PANAMA

About Contadora Island

Contadora Island, or Isla Contadora as it is known in Spanish, can be found at the northern end of the Pearl Island Archipelago. Similar to Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands on the Caribbean side of Panama, the Pearl Islands differs from their Caribbean cousin greatly in terms of weather. While Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands receive torrential rains during the rainy season, the Pearl Islands receive few showers and plenty of sunlight. 

Isla Contadora

Located approximately 30 miles off the Pacific coast of Panama, Isla Contadora is a mere 15 minute flight from Panama City. The island has a number of private homes that serve as a refuge for some of Panama’s most wealthy citizens. Infrastructure on the Isla Contadora is minimal. While major roads are paved and maintained, back roads often aren’t. Moreover, the island doesn’t boast a single traffic light due to the small numbers of cars on the road. And although there are some cars on the island, more popular modes of transportation include golf carts, four wheelers, scooters and bicycles.

Fun Fact: Isla Contadora is such a fabulous vacation spot that it has been featured on three seasons of the popular CBS television series Survivor. In fact, Contadora Island has acted as the show’s base of operations.

Things to do in Contadora Island

Contadora Island is home to 11 beaches with pristine white sands, sheltered coves, and beautiful turquoise waters that are teeming with tropical fish. All of the beaches on Contadora Island are for public use, and if you are feeling particularly adventurous you can check out Panama’s only nudist beach on the Southside of Contadora Island.  If you are looking for a private beach experience, you will have to hire a boat to drop you off at one of the uninhabited islands close to Contadora.