Thank YOU! Full day trips can take you to Isla Chapera, Isla Bolaos or Isla Contadora. Many thanks for the fantastic tips. San Blas Islands, Panama a Blast for Expats If you are prone to get seasick however, a quick boat trip to Taboga Island may be a better choice. Some passengers choose to sit outside at the back of the ferry. Copyright 2023 Apa Digital AG, all rights reserved. So pleased we found your site and its information today. Image Source. 14 Incredible Islands YOU MUST Visit In Panama - Identity Digital As a Jewish traveler, I was particularly excited by all the options for kosher dining, which can be hard to come by when traveling outside of the US. More and more people are investing in real estate on the islands. By 1972, the very first resort was built on Contadora Island. In the interest of being a socially-responsible traveler, I always recommend learning a few words, (at the very least hello and thank you) in the local language. Daniel James Are you thinking of visiting the San Blas islands, Panama? The islands are governed by the natives, known as Kunas or Gunas and tourists are not able to visit the islands freely in order to preserve their authenticity. Very few of the islands are actually inhabited, which was probably why the Pearl Islands were chosen for multiple seasons of the reality show, Survivor. (There is a Viceroy opening up sometime in 2026 though which is exciting, albeit bittersweet because that means its losing some of its local authenticity as itll be the first Western chain hotel.) You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Thank you for helping! The ferry departs daily at 7:30 AM. The San Blas Islands of Panama is an archipelago comprising approximately 365 islands and cays, of which 49 are inhabited. List of islands of Panama - Wikipedia While we made it to Isla Contadora just fine, there are a few things we wish we knew before our departure. It was a tough call, but in just one week I had to ultimately decide between visiting San Blas. Panama is relatively affordable for US travelers, but when compared to other Central American countries such as Costa Rica or Belize, it is on the slightly more expensive side. Waldorf Astoria: One of the few other 5-star options within Panama City. More on that later. The biggest island in the Pearl Islands is Del Rey (The King), however it is not the most populated. San Blas Islands - Wikipedia When we researched the Contadora Island ferry terminal location, we were pointed to a dock beside the JW Marriott Panama City. Or did you have to wait around for a later check-in time? We rented our car from National at the David airport (drove to Boquete with it and used it there) then dropped it off at the Leiza Secure Parking lot in Almirante before taking the water taxi transport to Isla Colon with a company called Valencia. There are 3 main islands where most of the action is which are Islas Coln (the main island), Carenero, and Bastimentos. We read that its best to book your ferry directly with the tour operator, rather than using a ferry ticketing service like Direct Ferries. Departure time is 3:00 PM daily. Luggage is piled at the front of the boat. I cannot find a way to buy tickets for a return trip from Contadora to the ferry station close to the old Trump Building (Ferry La Perlas). Its not an overwater resort, but it is on one of the nicest beaches in the Bocas. Many residents of Panama who work in business corporations or international firms speak English in addition to Spanish. This is the part of the adventure where things got uncomfortable. What makes Panama great is the variety it has to offer. The above photo shows the seating layout inside Sea Las Perlas ferry to Isla Contadora. Dont go swimming after dark, as these are shark feeding times! There are many great places to eat so I recommend getting out of your hotel and exploring! Thanks for pointing this out I mentioned the short flight back to Panama City but didnt mention that there is a small airport right in Bocas Town (its in my Bocas del Toro guide.) The San Blas Islands are genuinely unspoiled by tourism Ste Lane/Shutterstock. While tap water in most parts of Panama is considered safe to drink, for travelers it usually causes distress because we are not used to their microbiome, so bottled water is recommended. A 4x4 driver will collect you from your accommodation in the capital, usually at around 5 am, and will drive you for around four hours to a port, where a water taxi will take you to the island where youre staying. They do not have all the luxury amenities you may be used to, but are a great option to get the overwater bungalow experience in a more affordable way. 1. It is one of the most significant engineering advancements ever created. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Aside from that, naturally, activities in Bocas del Toro revolve in and around the water. Botanica: A super Instagrammable cafe and pizzeria with photo-worthy food. From there, you will either stay on Isla Colon if that is where your hotel is, or take a water taxi to your hotels island. A part of the comarca (district) Guna Yala along the Caribbean coast of Panama is home to the Kuna people.. San Blas and its surrounding area is a haven for ecotourism because of its pristine . There are over 200 islands and inlets in this archipelago and Contadora is the most popular with tourists. The Islas Perlas were rich with pearls. Bocas del Toro Bocas del Toro, Panama. The forecast is a promising one for Panama in 2018, with a prediction of the economy growing 5.5% and the GDP expects to expand 5.4% in 2019. We stayed at Hotel Mar y Oro and would recommend it. For most of the year, it rains in Panama with the driest months or dry season being December, January, and February, making December February the best months to travel to Panama. These two ferry companies depart from different locations in Panama City. Panama has many islands. Typically you will stop en route at one of the four Carti islands, around ten minutes from the port, where there is a sizeable Guna community. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_islands_of_Panama This answer is: Add your. Prices are reasonable. Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates. Im struggling to see which ferry actually docks there. I recommend Castillos Charters they are fantastic and provide both group or private Island hopping tours in addition to water taxi services. The locals do many activities such as fishing and spear fishing. We did not enjoy this. I will make a note in the blog post. Jan 2020 Couples. To reach Starfish Beach from Bocas Town on Isla Colon, first, you must get to Bocas del Drago, and from there it is a few minutes water taxi ride to the beach (costs a couple of dollars) or a really nice 20-minute walk along the coast. They know how many visitors are coming to their islands on a given day, where they will be staying, and they benefit directly from most of the tourist dollars spent. This perfect Panama itinerary combines all the major points of interest in just 7 days, taking you from the capital, Panama City, to the mountains of Boquete, and finishing off in the islands of Bocas del Toro. 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. As the interest for pearls grew, so did the need for someone to hunt for and harvest them. , The Ultimate Panama Itinerary (7 Days in Panama or Longer), MonaCorona.com | A Millennial-Luxury Travel Blog, A detailed Virgin Voyages Review: All (is) Aboard the Scarlet Lady, The Ultimate Bocas del Toro Travel Guide An Underrated Gem Off the Caribbean Coast of Panama, Start your morning with geisha coffee (the famous Panamanian coffee variety) at, After youre fueled with breakfast and Panamanian coffee, head over to the, For a midday treat, stop and cool off with an afternoon popsicle made with fun flavors at. By Vanessa Holmes As the country that connects South America to Central America, Panama is an incredible destination with plenty of historic and geographic significance. I really wanted to experience the geographic variety Panama has to offer from the city, to the mountains, to the islands, and with Bocas Del Toro also coming highly recommended and a little more my speed at this point in my lifelong travel journey, San Blas, unfortunately, had to go.Having spent time visiting remote islands throughout the world, including all over Central America, in a way they sort of start to all blend together. Your email address will not be published. So much so, that the only accommodations are mostly local huts made from natural materials found on the islands, many with sand floors. Unfortunately, we did not see any sloths, but they can be found on other islands as well! Visiting the Panama Canal should be one of the top priorities for your time in Panama City. What time of year did you go? In fact, many of the African families still inhabit the islands. Well, back in the day anyhow. There are a few beach bars here and the water is crystal clear and calm, making it a really nice place to hang out. It's now a small cafe and ferry waiting area. The Central American country of Panama feels to me somewhat of a hidden gem. And thats quite deliberate. These boats are often overloaded with passengers and luggage. In fact, they are located on opposite sides of Panama City. Whitewater rafting: Take an exciting ride whitewater rafting with an experienced guide on the Chiriqui Viejo River. Contadora is easy to access and there are plenty of things to do once on the island. At first they enslaved the indigenous, but courtesy of the poor treatment by the Spaniards (aka brutal cruelty), the indigenous were wiped