As a result, a number of endemic subspecies are found on the island, like the Coiba Agouti, the Coiba Spinetail, and the Coiba Howler Monkey. Download the Direct Ferries app or manage your booking online through My Account, Visit our customer service page to find useful information on travelling by ferry, our FAQs, and how to contact us for help with your booking, Panama City (Balboa) - Contadora Island is one of our busiest routes - sailings regularly sell out at busy periods, Be the first to hear about the best ferry offers. A good flight deal at the right time is all we need to take action. This Isla Contadora by private plane day trip includes hotel . You will pay a minimum of US$100 per day regardless of which company you book through. Fun fact: Contadora in english means one who counts since this island used to be the place where oyster pearls from surrounding waters were counted and sold to the Spaniards. Your journey will begin by taking the ferry from Amador Yates de Balboa Club Panama City. Officially known as Guna Yala, the San Blas Islands are the supermodels of Panamas many tropical archipelagos. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Las Perlas offers an island lifestyle reminiscent of the Virgin Islands back in the 70s, before those islands became overpriced and crowded with people, commerce, and high-rises. At Direct Ferries we're completely impartial and focused on helping you find the best fares on Panama City Contadora Island crossings in Panama quickly and easily. It had peacocks, deer, 350 rooms, attracted Hollywood celebrities, and was regarded as the most famous five-star island resort in Latin America. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Contadora Island, paradise found in the Pearl Islands (Panama). Expats who live here are diversified in their skills and generally are accomplished in their ability to communicate and integrate with a variety of cultures. In fact, did you know that Isla Contadora is part of the Pearl Archipelago and was known for their rich pearl resources during the Spanish colonial period? housed prisoners on the island from 1919 until it was closed in 2004. By Ferry: Everyday at 8:00 am from Brisas de Amador in Causeway, returning at 3pm from Contadora. The island of Boca Brava, for example, is just half a mile away. Playa Galeon is located right next to the airport and Playa Larga is right next to it. Where Is Contadora Located? Its a fun and adventurers way to explorer the Golf of Panama and the Islas de Las Perlas. Las Perlas has retained the wild allure of the sea that, for over 400 years, has been plied by islanders navigating canoes and now panga boatssmall, traditional fishing boats. Getting a price and booking your ferry ticket to Panama couldnt be easier! Isla Barro Colorado is an island in Panama's man-made Gatun Lake, in the middle of the Panama Canal. Playa de las Suecas is the only nudist beach in Panama. The Pearl Islands are located a little further off-shore, about 30 mi (48 km) from Panama, and therefore offer the clearest waters around. 12 gorgeous family-friendly luxury resorts in the Mediterranean, Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach (Hawaii). Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and get your FREE report: The 10 Best Places To Retire Overseas In 2023. All the beaches have white sands and turquoise water with tones of blue. Do note, however, that opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. A penal colony (with a terrifying reputation!) Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Youll never have to wrestle for a sandy spot as the islands are largely uninhabited with only a handful of places to stay, including Cala Mia, Islas Secas and Isla Palenque an award-winning eco-lodge. Contadora was the island where the Spanish counted the pearls that were harvested from the other islands in the archipelago, hence the name of the island, which means "the one that counts" in Spanish. The Pearl Islands archipelago includes approximately 100 islands, many of them tiny and uninhabited. There are hundreds of Panama islands, from the massive Coiba Island to the perfectly tiny Kuna islets. The Island has paved roads on its main avenues and can be toured around by golf carts or motorbikes that can be rented there. This ferry is a scenic way to get from Panama City to the islands of Contadora and Saboga, which are also known as "Las Perlas.". This cookie is used to store the currency preference of the user. The cost of manpower to unload groceries off barges, transport goods, and stock shelves adds to the cost of the items sold. Locals insist that God left these prints as he descended from heaven. It is possible to make the journey independently and arrange boat transport to the islands from Cart, but its much easier to book via a tour company as they