Islands in Panama's Pacific Ocean
By Juan Carlos Martinez
One of the most wonderful things about Panama is the fact that it has coasts in both oceans and its fair share of spectacular islands on both oceans as well. Already internationally famous are the islands off the coast of the province of Panama, called the Archipelago of Las Perlas. The Archipelago is composed of approximately 39 islands and 100 islets. The most developed island in this archipelago is Contadora, but Saboga, Pedro Miguel, Viveros, San Jose, Isla del Rey are also spots worthy of seeing.
Islands in the Panama´s Pacific are known for their crystalline waters and white sand beaches as well an immense variety of flora and marine fauna, mangroves and tropical forests. These islands are paradise for nature lovers, whale sighting, bird watching, snorkeling, are only some of the activities that a visitor can engage in while relaxing away from noise, stress, cars and pollution.
Many of these islands have not been exploited save for Contadora which is already well known and is currently trying to recover its place in both the local and the international tourism market. Saboga has until recently not been developed. It is an island that sits right in front of Contadora but is very sparsely populated and with no tourist development on it. All that is about to change. A large development is being built, in its initial stages with 380 luxury villas and a hotel, then to include a marina, country club, apartments, entertainment centers and shopping areas. It is a project that is scheduled to take 10 years to complete with an investment of approximately $1.5 billion.
Also on the coast of the Province of Panama, quite close, is another beautiful island, Taboga. Also known as the "Island of Flowers", Taboga is only 12 nautical miles from Panama, a short boat ride away. It is a very small island with only a single town on it which can be walked through in approximately 30 minutes. There are no cars on Taboga and there are steep, interesting walkways bordered by indigenous, colorful, tropical flowers. There are several quaint places where you can stay in Taboga or you can simply take a day trip for a change of scenery from the hectic pace of the city. Taboga offers the more athletic visitor two hiking trails of moderate difficulty which lead to a splendid panoramic view of the island and the sea.
Another island on the Pacific Coast is Isla Iguana off the coast of Azuero, province of Los Santos. It has no lodgings and is in its virgin state. Five species of turtles lay eggs on the beaches of Isla Iguana. It is fifty-three hectares of undisturbed natural beauty, including 16 hectares of coral reefs four thousand years old. In 1981 it was declared a protected area and is mostly visited by scientist and nature lovers.
These are by no means the only islands on the Panamanian Pacific but these are just some worthy of noticing on your first pass through the isthmus.
For more Quick Takes |
 |
