The Pearl Islands (or Islas de las Perlas) are a group of 100 or more islands (many tiny and uninhabited) lying about 30 miles off the Pacific coast of Panama in the Gulf of Panama. San Jose is the second largest of Las Perlas Islands, with 44 sq. kilometers, located in the middle of the Gulf of Panama and just 90 kilometers away from Panama City.
Over 35 splendorous white coral, ebony black and radiant gold beaches and coves surround San Jose, 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 major attraction of San Jose Island and indeed all Pearl Islands are the crystal clear aqua waters, lush vegetation, abundant marine life and beautiful beaches. The area offers an excellent environment for fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency - Balboa, U.S. dollar (PAB, USD)
Language – Spanish
Land Area – 44 km²
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT minus five hours
International Country Telephone Code – +507
Transport Links – Domestic airlines Air Panama and Aero Perlas run frequent flights between Panama City and Contadora, Isla San Jose and Isla del Rey.
It can be reached by boat in approximately 3 hours, and by propeller plane in 20 minutes.