Contadora Island
Patricio Roca - PanamaRide.com

The name in Spanish is the "accountant" and this island holds history as no island in the Pacific Ocean . Utilized by the Spaniards between the XVI and XVII century to account for all the gold and silver brought from South America , specifically Peru and Bolivia.

Spanish galleons would anchor to unload tons of gold and silver pieces only to be weighed, labeled and recorded on meticulous archives so then it could be loaded back up in these galleons that would end their journey in Flamenco Island , right off Panama City . Contadora is now known by foreigners because of the recent Pearl Island television reality show . The island has Hotels and all inclusive resorts; a large European community inhabits the mansions in the island. Over a dozen white sand beaches, including a nude beach (Playa Sueca) are easily accessible by a series of trails that cut across the island in every direction.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are superb. Swimming from Playa Larga towards the point to reach Playa Sueca takes you through the best areas to spot turtles and sharks; the most common is the white tip. There are two ways to get to Contadora, by plane or by boat. Daily flights to Contadora leave before 8:00 A.M. from Marcos A. Gilbert airport, and only takes 27 minutes to get to the 750 acre island. The Pearl Islands are over 200 small size islands 200 miles away in the Panamanian Pacific Ocean. The largest one is called Kings Island , and its right off Contadora. If you wish to visit Contadora via boat, you can choose a speed boat that will take you there in one hour, or charter a slower vessel that will tour in the pacific headed towards The Pearl Islands.

If you are looking for an exciting destination, we strongly recommend you check this place out, a couple of shops are available, and if you are booking through a hotel in the Island, well, they will most likely pamper you and cater to your needs.

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