Balboa immediately wrote to the King of Spain to share his excitement over his new real estate find : “There are many islands in this sea. They tell me that there are pearls in abundance, of great size, and that the natives possess baskets filled with them.” Turns out, the natives were right.

When Balboa sailed out to the islands, he discovered a paradise. In the years following, the Spanish harvested tons of pearls from the waters around the Las Perlas archipelago that has come to be known as the Pearl Islands.

The early days of the pearl business were harsh ones. The Spanish did away with the native peoples living on the island and brought in African slaves to work the pearl trade. Their vast harvest of oyster born gems had to be inventoried immediately upon harvest to insure the interests of the crown. Thus, pearls were sent to an island now called “Contadora” for registration. Contadora in English means, ‘The Counting House”.

Contadora became the focus of settlement living in the islands. When the Spanish returned home, they left their slaves behind. The ancestors of these slaves composed the sparse population of Contadora until the mid 20th century. In 1960, the island was purchased by a Panamanian named Gabriel Lewis Galindo in one of the great real estate deals in this nation’s history.

Galindo immediately set to work on developing the infrastructure needed for habitation of the island. He was the first to open a resort on Contadora, a small complex of 60 bungalows. This was followed by the construction of the original Hotel Contadora, a gleaming classic of the early era of Pearl Island tourism.

Today, Contadora is one of the larger and better developed of the Pearl Islands. It is home to several world class resorts, featuring every modern amenity. Excellent restaurants and a wide range of shopping can be found on Contadora.

Real Estate is still affordable on Contadora and many other of the Pearl Islands. If you like the private life, you can still buy entire islands and make your own island history.

To book hotel reservations or for more information about real estate on Contadora contact us today.

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The Pearl Islands are actually an archipelago formed by the outcropped rim of an extinct volcano. In the millennia since the formation of their volcanic roots, these islands have been weathered by wind and water producing a rich soil able to support a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life.

Viveros is the fourth largest island in the Pearl Islands. It is just 8 miles from Contadora, and a well hit One Wood from neighboring Isla Del Rey. You can get to the island by plane. Flights leave often and are quite affordable. If you prefer, you can also reach the island by boat. Plan for a trip of about 90 minutes.

Until recently, Viveros was still virgin. Now change has come. The French consortium, Grupo Viveros, is transforming this once sleepy outcropping into a prime destination for visitors and residents alike. The group has an estimated thirty five miles of coastline to work with as well as miles of lush acreage, waiting to be shaped into an eco-sensitive paradise. The shoreline of Viveros features white sand beaches, majestic bluffs, and swaying palm trees. The waters surrounding the island are a turquoise blue and teeming with a vibrant array of marine life.

The Pearl Islands are a sport fishing Mecca. More than 200 International Game and Fishing association records have been set in these waters in recent years. Add a along list of other aquatic adventures like scuba diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, and you have the recipe for watery bliss. If you want to have some fun but don’t want to get your feet wet, you might enjoy a round of golf on Viveros’ new 18 hole Jack Nicklaus designed course. When completed, the Grupo Viveros project will bring 3 new hotels, and a 300 slip marina to the island.

If you are looking for a permanent home in paradise, you can choose from more than a thousand single family, town home, and condominium properties. With abundant fresh water reserves, a rapidly expanding transportation infrastructure, and a diversity of real estate ownership options to choose from, the future of Viveros is as bright as its equatorial sun.

When in Panama, make sure to visit the Pearl Islands. Spend a few days on Viveros and see for yourself how green development can make the formerly inaccessible reaches of a secluded island into a habitable paradise without harming the delicate balance of its eco-systems.

To book hotel reservations or for more information about real estate in the Pearl Islands contact us today.

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The largest of the Pearl Islands is Isla del Rey. In English, this means “Island of the King”. The best known island in the Pear chain is Contadora, in English “Counting House”. This unique name is a reference to the days when the Spanish sent their pearl harvest to the island to be counted and inventoried prior transport home.

Contadora was the first of the Pearl Islands to be developed for tourism and first world residency. The island now offers a variety of world class resort hotels, restaurants, golf courses and shopping. More recently, eco-sensitive development similar to that on Contadora has reached other larger islands like San Jose, and Viveros.

You could spend a long time visiting all of the inhabitable pearl Islands , a partial list follows: Contadroa, San Jose, Isla del Rey, Bolano, Buena Vista, Cana, Casaya, Chepra, Chitre, Cocos, Espiritu Santo, Galera, Gallo, Gilbraleon, Lampon, Marin, Mina, Mogo Mogo o Pajaro, Pacheca, Pachequille, Pedro Gonzalez, Puerco, San Jose, Senora, Vivenda, Vivienda and Viveros. Believe it or not, every one offers a unique blend of features that make a visit well worth your time.

