Isla Paradita

Isla Paradita is approximately 65 acres of startling beauty that boasts four full miles of coastline. Located off the pacific coast of Panama, 35 miles form the southern border of Costa Rica, Isla Paradita exists in the Paraditas archipelago, an emerald scatter of over 50 uninhabited islands in the Gulf of Chiriqui National Marine Preserve.

The protection of the Marine Preserve ensures that Paradita and its surroundings will remain as private and untouched as they have been for centuries. The island chain is virtually hidden from view, due to the estuary system that runs long the mainland coast and the fact that there are no roadways within 10 miles of the coastline. Many native Costa Ricans and Panamanians are not even aware of the islands’ existence – this is how the chain became known as the “lost islands”. Paradita is one of two islands in the Preserve that has been granted the rights of habitations and the only island owned by a sole owner.

Beaches, coves, bays and cliffs, along with interior forests… all create an interesting mix and spectacular views. Offshore, fish, humpback whales, dolphins and sea turtles ply the channels between the islands.

Access Remote and private, yet easily accessible from the mainland, Isla Paradita may be reached via San Jose, Costa Rica or Panama city, Panama. From Sand Jose or Panama city airports, it is a one-hour flight, via Aero Perlas to David, Panama. Departing from David’s Pedregal harbour, you take a beautiful 45-minute excursion on the islands 25-foot boat, through tropical river waterways and into the ocean for 15 minute ride to Paradita. If desired, you can construct a helicopter pad on Paradita and fly to the island in approximately 10 minutes.

Accommodations Four comfortable guest cottages, two at the beachfront and two 40-feet above the water, have been environmentally designed as native style palapas, which blend in seamlessly with the tropical surroundings. Along with the main “Bohio” (a large round dining, living and kitchen structure), the buildings create a traditional village enclave and are strategically placed to take in 360-degree views of the ocean and coastline. Each guest cottage has tasteful local style furnishings, a private open-air stone shower and bathroom facilities. These accommodations have been developed for private use or as a vacation rental that can accommodate eight or more.

History Rich in history, the island chain was discovered by the Spanish in the early 1500s. On the island, you can step back in time and explore pre-Columbian stonewalls and ancient mango forests that were planted by prehistoric Indian inhabitants. Over three miles of beautifully maintained interior pathways take you through cathedral forests of ancient hardwood trees. The calm waters of Varadero Bay on Paradita were used by the Spanish to harbour their fleet, where they accessed the craftsmanship of the native canoe makers and the hardwood of the indigenous timber to repair their galleons.

Climate Known as northerly winds (similar to California’s Santa Ana conditions), the breezes keep the relative humidity to as low as an amazing 30% and the temperature at a comfortable 85 degrees during the dry season. The climate is predictable and temperate due to the gentle ocean breezes that filter down from the extinct 11,365-foot volcano, “Volcan Baru” on Panama’s mainland. The island is located outside of hurricane activity that can plague the Caribbean and Bahamas.

Inventory Four fully furnished guest cottages with traditional native style furnishings. Dining and laundry facilities and a kitchen equipped with everything a gourmet cook might desire. A bodega, which houses the caretaker’s lodging, storehouse and tool shop. Thatched beach cabanas, picnic cabanas, view palapas and three small structures at the landing beach. Three kayaks, 14 foot and 25 foot boats, fishing tackle and rods. A full inventory is available upon request.

Panama The island’s close proximity to Costa Rica and Panama offers many other opportunities for adventure. Known as the land of perpetual rainbows, Panama is considered one of the top fine Caribbean destinations in the world, according to the National Geographic Traveler, US Today and Travel and Leisure Magazine. It has the highest rating for tourist safety from the prestigious Pinkerton Intelligence Agency and a low crime rate in general. The Republic of Panama also accepts US currency, has excellent banking and financial services, first class health services and the city of David is ready to open the largest Children’s Hospital in Central America. Beside world class sports fishing, Panama also offers beaches on both the pacific and Caribbean coasts, diving, sailing, kayaking, bird watching (944 species to observe), golfing, river rafting, trough fishing and forest canopy touring. In David, there is a wide selection of modern supermarkets, including Price Smart (Panama’s Costco) to choose from and they all feature US, international and exotic local products. Foreigners can buy and own property in Panama, enjoying the same rights and protections as Panamanians and a growing number of retired US citizens are making Panama their home.