Contadora Island Day Tour

The Contadora Island day tour is a full-day excursion departing from Panama City via ferry to Contadora and Saboga. The journey typically takes around an hour and a half to an hour and forty-five minutes to reach the Pearl Islands of Panama, located off the Pacific Coast in the Bay of Panama.

These islands were inhabited by indigenous people as early as 600 A.D. They are known as the Pearl Islands due to the abundance of pearls found in the area, which attracted the Spaniards, leading to the elimination of the native population and the harvesting of pearls. Today, the islands are peaceful and scenic, having gained fame from the filming of several reality shows, including Survivor.

The Contadora Island day tour allows visitors to spend time on Contadora Island, which is considered the most tourist-oriented island, although it typically sees a limited number of visitors and residents. Weekdays are recommended for those seeking a more isolated beach experience. Most people explore the island on foot, using golf carts or four-wheelers, as it covers an area of only 1.2 square kilometers (0.5 square miles).

There are various water sports available on Contadora, where visitors can engage in kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, sailing, and jet skiing. The island is also an excellent location for snorkeling and scuba diving, given the diverse marine life, including fish, corals, and turtles.

Playa Larga is one of the options for the Contadora Island day tour, located near Playa Galeon, the beach situated in front of the airstrip.
Playa Larga is the longest beach on the eastern side of the island, measuring 601 meters. The now-ruined Contadora Resort, where the Shah of Iran once stayed, is situated on this beach, along with the remnants of an old ferry that washed ashore. The beach features white sand, palm trees, and a calm coral reef, making it suitable for swimming. Visitors might also spot wild deer in the area. The day tour includes complimentary transfers to and from the ferry.

Another option for the Contadora Island day tour is the Mar y Oro Hotel, located at Playa Cacique. This beach, known for its picturesque mansions atop a cliff overlooking the shore, is considered one of the most beautiful on the island. Playa Cacique is ideal for swimming and features rock formations where colorful tropical fish can be observed. MiraOlas restaurant offers a selection of international and local dishes, with seafood specialties. The Cacique Beach Bar provides food and drinks alongside the Pacific Ocean. The ferry pier is located on this beach, providing quick access.