Treasure of Panama – The Pearl Islands

Posted By: Panama Expertos on 09.04.2007
Views: 992, Published in sections: Life in Panama ::

Among the natural wonders of Panama, the Pearl Islands is perhaps the most famous of them all. Located south of Panama City, it is an archipelago that consists of 130 small islands or islets of splendorous beaches that remind you of paradise. It is also known for its intriguing history and marine sport fishing.

The Pearl Islands was first inhabited by the Indians. One of the kings in those days discovered an abundance of pearls around the islands and told his subjects to gather them as ornaments. Later, he also found ways to use them for the purpose of trade. Hence, the name Pearl Islands was given. Due to its wealth in gold and pearls, it attracted Spanish voyagers, and among them was Vasco Nunez de Balboa, the man who founded the Pacific Ocean. Thereafter, it became the hideaway for many legendary pirates and explorers such as Henry Morgan and Sir Francis Drake. The pirates looted Spanish towns and fleet and stored much treasure around the islands. Many of the world’s most excellent pearls originate from the waters around the Pearl Islands.

The Pearl Islands is situated in the middle of the Gulf of Panama, about 90 km from Panama City. You can either take a 2-hour boat ride to reach it or fly there in a propeller airplane. Central to the entire archipelago in terms of beauty and renown is San Jose, which is the second biggest island there. Also called the Pearl of Pearls, it boasts of tremendous natural beauty with tranquil white beaches and magnificent waterfalls. There is a hotel resort on the island called the Hacienda del Mar, but no towns or settlement can be found there. San Jose has an airplane landing strip and more than 100 km of roads to link various parts of the island.

Many marine fishing enthusiasts from all over the world make regular trips to the Pearl Islands, where a great variety of fish can be found in the surrounding waters. It is widely regarded as one of the best places for deep sea fishing in the world and over 200 international fishing records were set there. The types of gaming fish that you may find around the Pearl Islands are marlins, large Pacific sailfish, tunas, wahoos, amberjacks, coberas and red snappers. Sightings of dolphins, whales and whale sharks are also very common around the archipelago.

If you are not truly enthusiastic about fishing, there are other activities that might be of interest to you, such as deep-sea diving, surfing and jet-skiing. The colorful corals found around the Pearl Islands offer divers a most intoxicating experience. There are also many caves around the islands where you can explore, but some of them can be dangerous without the company of an expert diver.

The Pearl Islands is an ideal place for those who love tropical beaches and deep sea activities. The wondrous beauty of its islands is quite unmatched anywhere in the world. Perhaps, you may find your very own paradise there.