Ritmo Costeno Magazine – The Beat of the Atlantic

Ever fancied yourself as a modern day Robinson Crusoe? There are few better places to test your mettle than the isolated tropical paradise that is the Pearl Keys.

Located less than 90 minutes from Bluefields by panga, the Pearl Keys are as about as far as you can get from packaged holiday options. A series of tiny white sand islands spread sparingly around brillant turquoise waters, the keys are every bit the perfect Caribbean postcard scene.

While somewhat difficult to get to (the easiest way is to hire a panga and driver in Pearl Lagoon), the experience is well worth the trip. The islands are, for the most part, uninhabited and are covered with coconut palms. The keys offer some of the best snorkeling in the region or the perfect place to chill with friends and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Of the 18 islands in the group, some like Vincent Cay and Grape Cay are no bigger than a football field, while others, such as Wild Cane Cay and Baboon Cay are big enough to explore for an afternoon.

For generations local communities from Pearl Lagoon have used the islands to collect coconuts and fresh water or to take a rest when out fishing. However, recently a land dispute has engulfed the keys. A number of foreign investors bought disputed titles to the islands which led to local residents and fishermen being shut off a number of the keys.

Unlike the nearby Corn Islands, the Pearl Keys are rarely spotted by visitors from outside the area. There are no hotels or other infrastructure.

However the islands are big on natural beauty. They are an important breeding ground for sea turtles, which take advantage of their remote location to lay their eggs. Many of the keys are surrounded by extensive reef systems which are inhabited by a wide variety of tropical fish and other wildlife. A number of the islands are also feature mangrove forests which attract an extensive array of migratory birdlife.

So whether you are into nature, adventure, or just chilling in a hammock (BYO of course), the Pearl Keys offer the ultimate Caribbean experience. So next time someone asks what you would take with you to a dessert island, give the question more thought than usual as you may just be heading to a real life one soon.