Pearl
Islands Panama
PEARL ISLAND HISTORY:
In pre-Columbian times, the Pearl Islands were ruled by an Indian
king whose subjects’ main occupation was pearl-diving. Pearls were
then used as ornament and to trade with. Some of the most renowned
pearls in the world were collected in these waters.
The Pearl Islands arose the greed of the Spaniards. Vasco Nuñez de
Balboa, who discovered and gave name to 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 fleet
LOCATION:
Panama is the most southern country within Central America. 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.
THE PEARL AMONG
PEARLS:
Over 57 splendorous coral white, ebony black and radiant gold
beaches and coves surround San Jose Island, embedded between the
temperate and calm turquoise and blue waters of the Gulf of
Panama, and the lush green vegetation that covers the whole island
over gently sloping hills which peak, at the north of the island,
to 440 feet.
The coastline is very irregular, affording many anchorage
locations, being the best, Bodega Bay, on the west, one mile in
length, and half a mile wide. There are many fresh water rivers
and streams eventually flow into the ocean creating a food source
for many species of fish, both saltwater and brackish species.
This provides excellent opportunities for inshore fishing
excitement directly from shore.
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.
Many rivers and springs, the main ones flowing steadily
year-round, provide for abundant pure, fresh waters to naturally
irrigate San Jose Island. Several waterfalls, up to 60 feet high,
and natural caves, further enhance the beauty of the island.
The climate of the island is tropical with the temperature ranging
between a minimum of 65ºF, and a high of 93F, with an average of
79ºF. Also, there are no hurricanes, as opposed to the Caribbean;
nor earthquakes to worry about.
Wildlife is abundant and consistent with the rich vegetation and
the profusion of water, with a population of over 3,000 wild pigs,
and large quantities of deer, iguanas, agoutis, parrot and giant
pigeons. There is more than 100 species of birds located on the
island.
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.
A compacted gravel
airstrip, 1,400 meters in length, and 90 meters wide, a network of
100 kilometers of all weather roads and bridges, with an
approximate value of fifteen million dollars, facilitate the easy
arrival and communication throughout the island.
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