Pearl Islands (Isla Contadora) - Image 1
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Contadora Island Pearl Islands

4.6
·257 reviews·Saboga, Panama

Remote island paradise with secluded beaches and verdant hills, offering a tranquil escape from the mainland.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

February

Dry season, pleasant weather

CrowdMedium
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Pearl Islands (Isla Contadora) - Image 1

Contadora Island Pearl Islands

Best Time

February

Dry season, pleasant weather

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Remote island paradise with secluded beaches and verdant hills, offering a tranquil escape from the mainland.

4.6
(257 reviews)

"Beautiful island for a getaway from it all! Simple unconnected relaxation."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧳 Pack Your Own Food

Groceries on Contadora are pricey. Bring snacks, drinks, and meal ingredients from Panama City to save money.

👟 Be Ready to Get Wet

You might need to walk through shallow water to reach the shore. Pack water shoes or be prepared to carry your footwear.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Playa Ejecutiva

Playa Ejecutiva

Contadora Island

The most accessible and consistently beautiful beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Playa Suecas (Nudist Beach)

Playa Suecas (Nudist Beach)

Contadora Island

A clean, less crowded option for those seeking tranquility and a unique beach experience.

Golf Cart Exploration

Golf Cart Exploration

Contadora Island

Rent a golf cart to freely explore the island's diverse beaches and scenic spots.

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Planning Your Visit

Getting to Contadora: Plan Your Journey

Accessing Contadora Island involves a ferry from Panama City (approx. 90 mins) or a small plane. Be prepared for a transfer to a smaller boat and potentially walking through shallow water to reach the shore. Book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

Island Essentials: Pack Smart

Contadora offers limited amenities and groceries are expensive. Bring your own food, snacks, and drinks to save money and ensure you have what you need. Consider packing light and essentials in a backpack for easy transport.

Best Times

When
February
Why
Dry season, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Contadora experiencias , recomendaciones y precios

🧳 Pack Your Own Food

Groceries on Contadora are pricey. Bring snacks, drinks, and meal ingredients from Panama City to save money. Reddit

👟 Be Ready to Get Wet

You might need to walk through shallow water to reach the shore. Pack water shoes or be prepared to carry your footwear. Reddit

reddit.com

Alternatives to San Blas Islands

reddit.com

Recomendaciones para un viaje en julio

⛳ Golf Cart Adventure

Renting a golf cart is highly recommended for exploring the island's various beaches. Reddit

🌊 Check Tide Times

Some beaches are only accessible during high tide, so be mindful of the schedule. Reddit

reddit.com

Ferry between Saboga and Contadora ?

Tips

from all over the internet

🧳 Pack Your Own Food

Groceries on Contadora are pricey. Bring snacks, drinks, and meal ingredients from Panama City to save money. Reddit

👟 Be Ready to Get Wet

You might need to walk through shallow water to reach the shore. Pack water shoes or be prepared to carry your footwear. Reddit

⛳ Golf Cart Adventure

Renting a golf cart is highly recommended for exploring the island's various beaches. Reddit

🌊 Check Tide Times

Some beaches are only accessible during high tide, so be mindful of the schedule. Reddit

🍽️ Enjoy Local Seafood

Mira Olas offers amazing fresh seafood with perfect ocean views. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(257 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Contadora Island offers a beautiful, remote escape with stunning beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. While getting there and island amenities can be challenging and expensive, the natural beauty and tranquility make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a getaway from it all. Visitors recommend packing essentials and enjoying the simple pleasures of island life.

"Getting there is a challenge. Ferry takes 90 minutes but you can also fly in on a small plane. There are several eateries, Playa ejecutiva is the better beach as the others are only accessible during high tide. Bring food to prepare your meals to avoid being transported in motorized carts polutting the environment."

