Pearl Islands (Islas Perlas), Panamá

We've watched it, and it looked super exotic on TV when we saw Survivor Pearl Islands and Survivor All Stars (at the Pearl Islands).  But that is not why we decided to take the family to the Pearl Islands.  We went with our friends from school (Tom, Lee and Gavin).  They were going and we were going so why not go together?  Our biggest desire?  To see the humpback whales.  And guess what? We did.

A panga

We got tail!

How we planned it: 

Pod of humpbacks

We made phone calls to the hotels and heard about one of Lee and Tom's friends who knew someone who had a plane and a house on the Isla Contadora (one of over 200 islands that make up the Archipélago de las Perlas). We did not fly - too much "plata". Or dinero. We took the "ferry" from Panama City and cruised for a couple of hours to the island. Adults $80 and kids or locals for $40.  Everyone complains about the price but we shelled out the cash at the pier.  

We figured for the group of us, we would save money by renting the house rather than a room at a hotel.  The hotel Punta Galeon was around  $200 per room/occupancy for 2 adults and 2 kids.  It included breakfast.  Kids get the discounts everywhere - you sometimes have to ask for the discount.  The Hibiscus House or I kept calling it the Casa Hibiscus had the rate of about $400.  However, add in the golf carts (another $80 for the day times 2).  We ended up over what we thought was a better rate.  Well, after seeing where the location of the hotel and how close it was on the beach AND a pool for the kids, we are going there next time. 

Our weekend started Friday morning bright and early.  We had to be in the city by 7:30 to catch the ferry.  Translation, get up and leave by 5:30AM on the road.  I was not a happy camper - coffee?  Thank you Chris.... he made a to-go cup for me and him. 

We made the 8 AM ferry.  Yes, up early, the waves and the empty stomach made me nauseas, but I did not throw up. Thank God.  We finally made it to Isla Contadora. There was a panga (Pananamanian boat) waiting so I was 3rd to get off the ferry...along with Kami and Lincoln. 

Karyn (the house owner) was waiting for us with the two golf carts and with all our bags and people it took 3 trips to the house.  While that was going on, Lee and I decided we were thirsty and 10:30 AM.  We started the day with a beer and the Hotel Punta Galeon. That also cured my headache from seasickness.

Kami and Linc behind the golf cart

Tom & Lee were so thoughtful to pack a cooler with beer, pop and snacks for the trip.  We also had with us their friend Hassan. 8 of us total going to the house. Lincoln and Gavin shared a room.  Kami, Chris and I had the master suite. Lee and Tom had their own suite, and finally Hassan had his suite. The house was perfect for this group.  

Lincoln, Lee, Tom and our guide Tito

Left over swag from the immunity challenges

More old challenge remnants

Tito and our taxi panga

Kami, Gavin and Lincoln 

We made use of the cooler when we went out to see the whales on the boat.  We kept trying to plan ahead for a local guy to take us $40 pp but ended up with a sweet deal of $15 pp for 3 hours when one of the local fishermen approached us with my excellent spanish and negotiating skills of course.

After whale watching we went to Mogo Mogo Island.  That is where we all found some sea shells, limes, and the old survivor challenge areas, and sleeping hut areas (which were cleaned up of course).

Then we went to Saboga and Lee remembered here flip flops and Gavins Crocs were left at Mogo Mogo.  The girls went back and the guys stayed to swim and explore. Well... the shoes were lost in the tide.  Back to Saboga, the guys were busy getting bit by water mosquitos and were waiting on the sand for us.

Before the water mosquitos attack

At a Contadora Fonda for breakfast: Lita, Chris, Lee, Tom, and Hassan

 Rx(Prescription): Isla Contadora. 1 x while in Panama recommended

We had a great Friday and Saturday we just hit the beach. A super nice beach where Chris and Kami went snorqueling.  I got bit by sand fleas or sand mosquitos (14 bites on my back) and I was done.  Our ferry came back an hour late but while we waited at the hotel Punta Galeon we had lunch and drinks. This time I took my ginger medicine an hour before the ride and stayed outside in the middle of the boat and kept my eye on the horizon.  No nausea, no seasick, no nothing. 

Panama would be to the N of Pacheca island

Panama City from the ferry on the way back

I had no idea how many or how big the Pearl islands were.  Next time we will go to the Isla del Rey and venture out south of the islands...so much to explore!

-Lita