Located just off the west coast of Panama City, only one hour by ferry from Muelle(Pier) 18, Toboga Island is one of Panama's most frequently visited tourist destinations. Several different ferry services depart from Muelle(Pier) 18, which is located on the outskirts of Panama City. Depending on what ferry service you take, the trip takes between 20 minutes and 1 1/4 hours, and the roundtrip normally costs approximately $8.00 for adults. Expreso del Pacifico and Argo Tours have larger boats that depart on a fixed schedule, while others have smaller boats that often have less predictable departures.
This charming and historical island, 20km (12mi) south of Panama City, has an attractive beach, some lovely protected rainforest, and is home to one of the largest colonies of Brown Pelicans in Latin America. Known as the Island of Flowers, because at certain times of the year it is filled with the aroma of sweet-smelling blooms, the island is a favorite retreat from the city. Taboga has a long history and was settled even before Panama City. There is a small church here, claimed to be second oldest in the Western Hemisphere, and Pizarro set sail from here for Peru in 1524. The island's annual festival is on 16 July, and involves nautical processions and celebrations.
Taboga was founded in the XVI Century by Spaniard Sancho Clavija, the island's original name was "Aboga", which means "an abundance of fish". The island became a very important location, as it was frequently used as a loading and unloading port, in particular for the North American and English fleets which used the island as a base for their operations.
Toboga Island itself is surrounded by several other islands, including Isla Taboguilla, Isla Urava, and Isla El Morro. Clean and quiet, Toboga Island contains a network of well maintained paths, many of which are lined with colorful orchids in a variety of colors; this is most evident on the main path which runs parallel along the beach front. The roads are narrow, and were not designed to accommodate automobiles; there is only one vehicle on the island which is used to transport passengers and items to and from the pier.
One can comfortably enjoy the numerous paths, some of which require hours to complete. The islands longest path is titled "Three Crosses Hill" or "Cerro de las Tres Cruces", which can take upwards of three hours; this path leads you to the top of the island and provides terrific panoramic vistas. Small eateries and grocery stores line the main path, where you can purchase soft drinks and a variety of food dishes. Some of the island's interesting attractions are the Church of San Pedro, Museum, and altar honoring the Christ of Buga, which contains a small garden exhibiting a profusion of flowers in different colors and species.
On the back side of the island lies the Taboga Island Wildlife Reserve, containing various species of sea birds that use the island as a refuge for their reproduction during the months of December-July. Some boats can be rented for those interested in viewing the island from a distance.

Lodging in Isla Taboga
Things to do and see in Isla Taboga
Special events in Isla Taboga

LODGING in Isla Taboga
HOTELS
Hotel Chu, tel.: 250-2035
Hotel Taboga, tel.: 264-6090

THINGS TO DO and see in Isla Taboga
Church of San Pedro
Taboga Island Willife Reserve
Kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving
Whale watching (august, september and october)

SPECIAL EVENTS in Isla Taboga
March - before ash wednesday - Carnival
Calypso dancing and songs
June 24: San Juan Bautista
Celebrated with canoe and swimming races
July 16: the day of the Virgen del Carmen
Land and and sea processions