out within 2 years. We had to ask some guests to kindly swap seats so we could sit together as a family. Fonda Lo Que Hay: A casual and affordable Casco Viejo neighborhood restaurant by Panamas Top Chef winner serving Panamanian street food with local ingredients. We assumed this was the only ferry terminal. Its feels a little a chaotic, but it works. Taboga Island: Taboga Island is one of the closest beach destinations to Panama City, and can be reached within 30 minutes by ferry and costs $24 per adult round trip. This beach was my favorite and I recommend it as a must-see! You can purchase snacks and drinks on this ferry. If you are hoping to fly to Contadora, you will want to be flexible with your dates and book well in advance. Its only a 90 minute trip, so its not too bad. In Boquete, youll want to take advantage of the fresh mountain air and beautiful natural surroundings by partaking in adventure activities such as hiking, zip-lining, white water rafting, and more. Something that helped me (my stomach) tremendously on this trip is a natural supplement called Travelan, which prevents travelers sickness. We paid $70 for the transport to our catamaran - $30 for the minivan to the port, $20 for the boat ride, and $20 in . Both archipelagos offer pristine beaches, rich marine life & crystal clear water, but the similarities end there. Many people suggest getting out of the city as soon as possible, but I think its worthwhile spending time there, too. From David, you can either rent a car or take a 45-minute taxi ride or shuttle to the beautiful, mountainous region of Boquete. I also wanted to spend at least one night in an overwater bungalow. The Islas Perlas are no longer just a rich mans playground. Its best to pack light for the trip here. 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Panama (with Map) - Touropia Good thing we checked! San Blas Islands are some of the most picture-perfect, untouched, remote islands in Panama. This is also where the bathrooms are located. Did this guide help you plan your visit to the San Blas islands? Hostel Mamallena operates in both Panama City and Cartagena, and has the best information on sailboats. There are also a handful of overwater eco-lodge-type bungalow hotels. We were fine on the trip from Panama City to Isla Contadora, but it was a different story on the return trip. All this is to say, the contrast between these two archipelagos may be interesting for travelers who have the time, and I absolutely wouldnt mind returning to Panama one day to experience San Blas. Red Frog Beach Island Resort is another popular option for luxury-minded travelers probably the most popular. Fun fact the popular reality television series Survivor was filmed in the Pearl Islands. If you're considering this option you really need to do your research to make sure you have a seaworthy boat and a dependable captain. Latest buzz, travel tips and team reviews, Pearl Islands Panama FAQs Real Deal Tours Panama Travel Tips, one day tours to the Pearl Islands from Panama City, Dia De Los Muertos Mexico | Celebrating Day of the Dead in Riviera Maya, Costa Rica Mangroves The Importance of Mangrove Forest in Costa Rica, Public or Private Whale Watching In Panama? American Trade Hotel: This one is another favorite of mine! If your time in Panama permits at either the beginning or end of your trip, this stop comes highly recommended. Contadora Island is a tropical island located in the Pearl Islands archipelago in the Gulf of Panama (on the Pacific Ocean side). Youll find either eco-style lodges or traditional Caribbean ocean-front housing. Be prepared with an umbrella. We didnt get sick, but we were happy when we stepped back on land. Raw Fusion: A popular Asian-fusion restaurant in the heart of Bocas Town. I do not represent World Nomads. That said, if having a completely unplugged, rugged, and culturally authentic getaway on a pristine island where you will do nothing but relax in paradise sounds appealing to you, the trek may be part of the fun. Cafe Coca Cola: One of the oldest and most famous cafes in Panama serving cheap Panamanian diner food. The 1-hr flight from Panama City to David costs $134 USD, vs. a 6-hr bus ride for only $9 USD. The service is provided by Air Panama from Albrook to several of the islands. It is 772 km (480 mi) long, and between 60 and 177 kilometers (37 and 110 miles) wide. The ships usually take 15 minutes to go through the lock, and then 8 10 hours to travel the length of the canal. There were fireworks everywhere in the city with lots of celebrations all over late into the early morning. We were on a different boat, as you can see in these photos. Enjoy island hopping, swimming, lounging, partying, and good vibes. Above is the Contadora Island ferry. That said, there are some popular attractions close by that you can enjoy