Top Things to do in Contadora Island
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The 8 Best Things to Do in Contadora Island, Panama
Discover the best top things to do in Contadora Island, Panama including Coral Dreams, Playa Ejecutiva, Playa Larga, Forca 3 Sailing Club Panama, Pearl Islands Day Tours, Contadora Island Tours, Whale and Dolphin Wisdom Retreats, Faremoana.
Restaurants in Contadora Island
1. Coral Dreams
Overall Ratings
5 based on 179 reviews
Coral Dreams, is a Nautic center of acividades & recreational established in Contadora Island for 15 years. Within our services we have, Snorkeling Tours and Islands Whale watching between July and October , private charters, diving for beginners and people with certification , diving courses PADI, Coral Dreams, is a PADI Resort. Our philosophy with customers always is the Customer Service Quality, respect for the environment and marine life Coral Dreams, is established on Contadora Island since 2001, and from the beginning have brought thousands of tourists, offering quality service and professionalism.
Reviewed By doctorbubba - atlanta
I had to do this whale watching trip solo as spouse was working. Also had to ride the ferry from Panama City over and back in the same day - which cost way more than the tour and started in the pouring rain - but it was all worth it. I did multiple other excursions while in PC and this was my favorite. Was on a tour with a small group of seniors - Guillermo was solicitous and patient. They even asked to do a detour to see the famous "booby bird" and he obliged. The trip included a brief snorkeling stop but that was anticlimactic compared to seeing the whales. Several folks said they had done multiple tours in other parts of the world but none this successfully. As many have stated, Guillermo is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and has decades of experience. I felt very safe and would not hesitate to bring kids. While 2 other boats hovered closely around the whales, to the point I wished they could've been reported, we kept our respectful distance. I was happy with the videos and photos I obtained and also felt that we did not disturb them. I had to wait for the ferry but there is a nearby bar with a restroom and the scenery is beautiful. I'm not sure much happens on Contadora but Coral Dreams (Guillermo) is fantastic. A wonderful memory!
2. Playa Ejecutiva
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Quesboc1 - New York City, New York
We visited four Beaches on Isla Contadora, and this was my favorite: It's not crowded, there is great snorkeling right off the beach, the sand is soft and clean, the water is calm and a gorgeous color, and you can also climb/jump from the rocks when the tide is high.
If you don't rent a golf cart, you can get here by walking in about 15-20 minutes or so from where the ferry drops you off, just head to the right. If you don't rent transportation and you're there for a day trip, you'll probably only have time for one beach, and I would recommend this one for all the reasons above. The only drawback is that there aren't bathrooms or food, so just plan ahead for that.
If you have more time and can visit more Beaches, I'd recommend that, but this was still my favorite, where I'd recommend you spend the most time.
Playa Cacique has some food options (albeit overpriced), but the water was rougher so not ideal for snorkeling. Playa Larga is a beautiful color with calm water, but I don't think the snorkeling is as good here (and there aren't food options either). Playa Galeon looked nice when the ferry dropped us off, and there are food/bathrooms there, but it's not quite as gorgeous as the other Beaches on the island.
The island is quite small, so you can get away with just walking to a beach, but if you want to do more than one (or if you don't want to trek in the hot sun with all your stuff) the $50 for the golf cart rental is worth it. If you want a more powerful 4x4, it'll be $70.
3. Playa Larga
Overall Ratings
4 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Quesboc1 - New York City, New York
We visited four Beaches on Isla Contadora, and this one had very beautiful water, which was also calm and would have been ideal for snorkeling if we had the time (and I would have liked to explore the wreck on one end of the beach, again if we had had the time).
I agree with other reviewers that there was a bit more debris on the beach here than at others, but it wasn't filthy or anything, and the abandoned resort just beyond the water would be great to explore if you're into that sort of thing.
There aren't food or bathrooms here, so plan ahead, but it's also not very crowded, which is a plus.
We visited four Beaches on the island during our day trip, and Playa Ejecutiva was my favorite for the reasons I listed in my review of it--great water/snorkeling/beach--but this was probably my second favorite.
Playa Cacique has some food options (albeit overpriced), but the water was rougher so not ideal for snorkeling (although the beach is gorgeous). Playa Galeon looked nice when the ferry dropped us off, and there are food/bathrooms there, but it's not quite as gorgeous as the other Beaches on the island.
The island is quite small, so you can get away with just walking to a beach, although you'll probably be walking for 20 minutes or so. But if you want to do more than one (or if you don't want to trek in the hot sun with all your stuff) the $50 for the golf cart rental is worth it. If you want a more powerful 4x4, it'll be $70.
Also, as with all Beaches in Panama, be aware that the tides are really quite dramatic, so a large beach can disappear quickly into just a sliver of sand--don't leave your stuff unattended too long near the waterline if you go snorkeling or exploring, or it might be gone when you get back!
