Contadora Island and Punta Manzanilla

Here is something special about standing on this beach, as this man does near Punta Manzanilla on the Caribbean coast in eastern Panama. You may be alone, but the surf provides ceaseless motion and sound. It is huge, but id doesn't frighten you, it calms you. You don't really "look" at anything, you experience it. It is not static, it is a living creature in its won right.

Off the Pacific Coast, a few minutes by plane from Panama City, are the Pearl Islands. This tranquil beach is found on the largest island, Isla Contadora. The name translates to "Accountant's Island" as this was the location of the counting-house for the Spanish pearl trade of past centuries. The island has eleven white sand beaches, including Panama's only beach for nude sun-bathing, Playa de las Suecas, literally Beach of the Swedish Women and sea from Panama City. But unlike the city, "traffic" here adds to the relaxing environment.