Pearl Islands
In pre-Colombian times, the Pearl Islands were ruled by an Indian king whose subjects’ main occupation was pearl-diving. Pearls were then used as ornaments and to trade. Some of the most renowned pearls in the world were collected in these waters.
The Pearl Islands awoke the greed of the Spaniards. Vasco Nunez de Balboa, who discovered and named the Pacific Ocean from a point less than 90 kilometers from San Jose Island, was attracted by its wealth in gold and pearls. Later on, the Pearl Island sheltered famous pirates of different nationalities that for several centuries looted the wealthy Spanish settlements and fleets.
The Pearl Islands is an archipelago located directly South of Panama City. San Jose Island is the second largest of the Pearl Islands, with 44 sq. kilometers, located in the middle of the Gulf of Panama and just 90 kilometers away from Panama City. It can be reached by boat in approximately 2 hours, and by propeller plane in 20 minutes. We gladly handle all reservations for air travel to and from the island.
Over 57 radiant white, black and gold beaches and coves surround San Jose Island, embedded between the temperate and calm turquoise waters of the Gulf of Panama and the lush green vegetation that covers the whole island.
The coastline is very irregular, affording many anchorage locations. Many fresh-water rivers and streams flow into the ocean creating a food source for many species of fish. This provides excellent opportunities for exciting inshore fishing. The waters of San Jose abound in tropical game fish, and are considered-among the best deep sea fishing grounds in the world. Never do San Jose game-seekers return empty-handed. 16 black marlin world records have been conquered in these waters. Marlin, large Pacific sailfish, tuna, dolphin, wahoo, amberjack, cobera and red snapper, corvina and mackerel, as well as marine turtles, lobster, shrimp, giant oysters, clams and mussels make this a paradise for fishermen and divers!
The soil is extremely fertile and nourishes a wide variety of vegetation including gallery forests with trees rising 80 feet and higher, with occasional arboreal giants. Coconut palms and wild sugar cane are found along the coastline. Several hitherto unknown plants have been found here, and were named after World War II commanders, such as Gen. Bullone, Lt. Colonel-Thompson and Major Campbell.
Wildlife is abundant with a population of over 3,000 wild pigs and large quantities of deer, iguanas, agoutis, parrot and giant pigeons. There are more than 100 species of birds located on the island.
Click here to browse Pearl Island Hotels.
| Written by caseyhalloran |
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Filed under: Beach, Destinations on May 14th, 2009
