Isla Taboga (Spanish) or Taboga Island (English) is a two miles long and one mile wide. It is located in the Bay of Panama, Central Panama. The island finds itself 20 km from the rush and bustle of Panama City, providing tourists a pleasant and peaceful escape from the shenanigans of modern urban life. The island is famous for housing the second oldest church in the western hemisphere and is also called the “Island of Flowers” as it is covered with beautiful, sweet-smelling flowers throughout the year. A renowned site for pineapples and mangoes, the island has become a major tourist destination because of its scintillatingly peaceful atmosphere and for its excellent swimming and fishing.
History
Taboga is a chain of islands initially inhabited by indigenous people residing in thatched huts off the bounty of the sea. They lived happily and peacefully till 1515, when Spanish soldiers invaded the area, killing and enslaving the indigenous residents and establishing a small colony of their own. This invasion led to the island becoming a favorite haunt of English pirates. The situation deteriorated in 1686 when the ship of the English buccaneer, Captain Townley, was attacked by armed Spanish ships.
Townley not only survived the attack, but also won the long ensuing battle, after which he destroyed one of the enemy vessels and took captive the other ships. Peace remained a farfetched dream for the island for a long time. The 1880s saw the French attempting to build a canal and converting the island into a sanatorium for workers that had contracted chronic diseases. The mid-twentieth century saw the hill facing the island become a zone for artillery practice by the U.S. Navy for World War II. Abandoned in 1960, its ruins can be visited today.
Famous Sights
From fine sand beaches and wildlife reserves to contemporary churches and statues, there is a lot to be cherished in Taboga.
Refugio de Vida Silvestre Islas Taboga Uraba
This 258-hectare wildlife reserve was established in 1984 and covers a third of the island. It aims at protecting a key avian habitat. Taboga, being one of the largest breeding grounds for Brown Pelicans, makes this reserve a pelican palace, housing up to a hundred thousand of them, which is almost half of their entire world’s population. They are visible mostly in the first half of the calendar year. Apart from pelicans, the reserve also hosts a large colony of Turkey Vultures.
Iglesia de San Pedro
The second oldest church in the western hemisphere was founded in 1550. The inside of the church exhibits beautiful artwork and a handsome altar featuring San Pedro with an orthodox styled cross, holding his signature keys. A definite feast for the eyes.
La Restinga
Once on the island, the first thing visitors do is head down to the main beach of La Restinga. Layered in soft sand, the beach is heaven for city dwellers due to its close proximity to Panama City. It is clean and a ‘safe for swimming’ beach, good news for people wanting to go for a dive. One can easily rent mats and umbrellas from attentive vendors and there is enough availability of snacks and sodas for children and adults to enjoy.
Cerro El Vigia
Cerro de la Cruz is a slightly strenuous, uphill trail of 5.2 km just outside the town, leading to the highest hill in the island – Cerro El Vigia, which overlooks the skyline of Panama City. The hill used to be a testing ground for U.S. artilleries, whose remains can still be found on the hilltop, giving visitors a taste of the island’s rich history.
Activities
There is a plethora of fun activities in which to participate on the island. The wonderful people in Taboga can arrange virtually anything!
Whale Watching
August to October is the time for whale watching. Migrating humpback and sei whales can be seen leaping out of freshwaters from the island. Keep an eye out for them while ferrying over to the island and have fun!
Snorkeling
There are numerous snorkeling spots and caves on the western side of the island, rumored to hold pirate treasure from the sixteenth century. The weekend snorkeling spot is Isla El Morro, housing some large fish.
Diving
It is the most popular activity on the island. A Pacific-style dive here can expose you to a variety of schools of fish and marine life; on a fine day, you may see jacks, snappers, jewelfish, lobsters, and even octopuses. Very lucky ones can also find old bottles, shells, and artifacts from the pirate days. Diving attracts the highest number of tourists on the island.
Festivals and Events
The island celebrates a number of festivals and events of its own. The most popular ones include the following:
Fiesta del Mar
Taboga hosts this beach event in January every year, which is full of folkloric activities with live Panamanian music, calypso, dance, and food. It is a memorable event on the island, attracting around four thousand tourists every year. The event symbolizes Panamanian culture and aims to promote and develop sustainable tourism in the country.
San Pedro Day
The San Pedro Founder’s Day festival is celebrated on the island every year on June 29. The celebrations begin with a mass boat procession where local fishing boats are decorated and paraded around the island and end with islander festivities. The festival celebrates the first patron saint of Taboga.
Festival de La Virgen Carmen
This Taboga Fiesta is celebrated every year on July 16. On this day, Virgen del Carmen, the island’s patron is honored with a seafaring procession followed by games, fire-eating, and dancing on the beach.
Resting and Eating
After a joyful and exuberant day, now is the time to retire to bed. But where? There are plenty of lodgings available at all budget levels. Below are some of the best options available on the island:
Zoraida’s Cool
This guesthouse, run by Rafael, is named after his deceased wife, Zoraida. It is arguably the cheapest accommodation on the island, with small rooms and mattresses wrapped in plastics. The place provides a scintillating view of the Pacific Ocean and is located just a few minutes from the hilltop.
Vereda Tropical Hotel
Located at the top of the hill with beautiful views, this unique boutique hotel offers eleven guestrooms, featuring double beds, TVs, and private bathrooms. The guestrooms are beautifully decorated and possess an artistic charm.
Villa Caprichosa
This place is best for tourists falling under the rich category. This beautiful villa with a terrace and pool overlooking the beach can accommodate up to sixteen people in five suites with seven bedrooms. The villa, located on the hillside, offers a multitude of terraces and sitting areas for guests. All the suites have TV, AC, and Free Wi-Fi. It is the perfect place for family reunions, company retreats, proposals, and private parties.
The island also doesn’t fall short of restaurants offering various international and local cuisine. Calaloo is the best available eatery, famous for serving seafood. Apart from providing fresh fare of fish and chips, it also provides good veggie options. Donde Pope Si Hay is another good option. This simple concrete eatery generally offers local Panamanian food, including fresh fish, cold green coconut water, and fried plantains.
Conclusion
The above discussion leads us to the conclusion that Isla Taboga is a must-visit place for all the travel enthusiasts out there. The article provides essential insights into important aspects of the place. So, refer to the article, plan a trip, and get ready for an amazing experience!
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