Description
Island Hopping in the Pearl Islands is an excellent full-day option departing from Panama City. The tour leaves from the Amador Causeway. During the journey, you can view the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, the city skyline, and Taboga Island. The Las Perlas Archipelago consists of over 200 islands and islets located approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) out in the Gulf of Panama. Contadora is the main island for tourism, featuring various hotels, luxury homes, and restaurants.
This tour of the Las Perlas Archipelago takes you to visit three islands. You will visit two undeveloped, pristine islands—selected daily by the captain based on tides and sea conditions; options include Pacheca, Chapera, Bartolomé, and Mogo Mogo. You can enjoy swimming at beautiful white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters, as well as snorkeling. The final stop of the day is Contadora Island, where you will arrive at midday and be served lunch.
Those wishing to go whale watching from Panama City can head to the Las Perlas Archipelago, the nearest location for spotting humpback whales. The island tour includes this option between July and October. These whales migrate from the Southern Hemisphere to the warm waters of the Panamanian Pacific to mate and give birth; groups of up to 25 whales have been sighted together in the Pearl Islands Archipelago.
We also do whale watching tours in Pedasi and Cambutal.
You will travel aboard a large tour vessel designed to provide a comfortable, safe, and efficient experience throughout the archipelago tour. With a capacity for 35 passengers plus crew, the boat features spacious areas, cushioned seating, and a design that ensures superior comfort throughout the journey. The vessel is operated by a certified captain and a highly experienced crew, dedicated to ensuring a safe trip and providing excellent service throughout the experience.
Includes:
- Boat transfer from Panama City to the Pearl Islands
- Certified captain and crew
- Visit 3 islands
- Beach time
- Whale watching (seasonal)
- Creole lunch
- 1 beverage
Available: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Time: 8-9 hours.
What to bring? bathing suit, beach clothes, change of clothes, towel, rain jacket or waterproof bag (green season), sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, ID, small coolers with snacks or drinks, and cash (for optional purchases on the island).
Important information: Island Hopping in the Pearl Islands departs from Isla Perico on the Amador Causeway. Check-in begins at 6:00 a.m., and the boat departs at 7:00 a.m. Please plan accordingly, as traffic may be heavy when traveling to the area. The return trip from the islands is scheduled for between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., with arrival back in the city between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Paid hourly parking is available on Amador Boulevard, and free parking is available near the viewpoint (subject to availability). Glass containers and large coolers are not permitted on the Island Hopping in the Pearl Islands tour. There are no ATMs on any of the archipelago’s islands, including Isla Contadora. Please bring cash for additional services such as guided snorkeling, golf cart rentals, or purchasing extra food and drinks.
One child aged five or younger travels for free per family or group. Children aged six and older pay the standard rate. Pets may join the boat tour for an additional fee of $15. It is essential to bring your national ID card or passport (a photo of the data page and entry stamp is acceptable), as the Panama Maritime Authority conducts checks.
Whale watching in the Pearl Islands is available ONLY between July and October. Whale sightings are possible in June. Whale watching in Panama is a natural activity that depends on weather, sea conditions, and animal behavior. While there is a good chance of seeing whales during the season, we cannot guarantee sightings on every tour.
Island Hopping in the Pearl Islands may not be available during Panama’s summer months (primarily February, March, and April) due to windy conditions. Please contact us before booking for those dates.