Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tourists mostly visit four islands: Isla Contadora, the most accessible, developed and vis-
ited island; Isla San José, the site of an exclusive resort; and neighboring Islas Casaya
and Casayeta, frequented by pearl shoppers. Uninhabited isles offer ample opportunity
for independent exploration, especially if you have a sense of adventure and the help of a
local guide.
There are no ATMs, so bring sufficient cash.
Isla Contadora
POP 350
Isla Contadora (Counting House Island) was once the accounting center for pearls before
they were shipped to Spain. While multimillionaires once made their island their refuge,
a government crackdown on tax evasion is embittering the once-sweet deal. Many empty
mansions are now rented to vacationers.
With frequent air and sea connections to Panama City, Isla Contadora is the only is-
land in the archipelago with a developed tourist infrastructure. A prestigious destination,
it caters to its wealthy residents and moneyed tourists from the mainland. In the low sea-
son it's more accessible for all. Beaches are spectacular, the snorkeling is world class,
and the island is a great jumping-off point for independent exploration of the ar-
chipelago.
Sights & Activities
Beaches
The island's 12 gold-sand beaches are virtually abandoned except during major holidays.
Five are particularly lovely: Playa Larga, Playa de las Suecas, Playa Cacique, Playa Ejec-
utiva and Playa Galeón. Although spread around the island, all can be visited in as little
as 20 minutes in a rented ATV (all-terrain vehicle).
Playa Larga
(Long Beach) occupies a long stretch of coast. It's probably best not to
swim here because of the water quality. Around the corner to the south is
Playa de las
Suecas
(Swedish Women's Beach), where you can legally sunbathe in the buff. Continu-
ing west 400m, you'll find
Playa Cacique
, a fairly large and unvisited beach ideal for a
little peace and quiet. On the northern side of the island,
Playa Ejecutiva
(Executive
Beach) is another intimate escape - the large house on the bluff to the east is where the
shah of Iran once lived.
Playa Galeón
(Galleon Beach), to the northeast, is another good
spot for snorkeling when the surf is small.
