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Only an hour away from Panama City by motorlaunch (departing from pier in the Port of Balboa) in the archipelago of Panama Bay is the island of Taboga. The island today has approximately 1,500 inhabitant, but no cars, which makes it perfect for strolling and discovering at leisurely pace. Exactly how the island got its name is still a question today. Some historians believe that the chief of the island was called "haboga" which eventually became Taboga. Some believe Taboga is an Indian name for fish, and yet others believe it means "mountain of water" The island was founded in the XVI Century for Spaniard. Throughout time, Taboga has been a scenery of important events, loading and unloading port, of people spain what from time of the conquest of Inca Empire. At the eginning of this past century, the famous North American and English fleets used Taboga as their base of operations. The island enjoys lush vegetation and its year round warm waters make it perfect for water sports of all kinds. If snorkeling the coral reefs teeming with varied marine life, sailing they crystal waters or merely soaking up the sun of it’s many beaches is your desire, the island's boat rentals, beach facilities and numerous beachside bars offer almost every comfort desired. Its protected, tranquil water offered sheltered anchorage for war ships and galleons from the Spanish Treasury Flotilla returning to Spain ladened with Peruvian gold. Later, century XIX when the first steamship companies of Panama, The Pacific Steam Navigation Company and the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, were founded, they selected Taboga for their administrative offices, and remains of their fleet and offices can still be viewed today at El Morro, a small island located just off Restinga Beach. The island has many attractions which can be seen by just waIking through its beautiful lanes covered with flowers, the great variety of roses pink, cream', and red, papos and red tabogana roses, being these the most abundant. It is also common to find bougainvillea’s in their different shades, "gallitos"" with their white, red, pink, and violet creapons, among others. Walking through the main street, almost two hundred meters from the pier, you will find a small promontory of colonial construction known as the house of Francisco Pizarro. To the right, the Main Plaza rises in front of the Church of San Pedro. If you wish to walk a little more, prepared to take a trip to Cerro de Las Tres Cruces (Three Crosses Hill), this trip will take approximately three hours. The Island offer restaurants and two hotels for those wishing to-extend their visit past a one day excursion, both offer comfortable facilities at reasonable rates. Taboga today offers a get-away paradise just a short, scenic motorlaunch trip from the bustling capital city. Modern, comfortable ferries depart in mornings and afternoons daily for the one hour trip, passing under the Las Americas Bridge and past the Amador Islands in route. |
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