Ernesto Caesar

"Beautiful island for a getaway from it all! We arrived via boat tour from Las Perlas Ferry Panama City. For tickets there are a couple tour companies located at the Amador Causeway and the old Trump Marina. We departed from the marina early morning. It was a simple boat with a bathroom, outer deck and indoor space. There are three islands to choose from and you choose simply by getting off on the one you prefer. To get to the island we had to transfer to a small motor boat (the island is roped off to larger boats a few thousand meters away). Finally we walked through about the last few feet of water. I wasn't prepared for that, so I just removed my shoes and carried them to land.

We rented a golf cart to get around the island. Fifty bucks a day. Best decision. If walking we probably would have had to stay at the beach where we landed which was too busy and not as beautiful. There are little convenience stores around the island but don't expect anything extravagant. Bring your absolute necessities in your backpack.

We toured the island on our own and stopped to play/sunbathe at several beach areas. Some were tiny, some rocky, some sandy. It was magical for us because that's what we came to do. If you're looking for an extreme adrenaline experience, this isn't the place. This is simple unconnected relaxation.

There are vacation rental homes & villas on the island and we would consider those in the future. Many of them are luxury accommodations. There's an inn, some villas and a couple bed & breakfasts. The island can't be more than a couple square miles, there aren't any traffic lights and not much street lighting. Roads are nicely paved with stop signs.

We ate at Mira Olas, one of the restaurants on the island, for lunch and the seafood was amazing. Fresh. My snapper was simply prepared but with a little salt/pepper/ lemon juice it was amazing. Everyone enjoyed the seafood pasta and dining outside with the ocean view was perfect.

Our boat arrived at 3:30pm sharp, but I recommend showing up at least 30 minutes early. We were met with (what appeared to be maybe Phillipino) military performing as customs agents. They inspected our bags and purchased goods before we were allowed to go aboard the ferry. The island is only about 30 km from Panama city so we were back in time to shower for dinner."

Shannon Morris

"It’s a good getaway. It has restaurants and hotels around. The sand is white a tick, interesting actually. The water is magically blue-turquoise."

Yesenia Quintero

What People Like

Beautiful beaches
Relaxed atmosphere
Secluded feel

What People Dislike

Expensive amenities
Limited food options
Access challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Contadora Island via a 90-minute ferry ride from Panama City or by taking a small plane. The ferry departs from the Amador Causeway or the old Trump Marina. Be prepared for a transfer to a smaller boat and potentially walking through shallow water to reach the shore. Reddit

The ferry is a simple boat with indoor and outdoor seating. Some travelers report a customs inspection before boarding. Arrive at least 30 minutes early for your departure. Reddit

Yes, you can fly to Contadora Island on a small plane, which is a quicker but often more expensive option than the ferry. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot. Reddit

Upon arrival, you may need to transfer to a smaller motorboat and then walk through shallow water to reach the island's beaches. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While there are no official entrance fees for most beaches, some locals may block access to certain areas. Playa Suecas is generally accessible and less crowded. Reddit

Contadora Island is a residential and tourist destination, so it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific ferry schedules will dictate your travel times. Reddit

While some tour companies are located at the Amador Causeway, it's advisable to research and book tours in advance for Contadora Island to ensure availability and better pricing. Reddit

Renting a golf cart on Contadora Island typically costs around $50 USD per day, which many visitors find to be a worthwhile expense for exploring. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, travelers report bag inspections before boarding ferries, so it's wise to be mindful of what you bring. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Playa Ejecutiva is considered the better beach for consistent access and beauty. Playa Suecas, the nudist beach, is also highly recommended for its cleanliness and fewer crowds. Other beaches may be small, rocky, or only accessible during high tide. Reddit

Golf carts are the most popular and recommended mode of transport for exploring the island, costing around $50 per day. Walking is also feasible for shorter distances, but scooters are expensive and the island has steep roads. Reddit

Contadora Island is ideal for simple, unconnected relaxation, sunbathing, and exploring beaches. It's not a destination for extreme adrenaline experiences. Reddit

Crowd levels can vary. Playa Ejecutiva can be busy, while Playa Suecas is often less crowded. Weekdays generally offer a more relaxed experience than weekends. Reddit

