The back side of Taboga and the neighbouring islet of Urabá form a protected wildlife refuge that hosts one of the largest brown pelican breeding colonies in the Pacific. During the December-to-July nesting season, the cliffs are stained white with guano and noisy with thousands of birds. Brown boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, and several species of tern also nest here in smaller numbers.
The refuge itself is closed to landings, but the rookery can be visited by boat from the village — local fishermen run short trips around the islands for an agreed price, and several Panama City operators include the colony on their day tours. Going independently is cheaper and more flexible; ask at the ferry dock when you arrive.