This largest and most visited of the Pearl Islands was named as the counting house for the pearls. There are 13 spectacular beaches on three sides of this 1.2 sq.km island. The five coral fields around the island offer incredible snorkeling where fascinating marine life includes white tipped reef sharks, schools of tropical fish, rays and turtles in profusion. Contadora has the only officially designated nudist beach in Panama. Here are the homes of the rich and famous. The Shah of Iran once owned a home nearby. Excursions by boat or jet-ski can be arranged to visit other islands such as Pacheca Island where magnificent frigate birds roost and bird watching is memorable.