I have been on boats around Panama’s bay and its surroundings several times in the past few years and have always been intrigued by the island. With its colorful houses and picturesque beaches, after so much curiosity I finally decided to spend the day there!
Sneak Peak of what is coming ahead on the beautiful Island of Taboga!I will tell you a bit of the history of the Island. The first person to set foot on Taboga was the Spanish Vasco Nunez de Balboa who named the Island San Pedro. The name was changed approximately 450 years later to what it is today, Taboga, which in Indian term means “many fish”. The little town has a church named San Pedro in the middle – common of Spanish colonial towns.
The first people who lived on the Island were Venezuelans and Nicaraguans who were the slaves to the Spanish men occupying the island. Furthermore, the Saint Santa Rosa de Lima was born on this Island (she is said to have been one of the first Saints on this side of the world) before moving to Peru where she was known for her humility and kindness.
Similarly to Panama City, Taboga was also visited by pirates including Henry Morgan – who used the island as a trading center. Rumor has it that in the 16th century, some pirates attempted to attack the island, but were faced with an army led by a beautiful woman and they fled. Apparently this woman was the Virgin del Carmen.
Taboga is a Volcanic island approximately 20km away from Panama City (about an hour away by boat). It is really easy to reach as there is a ferry that departs once a day from the Amador Causeway, next to the Smithsonian research center. The ferry leaves at 8:30AM and returns to the city at 4:30PM. It’s also possible to go on private yachts and speedboats. On this occasion I went on the ferry and the trip itself was a treat!
Ferry leaving the Causeway towards Taboga
Once the boat leaves the harbor it has to cross the entrance of the famous Panama Channel (I will be visiting the Channel and its extension soon, be sure not to miss it!) and if you are passionate about the sea and ships, you will love it! Personally I was in awe at the number of ships waiting to cross the channel.
Ships waiting to cross the Panama Channel
The ships waiting for their chance to cross the channel come from all over the world and are different sizes!
A ship coming out of the Panama Channel on the Pacific side in Panama
Approximately an hour later we approach the Island!
Almost at Taboga, also known as the island of flowers
I arrived at the main dock on the island and I was excited to start the day!
View of Taboga and its clear waters from the Dock
As soon as you leave the dock, if you turn right and walk 5 minutes you reach a beach with umbrellas and lounge chairs that can be rented for the day.
The Beach at Taboga Island
At low tide a sand path is exposed linking Taboga to the small Island of El Morro. The Spaniards used this island in the 17th century to defend Taboga using several canons from being attacked. When you stand at the sand bar, you see the water on either side and in the horizon of a clear day, the skyscrapers of Panama City.
After some time at the beach I went for a walk around the town. Although there are no supermarkets, there are several little convenience shops.
A little corner shop at Taboga
As I walked around the town for a few minutes I was surprised at how beautifully painted all the buildings were.
Looking at the sea from the town in Taboga
I also noticed various statues of the Virgin Carmen (La Virgen del Carmen) who was adorned with flowers throughout the island and was celebrated just a few days ago (the 16th July) with a big party on the Island.
A street at Taboga and the Virgen del Carmen decorated with flowers
The islands residents are devoted both to la Virgendel Carmen and San Pedro, who they thank for the blessings in their life, through various different offerings and prayers – usually at the Church of San Pedro.
The Church of San Pedro on the Island of Taboga in Panama
There is one school on the Island.
The School at Taboga
And several hotels and restaurants serving local food.
A little before 4:30PM I arrived at the dock and boarded the ferry to head back to the city. I sat on the top floor and enjoyed the cool trip back as the sun slowly began to settle.
Arriving at Amador Causeway with Panama City’s skyline in the background
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Tips:
- Take sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses!
- Take cash
- Arrive 20 minutes before the ferry’s departure time from both the Island and the City (at the city even if you bought your tickets early you need to register on the day).
- Go with your bathing suit already on especially if you are going for the day as there are limited places to change.
- You can take a picnic if you want to avoid eating fried food.
