Just south of Panama's mainland, lies the Island paradise of the Pearl Islands. The second largest of the Islands in Isla San Jose, which covers an area of about 30 square miles, edged by stunning white sanded beaches and crystal clear Pacific waters. Here you will fin the stunning and world famous resort of Hacienda del Mar.

Due to their location about 90 km south of the mainland, the best way to reach this remote paradise is via a short 20 minute flight, or a 2 hour boat ride. For fishers, the location close to the continental shelf offers some of the worlds best deep sea fishing. At the continental shelf, the depth drops dramatically to 9000 ft, making for some great fishing conditions.

The largest island is the Isla Contodora. The name means Island of the 'teller or counter' as all of the Pearls retrieved in the area had to go through here.

As you have probably guessed, the history of these islands is dominated by 'Pearls'. In pre-Columbian times the Pearl Islands were ruled by an Indian King who ran an operation diving for Pearls in the area. These Pearls were then used for trade with foreigners. Some of the best and most famous Pearls in the world were found in these Islands.

The Islands have a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 23 C and 35 C, with the average settling around a very pleasant 28 C. With a total absence of hurricanes and earthquakes, the Pearl Islands are a perfect place for you to relax and enjoy the stunning views.

With the majority of the islands covered in rainforest and edged by pristine white or golden sanded beaches and clear Pacific Oceans to swim in, there are few places in the world that can match this for relaxation. The Islands are not over developed and provide a natural, remote and secluded holiday spot.

With a huge wildlife population on most of these islands, you can expect to see wild pigs, deer, iguanas, agoutis, parrots and giant pigeons. For bird watchers, there are over 100 different species to be seen on these islands. For the more active visitors the islands are great for hiking, or even a mid afternoon walk through the stunning rainforests. The fertile soil on these islands allows for the trees and coconut palms to reach heights of 80 feet. With some stunning waterfalls and natural caves to be explored, who knows what you might find! Some hidden pirate treasure perhaps!

Considered to be some of the best deep sea fishing waters in the world, the surrounding Pacific Ocean area if full of some outstanding tropical game fish. It is almost unheard of to see a fisherman come back from a trip empty handed, with world records of 16 black marlin being set in the area. Fish that can be caught in the area include Marlin, large Pacific sailfish, tuna, dolphin, wahoo, amberjack, cobera and red snapper, corvina and mackerel, as well as marine turtles, lobster, shrimp, giant oysters, clams and mussels. This also makes for some stunning diving and snorkeling.

For hotels in the area click here. The Hacienda del Mar is highly recommended.