The Pearl Islands are over 200 islands sprinkled throughout the Gulf of Panama. Of these, only a few are inhabited.

San Jose Island is the second largest of Las Perlas Islands. Located in the middle of the Gulf of Panama just 90 kilometers from Panama City - it is very accessable This is a private island with 14,000 acres of forest and other ecosystems. It can be reached by boat in approximately 3 hours, and by propeller plane in 20 minutes. The island is located close to the continental shef where the ocean floors drops off to over 9 000 ft, offering unsurpassed deepsea fishing.

Over 35 beautiful white coral, ebony black and radiant gold beaches and coves surround San Jose island. The temperate and calm torquois green waters of the gulf of Panama envelope the island, making it a perfect spot for scuba diving or snorkeling. The latest resort to open in the Perlas Islands on Isla San Jose is the beautiful Hacienda del Mar

Condadora Island is located 50km south of the Panama Canal. It is the 5th largerst of the Pearl Islands, and the most popular. The easiest way to get there 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. This serene island has 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 island is incredibly lush!

There are a dozen public beaches on Contadora Island. Snorkeling is good, but is best done in low tide - the tides here are heavy!