Playa Honda swim
Main village beach, calm protected water. Mixed sand. Lounge chairs + umbrellas for rent ($5-10).
Island · 30-min ferry from Amador
Isla Taboga
The weekend escape island — 30 min ferry from Amador, beaches, colonial village, swimming
Free06:00 – 23:59Taboga
Why go
- Only swimmable island 30 min from Panama City — no plane needed
- Iglesia San Pedro (1524): second-oldest church in the Americas
- Public beaches + hiking trails (1-2h)
- Colonial village vibe: 1,500 inhabitants, no cars (except a few local pickups)
When to go
Dry season (Dec-Apr): calm water, blue sky, perfect. Wet season (May-Nov): rougher sea, frequent rain, but fewer tourists. Avoid Panamanian holidays (island packed).
What to do
Iglesia San Pedro (1524)
Second-oldest church in the Americas after Santo Domingo. White façade, small but photogenic. Open daily, free.
Cerro Vigía hike
1h trail to the summit (307 m). 360° view of the island + back toward Panama City. Count 2-3h round trip. Closed shoes.
Seafood meal Restaurant Vereda
Local restaurant on the beach, grilled fish + ceviche, $15-20/person. Reserve on weekends.
How to get there
- Metro
- Not applicable — ferry mandatory from Amador.
- Bus
- Not applicable.
- Uber / InDriver
- First Uber to Amador Port (Balboa Marina): $5-10. Then ferry.
- On foot
- On the island: all walking, 30-45 min to cross the village.
- Parking
- Parking at Amador port, $5-10/day.
Expat tips
- Book the ferry in advance on weekends: Calypso Tours or Taboga Express, departures 8 am/10 am/3 pm
- Bring your snacks — island stores are pricey ($5 for water that costs $1 on the mainland)
- Sunscreen: sand + water reflection is intense
- To stay overnight: Hotel Vereda Tropical $80-120 or Casa Vital Taboga $100-150. Book ahead on weekends
- Almost no Wi-Fi. That's intentional — disconnection = Taboga's value
- Cash recommended: 1 ATM on the island, often broken
FAQ
Day trip doable?
Yes — ferry 8 am, return 3 pm or 5 pm. Budget $30-40 day budget (ferry + meal + drinks).
Taboga vs Bocas del Toro?
Taboga: 30 min, day-accessible, OK beaches, local vibe. Bocas: 1h flight, turquoise water, weekend+, more touristy.
Snorkeling?
Yes at Playa La Restinga + Playa de los Pobres (west side). Medium visibility (5-8 m). Not comparable to Bocas but nice.
Safe island?
Very — local population 1,500, village vibe, zero visible crime.