No matter where you go in the Pearl Islands, you will be surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches and blue water available anywhere on earth. Sport fishing and water sports of every kind area a staple of life in the Pearl Islands. Make sure to pack your sunscreen, the equatorial sun can be strong.

The Pearl Islands offer a hidden bonus for real estate owners. They are protected on three sides by the arching shores of the Panamanian mainland. This unique positioning makes them immune to the hurricanes common to Caribbean islands.

When investing in real estate, there is nothing more satisfying than a wide range of options to choose from. This is why visitors from around the world are buying their next vacation or retirement home in Panama. Whatever you think of as paradise, Panama has it in abundance. Visit us soon, and choose your unique slice of paradise.

To book hotel reservations or for more information about real estate on Contadora or the other Pearl Islands contact us today.

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We landed and after an explanation of the project, we walked around the grounds of Villas Contadora, which I liked, private and affordable. After about an hour we headed out from the project and started to walk around the island. We were walking away from Villas Contadora and the island’s airstrip towards the northern side of the island, when I saw something unexpected: A small clump of woods that looked like woods from southern Pennsylvania or northern Maryland during late autumn. But I was on a Pacific island off Panama. I learned later that the original developer of Contadora had breed deer, a baby elephant, peacocks and storks, in this small forest.

Apparently these animals were taken off the island because they chased and bit people and sometimes they would wander across the runway of the airport. Imagine leaving the bar at night and getting bit by the baby elephant in the woods. While taking this in and looking at the soccer field off to my right, Carlos told me that Michael Bolton’s, the singer, father lived on the island. And the plot stirred and gears turned and I thought about Gabi who was laughing and smiling and having fun with Greg, Mike and Carlos.

I learned by accident that the person that people think is Michael Bolton’s father is in fact the father of a student of mine whose last name is Bolton. Paola told me her father was one of the first people to arrive on the island before it was developed in the 1960s. What follows are his words as tranmitted to me via e-mail. Michael told me he liked to spearfish in the waters around Contadora in the early 1960s. At that time only Saboga, Pedro Gonzalez and San Miguel (Isla Del Rey) had inhabitants – most of the inhabitants of these islands were descendants of Pearl Divers. At that time Contadora was a place to drop anchor; it had a nice protective beach to anchor a boat in, but there were no inhabitants on the island. Michael returned to Panama in 1968 after serving in the Air Force and it was then that he met Omar Torrijos, who introduced him to Samuel Lewis Galindo. Galindo owned much of the island and wanted to make Contadora into an island where the international jet set and locals would be able to go and enjoy themselves in private. Galindo asked Michael to help him in developing a diving and fishing resort. The initial earth moving was done by MOP (Ministry of Public Works) and after the jungle was cleared an airport was built. There were workers on the island; many were trustee prisoners and the prisoners provided free labor for the development of the island; most lived in trailer homes that were brought to Contadora on large barges from the mainland; the trailer homes were acquired when the Caribbean Olympic Games were held in Panama in 1970. Landowners also lived in these small trailers for the first few years of Contadora’s development. Where Villas Contadora now stands is where most of these trailers were located. Galleon Bar and Restaurant at Playa Galleon were the first places to offer food and drinks.

In 1975 the Melia Chain from Spain bought a section of the island and built Hotel Contadora on a nice white-sand beach. It was then that such people as John Wayne, Mickey Rooney, Julio Inglesia and Joe DiMaggio, there is a beach named after him, and other famous people arrived on the island. During the Carter years the island was the host of the Contadora Peace Talks, which later became a forum for easing tensions in Latin America. It was after the death of Torrijos in the summer of 1981 that the island began to sink into memory: Noriega’s government tried to run the hotel; after two years of mismanagement the Japanese company Aoiki Corporation bought the hotel, but sold it in 1992 to a Colombian operator. And then the island became a weekend retreat for Panamanians.

I like the island; it’s quiet, but doesn’t need to stay that way. Remember that in Panama you have great privacy and you feel that on this island. No one is going to bother you. No cops on the road; no unwelcome tensions to broadside you. The houses in Villas Contadora were built by an Argentinean and their size is perfect for a hideout. The kitchens are fully equipped. Water can be a problem on the island but filters and water barges keep the island wet. Bring bottled-water; no money machines on the island so bring money.

