May 2012 ~ Sightseeing around Panama!!

Taboga Island, also known as Island of Flowers, is a popular tourist destination about 14 kms (9 miles) from Panama City. The beauty of Taboga’s crystal clear beaches is one of its main attractions, perfect for fishing, swimming, diving, snorkeling, etc. Another great aspect of Taboga is its proximity to Panama City, by ferry you can get there in about 30 mins, but if you rent a private boat with a good motor you might only take 15 minutes! That’s an amazing timing; you can get away from the busy city to a charming tropical island of warm waters in just a blink of an eye.

Approaching to Taboga Island

Taboga Island

Calypso King, one of the ferries that take you to the island

Colorful beach umbrellas

Asides from beaches Taboga has trails to explore the tropical rainforest that surrounds the island. You can also get to the top of the island's highest hill where a big cross is, and enjoy the panoramic view composed by the island beaches, the Pacific Ocean and the city of Panama in the background. At the back of Taboga, there are some nice reefs, not good for swimming since there are some strong waves hitting against the solid rocks, but perfect for relaxing with the sound it produces or just taking some pictures.

One of Taboga's beaches, in the background Panama City skyline

Taboga Island dock (right)

Having fun at the beach

The picturesque town of San Jose, where Taboga's locals live, has a population of nearly 1700 people whose main activity is fishing and tourism. There are two nice little hotels where I have stayed and therefore recommend. One is Cerrito Tropical, a nice B & B, my room had a/c, private bathroom, clean sheets. They have a restaurant also, the included breakfast could be better, the main con of this place, the distance, it’s pretty far from the dock. Vereda Tropical hotel is a little bigger than the first one, bigger rooms, some with a/c, some not, private bathroom, a restaurant with a nice terrace with a panoramic view where one can have a meal or drink enjoying the island atmosphere at its most.