Panama is Central America's most southerly country with a boarder to the south with Columbia and to the North with Costa Rica. South of Panama City lies the paradise Islands known as the Peal Islands (Isla de Las Perlas). The second largest of the Pearl Islands is Isla San Jose with a size of 30 square miles and surrounded by white sanded beaches and clear Pacific waters. On this Island lies the world famous paradise resort of Hacienda del Mar.

The Pearl Islands lie 90km south of the Panamanian main land and are accessible by a 2 hour boat ride or a 20 minute short plane ride. The Islands are situated close the continental shelf where the Ocean depth will drop abruptly to 9000 ft offering some of the worlds best Deep Sea Fishing.

The largest of the Islands is the Isla Contadora which is the Island of the 'teller or counter' as all the Pearls that were retrieved in the Pearl Islands had to go through here.

The history of the Pearl Islands is as I am sure you are aware 'PEARLS'. In pre-Columbian times the Pearl islands were ruled by an Indian King whose main occupation was diving for Pearls. Then these Pearls were used to trade with foreign traders. Some of the most renowned Pearls in the world were found in the Islands.

Vasco Nunez de Balboa, a Spanish sailor who gave the name to the Pacific Ocean only 60 miles from the Pearl Islands settled in the Pearl Islands due to its wealth in Gold and Pearls. Many years later the Islands were used a hiding places for pirates who looted the rich Islands and it's tenants.

The climate of the islands are tropical with the temperature ranging between a minimum of 23 degrees, and a high of 35 degrees, with an average of 28 degrees. The Pearl Islands does not see hurricanes or feel earthquakes so is a great place to relax!!!

Most of the Islands are full of rainforest and are surrounded by pristine white sanded or golden sanded beaches with clear Pacific Ocean to swim in.

A lot of the Islands are full of wildlife: with a population of over 3,000 wild pigs, and large quantities of deer, iguanas, agoutis, parrot and giant pigeons. There is more than 100 species of birds located on the islands. The Islands are great for hiking or just a mild afternoon walk through the rainforest. The richness of the soil and the fresh water rivers allow trees and coconut palms to grow as tall as 80 feet high. There are some outstanding waterfalls on the Islands and natural caves that may hide some old unclaimed Pirate Treasures!!

The waters of the Pearl islands are full of tropical game fish, and are considered-among the best deep sea fishing grounds in the world. You will never see a fisherman of the Islands ever return empty handed!! 16 black marlin world records have been conquered in these waters. Marlin, large Pacific sailfish, tuna, dolphin, wahoo, amberjack, cobera and red snapper, corvina and mackerel, as well as marine turtles, lobster, shrimp, giant oysters, clams and mussels make this a paradise for fishermen, snorkellers and divers.

Hotels that are recommended in the area can be found in the hotels section and a few are listed here: Hacienda del Mar, Punta Galeon and Contadora Resort.

If you would lie more information on the Pearl islands or would like to speak to somebody please feel free to call us on 0207 193 3930 or e-mail us.