for a few hours, a half-day trip, or full day. Some are extremely tourist-friendly, like Isla Coln in the Bocas del Toro. We also arrived early. Geology [ edit] The geology of Panama is extremely complicated. site may be reprodiced without our written permission. Tour duration is typically around 2 4 hours. The San Blas islands are some of the most beautiful and picturesque islands one can visit in Latin America. Or maybe not. End the night with drinking, dancing, and bar hopping at the Casco Viejo bars and clubs. There is no dock or marina on Contadora Island, which means passengers must be taxied in a small boat from the ferry to the beach. Youll hear traditional music, learn about the shamans, medicinal plants, art, get to hike, and more. Here are some of the top restaurants in Panama City: Maito: Designated as one of the 50 best restaurants in Latin America. When we arrived in Panama, we learned that there are actually two ferry companies that offer transportation from Panama City to Contadora Island Sea Las Perlas and Ferry Las Perlas. Yes you can visit the islands in just one day from Panama City. We made a few Disney World mistakes. This was an incorrect assumption that gave us a big surprise the afternoon before our departure day. Be open however very respectful to the locals. There is a strong distinction between the upper class and the impoverished, with not much of a middle. In the North Pacific Ocean in the Gulf of Panama lies a mostly uninhabited collection of islands, known to locals as Islas de las Perlas, or the Pearl Islands of Panama. The best island to stay on is probably the most populated too, Isla Contadora. The seats are not as comfortable as the other boat. They were the lucky ones. This is the Flamenco Marina Dock and Sea Las Perlas ferry terminal in Panama City. Eclypse De Mar is a lovely option for an overwater bungalow, though it is an eco-lodge, so there is no electricity during the day (but you really dont miss or need it, and is an experience in itself!) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The best area to stay in Panama City is either in Casco Viejo or close to it in neighboring areas. How many days needed on San Blas Islands? To reach the Pearl Islands from Panama City, take the 1.5-hour ferry from Punta Pacfica or the Amador Causeway. The location is a quick, 5-minute walk to downtown Boquete. I booked a room for New Years Y2K. The Floating Bar: a literal floating bar and restaurant in the sea that offers drinks, music, yoga, and water floaties to float and cool off with. A super hip boutique hotel in Casco Viejo, and the it place to stay in Panama. Accommodation is in tents or cabaas. This is their way of life, and it really is a privilege we can stay and learn from them in their homes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! Wherever you find treasure, you can be sure to find pirates. The water is shallow but the waves can splash up to your knees. We were told that sometimes no starfish are seen, however, this was not my experience. Should you stay at Waikiki Beach in Honolulu when you visit Oahu, Hawaii? Boquete Tree Trek: This adventure park high in the lush mountains of Boquete offers the second-highest and longest-hanging bridges in Central America. Wappin! Welcome to Official Website of Bocas del Toro Panama If you want to seek out marine life, we recommend renting a fast boat charter from Panama City to explore the islands. Chase waterfalls: Take a 2.1-mile hike through the cloud forest and be rewarded with waterfalls on The Lost Waterfalls Trail. Theres not a lot of seating here and it gets quite windy. View of the Panama City skyline from the Contadora Island ferry. Normally there will be day-trip or two, to a nearby island that offers something different; that could be a shipwreck to explore, or an area full of starfish. 11 Have Died in Rip Currents Along the Gulf Coast. Here's How to Escape Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early because passengers must be taxied from the beach to the anchored ferry. Outside of Panama City such as in Boquete or Bocas del Toro, Ubers may be scarce or non-existent. Read more. THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VISITING PANAMAS SAN BLAS ISLANDS, The most beautiful places in Scotland reader vote 2022, 20 of the world's most amazing engineering feats, A first timer's guide to the Panama rainforest, 10 things you didn't know you could do in Panama, Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert, Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support. Bocas del Toro, Panama: A Local's Ultimate Travel Guide Should you rent a car in Norway? Aria: The best kosher meat restaurant in Panama City (in my opinion, aside from The Chief BBQ, which I also loved and was only available for delivery at the time I visited.) Deciding where