Pearl Islands, Pacific archipelago in Gulf of Panama, Panama.
The Pearl Islands are an archipelago of 183 major islands and numerous smaller islets scattered across the Gulf of Panama. Isla del Rey stands as the largest of these islands and serves as the main hub.
Spanish explorers discovered the islands in 1503 and began harvesting pearls immediately after arrival. For centuries, pearl production remained the economic foundation of the archipelago.
The islands are home to communities descended from African pearl divers, whose customs and ways of living shape daily life across the archipelago. Each island has developed its own character and social rhythm over generations.
Ferries operate regularly between Panama City and the main islands, offering a convenient way to reach the archipelago. Contadora Island has an airport for faster access to remote islands.
Pre-Columbian archaeological sites from the Cuevas and Cocle cultures lie hidden beneath the tropical landscape. These remains reveal that the islands were inhabited well before Spanish arrival.
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