can pick you up from your lodgings in Panama City and drop you back again at the end of the trip. Contadora Island is a haven of peace very close to Panama City, just over 1 hour from the Causeway, and you can even go just to spend the day. It houses the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, where scientists study the island's flora and fauna. This cookie is used to get or set the session id for the current session. Kirsten Hubbard is a travel writer and expert who specializes in Central America. Its the perfect combination for me: the ability to live a productive life surrounded by natureno noise, no traffic, no pollutionand I can work remotely and travel as much and as often as I want (under normal travel conditions). As a resident of Isla Saboga for a year and a half, and more recently on Isla Contadora for several years, what keeps me here full-time is the marine lifestyle, the magnificent greenery, the beaches, and everything about nature. Canfield, AlbrookPanama, Rep. ofPanama. If you feel hungry, stop by Bibis on the Beach for a seafood-centric menu, the best pina coladas this side of the Caribbean, and the chance to spot manta rays leaping while you dine al fresco. NID cookie, set by Google, is used for advertising purposes; to limit the number of times the user sees an ad, to mute unwanted ads, and to measure the effectiveness of ads. Island hopping is the order of the day in Bocas and there are islands and beaches here to satisfy every inclination. By plane. On Saboga and most islands, people favor four-wheel drive Mules or even pickups if doing construction. Answer to History. If you're after beaches, the islands of Isla Bolaos, Isla Parida and Boca Brava all have white sands that are well worth a few hours of your time. For those lucky enough to call the island home, you will find the best beaches closest to Panama City, along with some of the best fishing in the countrys Pacific. A government crackdown on tax evasion caused many of the rich to leave - some of the homes are now rented out to tourists. The Guna Yala archipelago, formerly known as the Kuna Yala or San Blas archipelago, includes some of the most pristine islands in Central America. Panama lies outside of the hurricane belt so theres no travel period to avoid. The clinic also provides free vaccinations for employees who work in restaurants or hotels. Alternatively, you can fly from the capital to the city of David and then travel to Boca Chica in around two hours by car (or by bus and minivan, changing at the turnoff to Horconcitos). Address: Av. To find the Taboga Island ferry terminal, head to Panama Citys Calzada de Amador, a picturesque boardwalk made with rocks from the Panama Canal. This island is perfect for a day trip but the lack of upscale accommodation makes it less attractive to spend more time on the island. Isla Perro (Dog Island) is a popular snorkeling stop, with colorful marine life that congregates around a sunken ship. *No spam: We will NEVER give your email address to anyone else. Since the Islands are located just off shore the Panamanian mainland an estimated travel time takes only one to two hours in total. We took the trip individually but now theres this tour (from July to October) which offers you the hassle-free organized version, hotel transfers included: There are plenty of beaches to choose from on Contadora Island. Early last century there was an underwater epidemic which killed most of the pearl oysters, reducing the production of pearls to a dribble. ct intro final Share View All Trips Taboga Island Some foreign passengers were heavily packed, looking forward to spending several days on the island. As they are with their calves, we recommend to practice a responsible watching by keeping a distance of at least100 to 250 meters. The largest and most travel-friendly of the Pearl Islands is Contadora Island, which boasts a small airport (flying time from Panama City is just fifteen minutes). The cost of manpower to unload groceries off barges, transport goods, and stock shelves adds to the cost of the items sold. The dry season (January to April) is hot, humid and ideal for outdoor adventures of any intensity, from hammock-swinging to high-octane hikes through lush island-top jungles. For jungle beaches, bat caves and thrilling surf breaks, decamp to Isla Bastimentos, the archipelagos largest island. | Web Design: Valoweb, Dream Honeymoon Destinations: A Guide to Romantic Getaways. Playa Galeon is located right next to the airport and Playa Larga is right next to it. Contadoras main water source comes from a small lake at the northwest of the island called el Largo. The ferry crossing time from Panama City (Balboa) to Contadora Island is approximately 0h. At 74,000 acres . The distance between Panama City (Balboa) to Contadora Island is approximately 0 nautical Miles. There are several places to stay and eat but no ATMs so bring enough cash for the duration of your stay. They tend to value privacy, tranquility, and the company of friends who share their love of nature and the abundant marine life. There is a large variety of sea life as the vulcanic origin of the island produces many nutrients. Many of these islands are uninhabited and noted for their natural beauty and marine resources. As Amazon Associates we also earn from qualifying purchases. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. The population of Contadora is a mere 115 people. At Direct Ferries were completely impartial and focused on helping you find the best fares on Panama City Contadora Island crossings in Panama quickly and easily. They chose a place to count them and this place was calledIsla Contadora. Then again, it couldnt spoil the fun. The statue has been a landmark for more than 360 years and it's a testament to the rich Afro-Caribbean culture on this laid-back tropical island, which is known for its peaceful vibe and low-key beaches. Of course, you can get a whopping deal on fresh fish and shrimp if you buy from the local fishermen; approximately US$5 to US$6 per pound. Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and get your FREE report: The 10 Best Places To Retire Overseas In 2023. If youre heading directly to Coiba, the fastest route is from the surf village of Santa Catalina where you can pick up the required park permit and arrange a boat trip. The largest of the Bocas del Toro islands is Isla Coln, home to Bocas Town (also called Bocas del Toro). There are several options for accommodation and a lot of restaurants offering international and Panamanian cuisine.On a separate note, Contadora is very well known worldwide as it has been the host of the popular American TV show Survivor three times. But if you're seeking the definition of idyllic, these Panama islands are it., Coiba Island is the largest island not only in Panamabut in all of Central America. Many are uninhabited and noted for their natural beauty and marine resources. Required fields are marked *. Average rates for roundtrips are US$80-100, one-way will cost you on average US$50-60. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. Portobelo The water is calm and shallow, just perfect for families with young children. THE 10 BEST Hotels in Contadora Island 2023 Contadora Island Hotels and Places to Stay Enter dates to find the best prices Check In __ /__ /__ Check Out __ /__ /__ Guests 1 room, 2 adults, 0 children Popular Pool 4 Star Luxury Property types B&Bs & Inns Lodges Hotels Specialty lodgings View Vacation Rentals Amenities Free Wifi Breakfast included Other Bocas del Toro islands are less traveled, but equally stunningsuch as Solarte Island, settled by the indigenous Ngbe-Bugl people, and the Zapatillas Cays, part of Isla Bastimentos National Park. How to get to Contadora Island from Panama City? Taking a boat trip around Isla Contadora is an adventure not to be missed. We dont want you to miss the chance of visit it . There's really no bad time to come to Panama. The most frequent air service to the Islands is Air Panama and Aero Perlas., frequent flights daily. Day From Panama From Contadora; Monday: 07:30 AM: 03:30 PM: Tuesday: 07:30 AM: 03:30 . Most major hotels accept credit cards but make sure to check with them before arrival. The Islas Secas ("dry islands") is an archipelago consisting of sixteen pristine volcanic islands, and are home to the Islas Secas Resort. Isla Contadora (Counting House Island), floating in the Gulf of Panama and connected to the capital by ferry, . I find that really cool, John says. This island is nestled between sand, palms, wildlife and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions). 1980a. The backdrop of the island boats mixing with the visiting yachts provides a rich tapestry connecting the past with the future; pangas weave through time as they do the archipelagos many islands. Getting to Guna Yala involves a two-hour 4WD journey along winding roads from Panama City to Cart, San Blas main port. How far is the beach from Panama City? Isla Grande lies off the north coast in the province of Coln, and it can be used as a base for explorations further afield to the historic port of Portobelo, the mangrove archway known as the "Tunnel of Love and uninhabited Isla Mamey a popular weekend getaway for Panamanians. Vasco Nuez de Balboa, the same character that "discovered" the Pacific Ocean or South Sea, named them asIslas de las Perlas because the large quantity of pearls found. AWSALB is an application load balancer cookie set by Amazon Web Services to map the session to the target. The Bocas del Toro Islands are Panama's most popular travel destination. Isla Contadora. There is so much to discover. If you like to