Some visitors found the water to be cold in February, which may limit swimming for some. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are a few restaurants on the island, but options are limited. Mira Olas is praised for its fresh seafood and ocean views. Reddit

Yes, groceries and dining on Contadora Island can be expensive. It's strongly recommended to bring your own food and drinks from Panama City. Reddit

Seafood is a highlight, with fresh catches like snapper and seafood pasta being popular choices. You'll also find convenience stores for basic necessities. Reddit

Bringing your own food to prepare meals is a common and recommended practice for budget-conscious travelers. Reddit

The fresh snapper and seafood pasta are highly recommended at Mira Olas, especially when enjoyed with an ocean view. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The secluded beaches with their white sand and magically blue-turquoise waters offer stunning photographic opportunities. The views from a rented golf cart can also be picturesque. Reddit

Yes, the island's natural beauty, including verdant hills and secluded beaches, provides excellent subjects for landscape photography. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light will likely offer the most flattering conditions for capturing the island's beauty. Reddit

There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drone usage, but it's always advisable to check local rules and be respectful of privacy. Reddit

A wide-angle lens would be great for capturing the expansive beaches and ocean views. A waterproof camera or protective case is also a good idea. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Contadora Island offers a relaxed getaway for families, focusing on simple beach fun rather than high-octane activities. Playa Ejecutiva is a good choice for its accessibility and calm waters. Renting a golf cart can make it easier to transport kids and gear between beaches. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as island prices are high. The shallow water entry might be fun for little ones, but keep an eye on them. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The key to a budget-friendly trip to Contadora is bringing your own food and drinks from Panama City. This will significantly cut down on expenses, as island groceries are expensive. Opt for the ferry over flying for transportation. While golf carts are recommended for exploration, consider if walking to nearby beaches is sufficient for your needs to save on rental costs. Reddit

🧘 Couples Seeking Relaxation

Contadora Island is perfect for couples looking for a peaceful escape. Focus on the secluded beaches like Playa Suecas for a romantic and tranquil experience. Enjoy a seafood dinner with ocean views at Mira Olas. Renting a golf cart allows for leisurely exploration of the island's scenic spots at your own pace. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Contadora Island: Transportation & Access

Getting to Contadora Island requires a bit of planning. The most common method is the ferry from Panama City, which takes about 90 minutes. Alternatively, small planes offer a quicker but more expensive route. Upon arrival, larger boats anchor offshore, and you'll transfer to a smaller motorboat. Be prepared for the final approach to the beach, which may involve walking through shallow water. Some visitors were surprised by this and recommend carrying their shoes. Reddit

Once on the island, exploring is best done by renting a golf cart. This is widely considered the best decision for maximizing your time and reaching various beaches. While walking is possible for short distances, the island has some steep roads, making scooters less practical and expensive. Convenience stores are available for basic needs, but don't expect a wide selection. Reddit

Contadora Island Beaches: A Traveler's Guide

Contadora Island boasts several beaches, each with its own charm. Playa Ejecutiva is frequently cited as the best beach due to its accessibility and consistent beauty, making it ideal for sunbathing and swimming. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Playa Suecas, the island's nudist beach, is a clean and less crowded option that many travelers rave about. Reddit

It's important to note that beach accessibility can be influenced by tides. Some smaller or rockier beaches might only be reachable during high tide. While the island offers a variety of sandy stretches, some visitors have found that not all beaches are equally impressive. Be aware that local residents may sometimes block access to certain beaches. Reddit

Budgeting for Contadora Island: Food & Essentials

A significant piece of advice from travelers is to be prepared for the cost of food and amenities on Contadora Island. Groceries and dining options are considerably more expensive than on the mainland. To manage your budget effectively, it's strongly recommended to bring a substantial supply of food, snacks, and drinks from Panama City. This includes items like chips, beer, wine, bread, cheese, fruits, and instant meals. Reddit

While there are a few restaurants, such as Mira Olas, known for its fresh seafood, relying solely on them can be costly. Bringing your own provisions allows for more flexibility and significant savings, ensuring you can enjoy your getaway without overspending on daily necessities. Reddit

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