THE ULTIMATE DAY TRIP TO ISLA TABOGA
Everybody loves a beach day, but where is the closest beach to Panama City, Panama? The answer? Isla Taboga, or Taboga Island, is just a short 30 minute ferry ride away from the city. Referred to as “Isla de las Flores” or the “Island of Flowers,” Isla Taboga is a lovely escape from life in the hectic city. The shoreline is dotted with charming, colorful homes and restaurants welcoming visitors who come ready for a day spent soaking up the sun, sipping on piña coladas and enjoying the tropical vibe. Taboga’s not just a beach day getaway: this little island has a history, lovely viewpoints and some yummy food. Here are my top picks for the ultimate day trip to Isla Taboga.
SPOT HUMPBACK WHALES FROM JULY TO OCTOBER
Humpback whales return to the waters off of Panama between the months of July to October after feeding in the waters off of South America and Antarctica. On my second trip to Taboga, I was thrilled to see a couple of these gentle giants not too far from the shore as we were arriving.
START YOUR DAY WITH A VISIT TO THE SECOND OLDEST CHURCH ON THE PACIFIC COAST
La Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol de Taboga is confirmed as the second oldest church on the Pacific coast, founded in 1685. This quaint place of worship is characteristic of the Spanish colonial style: stark white on the outside, richly adorned on the inside. It’s a quick diversion to the left from the docks when you arrive. You should definitely check it out along the way if you are heading to hike Cerro La Cruz.
MAKE THE HIKE TO CERRO LA CRUZ TO TAKE IN THE MAGNIFICENT VIEW
For folks who are into hiking, Cerro La Cruz is a good one. It’s not terribly far, but I CANNOT stress enough, that you must have ample water for this hike. If you can do it early in the day, that’s really ideal. It is extremely hot when you have reached the point where there is no longer tree cover, which is a killer if you’re not hydrated. The view is well worth it!
EXPLORE THE CHARMING, FLOWER-FILLED STREETS
Isla Taboga is referred to as the Island of Flowers and they are abundant here: from bougainvillea to hibiscus, tropical flora adds even more color to this tiny, little coastal town.
GRAB A BITE TO EAT
There are numerous places to eat on Isla Taboga, from taco stands to seafood joints, there’s a little something for every taste. Among them, is Calaloo Beach FishBar and Grill. It’s not too far from the dock on the lefthand side and they serve a variety fish dishes, hamburgers and chicken. I ate lunch here after my hike and still think about how tasty that beer and burger were. They really hit the spot.
COLLECT SHELLS AND SEA GLASS
I am that girl who’s always looking down for little treasures when I’m at the beach. I’ve picked up some really unique shells on on Isla Taboga as well as some beautiful pieces of sea glass to add to my collections. To me, these are the best souvenirs, because there is no better artist than Mother Nature.
RENT A JET SKI OR TAKE A RIDE ON A BANANA BOAT
If lazing around under an umbrella all day isn’t your speed, you can opt for a turn around the cove on a jet ski, banana boat or stand up paddle board. Rentals are available from the shore.
GET A DRINK IN A PINEAPPLE
I’m going to be honest: these are hard to resist. Beachside shacks sell delicious piña coladas complete with the little colorful umbrella. They’ll set you back about $7, but they pack a punch and are very instragrammable. Salud!
SPEND THE DAY ON A PARTY CATAMARAN
There are a few different companies offering catamaran charters that go to Isla Taboga. The tours are lively with music, swimming, sunbathing and adult beverages, starting at $99 per adult. Check Viator.com for rates and availability.
This is my short list of ways to spend the day on Isla Taboga. What about you? Have you been to Isla Taboga and what would you recommend?
RESERVE YOUR SPOT BELOW!
BEFORE YOU GO:
Who? A trip to Isla Taboga is suitable for people of all ages. It is a very small island and relatively easy to get around.
What do I need to bring? Most locals bring snacks and drinks for the day, in addition to anything they’ll buy on the island. You can bring a cooler, but you are not allowed to bring glass containers onto the island.
When? Taboga Express ferries begin running at 8am with their last return trip at 5pm on weekends and 4pm during the week. Check operators below for availability.
Where? Most ferries depart from the Amador Causeway at Isla Flamenco, with Roka leaving the Balboa Yacht Club.
How? There are a few different ways to get to Taboga. Taboga Express ($24 adults/$14 kids) ferry is probably the most popular way to get to Taboga. It’s efficient and reliable and takes only 30 minutes to arrive. Barcos Calypso ($19 adults/10.50 kids) is another ferry service with trips to Taboga coming in at around 45 minutes. Ferry Roka arriving in around 35 minutes ($18 adults/$14 kids). Or you could opt for the Red Cat catamaran ($99 adults/$69 kids) arriving in one hour snacks, drinks, open bar and lunch included.
Additional info: It’s a good idea to bring cash as there are food stalls and facilities that don’t accept other forms of payment. There is a charge to use restrooms and showers, but a day pass is available for just a couple of dollars