Las Perlas - General Info

Description:

The Archipelago de Las Perlas (Pearl Islands) is made up of more than 220 islands and islets, only 90 of which are named and even fewer are inhabited.

Located some 56 kms (35 miles) from Panama City, off the Pacific coast, the islands are a popular stopover for yachts en route to the Galapagos Islands.

These islands first gained notoriety in 1513 in the days of Vasco Nunez de Balboa's discovery of the Pacific Ocean.  It is said that he encountered a group of Indians, resplendent in pearls, paddling boats who told him of their rich pearl beds.  Although he never actually went to the islands, he named them "Islas de Las Perlas" (Pearl Islands).

Cruiser Highlights:

There are plenty of anchorages to choose from, mostly deserted where you can enjoy the peace of tranquility of the islands.

Entrance Notes or Cautions:

There are navigational challenges to stopping in Las Perlas islands.  Tides can be as large as five metres so care is required when finding an anchorage and when landing a dinghy ashore.

Security:

Cruising boats are advised to cruise here with caution, following two violent armed robberies that occurred in February and March 2023.

• Panama, Las Perlas:  Second Armed Robbery in Six Weeks
• Panama, Las Perlas:  Armed Boarding of Yacht

Be vigilant, lock up your boat and belongings and exercise a high degree of caution when anchoring or sailing in the Archipelago, particularly in the vicinity of San Miguel.

• Useful report by a cruiser who spent time cruising here in 2023

See cruiser comments for more info. (speech bubble icon in blue bar).

Position:

08°37.20'N  79° 02.08'W (Contadora Island)