Known as the island of flowers, Taboga is a tropical paradise that is only 30 minutes away by ferry from Panama City, departing from Perico Island on Amador Causeway. Located in the Gulf of Panama, it has a population close to 800 people, a rich history and many activities to enjoy.
Amazing History
Discovered by Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the firsts spaniard to witness the Pacific Ocean in 1513. Taboga was founded, around 1549, with a population of slaves brought by Spanish colonizers. It was also visited by the Pirate Morgan who arrived with his buccaneers and galleons for a rest on the island, while drinking all the wine in the town. Also this island played a role in World War II housing a US military base, on top of the Cerro de la Cruz.
International Personalities
Rogelio Sinán, one of the great authors of Panamanian and Latin American literature, was born in Taboga, his novel “The Magic Island”, was his most important masterpiece, where the island is portrayed in a hundred stories. Roberto Lewis, one of the greatest painters of Panama had his summer home on the island and today is part of the Taboga Historic Monumental Complex. It is also mentioned that one of the most distinguished visitors was the famous French painter Paul Gauguin, who stopped there when having malaria, continued his trip to the South Pacific Islands after recovering.
Growing Tourism
Today, tourists from the United States and France are arriving, attracted by the ecotourism activities that take place here. Taboga has hotels own by local families that mostly include breakfast or have their own restaurants, which means they offer all the meals during the day.
In the town there are also various restaurants with international and Panamanian menus. However, while enjoying a sunny day at Restinga or Honda Beach, helpful young people are hired to take your order. But if heat gains ground, it is always better to enjoy a Taboga Piña Colada, served within a Pineapple.
More than Just Great Hotels, Delicious Food and Beautiful Beaches
The list of activities adapts to the visitor’s taste. You can go hiking up La Cruz, Vigía and San Pedro Hills, you can also go on the canopy, do bird watching, enjoy water sports, even have diving lessons. Of course, during the whale watching season, you can do tours to watch these giants of the sea.
Another attraction at Taboga is the purchase of handicrafts, visit the historic church of San Pedro or walk quietly among its alleyways, with flowers overflowing along them.
In the evening, you can enjoy a dinner near the pier and have an amazing view of the vessels waiting to make their transit through the canal, while listening to the breeze among the trees, simply a paradise to relax and disconnect from the routine.
