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Contadora

Panama · Island · PAB · 8.633300, -79.033300
Family friendly 5.9/10 · Rank 1697 of 2 709
Best season: December-April (dry season)

Best for

For beach lovers, snorkeling and a peaceful atmosphere.

Best season

December-April (dry season)

Daily budget
$191.00 (≈ 16 029 ₽)
For 7 days
$1 337.00 (≈ 112 201 ₽)
Contadora is the main inhabited island of the Las Perlas archipelago in the Gulf of Panama. This paradise island is famous for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. It is the perfect place for a secluded and peaceful getaway..
Summer
31.0°C
Winter
23.0°C
Sea
29.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • White sandy beaches
  • Crystal clear water
  • Good snorkeling
  • Peaceful atmosphere

Cons

  • Expensive transfer
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Little nightlife
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.3°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
29.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
31.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
26.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
28.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
23.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-November
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
white sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
mild
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear (turquoise water)
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Cacique and Playa Ejecutiva
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Sea urchins and corals are dangerous. Sharks and jellyfish are absent.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins occur on rocky areas and reefs

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs along the coast, do not step on them

Jellyfish — details

  • Carybdea xaymacana (Caribbean box jellyfish) — first recorded in Colombia in 2024. Found in tropical Caribbean waters, including the Pearl Islands area
  • Various jellyfish species inhabit Panamanian waters, including Aurelia aurita (moon jellyfish) and Chrysaora (sea nettle), which appear during the warm season

Sharks — details

  • Various shark species inhabit Panamanian waters, including the Pearl Islands area, such as reef sharks, nurse sharks and hammerhead sharks
  • Sharks do not pose a serious danger to swimmers, but caution is recommended in open waters
Attractions

Playa Cacique

One of the most beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise water.

Playa Larga

Long white sand beach with palm trees.

Playa Sueca

Panama's only official nude beach.

Whale Watching

Humpback whale watching season from June to October.

Contadora Village

Small town with church and restaurants.

Best areas

Beach area

Cacique and Larga beaches with hotels and restaurants.

Village

Island centre with shops and church.

Must-try food

Ceviche

Fresh fish in lime juice with onion and pepper.

Fish with Rice

Grilled fish with rice and vegetables.

Patacones

Fried green plantains.

Piña Colada

Refreshing pineapple and coconut cocktail.

Where to go next

Panama City

Capital with attractions, ~80 km by ferry or plane.

Pearl Islands

Neighbouring islands of the Las Perlas archipelago.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт Конгадора (OTD).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required for most countries (up to 30-90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-April (dry season)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$135.00
≈ 11 329 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$300.00
≈ 25 176 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$14.00
≈ 1 175 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$11.00
≈ 923 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$9.00
≈ 755 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Contadora Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Contadora: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-April (dry season). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Contadora: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +31.0°C, during the day — up to +29.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Contadora: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +23.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Contadora: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Contadora: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Contadora: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "white sand" surface, white sand, crystal clear (turquoise water) water. The most popular beaches: Playa Cacique and Playa Ejecutiva. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Contadora: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry.
Contadora: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, corals. Sea urchins and corals are dangerous. Sharks and jellyfish are absent.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Contadora: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $191.00 (≈ 16 029 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Contadora: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $40.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $135.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $200.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $300.00 per night, an apartment — $150.00 per night, a villa — $250.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Contadora: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $15.00, dinner at a restaurant — $35.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $4.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Contadora: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $25.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $8.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Contadora: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Playa Cacique — One of the most beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise water.; Playa Larga — Long white sand beach with palm trees.; Playa Sueca — Panama's only official nude beach.; Whale Watching — Humpback whale watching season from June to October.; Contadora Village — Small town with church and restaurants.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Contadora: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Ceviche — Fresh fish in lime juice with onion and pepper.; Fish with Rice — Grilled fish with rice and vegetables.; Patacones — Fried green plantains.; Piña Colada — Refreshing pineapple and coconut cocktail.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Contadora: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Beach area — Cacique and Larga beaches with hotels and restaurants.; Village — Island centre with shops and church.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Contadora: is a visa required?
Visa: not required for most countries (up to 30-90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Contadora: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт Конгадора (code OTD). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $25.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Contadora: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — PAB. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $191.00 (≈ 16 029 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Contadora: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Contadora: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Contadora: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Panama City — Capital with attractions, ~80 km by ferry or plane.; Pearl Islands — Neighbouring islands of the Las Perlas archipelago.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.9/10
Overall rank: 1697 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1009

Best season

December-April (dry season)

Useful information

Currency: PAB
Coordinates: 8.633300, -79.033300