Taboga Island — Essential Guide

How to get to Taboga

Daily ferries run from the Amador Causeway (Panama City). The crossing takes about 30 minutes and the island is easy to explore on foot.

• Check in early — boats depart on time; bring ID or passport.
• Buy tickets online; cards and cash are accepted at the booth.
• Most departures leave from Flamenco/Fuerte Amador (verify on your ticket).

For city transport options to Amador or elsewhere in Panamá, see our Transport guide.

Beaches: Restinga & Honda

Playa Honda is great for swimming/kayaking. At low tide, Playa Restinga reveals a sandbar to El Morro islet — scenic, but always check tides and avoid crossing near rising tide.

Hikes & viewpoints

Cerro de la Cruz rewards with Bay-of-Panama views. Trails are short but can be steep and hot — go early, wear shoes, take water.

San Pedro Church & village

San Pedro Church is often cited as one of the oldest in the hemisphere; timetables and ‘how old’ vary by source. The compact village lanes show Taboga’s colonial past.

Whale season (Jul–Oct)

Humpbacks migrate past the Bay of Panama from late June/July to October; September is prime. You may spot blows from the ferry on lucky days.

Day passes & rentals

Day-pass bundles typically include ferry + beach chairs/umbrella, and sometimes lunch and a guided walk. On the beach, simple chair/umbrella rentals are available.

Practical tips

• Small cash for chairs/umbrellas or snacks; cards work for ferry.
• Weekends/holidays are busy — go early for shade.
• Strong sun year-round: sunscreen, hat, water.
• Arrive 30–45 min before departure; confirm return time.