The locals do many activities such as fishing and spear fishing. Embera is a Choco language, and it is divided into the . Crew will assist with large and heavy luggage. These two ferry companies depart from different locations in Panama City. Take a look at what the San Blas Islands in Panama have in store for you with this 1 minute escape to the beautiful islands! You can also fly, but it would require backtracking to Panama City so its not really worth it. The seats are not as comfortable as the other boat. A quick Q & A and some handy resources for those intrigued with visiting Panamas infamous Pearl Islands. Written July 1, 2011. Find out why I believe Panama is one of the most underrated destinations in Central America in this comprehensive Panama travel guide. 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. Many thanks for the fantastic tips. Aside from the whales, you can find 4 different types of dolphins too. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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 . Hotel Panamonte: A quaint cottage-style boutique hotel owned by the former President of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela. 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). Tantalo Kitchen: A trendy rooftop bar and restaurant located at the Tantalo Hotel in Casco Viejo. It might be better for people with physical limitations to take the airplane to Contadora instead. We decided to explore San Blas islands on a catamaran for 4 days/nights. The boat was not full on our trip from Panama City to Contadora. Departure time is 3:00 PM daily. 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. Wappin! Welcome to Official Website of Bocas del Toro Panama Your email address will not be published. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. They were the lucky ones. 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. Of the 378 islands in the archipelago, only 49 are inhabited. Cafe del Mar Right next to Amaranto, a cute little cafe thats great for breakfast. 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. Transit times vary daily, so make sure to check the transit schedule on the visitors center website to time your visit accordingly. Jan 2020 Couples. The forecast will often predict rain which could mean anything from 10 minutes of rain to several hours, or sunshine and clear skies where you are but a torrential downpour just miles away. How many days needed on San Blas Islands? We are first staying in Casco Viejo, so we booked the trip to Contadora easily with Sea Las Perlas for January 25th. I booked a room for New Years Y2K. Crew members shouted in Spanish as passengers gathered their luggage and move towards the back of the boat. The most common domestic connection is between Panama City and Bocas del Toro. I recommend taking an Uber over regular taxis whenever you can as they cost less and are less of a hassle, but in a pinch, (i.e. Above is the Contadora Island ferry. Spanish is the official language in Panama, however, English is widely spoken in the major tourist cities. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We did not experience a lot of rain while on Contadora Island. Snorkeling is incredible, but the migration of marine birds is pretty spectacular too. (Or you could take a flight for about $350 round trip instead of driving, though this is less common.) There are no life jackets on this boat. Tantalo: A more budget-friendly alternative to the American Trade Hotel, and another hot spot in Casco Viejo. Fun fact the popular reality television series Survivor was filmed in the Pearl Islands. The hotel will send someone to pick you up. To get around the Bocas, youll take a water taxi to the different islands, which only costs a couple of dollars, usually between $2 5 a person. [1] Caribbean Sea [ edit] Bocas del Toro Archipelago Isla Bastimentos Cayos Zapatilla Isla Carenero Isla Cayo Agua Isla Colon Isla Cristbal Isla Popa Isla Solarte Isla Escudo de Veraguas Galeta Island Isla Cabra Isla Mamey Isla Grande San Blas Islands Corazn de Jess Nargan Soledad Miria Pacific Ocean [ edit] In more remote areas and small towns, most people do not speak English. The Central American country of Panama feels to me somewhat of a hidden gem. CasaCasco: An upscale complex of 3 different restaurants, a nightclub, and rooftop terrace with the best views in Casco Viejo. Yay for us now! Seven of the 11 recent riptide drowning deaths that have been reported in the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida and Alabama coasts have occurred in the waters off Panama City Beach, Fla., officials said. 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.) ), Say farewell to the Bocas and if youre flying home internationally, sadly take your 1-hour flight back to Panama City from the small airport in Bocas Town. If your time in Panama permits at either the beginning or end of your trip, this stop comes highly recommended. There is no running hot water, virtually no electricity, and an entire island could share one bathroom, however, the setting is simply paradise on earth. One can easily get to these islands by boat. The property is in a beautiful natural setting set against the Boquete River which you can hear from all over, adding to the tranquility of the environment. Like you, we will be posting about our experiences. The Panamonte: A highly regarded fine-dining restaurant at The Panamonte Inn and Spa. One of the Largest Manmade Lakes in the World. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the San Blas Islands There is a nice stretch beach here, so plan to arrive at least an hour early to enjoy your final moments on the island. Many people enjoy renting a bike or electric scooter to ride down the causeway, but you can also choose to just take a stroll. Accommodation is in tents or cabaas. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. When you want to visit San Blas you have different choices: day trip with the Kunas, overnight stay on Kuna islands or boat cruise. We enjoyed a cold beer while waiting for the ferry departure back to Panama City. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. The afternoon before our trip to Isla Contadora we decided to walk over to the ferry terminal. One by one, passengers climbed into a small, weathered boat. Fresh seafood is of course the main appeal, best enjoyed with an ice-cold local beer or passion fruit margarita. End the night with drinking, dancing, and bar hopping at the Casco Viejo bars and clubs. Yes, Contadora Island is only 67 km from Panama and quick 15 minute flight from Panama City. It was a tough call, but in just one week I had to ultimately decide between visiting San Blas. For me personally, having to rough it was not something I was after on this particular trip. Ok, so that was a super brief historical run through the past, but we have so much more to look forward to in the future. It only has 50 rooms, so be sure to book early. Maito is a stylish restaurant that serves Panamanian fusion with an international flair. Boarding begins at 6:45 AM. The Truth About Visiting the San Blas Islands, Panama Although the Sea Las Perlas ferry arrives at Playa Larga, the other ferry may arrive at the Ferry Terminal Contadora highlighted in the above map, north of the airstrip. As the better tour operators will tell you, when you visit the San Blas islands you are doing so as a guest of the Guna and they are an indigenous group, not a tourist operation. You can also fly to the Pearl Islands or go on a guided tour. The historic district of Casco Viejo, which is also known as Casco Antiguo (translating to Old Town/Quarter) is Panamas hippest neighborhood and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage protected district. Come back and let us know how your trip went! At high tide, the back of the old ferry is submerged underwater. Dont go swimming after dark, as these are shark feeding times! Amaranto Definitely the best coffee in Bocas Town / on all of Isla Colon. Nothing protecting them from splashing water or an unexpected wave. This gave us some comfort. Volcan Baru National Park: Hiking the actual volcano is not the easiest (takes many hours in varying climates) but you can still visit and hike around the park (Los Quetzal Trail at the base of the volcano) as an alternative, or take a 44 up to the top. 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. Hello, this info is so helpful! From David, you can either rent a car or take a 45-minute taxi ride or shuttle to the beautiful, mountainous region of Boquete. Our return trip was much better, largely because we reset our expectations. Rough Guides works with reputable local travel experts in Panama to organise trips to the San Blas Islands. Bocas del Toro Bocas del Toro, Panama. Spend the afternoon wandering through the shops and boutiques, making sure to stop at Victors Panama Hats to pick up a genuine Panama hat to buy as a souvenir or wear on your trip. 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. If youre going to Starfish Beach, you can skip Hollywood. Ready to visit this Pacific archipelago for yourself? Thanks! Raw Fusion: A popular Asian-fusion restaurant in the heart of Bocas Town. They also offer ziplining and coffee tours. (There are several water taxi options at the port, this one was recommended to us by National.) hi There is also an efficient public transport system should you wish to use it. All starts with transportation from Panama City to the Kuna district. Good thing we checked! 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Panama (with Map) - Touropia 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. 14 Incredible Islands YOU MUST Visit In Panama By Joey Bonura January 20, 2022 For a small country - Panama manages to pack an incredible amount of terrain that will satisfy any explorer. This is the only surviving building on the old Hotel Contadora property. Panama City offers a great variety of food thanks to the significant presence of immigrant communities such as Jewish, Chinese, and American. Panama is great for anyone who enjoys a little bit of everything on a trip, with a strong sense of adventure as a requisite. Luggage is piled at the front of the boat. (Feel free to DM them on Instagram or send a Whatsapp message they are very helpful.) 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. December through February you will even have the opportunity to see humpback whales right from the beach. The main Island, Isa Colon, and its central hub known as Bocas Town is popular amongst backpackers and young travelers, giving it a very fun party vibe, but there are plenty of other more serene islands if that is what you prefer. Tour costs begin around $50/adult and goes up when combined with other sites to tour. Hotel Ladera: A slightly more modern hotel than what you typically find in Boquete! This is the part of the adventure where things got uncomfortable. For dairy restaurants, (since kosher does not mix meat and dairy) Blame Kiki is so cute and Instagrammable, and Kava is highly loved as well. Cost is around $100 $200/adult. Duration is a full-day tour. