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Raul Arias Espinoza Airport Coastal & Island Airport illustrationCoastal & Island Airport
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Raul Arias Espinoza Airport

Contadora Island, Panama
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Routes out
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Destinations
MPRA
ICAO
43 ft
Elevation
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Gateway to Panama's exclusive Pearl Islands resort island.

Location
Contadora Island, Panama
Raul Arias Espinoza Airport serves Contadora Island, a small resort island in the Pearl Islands archipelago of Panama in the Gulf of Panama. The airport provides essential air access to this exclusive destination, which is known for its beaches, upscale tourism, and as a filming location for the reality TV show Survivor. The airport is a small general aviation and regional facility that handles light aircraft and short-haul flights connecting Contadora Island to Panama City. It serves both tourists visiting the island's resorts and local residents who depend on air travel as a primary means of reaching the mainland. Given the island's small size and remote nature, the airport operates on a modest scale with limited infrastructure, serving as a critical link between Contadora and Panama's capital city.
Terminals
The airport features a small, simple terminal building typical of a remote island facility with minimal passenger amenities.
Getting to & from
Ground transport on the island is extremely limited given its small size, with golf carts and walking being the primary means of reaching hotels and resorts from the airport.
Airlines here
Air Panama is the primary carrier serving Contadora Island, operating scheduled flights between the island and Albrook (Marcos A. Gelabert) Airport in Panama City.
Notable facts
  • ›Contadora Island served as the filming location for Survivor: Pearl Islands (2003).
  • ›The island is one of the most exclusive resort destinations in Panama.
  • ›The airport's short runway accommodates only small propeller and light aircraft.
  • ›Contadora Island is approximately 70 kilometers south of Panama City.
  • ›The Pearl Islands archipelago consists of over 200 islands and islets.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (1 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Metro Batavia
7P

Routes

OTD → SIC7P · DHT
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City & Place Guide

Panama's pearl island escape, where turquoise waters meet quiet luxury.

Contadora Island is the most accessible and developed of Panama's Pearl Islands archipelago, sitting roughly 70 kilometers south of Panama City in the Gulf of Panama. Despite its small size—less than two square kilometers—it packs in stunning beaches, clear snorkeling waters, and a relaxed upscale atmosphere that attracts both Panamanian weekenders and international travelers.

The island gained international fame as a refuge for the exiled Shah of Iran in 1979 and later inspired the television series Survivor. Today it remains low-key and crowd-free compared to Caribbean resort destinations, offering a genuine sense of seclusion without sacrificing comfort. A handful of boutique hotels, seafood restaurants, and tour operators serve visitors year-round.

  • •Playa de las Suecas — clothing-optional beach with powdery white sand and calm waters.
  • •Playa Larga — the island's longest beach, ideal for long walks and sunset views.
  • •Playa Cacique — sheltered cove perfect for snorkeling among tropical fish and coral.
  • •Pearl Islands Snorkeling & Diving Tours — explore manta rays, sharks, and vibrant reefs offshore.
  • •Contadora Village — tiny town center with local restaurants, a market, and island life.
  • •Scenic Hilltop Viewpoints — short walks reward with panoramic views of surrounding islands.

Getting around: Contadora is tiny enough to walk or cycle across in under an hour. Golf carts and bicycles are the primary modes of transport and can be rented from hotels or local vendors near the airstrip. There are no buses, taxis, or rideshare services on the island. Boat taxis can be arranged to visit neighboring Pearl Islands.

Best time: The dry season from December through April offers the sunniest skies and calmest seas, making it the ideal time to visit.

Local food: Don't miss fresh ceviche made with locally caught sea bass, whole fried snapper, and lobster served at the island's small beachfront restaurants.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

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Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification