Las Perlas Archipelago, Panama
Today we woke up in the Bay of Panama, in front of San Jose Island in the Archipelago Las Perlas, located between 40 to 60 sea miles from Panama City. This archipelago consists of a dozen islands and some fifty islets. Pearl fisheries gave the archipelago its name, but a century ago the oyster beds became depleted and the once plentiful fisheries were abandoned. The biggest pearl ever found in the islands is a 31-carat pearl shaped as a pear that was later sold to the queen of Spain. The famous pearl is known as “the orphan” or “La Peregrina” or “the Strange” or “the Wonderful” and it’s shown in the portrait of Mary Tudor. In 1969, the pearl was bought by late actor Richard Burton as a present for his then wife Elizabeth Taylor, but doubt exists that it is the authentic jewel.
Anyway, after breakfast, we all got ready to go to the beach. What a perfect day! The sun was shining, the water was cool, we were rewarded by an unexpected and wonderful snorkeling opportunity, kayaks were also at hand and we had a chance to ride our own private “banana boat.” Of course, there is always time for a soccer match on a white-sandy beach. And boy were we surprised to see some of our guests kicking that soccer ball like real pros!
After a late lunch, we headed out on our cruise towards the Panamanian west to Coiba Island.
Today we woke up in the Bay of Panama, in front of San Jose Island in the Archipelago Las Perlas, located between 40 to 60 sea miles from Panama City. This archipelago consists of a dozen islands and some fifty islets. Pearl fisheries gave the archipelago its name, but a century ago the oyster beds became depleted and the once plentiful fisheries were abandoned. The biggest pearl ever found in the islands is a 31-carat pearl shaped as a pear that was later sold to the queen of Spain. The famous pearl is known as “the orphan” or “La Peregrina” or “the Strange” or “the Wonderful” and it’s shown in the portrait of Mary Tudor. In 1969, the pearl was bought by late actor Richard Burton as a present for his then wife Elizabeth Taylor, but doubt exists that it is the authentic jewel.
Anyway, after breakfast, we all got ready to go to the beach. What a perfect day! The sun was shining, the water was cool, we were rewarded by an unexpected and wonderful snorkeling opportunity, kayaks were also at hand and we had a chance to ride our own private “banana boat.” Of course, there is always time for a soccer match on a white-sandy beach. And boy were we surprised to see some of our guests kicking that soccer ball like real pros!
After a late lunch, we headed out on our cruise towards the Panamanian west to Coiba Island.