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I crave authenticity and local experiences while traveling, but in the end, I think I prefer the variety Bocas Del Toro offers, socializing with their locals, and there were some pretty fantastic islands there that got the job done great. As far as top things to do in Panama City and other tourist attractions, there actually isnt a whole lot to see within the city itself. Not only resorts, but Airbnbs are popping up all over the place too. Many residents of Panama who work in business corporations or international firms speak English in addition to Spanish. Every inch of space is filled with people, bags and supplies. Please share your Contadora ferry experience in the comments below. Its not an overwater resort, but it is on one of the nicest beaches in the Bocas. Prices are reasonable. As the interest for pearls grew, so did the need for someone to hunt for and harvest them. Being within walking distance of many restaurants and bars can be a plus, but I have to warn you that Isla Colon/Bocas Town can be very noisy from the late-night parties.As a luxury traveler, finding the right hotel was at the forefront of my mind, however, I didnt want to be too far from the main island(s) so I could easily go back and forth instead of spending most of my time at the resort. At least, no life jackets were provided or visible. Im struggling to see which ferry actually docks there. Would you recommend visiting the island for only a day, just to enjoy the beach? There are over 200 islands and inlets in this archipelago and Contadora is the most popular with tourists. Panama Maps & Facts - World Atlas Our older boy is not a strong swimmer, either. Panamanians are fantastic people with a great culture that doesnt always get the credit it deserves! The service is provided by Air Panama from Albrook to several of the islands. (Make sure to book a morning tour as that is when the monkeys are most active.) Red Frog Beach Island Resort is another popular option for luxury-minded travelers probably the most popular. Panama is bounded to the north by the Caribbean Sea (an extension of the Atlantic Ocean) and to the south by the Pacific Ocean.It has an elongated S shape, with its Caribbean coastline stretching some 800 miles (1,290 km) and the Pacific coast some 1,060 miles (1,700 km); however, a line drawn from the Costa Rican frontier in the west to the Colombian border in the east would extend only 480 . We support you to make the most of your time on earth. You can even find blue footed booby birds in the Pearls!. The last region youll visit is the islands of Bocas del Toro. The ultimate guide to visiting Panama's San Blas Islands - Rough Guides So, are you intrigued yet? The only drawback to staying at Eclypse De Mar is that it can be noisy during the night with music blaring from the nearby islands, though they do provide earplugs for that. 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. Now, San Blas is an autonomous region in Panama (also called Kuna Yala), and people say it's difficult to get there independently. There are also a handful of overwater eco-lodge-type bungalow hotels. When we researched how to get to Contadora Island from Panama City, we found a few websites that sold tickets for the Contadora Island ferry. Islands and beaches are my specialty and my favorite places to travel to without a doubt but at the end of the day (or with limited days, I should say,) an island is an island when they are undeveloped and therefore provide more or less the same type of experience. So the jeep that picks you up from Panama City might be late or might make unscheduled stops. 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. Above is a map that shows the distance between Panama City and Contadora Island. The top of the volcano is where you can see the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at once. Lets clear one thing up straight away: getting to the San Blas Islands is not easy, wherever youre coming from. First, you must know that if you are looking for luxury accommodations, they are few and far between. I wonder what this process is like during bad weather? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Panama has many islands. Head on a 2 Day-1 Night Tour for the best overall experience. We were told that sometimes no starfish are seen, however, this was not my experience. 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. Were told that sometimes the Contadora ferry arrives and departs from Cacique Beach, said to be the best beach on Contadora. Pearl Islands: If youre craving beach time, the Pearl Islands are an archipelago off the Pacific Coast of Panama and offer white sand beaches, beautiful waters, and are great for snorkeling, scuba diving, or whale watching. Its neighbor, Saboga Island is also a growing tourist destination worth checking out if you want to hit up an island a little less touristy, but just a hop away from Contadora. Outside of the city, it is a good idea to have cash with you, particularly prior to arriving in Bocas del Toro because many places are cash-only and there is only one bank/ATM in the islands. Meals will usually be rice and fish. The Ferry Las Perlas ferry departs from a private dock in front of the Old Trump Tower in Panama City. To reach the Pearl Islands from Panama City, take the 1.5-hour ferry from Punta Pacfica or the Amador Causeway. Taxi drivers will surely try to rip tourists off, so as a rule of thumb whatever they quote you, you should negotiate to pay about half. We stayed at Hotel Mar y Oro and would recommend it. So pleased we found your site and its information today. , Like many other destinations, safety varies from place to place within a country or city. Be prepared with an umbrella. Leaf Eaters Cafe Vegan/Vegetarian spot on Isla Carenero with great salads, tacos, and more. Awesome rooftop pool. So much so, that the only accommodations are mostly local huts made from natural materials found on the islands, many with sand floors. So, while this is our personal experience taking the Contadora Island ferry, your experience might be different. A lot of time it rains at night or just a quick shower during the day and back to sunshine. The seats on this ferry are comfortable. The Islas Perlas are no longer just a rich mans playground. You can take a tour by boat through the Panama canal, or you can visit the Miraflores Locks by land, (which is what I did) through the Miraflores Visitor Center, which has observation decks and viewpoints, along with exhibitions and an IMAX film about the canal. The Pearl Islands are made up of nearly 250 islands and unnamed mini islets spanning over 522,000 square km (200 square mi). 