The Pearl archipelago -a group of 50 islands located in the center of the Gulf of Panama - is one of the most fascinating areas for yacht aficionados on the Pacific as it offers incredible sports fishing opportunities. Dorado, Tuna, Wahoo, Red Snapper, Sail Fish and Bojalá are some of the species found around these islands, the clear waters of which are also excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.

On the southeastern end of the Gulf, skippers and anglers will find Piñas Bay, home of the world-renowned Tropic Star Lodge, where Black Marlin and Sailfish reign. Leaving the Gulf of Panama heading west in the Gulf of Chiriquí is Coiba Island, the largest of Panama's Pacific coast and the center of Coiba National Park, a paradise-like refuge of abundant marine, bird and mammal species which was recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

One of Panama's greatest blessings is the fact that both oceans are separated by a mere 50 miles at the country's narrowest point, which is where the Panama Canal provides direct access to and from the Caribbean in only eight hours.

Panama's "Atlantic" coast is also a delight. The shorelines of Bocas del Toro will make many a sailor fall in love with its numerous coves, bays and islands -the pristine refuges of species such as the manatee, turtles and birds. Bocas is definitely a Mecca for diving and sailing.

According to Captain Andrés Navarro, president of Panama Yacht Tour, the best time for sailing on the Pacific coast of Panama is during the rainy season (April-December), since the rest of the year (which Panamanians call "summer") the sea can become rough due to the constantly-blowing trade winds from the north. On the Caribbean, the best time for sailing is between October and November -a time when the sea is calm, giving sailors the opportunity to reach great fishing areas with a greater degree of safety.