Anchorages:
There are plenty of anchorages to choose from, mostly deserted. Take care when choosing an anchorage or when landing the dinghy on the beach as there can be as much as a five metre tidal range.
Contador Island is the most developed island. Three other notable islands are Isla del Rey, San Jose and Galera.
Contadora Island
Contadora Island is the most developed island. It is home to a small resort, with a small airport, hotels, restaurants, a couple of shops and a service station. Be careful when choosing your anchorage, as here is the only legal naturist beach in South America! Contadora is about 750 acres, is crossed by several roads, and can be walked around in an hour and half.
The prevailing NE winds make the south side of the island more sheltered than the north. There is sufficiently large anchorage to the west of the airstrip approach (Playa Cacique). There are alternative anchorages on the south side to the east of the airstrip (Playa Suecas) and also to the east and north of the island as well (Playa Larga and Playa Galleon).
Isla del Rey
The largest island is Isla del Rey (“Island of the King”). Isla del Rey has several towns, most notably San Miguel. It offers many interesting inland areas to explore.
Note: An armed boarding/robbery occured here in February 2023. See comments for details.
San Jose
San Jose is the second largest island, surrounded by over 35 white, black or gold beaches and coves. Lush green vegetation covers the whole island over gently sloping hills which peak, at the north of the island, to 440 feet. The coast line is very irregular, affording many anchorage locations. For anchorages, a favourite is Bodega Bay, on the west, 1.6 kms (one mile) in length.
Galera
The lonely island of Galera is beautiful beyond description, with its heavy facade of tall coconut palm trees and a white sandy beach. Be aware that there are very strong currents, shallows and reefs surrounding the island and navigation can be especially tricky.
Last updated: April 2020
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