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 This was an incorrect assumption that gave us a big surprise the afternoon before our departure day. Bibis on the Beach: A beach bar/restaurant on Isla Carenero with awesome ceviche and fried fish + a swimmable beach. Be open however very respectful to the locals. If youve already seen the Canal and spent time exploring Casco Viejo, and still have time permitting, you can choose any of the following activities for a full or half-day trip: Monkey Island: Take a boat tour down the Panama Canal to visit different islands to get up close and personal with monkeys and other wildlife. But, for first time visitors like us, it can be confusing. Bocas del Toro, Panama: A Local's Ultimate Travel Guide Panama now has the largest registry in the world, followed by Liberia, the Marshall Islands, Hong Kong and Singapore. Elevation [ edit] Panama's topography Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. 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. On the return trip back to the mainland, we took the white and blue ferry, on the left. If you are seeking out sunshine and sandy beaches on your Panama vacation, we recommend visiting between December and April. Our youngest boy cannot swim. Im not sure about island hopping. Daniel James Are you thinking of visiting the San Blas islands, Panama? The sand will be white and fine, the sea will be warm, coconut palms will provide welcome shade, the snorkelling will be excellent, and there probably wont be more than fifteen other people there. How Many Islands are in the Pearl Islands, Panama? If you love a very rustic cultural experience, the San Blas Islands are for you. The islands are more accessible these days by fast ferries, and there are even one day tours to the Pearl Islands from Panama City! Their website seems to have expired. Consider leaving your main backpack or suitcase behind in Panama City and taking just a small bag, as you wont need much. Lastly, for another type of unique stay, eco-luxury, glamping, and treehouse options, you must check out La Loma Jungle Lodge and Palmar Beach Lodge. If you're thinking of visiting, get in touch! Its a beautiful country, but still a developing one very much so, so with that, it is rough around the edges. Contadora Island hotels will send a golf cart to pick you up from the beach, which is very convenient. The best thing you can do is travel there and support their economy, shop local, dine local, tour with local guides, and learn as much as you can along the way. You can also fly from Panama City to David (near Boquete), Pedasi, Chitre, the San Blas Islands and the Pearl Islands. Long before they were named the Pearl Islands, indigenous tribes inhabited the islands. Fortunately, we brought our kids life jacket (like this one) that our youngest uses when swimming. The above and below photos is where you catch the Sea Las Perlas Ferry back to Panama City. Apr 19, 2022 14 min read Panama's over 1000 islands highlight the inhabited regions of the country Stefan Neumann / Shutterstock Legions of love letters have been written to Panama. What Languages Are Spoken In Panama? You've got a cosmopolitan city, cool mountain towns, beaches with world class surf, AND ISLANDS GALORE! Feliz ao nuevo. The above and below photos is where you catch the Sea Las Perlas Ferry back to Panama City. Guided tours only. Travel tip inform your Contadora hotel what ferry you will be taking. For me, Bocas del Toro is kind of reminiscent of island hopping in Southeast Asia, such as in the countries of Thailand or Indonesia. Successfully built by the US, the canal consists of artificial lakes, channels, and locks, and is fascinating to witness its technology. Theres not a lot of seating here and it gets quite windy. Given the greed of the Spanish Conquistadors, it is should be no surprise that the islands were named after the treasure Balboa discovered there, pearls! Gatun Lake (Panama City) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go At the time of booking, we paid $98 USD per adult and $78 USD per child, for total of $352 USD. Get here early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds as it is a very popular beach. We have a trip booked to Contadora Island and well also be staying at Mar y Oro. This casual seafood spot is known for its amazing fish & chips, and corvina (seabass) prepared 8 different ways. Outline Map Key Facts Flag Panama, a narrow isthmus spanning approximately 29,1119 square miles (75,417 square kilometers), links Central and South America. The weather was fine, but the water was quite choppy. More and more people are investing in real estate on the 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. Isla Saboga - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) The alternative would be to book a private charter from Albrook Airport. It only took five minutes to reach the beach, but it felt much longer. If theres one thing you need to bring on this trip, it would be this. It's now a small cafe and ferry waiting area. I recommend Castillos Charters they are fantastic and provide both group or private Island hopping tours in addition to water taxi services.