The Pearl Islands, an archipelago of over 200 inhabited islands, are located in the Gulf of Panama, directly South of Panama City. Some of the most renowned pearls in the world came from the oysters on the seabed of this archipelago, thus giving out its name.
There are some small fishing communities and only two of the islands have tourism development. “El archipielago de las Perlas”, for its name in Spanish, was featured in three seasons of the reality TV program Survivor; Survivor: Pearl Islands, Survivor: All-Stars and Survivor: Panama.
The latest resort to open in the Pearl Islands is the beautiful Hacienda del Mar located on Isla San José, the second largest of the Pearl Islands. Over 57 splendorous coral white, ebony black and radiant gold beaches and coves surround San Jose Island, embedded between the temperate and calm turquoise and blue waters of the Gulf of Panama, and the lush green vegetation that covers the whole island over gently sloping hills which peak, at the north of the island, to 440 feet.
The coastline is very irregular, affording many anchorage locations, being the best, Bodega Bay, on the west, one mile in length, and half a mile wide. There are many fresh water rivers and streams eventually flow into the ocean creating a food source for many species of fish, both saltwater and brackish species. This provides excellent opportunities for inshore fishing excitement directly from shore. The climate of the island is tropical with the temperature ranging between a minimum of 68F, and a high of 93F, with an average of 79F.
San Jose Island
The soil in San Jose Island is extremely fertile and nourishes a wide variety of vegetation including gallery forests with trees rising 80 feet and higher, with occasional arboreal giants. Coconut palms and wild sugar cane are found along the coastline. Many rivers and springs, the main ones flowing steadily year-round, provide for abundant pure, fresh waters to naturally irrigate San Jose Island. Several waterfalls, up to 60 feet high and natural caves, further enhance the beauty of the island.
Wildlife is abundant and consistent with the rich vegetation and the profusion of water, 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 island.
The waters of San Jose abound in tropical game fish, and are considered-among the best deep sea fishing grounds in the world. Never do San Jose game-seekers 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 and divers.
A compacted gravel airstrip and a network of 100 kilometers of all weather roads and bridges, facilitate the easy arrival, communication and exploration throughout the island. San Jose Island can be reached by boat in approximately 2 hours, and by plane in 20 minutes. We gladly handle all reservations for air travel to and from the island in all our packages.
Another great way to explore the Pearl Islands is in the comfort of a luxury Catamaran, Yacht or Sailboat. Be sure to look at our list of boats available to sail in the Pacific if you feel an adventure along one of these vessels fits your adventurous spirit the most.
If you travel to Panama, this is a destination you may not want to miss. We are confident in that our partners from Hacienda del Mar, or from our certified boats will make of your stay in the Pearl Islands one of the most comfortable an enjoyable adventures of your life.
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Copyright 2006 Pearl Panama. Panama City, Panama. Urbanization Los Angeles, Calle 8va Norte , H-20