Ferry to Contadora or Saboga

Sea Las Perlas Ferry provides a ferry service to various islands in the Pearl Islands archipelago. While many are familiar with the ferry to Contadora Island, there are additional options available within this archipelago, which consists of around 200 islands and islets, many of which are small and uninhabited. The Pearl Islands gained notoriety after being featured in the reality show Survivor and other television series.

Travel time to Contadora and Saboga is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes from Panama City. Ferry services operate to Isla Viveros and San Miguel on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for residents and workers on the islands. No tourist accommodations are available on these islands, and the fare is comparable to that of the ferry to Contadora.

Saboga Island serves as the first stop on the ferry route to Contadora and Saboga, which operates daily. It features a pier for passenger convenience upon arrival. Although less developed than Contadora, Saboga offers several attractions for visitors, including a few restaurants, boat tours, fishing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, yoga, and walking trails. The island boasts ten pristine beaches with white sand, secluded coves, and abundant lush jungle vegetation.

Contadora Island is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Pearl Islands.” After stopping at Saboga, the ferry continues to Contadora, which now has a pier; previously, smaller boats were used to transport passengers to shore. This island is the most developed in the archipelago, although it remains less commercialized than other tourist destinations. It features several hotels, restaurants, and a dive center, while much of the island consists of private residences, including numerous mansions. There are nine beaches on the island; Playa Cacique is regarded as the best, and Playa las Suecas is designated as a nude beach. Golf carts and four-wheelers are the primary modes of transportation on the island.

A Contadora Island Day Tour is also available for purchase, which includes the ferry ride, food, and beverages.

Isla Bolaños is a stop on the ferry to Contadora and Saboga only if someone is staying at Sonny Island Resort or has purchased a Sonny Island Resort Day Pass. This uninhabited island features crystal-clear water and white sand beaches.