to stay can be a bit of a challenge, so Im here to help. A quick Q & A and some handy resources for those intrigued with visiting Panamas infamous Pearl Islands. A lot of time it rains at night or just a quick shower during the day and back to sunshine. December through February you will even have the opportunity to see humpback whales right from the beach. But with nearly 250 islands and inlets to hide among, it is no wonder that pirates and thieves inhabited the Pearl Islands long after the Spanish tired of it. They serve local/Caribbean food and are a must-visit on Isla Colon. The last region youll visit is the islands of Bocas del Toro. On the return trip back to the mainland, we took the white and blue ferry, on the left. (Book on the top 2 floors for a penthouse. Boquete is a much less developed region than Panama City (which is why its great!) The above and below photos is where you catch the Sea Las Perlas Ferry back to Panama City. I know theres a lot of Pearl Islands but not sure if theres a way to see others while youre there. Golf carts are the main form of transportation on Contadora. Leaf Eaters Cafe Vegan/Vegetarian spot on Isla Carenero with great salads, tacos, and more. And so on. Many tours will take you to Starfish Beach, however, you can also get here on your own. Hollywood: A cay with the name Hollywood because there are lots of starfish seen from the clear shallow water, but youre not able to leave the boat here. Duration: half to full-day trip. If you prefer the luxuries of a resort or even basic plumbing and variety of food options available, then Pearl Islands are a better match. Their website seems to have expired. The drive from Boquete to Almirante was a pleasant one, through lush mountains and passing by small waterfalls. Aside from the whales, you can find 4 different types of dolphins too. The 6 Most Popular Islands in Panama By Kirsten Hubbard Updated on 05/08/19 undefined undefined/Getty Images There are hundreds of Panama islands, from the massive Coiba Island to the perfectly tiny Kuna islets. So, while this is our personal experience taking the Contadora Island ferry, your experience might be different. tripadvisor - I believe you should update your readers about the current status of Panama's Saboga Island. Fortunately, we brought our kids life jacket (like this one) that our youngest uses when swimming. Mercado de Mariscos: A fresh and local seafood market with dozens of stalls specializing in ceviche and fried fish. The Pearl Islands are on the Pacific side of Panama, about 48 km (30 mi) SE of Panama City. Had we been mentally prepared for this, and there was proper life jackets for our boys, I dont think we would have felt the anxiety that we did that morning. As such, they control tourism on their own terms a very rare thing for an indigenous group. To get to Bocas del Drago from Bocas Town you can either take a taxi (about 30 minutes and around $15-20 one way), the bus ($7 and about 45 minutes), or a water taxi, (which also takes about 30 minutes and costs around $5.). [] a short ferry or boat trip from Panama City you will find the famous Pearl Islands. Well, picture this: the place youll stay on will genuinely look like a Robinson Crusoe hideaway. Once the generator cuts out in the evenings, its time to bed down. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Bocas del Toro is clearly more than just a beach destination. Panama is great for anyone who enjoys a little bit of everything on a trip, with a strong sense of adventure as a requisite. 05/24/2021 By Traveling Canucks 13 Comments Categories: Beach Contadora Island Panama Travel Stories Travel Tips Tropical Islands. Casco Viejo is small and walkable, and many streets are cobblestone, so wear comfortable shoes! Sea Las Perlas Ferry Check-in on Contadora Island. We will breakdown each of these items below so you can learn from our experience. The alternative would be to book a private charter from Albrook Airport. Here are the top choices for where to eat in Boquete: The Rock: This is my number one recommendation and a popular restaurant amongst locals, expats, and tourists. Isla Saboga - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) I stayed here and it was nice, but I prefer the JW. Tantalo: A more budget-friendly alternative to the American Trade Hotel, and another hot spot in Casco Viejo. Because the ferry departs at 7:30 AM, we wanted to test how long it would take for us to walk from our hotel to the ferry. Once you check in you will receive a coat check type plastic number and will be asked to line up by number groups to prepare for an orderly boarding procedure. Thanks for the comment. Thanks! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The Ultimate Panama Itinerary (7 Days in Panama or Longer) This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.