Taboga Island

Isla Taboga

A tranquil island a short ferry ride from Panama City, known as the Island of Flowers with beaches and a charming old fishing village. It offers a relaxing escape with colonial churches, hiking trails and Pacific views.

Things to do

• Relax on Playa Restinga — Lounge on the island's main beach where a sandbar connects Taboga to the tiny islet of El Morro at low tide.
• Visit Iglesia San Pedro — Admire the whitewashed colonial church founded in 1524, said to be one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
• Hike to Cerro de la Cruz — Climb the steep trail to the summit cross for sweeping Pacific views over the bay and Panama City skyline.
• Explore the flower-filled village lanes — Wander the car-free cobbled streets lined with bougainvillea that earned Taboga its nickname, the Island of Flowers.
• Snorkel and swim off El Morro — Cross the sandbar at low tide to explore the rocky islet and calm clear waters around it.
• Hike to the WWII bunkers — Follow trails up the hillside to old American gun batteries built to defend the Panama Canal during World War II.
• Take the ferry from Panama City — Enjoy the scenic 30-45 minute boat ride from Amador Causeway across the bay to the island pier.

Food to try

• Fresh ceviche — Sample corvina or shrimp ceviche marinated in lime and served cold at the seaside kiosks and restaurants.
• Pescado frito — Try whole fried fish caught locally, typically served with patacones and coconut rice.
• Arroz con coco — Enjoy the sweet-savory coconut rice that accompanies most seafood plates on the island.
• Patacones — Snack on twice-fried green plantains, a Panamanian staple served alongside almost any meal.
• Raspado — Cool off with shaved ice topped with fruit syrup and condensed milk sold by vendors near the beach.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring cash — There are no reliable ATMs on the island, so carry enough dollars for meals, ferries and entrance fees.
• Respect the tide schedule — Check tide times before planning to cross the sandbar to El Morro, as it disappears at high tide.
• No cars on the island — Taboga is walkable and largely car-free, so wear comfortable shoes for the narrow hilly streets.
• Buy your return ferry early — Boats fill up on weekends and holidays, so secure your return ticket to avoid being stranded.

Nearby

• Amador Causeway — 13 km
• Biomuseo — 15 km
• Casco Viejo — 17 km
• Panama City — 21 km