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An uninhabited island off the coast of Panama once owned by late actor John Wayne, off-limits until recent years, can now be easily reached from Playa Caracol, the fast-growing beach destination in the Chame region. 

Taborcillo Island, located two kilometers off the mainland, better known as “John Wayne’s Island,” was gifted to the iconic actor in the 1970s. For years, it was operated as a Western-themed resort, with a replica village complete with a Sheriff’s office and church. Cabins on the island are named after famous American actors, such as Julia Roberts, Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando, and Frank Sinatra.

The deserted island is one of several spectacular, unusual attractions easily accessed from Playa Caracol, which is emerging as a new Latin America hot spot. Only a 70-minute drive from Panama City, Playa Caracol, and the Chame region are attracting home buyers, investors, and eco-travelers worldwide, discovering western Panama’s unique blend of beauty and attractions.

Last year, Margaritaville announced plans to open its first Panama property in Playa Caracol, which has piqued international interest in the region. Radission, the giant international operator, also recently announced plans to take over the popular Surfside Hotel, the established resort in Playa Caracol.

In addition to the sun, sand, and beautiful properties, Chame is a gateway to an eco-paradise, one of the most beautiful, unspoiled coastal stretches in the area. For locals and savvy travelers, it has long been a popular spot for fishing, hiking, surfing, whale watching, birdwatching, and all types of other water sports.

John Wayne Island is about a 15-minute boat ride from Playa Caracol Panama. You can pick up supplies in Chame, and many of the local tour operators offer trips to the island. You can also hire a boat owner to take you to the island. 

The story of Wayne’s involvement in the area is complicated. Wayne reportedly had strong ties to Panama through his first wife, Josephine, who was Panamanian. When Wayne broke with conservatives to support Pres. Jimmy Carter’s Panama Canal treaty, Panama leader Omar Torrijos rewarded Wayne with the 20-hectare island. After Wayne’s death, Taborcillo Island was reportedly owned by Austrian businessman Ralph Hübner, founder of the publishing company Who is Who.

Beyond the oddity of a Western ghost town on an abandoned island in the Pacific once owned by one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars, John Wayne Island is a beautiful piece of paradise.

In addition to the ghost town and remains of the resort, Taborcillo Island features  4 kilometers (2.8 miles) of beautiful sandy beaches. The island is considered an important bird and wildlife sanctuary, home to herons, egrets, and white ibises, as well as nesting green sea turtles. It is a unique habitat, with monkeys, hummingbirds, goats, dogs, iguanas, and assorted other wildlife teeming on the deserted island. The island is also a favorite spot for kitesurfers and kayakers, who enjoy the calm coves and ocean breezes.

By all accounts, Wayne enjoyed his time in Panama. Wayne was an avid sportfishing fan, and the Chame region is considered among the world’s best fishing destinations.