Visit Pearl Islands, Panama

Named by Balboa in 1513 after the buccaneers that used to hide here, the Pearl Islands consist of over 90 islands and 130 tiny islets.

They offer pristine virgin forests, white sand beaches and beautiful clear water making this region a fabulous place to fish, sail and snorkel. Wildlife thrives here — howler monkeys, agouti, macaws and toucans are widely seen. Over the years, pearls that have been recovered from these waters have been worn by kings and queens of Europe.

Despite access to the islands being relatively easy — by flight or boat from Panama City — very few people live on the islands which makes a trip here feel all the more special.