Isla Saboga

Just a shout West of Isla Contadora, there is a small island that deserves to be mentioned: Isla Saboga.  Few cruisers ever come here, yet we found it to be a nice refuge, protected from all sides except NE and E.

The anchorage is deep (10-14 meters) and shoals quickly but it has the advantage of being sheltered from the prevalent southern swells.  What a contrast from its neighboring Isla Contadora!  If Contadora is the playground of wealthy Panameans, dotted with mansions and private docks, Saboga is essentially a workers’ dorm city.  Its inhabitants work on Contadora or neighboring Viveros, and come home to sleep.  There is not much in town, except for a couple of bars, and by 9PM all lights are out.  This is a really quiet anchorage and the only drawback is the generator plant running 24/7 to provide electricity for Contadora.

The true marvel of Saboga is its snorkeling grounds.  The North end of the island is an extensive reef-and-rocks spread.  Contrary to the southern Las Perlas (San Jose, Pedro Gonzalez and Punta Cocos) the water in Saboga is clear.  This makes for a fun and fertile snorkeling area, with a dozen of islets to explore, diving of kayaking.

Anchoring note:  The holding is marginal on shale and gravel, so drop the biggest anchor you have and let out all your chain!

One final remark.  The Internet connection is excellent since the anchorage is at the base of the Digicel tower.   Additionally, the tower provides a cone of protection in case of lightning, a fact that we have become very sensitive to in this stormy season!  Oh… No bugs!

Our snorkeling outing 2 days ago provided a bounty of seafook: snails, scallops, oysters, lobster and fish.  Recipes at http://ninisrecipe.blogspot.com/  This morning, we were not so lucky.  The snapper tha JP snagged on his kayak took the bait, wrapped the line around a cone of rocks, and snapped the line off.  Fish wins!

The water is so flat I feel I’m on land, looking out a the sea.  A mirage of sorts!

Until next time,

dominomarie