We had a nice lunch: there was an affable German who I think owned the restaurant where we had lunch; his restaurant was near the forest and the soccer field and he was building a miniature golf course and smiling about it all. We walked around the airstrip and drank beer and watched the families arrive from Panama City to Contadora; they came in on helicopters and small private planes. Our plane arrived late: as our plane landed we noticed a wing-light was burned out and Greg mentioned this to me and I thought about it. The pilot turned off the engine before fully stopping the plane and there were others on the plane: the camaraderie on the plane between the passengers was tight; as I boarded the plane, I thought about a story I had read in the epilogue of Nicholas Shakespeare’s biography of Bruce Chatwin about a German girl who 1971 was traveling on a plane in Peru that Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski, the film director and actor of Aguirre, the Wrath Of God, were supposed to have been on. The plane exploded in mid-air and the German girl was thrown from the plane; she said that during her fall, while still strapped in her seat, the trees of the Amazon jungle looked like giant cauliflowers. She survived the crash and the Amazon jungle and made her way to safety after many days.

The plane took off and I could see the beauty of the white-sand beaches of Contadora and Saboga; after 15 minutes the skyline of Panama City came into view and 5 minutes later we landed safely and softly in Marcos A. Gelabert Airport.

To book hotel reservations or for more information about real estate on Contadora contact us today.

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Isla Contadora translates to “Counting Island”, and the Islas Perlas, or Pearl Islands, are known to have been a major pearl harvesting region for the Spanish colonialists. Recent history has seen the Pearl Islands serve as a staging ground for television’s reality series, “Survivor”. Slowly, but surely, Contadora Island Panama is becoming a top Panama beach destination, often being considered among the coveted Bocas del Toro region. You can enjoy some of the best Panama snorkeling and scuba diving here, and just looking out to sea from one of the many beaches will often reward you with glimpses of interesting sea creatures. For those interested in adding some fishing to their Panama vacation, the sport fishing excursions available at Contadora Island Panama are sure to make for a wonderful fit. There are plenty of tour companies on Isla Contadora, so arranging interesting side trips is always an option. As Panama real estate has become more and more coveted, plans for a residential development on the Isla del Rey are sure to drum up even more curiosity in the stunning Pearl Islands.

Perhaps you will choose to find your way to one of the inhabited islands found within easy reach of Isla Contadora. Once you get caught up on Contadora Island information at one of the tour agencies, you are likely to quickly find an island that is ideal for you. Maybe a romantic picnic is in order, or perhaps you just want to get away from the world for a bit, surrounding yourself with nothing more than Pacific ocean breezes and a paradise-like setting. Contadora Island information regarding weather shows that it tends to be drier here than in much of the rest of Panama. As such, even if you come during the low season, which is generally May through December, you shouldn’t expect lengthy downpours to ruin your trip. Plus, another valuable Contadora Island information tip also concerns the low season. During these months, the hotel rates are known to drop considerably, and you will also have more of the islands to yourself. Whenever you come to Contadora Island Panama, you are sure to have a fun and relaxing time. It’s just one of the many destinations that are responsible for moving Panama to the top of many people’s travel lists.

To book hotel reservations or for more information about real estate on Contadora contact us today.

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The intimate Hotel Perla Real Inn rooms have private entry, bathroom with beautifully hand painted tiles and sinks, queen sized bed, ceiling fan, and air conditioning. French doors which invite the natural beauty of the outdoors in! Suites have an additional kitchen area with stove, refrigerator, microwave oven, counter bar, and living space. The Perla Real Inn is perfect for extended stays. Experience the best of Isla Contadora and the surrounding Pearl Islands. One of the nicest beaches on Contadora is an 8 minute walk away from the Inn and guests enjoy free use of snorkeling and beach equipment as well as discounted rates on golf cart rentals.

To book hotel reservations or for information about what to do and real estate opportunities on Contadora contact us today.

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source: www.perlareal.com

“Unforgettable”

My husband and I stayed here on the 18th and 19th of November, it was our first to the islands. Piero our host was wonderful, and a great chef. He tended to our every wish while we were there. If you want a place to unwind, no televisions, radios or alarm clocks this is the place to go. The beaches surrounding the island were amazing and our three hour boat tour with Theresa for snorkling was unforgettable, we got photos of three humpback whales. I highly recommend this inn and know that my husband and I will return.

Source: Trip Advisor

To book hotel reservations or for information about what to do and real estate opportunities on Contadora contact us today.

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“Villa Super Romantica”

Superb! This whole trip was a honeymoon gift from my parents, and they could not have picked a better place. Quiet and apart from the rest of the hotels, Villa Romantica really steps up to its name. The vista from its restaurant is breath-taking, we saw a hump back whale jump right there when we were having our lunch at the restaurant. The room was great, also with a view, very comfortable.

