Brief History of the Pearl Islands and Panama

In pre-Columbian times, the Pearl Islands were ruled by an Indian king whose subjects' main occupation was pearl-diving. Pearls were then used as ornament and to trade with. Some of the most renowned pearls in the world were collected in these waters.

Location

Panama is the most southern country within Central America. The Pearl Islands is an archipelago located directly South of Panama City. San Jose Island is the second largest of the Pearl Islands, with 44 sq. kilometers, located in the middle of the Gulf of Panama and just 90 kilometers away from Panama City. It can be reached by boat in approximately 2 hours, and by propeller plane in 20 minutes.

The Pearl among Pearls

Over 57 splendorous coral white, ebony black and radiant gold beaches and coves surround San Jose Island, embedded between the temperate and calm turquoise and blue waters of the Gulf of Panama, and the lush green vegetation that covers the whole island over gently sloping hills which peak, at the north of the island, to 440 feet.

The coastline is very irregular, affording many anchorage locations, being the best, Bodega Bay, on the west, one mile in length, and half a mile wide. There are many fresh water rivers and streams eventually flow into the ocean creating a food source for many species of fish, both saltwater and brackish species. This provides excellent opportunities for inshore fishing excitement directly from shore.

The soil is extremely fertile and nourishes a wide variety of vegetation including gallery forests with trees rising 80 feet and higher, with occasional arboreal giants. Coconut palms and wild sugar cane are found along the coastline. Several hitherto unknown plants have been found here, and were named after World War II commanders, such as Gen. Bullone, Lt. Colonel-Thompson and Major Campbell.

Many rivers and springs, the main ones flowing steadily year-round, provide for abundant pure, fresh waters to naturally irrigate San Jose Island. Several waterfalls, up to 60 feet high, and natural caves, further enhance the beauty of the island.

The climate of the island is tropical with the temperature ranging between a minimum of 65ºF, and a high of 93F, with an average of 79ºF. Also, there are no hurricanes, as opposed to the Caribbean; nor earthquakes to worry about.

Wildlife is abundant and consistent with the rich vegetation and the profusion of water, with a population of over 3,000 wild pigs, and large quantities of deer, iguanas, agoutis, parrot and giant pigeons. There is more than 100 species of birds located on the island.

The waters of San Jose abound in tropical game fish, and are considered-among the best deep sea fishing grounds in the world. Never do San Jose game-seekers return empty-handed. 16 black marlin world records have been conquered in these waters. 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 make this a paradise for fishermen and divers.

EXISTING INFRAESTRUCTURE:

A compacted gravel airstrip 1,400 meters long and 90 meters wide, a network of 100 kilometers of all weather roads and bridges facilitate the easy arrival and communication throughout the island. Hacienda del Mar is the only hotel/resort on the Island. San Jose is a private island, and there are no towns, villages or settlements here.