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Benggriff CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Contadora Island

Island

Part of Panama's Pearl Islands, Contadora Island features sandy coves, small hotels and an airstrip; tourists come for snorkeling, sport fishing and short cruises from Panama City.

Contadora Island Panama CityColónPortobeloBayano LakeCasco ViejoMiraflores Locks Visitors CenterChagres and Fort San LorenzoPanamá ViejoContadora Island

Contadora Island essentials

Address: Contadora Island (Isla Contadora), Pearl Islands, Panamá Province, Panama
Hours: Daytime access; ferry and flight schedules determine arrivals
Admission: Ferry and island fees vary; day-trip prices depend on operator
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About Contadora Island

Contadora Island is one of the Pearl Islands (Archipiélago de las Perlas) in the Gulf of Panama, in Panamá Province. It is known as a resort and holiday island with tourist accommodations and beaches.

The island offers sandy beaches, small hotels and private villas, plus opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and boat trips to nearby islets. Contadora has the most developed tourist infrastructure among the Pearl Islands with shops and restaurants geared to visitors.

The Pearl Islands have long been used for fishing and as temporary settlements; Contadora developed in the 20th century as a destination for visitors and private homes. The island’s airport and basic services established it as a regional tourism hub.

Located within the Gulf of Panama among the Pearl Islands, Contadora lies off the Pacific coast of Panama and is visited by boat or short flights from Panama City.

  • Airport access: Served by a small island airport with scheduled flights from Panama City and charter services, making it the most accessible of the Pearl Islands.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Contadora Island

Best visited December-April for dry weather, calmer seas, and peak island services.

Dry season
Dec-Apr · 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Peak travel season with reliable weather and calmer seas.
Rainy season
May-Nov · 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Fewer visitors and lush vegetation, but occasional heavy showers and rougher seas.

Weather & Climate near Contadora Island

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1873 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 39 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 23° - 30° 26° 26 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
February - 23° - 30° 27° 10 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
March - 24° - 30° 27° 20 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
April - 25° - 31° 28° 115 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
May - 24° - 31° 27° 239 mm - - 1.7 m/s - -
June - 24° - 30° 27° 251 mm - - 1.4 m/s - -
July - 24° - 30° 27° 182 mm - - 1.5 m/s - -
August - 24° - 30° 27° 242 mm - - 1.5 m/s - -
September - 23° - 30° 26° 205 mm - - 1.4 m/s - -
October - 23° - 30° 26° 337 mm - - 1.4 m/s - -
November - 23° - 29° 26° 170 mm - - 1.6 m/s - -
December - 23° - 29° 26° 76 mm - - 1.8 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Contadora Island

Contadora is reached by small plane from Panama City (Albrook Airport) or by ferry from the Amador Causeway area and Panama City port. Flights take about 30 minutes; ferries are longer and weather-dependent.

Tips for Visiting Contadora Island

  • Book flights or ferries in advance during the high season - Contadora is a small island with limited accommodation.
  • Explore by golf cart or scooter - the island is compact and motorized hire is common.
  • Bring local currency; smaller vendors may not accept cards.