Isla
Contadora a piece of the Caribbean in the Pacific
By:
Lois Benson, a Contadora resident
Contadora
Island is a 15-minute plane ride from the capital.
Somewhere
in the deep blue sea, just fifteen minutes by plane from Panama
City lies a hidden treasure called Isla Contadora. Located in the
Pacific, in the Pearl Island Archipelago, this island once served
as the official counting house for the pearls that were harvested
throughout the chain of 90 islands. In only fifteen minutes you’ll
be transported to a tropical paradise where time stands still, and
is perhaps even forgotten.
While
there is some construction happening here and there, this gem of
an island manages to retain its charm and local flavor. Perhaps
light years away from mainstream tourism, you’ll soon be feeling
more like a local than a tourist. No shirt? No shoes? No problem!
There
are 13 white sand beaches for swimming, snorkeling and diving, and
numerous tour boats available for fishing and bird watching excursions.
Pods of dolphins and flying fish are always around, and sightings
of whales are now being reported, especially in June, which is the
official season.
Villa Romántica, overlooking Cacique
Beach.
Day
or night, you’ll appreciate bringing a pair of binoculars
along. The night sky is a sky gazers delight. There are stars so
bright that you can actually see the colors of the rainbow radiating
from them.
Numerous
restaurants are all within walking distance. Check out one of the
local diners for a true island experience. Ask for "la comida
del dìa" ($3), chicken ($4), fish ($7) There are also
more upscale restaurants with outstanding ocean views.
Hotel
accommodations are plentiful and don’t usually require a reservation
(except during major holidays). There are some lovely new bed and
breakfast inns on the island as well. Most proprietors are at the
airport when planes arrive and are happy to assist you in any way
they can.
Once
you’re settled in, it’s time to relax and flow into
the tempo of island life. It’s like learning how to dance
to reggae music: There is nowhere to go and all day to get there!
