A
virtual pirate’s treasure of lush
green islands, sandy
shores, blue green water, and cozy covers
lays only 47km(40miles) or 15 minutes
by plane, from panama City. The Archipelago
de Las Perlas is made up of more than
220 islands and islets, only 90 of which
are named. These islands first gained
notoriety in 1513 within days of Vasco
Nuñez de Balboa’s discovery
of the “South Sea” or Pacific
Ocean. It is said that he encountered
a group of Indians resplendent in pearls
paddling peral encrusted boats who told
him of the islands and their rich pearl
beds. Although he never actually went
to the islands, he named them “Islas
de Las Perlas” (Pearl Islands)
and claimed them for the King of Spain.
As a result of the
notations in Balboa’s log and
his report to the king, the archipelago
was soon replete with adventurers, pirates,
and plunderers in search of measure.
In the centuries that followed it became
a well known pirate haven not only because
of its great pearls, but also because
of the many back bays and hidden coves
which were covered pirate hideouts.
The pearl industry itself endured until
1938 when a severe red tide devastated
the beds.
Some of the world’s
finest pearls have com from these pristine
waters, the most notable being the 31
ct. pearl, “La Peregrina”.
It is one of the most celebrated and
historic pearls in the world. After
its discovery in the mid 16th century,
“La Peregrina” was presented
to King Phillip II of Spain who gave
it to his wife Queen Mary I ( Mary Tudor).
It has also belonged to the Bonapartes
of France, and the British Marquis of
Abercom. It was purchased in 1969 for
$37,000 by actor Richard Burton as a
birthday present to his wife, Elizabeth
Taylor. There are many interesting anecdotes
related to “La Peregrina’s”
wanderings, as over the years it has
been mysteriously lost and found on
several occasions.
A few years after Elizabeth Taylor acquired
“La Peregrina”, she lost
it. After a frantic search, the precious
gem was found in her dog’s mouth.
Today the pearl beds
are recoveing; 68 years after their
devastation pearls are once again being
found. But now these waters are better
known for their white sandy beaches,
world class fishing, great coral reefsm
and impressive marine life and wildlife.
It is quite common to see whales and
other fantastic sea life, and the area
is considered one of the best spots
in the hemisphere for fisherman and
divers in search of big and rare fish.
In 2003, the “Pearl Islands”
were chosen for the popular United States
reality TV show “Survivor”
and “Survivor All-Stars”,
and the entire world was introduced
to its beauty and rich history.
The main islands in this archipelago
are Contadora, Isla San Jose, and Isla
Del Rey. There are also a number of
five star developments appearing on
and projected for some of the other
surrounding islands.
Isla Contadora is currently the most
developed and visited island in the
archipelago. It is just 1.2 square kilometers
in size making it easy to explore on
foot. It has a total of 12 beaches which
are mostly unoccupied except for special
dates and major holidays. It has two
full service resort hotels, and lovely
rental villas available for pleasant
stays. Air Panama offers convenient
daily flights.
