Through the Eyes of Tom: Cruising the Islands of Las Perlas

There are many ways to experience life’s gifts, and to me, one that opens many magical moments is SEEING!

Maybe that is why the phrase, “Seeing is Believing” is often spoken. Now I can say I have SEEN at least a small part of the Las Perlas. One could spend months just cruising these Precious Pearls of Panama, which many, including a few we saw, are only experienced thru the magic of water and boats!

The Dark Blanket of Night was already over Contadora with only a few stars to separate the ocean from the skies as we sailed into one of its bays. With the experience and skill of Mike, Wanderlust was put to bed late that night near 3 other ‘lucky-to-be-there’ sailboats.

The Curtain of Morning soon lifted, and blessed us all with many of Contadora’s magical wonders. Contadora seems to be surrounded by countless little islands where the adventures could seem endless. So much so that the TV series “Survivor” was filmed on one of these little gems. We spent all day playing and snorkeling on that Isla Bartolome.

Next day we heaved anchor and navigated Wanderlust thru many Perlas until we found the diamond of “Pedro Gonzalez”. This little bay was like one of those “I-wish-I-was-there” post cards. The one that shows crystal blue waters, beautiful remote islands surrounded with rock cliffs, coconut palm trees and a carpet of perfect white sandy beaches, a sailboat in the background. Well, that was our sailboat, “WanderLust”, and it was reality.

Our goodbyes to the Las Perlas at Isla San Jose seemed more like a real welcome to me. On the very southwest tip of San Jose, and literally on the edge of a cliff, this remote and private island has blessed its owner those fortunate few with a taste for his creations along with Mother Nature’s beauty. The result, ‘Hacienda Del Mar’, was a perfect blend of luxury and nature. All the comforts of modern life and yet the feeling and the surroundings of unspoiled gifts of beauty - endless blue oceans, fish, birds, sailboats, and sunsets. Yes, one would have to SEE it to believe it!

Tom Mein