Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Snorkeling
On weekends, fishermen at the pier take visitors around the island to good snorkeling
spots and caves on the western side, which are rumored to hold pirate treasure. During
the week you can snorkel around Isla El Morro, which doesn't have coral, but attracts
some large fish.
Diving
Pacific-style diving has rocky formations, schools of fish and a wide variety of marine
life. On a good dive you can see jack, snapper, jewfish, eels, rays, lobsters and octopuses.
With a little luck, you may also come across old bottles, spent WWII-era shells and arti-
facts from pirate days (look but don't take). Dive outfitters in Panama City occasionally
make the trip.
Bird-Watching
Taboga and nearby Urabá are home to one of the world's largest breeding colonies of
brown pelicans. The colony has up to 100,000 pelicans, about half of the world popula-
tion of this species.
Refugio de Vida Silvestre Islas Taboga y Urabá
was established to
protect their habitat, and covers about a third of Taboga as well as the entire island of Ur-
abá, just off Taboga's southeast coast. May is the height of nesting season, but pelicans
are seen from January to June.
Whale-Watching
Keep an eye out while on the ferry. From August to October migrating humpback and sei
whales can be seen leaping from the water near Taboga in spectacular displays.
Festivals
Fiesta del Mar
FESTIVAL
(
www.fiestadelmarpanama.com
;
admission $6)
Only in its second year, this festival highlights
local culture, with live Panamanian Calypso music, dancing, a pageant and food events.
Held at the end of January, it draws 4000 guests to this tiny island.
Nuestra Señora del Carmen
FESTIVAL
( July 16)
Island patroness Nuestra Señora del Carmen is honored with a seafaring pro-
cession. Seemingly everyone partakes in games, fire-breathing or dancing.