stay in top hotels while travelling, you may be interested in research that outlines the average cost of staying at five-star hotels in 100, Imagine traveling the world, surfing the waves of unspoilt beaches, meeting new people - and still being able to work remotely with unwavering Wi-Fi, in a, Mmm. The Spaniards imported African slaves to help them harvest the pearls. However werecommend you stay 1 or 2 nights, discover all the beaches that it offers, and spend some day on a boat, take a local or fisherman you see on some beach, to discover all the small islands that surround it and do some snorkel It is a small island, but beware, it is advisable to move in a cart Golf because it has many slopes, and at night it is difficult to see since it is not very bright. Playa Cacique offered a very generous stretch of powdery sand in the morning that got smaller by the hour. Now, the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, popular with eco-tourists and travelers seeking natural beauty off the beaten path.. Isla Grande is the setting for one of the oldest lighthouses in Latin America El Faro, constructed in 1894. f so, what is your island of choice? Fortunately the hotel offered breakfast from 6 am onwards so we could leave in a good mood arount 6.30 am. This Isla Contadora by private plane day trip includes hotel transfers. These elegant islands enjoyed a glittering past as a home to the rich and famous. You can also take a bus from Sabanitas to Portobelo and then a taxi on to La Guair. Way too early if you ask us! The crossing operates up to 7 times each week with sailing durations from around 2 hours 15 minutes. Departing everyday from the Flamenco Marina, Amador at $55 one-way the adults, $44 one-way children from 5 to 11 years old and free of cost for children from 0 to 4 years old. All the islands offer peace and quiet in spades compared to anywhere on the mainland. Nowadays Contadora island offers several lodging options asPerla Real Inn, Hotel Gerald, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast andMar y Oro. The dry season, which is obviously the best choice for beach bums, runs from December to April with February being the driest month. Contadora is the nearest island with an operational airstrip at the Pearl Islands. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. You can learn to sail, peek at the marine life below the surface on snorkeling or dive trips, or spot whales offshore during mating season from July to October. Bring identification and make sure you wake up bright and early for the sunrise boarding time. The narrowest part of the isthmus connecting North and South America, Panama may be small, but it impresses in a big way. If you prefer to have your own beach you can rent a boat and tour the closest islands such asMogo Mogo, Pacheca andChapera. Expect more tourists and higher prices at this time. Even thought the island is pretty small, only about 0,5 mi (1,4 km), it has its own Contadora Island airport. Read our Privacy Policy. Across from Isla Clon is Isla Carenero, which got its name from days when ships were hauled onto the beach and turned on their sides, or careened," for repairs and maintenance. November 3 is the anniversary of independence from Colombia and November 28 commemorates Panamas liberation from Spain, and both see plenty of pageantry and festivities. And as the beach became narrower, it became more peaceful. ", Backpacking in Panama: Where to Go and What to See, How to Travel From San Jos to Bocas del Toro by Bus, Plane, and Car, Where to Go in 2022: The Most Exciting Destinations to Explore This Year, The Beaches of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, The Most Popular Destinations on the Gringo Trail, The 15 Best Places in the World to Swim and Dive With Sharks, 13 Unforgettable Beach Destinations in Southeast Asia. And let us provide you with an unforgettable experience so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest! Couples cost for eating out twice a week, drinks twice a week, movie theatre trip twice a month. The quickest way to make & manage your booking. The island served as the base of operations and official accommodation place for the shows crew. The downside of such an organized arrangement is that you cant decide for yourself when the fun is over. Recommended option Shuttle, ferry 3h 11m Take a shuttle bus from Tocumen Airport to Albrook All rights reserved. This lovely place is located only an hour and a half away from Panama City. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Trips to this off-the-radar paradise start in the town of Boca Chica, a six-hour drive from Panama City. Mass tourism is kept at bay, so youll have plenty of beaches all to yourself with just swaying palms for company. Because the ferry cant moor on Contadora Island, we had to transfer to a fishing boat that dropped us off a few meters from the beach so that we had to pass to the water to reach the shore. It is recommended to call in advance at +507 391-1424 for reservations and confirmation on schedules because they are subject to change without notice. With so many palm-fringed islands to choose from, beach lovers are wonderfully spoiled for choice, so where do you begin? The freckled pan tropical spotted dolphin will probably tag along, swimming alongside the boat just out of curiosity. The Contadora Island Panama City ferry route connects Panama with Panama. The warm waters in the Pacific Ocean become home to approximately 2,000 a 2,500 whales that migrate from the winter in the southern hemisphere. Time to discover the Island One of the advantages you should consider when you plan your trip is to make sure you have a good travel guide and agency to advise you on your tours to get to know the most and the best of each place. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity. The island is very small so it is easy to move around. But since we didnt have hours to spend on transfers to San Blas and wanted to avoid the recent Zika outbreak on that side of the country, we opted for the Pacific side. The island is accessible via ferries, by Air Panama to the regional airport on Contadora, or by private boat. Contadora Island has an international flavor. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". It has an area of 1.39 km, which makes it the 11th largest island of the archipelago. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The average price of a ferry from Panama City (Balboa) to Contadora Island is $0. Book a San Blas tour here. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Contadora island has 11 beautiful beaches but probably the prettiest isPlaya Cacique which is located onthe other side of the island. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes one way. Travel time 1 hour and 30 minutes to Contadora Island. To me, there's nothing more invigorating than exploring someplace new. No you can not travel as a foot passenger, currently you can only travel on the ferry with a vehicle. Your journey will begin by taking the ferry from Amador Yates de Balboa Club Panama City. Along with Coiba Island, dozens of Panama islands are located in southwest Panama's Gulf of Chiriqu. This is an estimate. Ernesto T. Lefevre & Av. Legions of love letters have been written to Panama. I didnt want to worry about having to rebuild the house a second time, says John. It allows us to dedicate enough personal time and energy to this blog. Climate is very dry even during rainy season. It helps to keep track of the visitor profile for future sessions and for customizing their experience. Contadora Island Panama City sailing durations and frequency may vary from season . Simply select the country of departure and then Panama City Contadora Island or another route if you prefer followed by number of passengers travelling on the ferry and hit search! Theres one big reason to visit the nine islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago variety. The most popular islands developed for tourism and attractive to expats looking for island property are Isla Contadora, Isla Saboga, and Isla Viveros. Trips to these flawless islands are a safer bet during the dry season, though this is also likely to be busier and pricier. Most basic kind of rental. Activities abound. 2008-2023 - Live and Invest Overseas - All Rights Reserved. Loading Contadora, at the Dock at 2:45 PM for return trip. La Romantica or Mar y Oro would be our pick. They offer certifications for divers and offer diving trips. Contadora is a relatively high end destination as many millionaires have chosen it to be their vacation spot, so if you explore the town, dont be surprised when you come across some very nice mansions. They are accessible by ferries, by Air Panama to the regional airport on Contadora, and by private boat. Things to do in Panama Contadora Island is a haven of peace very close to Panama City, just over 1 hour from the Causeway, and you can even go just to spend the day. Another reason John moved here is that Contadora has a regional commercial airport and a federal medical clinic. This may not be where you expect to find bounty beaches since the paradisiacal Bocas del Toro beaches and the famous San Bls islands are located on the Caribbean side. Getting to the Pearl Islands is easy and fast from Panama City. Is time to make your vacation plans in a way that best suits your needs. Its the kind of place you can run into and rub shoulders with people from all over the world in a nice recreational format where people like to have conversations. Rainfall is very low and temperatures average at around 85.1F (29,5C).
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