Today it is also known as the “Island of Flowers” although has also gone by the name Isla de San Pedro, which was the name given by Spanish explorers.
A small island of 12.1 km2 the population is comfortably under 1800 people.
The Taboga island is served by a single road, although there are almost no cars. Isla Taboga with people who are looking for a beach close to Panama City.
Those on stopover flights in Panama can head out to this tropical island for a day before catching the next part of their flight.
Isla Taboga has an interesting history, the western hemisphere’s first saint, Santa Rosa de Lima was conceived on Isla Taboga. The house where her parents lived is still standing today and can be found near to Playa Hondo on the island’s north side.
Santa Rosa de Lima found her calling in Peru where she was known for selfless work with the sick and others in need of her help and comfort.
Henry Morgan, the pirate whose name is entwined throughout Panama’s history, plundered Isla Taboga, as well as Panama City. He wasn’t the only pirate drawn to the island, either.
Many came, attracted by tales of riches which had been buried on the island throughout the ages.
In 1671 Morgan sacked Panama City, and instructed his men to sail to Isla Taboga and steal anything of value. The island was burned to the ground. Later it became a trading point and storehouse for stolen goods.
Various excavations and construction projects have turned up treasure, and it is likely that there is much more to find.
Another interesting tale regarding pirates on the island recounts a lone pirate ship attempting to attack the island.
However on landing, the pirates were met by a huge army which was led by an ethereal looking woman. The woman’s appearance, and the size of the army, caused the pirates to abandon plans of attack. They turned and headed back to their boat and sailed away as fast as they could.
Tabogan folklore dictates that the woman in question was the Virgin del Carman who had protected them. July 16th is commemorated each year as the year when the Virgin del Carman saved the island.
In later years, Isla Taboga played a significant role during the building of the Panama Canal. The French, who started work on the canal, built a 50 bed retreat for the canal workers.
The U.S. took over the building when they started work on the canal. After construction was finished, the center became a resort location. It was named Hotel Aspinwall, after the Panama Railroad promoter William Henry Aspinwall whose company built the cross Panama railway which revolutionized the country.
There is a tight-knit expat community here, everybody seems to know everybody else. Hardly suprising when you consider the size of the island.
It’s can be reassuring though and lots of the residents particularly enjoy the community atmosphere and safety which comes from having neighbors who know, and look out for each other.
The tropical climate is warm all year making it ideal for taking advantage of the activities you can participate in. Hiking and horseback riding are popular on land, as is using a machete to create your own path through some of the thick jungle which covers the land. There are some sandy beaches to swim on and the water is clear and warm, more like the Caribbean than the Pacific. Scuba diving and sailing are popular, as is fishing.
Cerro Vigía is the highest point on the island and offers a special view over the bay to the towers of Panama City. From here you can see the ocean liners queuing up to pass through the canal against the seemingly endless backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
