Taboga Island
Taboga is an island just a few miles off the Pacific coast of Panama City. The name comes from the Indian word “aboga”, which apparently means “plenty of fish”. Mostly the island is known for its old church in the American Pacific, San Pedro de Taboga.
The area of the island is about 590 hectares. It was originally christened as San Pedro, and its small town was founded in 1524 by Hernando de Luque.
The island is small, only 600 hectares. The small town in it was founded by Hernando Luque in 1524. The island doesn’t boast with excellent beaches, nor with any outstanding facilities or entertainment. But it is a certainly good place to go for a day for its close location to the city. Plenty of tourists and local people go there weekends and rest on the beach, eat fresh fish, which can be found in the variety of local restaurants. Good idea is to rent a sailing boat and sail there and around. On the way you may enjoy observation of the ships entering the Canal.
The island is easily accessible by ferries.
Two companies offer ferry transportation:
Calypso: Round trip fare is $13. Departures from Panama City are at 8:30 a.m. from Monday to Friday, and at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays. The return trip from Taboga Island is at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Plan ahead and arrive early, because there can be lines on the weekends. Phone: +507 314-1730 / 390 -2403, there is English service also.
National Tours: The trip takes 20 minutes. Boarding is at Balboa Yacht Club in front of the Hotel Country Inn at the entrance to the Amador Causeway. Round trip fare is $14. Departures from Panama City are at 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from Monday to Sunday, and from Taboga at 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. Phone: +507 314-0571 / 314 -0572.
On the island you may find several restaurants and B&B’s to stay overnight, also local people offer their houses for lodging. More detailed information can be easily found in search engines.