Charlie picked us up at the airport and pretty much was there when we needed anything. The environment is not like any hotel, is more “home-ly” . Its perfect for honeymooner, especially during the low season cause its all so quiet and romantic. The nights are even better and there are plenty of activities in the island.

My folks, when hearing how good it was, decided to go there the very next month. I’m sure they will like it. Villa Romantica is a mix of high class service and food, yet secluded and romantic. Its a Most See!

“Excellent Experience”

As most reviews here already say, the Villa Romantica is an excellent choice for lodging if you are staying on Contadora. The entire staff is extremely friendly. The owner, Charlie, will do everything to make you feel welcome and help you out. Our room was extremely clean. The air conditioning worked good. The room had DirectTV satellite television. The beach was clean, and the water clear. It’s nice to sit at the restaurant during the day and look out over the ocean. We liked the food at the restaurant, but it was just slightly expensive for our budget. But it’s not too outrageous, lunch for 3 cost us $35 (with tip). The only “negative” is the Romantica is located quite far away from the main part of the island, which I call “downtown”. That can be good if you want to be isolated from the “crowds”. However, as we later found out, Charlie will take you into “town” and come pick you up at whatever time you want.

Here is an example of how Charlie will take care of you. We paid for 2 nights at the hotel. We arrived Thursday at 9 AM. We were leaving on Saturday at 6 PM. I was concerned that we would have to check out of the hotel on Saturday morning or Saturday afternoon since we only paid for 2 days. This would have meant we would have to lug our bags around the island with us while waiting for the airplane. Charlie let us keep our bags in the room until 4:30 when he took us to the airport. Where else will you find a hotel that will do that for you? It was also more than keeping the bags in the room, he insisted we use the room to take a shower and rest up if we wanted to. Charlie and his staff are the epitome of customer service! Other businesses should learn from how these guys do business.

Source: Trip Advisor

To book hotel reservations or for more information about things to do and real estate opportunities on Contadora contact us today.

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“Lovely B&B”

This place is great!
The couple taking care of this B&B are the warm and helpful people and they will come to pick you up from the airstrip. They went out of their way to make sure that we were comfortable. They will organize any tours or activities that you want to do. You can borrow the B&B’s snorkel gear and they are close (5 min walk) to the playa ejecutiva (probably the best snorkelling beach on Contadora). The rooms are cosy and air conditioned. Each room has a deck outside, chairs and table. If it is raining, they have a bookcase full of books that you can borrow (including books for identifying birds and fish that you may see during your stay) or you can borrow a movie to watch. Their cook provides big substantial breakfasts which change every day, they include good coffee and fruit. I strongly recommend this B&B to anyone visiting Contadora Island

“Contadora Bed And Breakfast Inn”

Hi everyone! I want to talk a little bit about my experience in Contadora Island and the Pretty and Nice Contadora Bed and Breakfast Inn.

My Boyfriend and Me went to Panama To Contadora Island to expend 7 nice days there, we read a lot about the island first and took the desition to stay in The Contadora Bed and Breakfast and we have to say that it was the best election we did. This small B&B is really cute, clean, comfortable and really really nice, Iris the girl who made our breakfast is very lovely and also Tony who gave us some advice about the places in the island.

If what you want to do is travel to a nice place and not expend to much money ..Contadora Inn is the best place for that!

About the Island i can say that is very nice with 13 clean beaches all of those very close of each one , you can walk from the Contadora Inn to each of this beachs and just take you some minutes to arrive there. If you like the snorkling Contadora and its beachs are the best place for that. You will find all kind of fish, all sizes, all color …It was amazing! We fell in love for Contadora Island and we want to come back pretty soon !!

The beaches which are closer to the B & B Are Cacique Beach and Ejecutiva Beach (just 5 minutes walking) the other ones are to 10 or 15 minutes walking, But walk is something you will enjoy there. Contadora has a nice weather. in august in the season of the rain just it is raining at morning and the rest of the day is sunny !

I Hope these information can help to someone who are thinking to travel there. Contadora is a beautiful island not much people and this make the time very private and very nice!

Source: Trip Advisor

To book hotel reservations or for more information about things to do and real estate on Contadora contact us today.

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Fronted by a flawless beach, the low-rise French colonial accommodation and the resort’s two pools are nested among perfectly tropical greenery and gardens. Contadora Resort attracts people from all around the World offering luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, entertainment, golf, tennis and 16 glorious beaches.

To book hotel reservations or for information about things to do and real estate on Contadora contact us today.

i...@panamatravelgroup.com

+507-202-1111 (Panama) | 1-786-539-4731 (USA)