Taboga

Just 20 km from Panama City, Taboga Island —known as the "Island of Flowers"— is a tropical paradise of golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a captivating history spanning pirates, conquistadors, and artists. The perfect escape from the capital.

The Island of Flowers in the Gulf of Panama

Taboga, affectionately called the "Island of Flowers" (Isla de las Flores), is a tropical gem located just 20 kilometers south of Panama City in the Gulf of Panama. With an area of approximately 12 km² and a population of about 1,600, this island is the closest coastal getaway to Panama's capital — reachable in a pleasant 30 to 45-minute ferry ride from the Amador Causeway.

 

A Fascinating History

Taboga is steeped in history. Discovered by Vasco Núñez de Balboa during his Pacific explorations, the island was officially founded in 1524 by Spanish colonizers. The Church of San Pedro Apóstol, built that same year, is considered the second oldest church in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. Its walls, still holding relics and the ashes of pirates, stand as silent witnesses to a turbulent past. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the island served as a refuge and base of operations for legendary pirates like Henry Morgan and Francis Drake, who used it to resupply and plan their raids against Spanish fleets.

In the 19th century, during the California Gold Rush, Taboga became an important stopover for travelers crossing the isthmus. In 1887, the renowned French painter Paul Gauguin visited the island while working on the first French attempt to build the Panama Canal. Stricken with malaria, he found refuge and recovery on Taboga, and was so captivated by its tropical colors and landscapes that he considered buying a home there. A commemorative plaque on the main beach marks his visit. The island was also used as a U.S. military base during World War II.

 

Paradisiacal Beaches

Taboga features two main beaches that delight visitors:

• Playa Restinga: The island's main beach, located on the northern shore. With calm waters and golden sand, it's ideal for swimming and relaxing. At low tide, the sandbar connects to Peñón del Morro, creating a unique landscape. Restaurants and vendors offer fresh ceviche, cold beers, and coconut water right on the beach.
• Playa Honda: Quieter and less crowded, located east of the ferry dock. It's the perfect spot for those seeking a more serene atmosphere, with a beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and traditional Panamanian dishes.

 

Nature and Adventure

For hiking enthusiasts, the trek up to Cerro de la Cruz (Cross Hill) is a must-do experience. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Panama, the Panama City skyline, and ships waiting to enter the Canal. Cerro Vigía, the island's highest point, is another excellent lookout. The trails wind through lush tropical vegetation where you can spot lizards, colorful birds, and occasionally poison dart frogs.

Taboga and the neighboring islands (Urabá, Taboguilla, and Chamá) have been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. The Taboga Island Wildlife Refuge hosts significant breeding colonies of brown pelicans, brown boobies, neotropic cormorants, great egrets, and black-crowned night-herons. Between July and October, humpback whales migrate to these waters to breed, offering an unforgettable natural spectacle.

 

Local Gastronomy

Taboga's cuisine reflects the richness of Panama's Pacific waters. Local restaurants, many with seaside terraces, serve fresh ceviche, whole fried fish (snapper or sea bass), prawns in garlic butter, coconut rice, and patacones (fried plantains). There's no better way to end a beach day than enjoying freshly caught seafood while watching the sunset over the Pacific.

 

Practical Information

The Taboga Express Ferry departs daily from the Marina Flamenco port on the Amador Causeway. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Arrive 45 minutes before departure. A round-trip ticket costs around $20 for adults. Guided tours are available that include a one-hour historical walk through the village and the San Pedro Church. The village is car-free, adding to its tranquil and picturesque atmosphere, with narrow streets adorned by bougainvilleas, hibiscus, and colorful colonial houses.