archipelago. Its name, from the days when pearls were counted there before shipping to Seville, records its old role as a trading post. It is covered on foot or by golf cart: a small airstrip crosses it and more than a dozen beaches ring the shore.
The way you choose a terrace table, by the hour and the mood. Some beaches face east and suit quiet mornings, others host beach restaurants and bars with your feet in the sand. Each has its own character.
Yes, from July to October: the archipelago becomes one of the great humpback nurseries of the American Pacific, with females calving in these warm shallow waters. Some operators lower a hydrophone, and the males' song fills the boat.
In whale season, a watching trip, without hesitation. Otherwise, an island-hopping excursion with swimming and snorkelling in deserted coves, or simply a Contadora beach chosen by the hour. Kayaks and paddleboards are often carried too.
Yes, in the deserted coves of the islets near Contadora, over bottoms frequented by turtles, rays and schools of tropical fish. Excursions stop there after a short boat ride.
On Contadora, a few shops cover the essentials, but ATMs are scarce: bring US dollars in small notes. On the neighbouring islets there is nothing at all.
Hat, sunscreen and plenty of water: natural shade is scarce on the beaches. A light sweater helps on the way back, when the boat picks up speed into the evening wind. Amphibious sandals make beach landings easier.
Yes, carefully. The return follows the tender schedule, and sailing distances stretch timings quickly. This is not a call where you improvise one last swim.