4. Forca 3 Sailing Club Panama
Overall Ratings
5 based on 35 reviews
Sailing Club Panama is a sailing school located at The Pearl Islands where unique experiences are offered. We use all our creativity to create a lot of activities related with the sailing. We combine sailing with jungle trails, snorkeling, visits to nearby virgin Islands, camping... We are open to any adventure you would like to live. Opened only during dry season. From 1st November to 10th April
Reviewed By Anna W - Ottawa, Canada
Having gone to typical group snorkeling tours in other tropical places, my husband and I were looking for options for ocean activities and came across Forca who arranged a private 3 hour sailing session for us. We headed out on the small sailboat at 3PM with Marti who quickly showed us the ropes. I loved how we got to learn a bit how to sail and actively participated in each step. We ended up going to Saboga island where we had the opportunity to explore, and enjoy fresh fruit, coconut and wine. Marti also offered the option to snorkel if desired. Seeing the sunset from the island was gorgeous as was sailing back as the stars came out in full force. Not many companies would take you sailing at night given the increased difficulty at night but Marti was a pro. It was exciting and fun! I particularly loved hearing Marti and his wife's story, and the wonderful sailing school they head which also benefits lower income children in the area and back in Spain. Marti and Jacob are just in their second season on Contadora so I am sure many great things will come from them. If there is a specific activity you'd like, I am sure they can customize. I also liked the ability to pay with Paypal (given no ATM on the island). At $200 USD, this was well worth the memories an adventure! Marti also has a new GoPro and are working on also providing videos. They are located by the ferry landing. Thanks for a great experience!
5. Pearl Islands Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
Adventure Tour Company providing all-inclusive Reef Fishing and Hiking Tours in the Pearl Islands (Las Perlas), Panama. We are headquartered on Isla Contadora.
Reviewed By HockeyMij - Tampa, Florida
I saw a flyer posted for Saboga Tourism Center next to the Air Panama building on Contadora. I had nothing planned for the following day, so I emailed them and Ilene responded to me, no lie, within 10 minutes. It wasn't longer than 45 minutes...MoreThank you for the great review... my pleasure / con gusto!! - response from Terry
6. Contadora Island Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Contadora Island Tours offers 3 hour or full day Island tours, snorkel, Dolphin, Humpback whale watching, kayak and Survivor Island Challenge tours from Contadora Island in the Pearl Islands, Panama.
Reviewed By Fred&Maisie - Bellevue WA
I signed up with Heidi at Contadora Island Tours, because of her friendly professional welcome and because she spoke English (from Missouri). She also speaks Spanish. It was a great choice. The tour was tailored to the weather conditions and the preferences of our group. The weather was perfect, the dolphins sighted en route to our first stop were a delightful bonus and of course I really enjoyed the fish and crystal blue waters. Heidi was a really helpful and knowledgeable guide. Since I am very blind without my glasses, she made sure I stayed with her and saw the marine life from manta rays to parrot fish. She also made sure the children on the tour got to see things too, assisting by swimming / towing one to the best area for fish, and taking us to a shell covered beach where everyone could find treasures. The tour ($50 USD) includes snorkel gear, water, sodas, and juice, snack, small boat with awning - and local captain, life preservers, and guide. It lasts about 3 hours (10 to 1 pm, but actually 1:30 for us) Thanks for a great trip!
7. Whale and Dolphin Wisdom Retreats
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Magical 5 day retreats where you will open an intimate and transformational connection with the whales and dolphins in the tropical paradise of the Pearl Islands, Panama. You will stay on the tranquil island of Contadora in a beautiful ocean front hotel. Go out each day on a catamaran sailboat to connect in a respectful, responsible and sustainable manner with the whales and dolphins.
Reviewed By Constance L - New York City, New York
Amazing. Unforgettable. Unique. Treasure. Beautiful. Profound. Love. Light. Wisdom. Sunshine. Diamonds-on-the-water. Fun. Tail-slaps. Pec-fin-waving. Breaches. Rejuvenation. Pure. Joy.
The retreat started in Gamboa, in the rainforest right next to the Panama Canal, with a boat tour of Lake Gatun, a blessing meditation, and a visit with Capuchin and howler monkeys and the most adorable group of tamarins one could ever imagine. Then we flew to Isla Contadora in the Pearl Islands off the coast of Panama City where we were based on the island and went out every day (five) on a catamaran (awesome!). We encountered whales every single day, more than once a day, usually all day, and sometimes for hours on end. And on the last day, dolphins, too.
I was blessed to have met Anne two years ago on a different Panama adventure; and it turned out we have quite a few common friends in the whale/dolphin world. I was immediately drawn to her lovely (and loving) energy.
Our retreat was a tiny group—Anne, myself, and a friend—and we became a small, loving family. Daily meditations, immersion in whale energy and in the special energy of Isla Contadora, profoundly relaxing and restoring—exactly what I needed.
