Taboga is more than beaches! There are so many things to do in Taboga Island.
So, we shortlisted for you 9 things to do in Taboga Island.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or visiting this amazing island on a private yacht.
You can do so many things such as fishing, kayaking, enroll in your first scuba diving lesson, or chill by the beach while splurging yourself with fresh ceviche.
Read More: How to Get to Taboga Island From Panama City.
1. Soak up in Taboga Island History with a Historical Walking Tour
Taboga Island is not only known for its flowers, but also for its rich history. Its history dates back to treasure-hunting pirates. Taboga also is also known to serve as an inspiration getaway for several artists such as French artist Paul Gaugin.
Yes, that’s right! In case, if historical tourism is your thing, you can book your walking tour. Learn about stories about the pirates, the Gold Rush, French occupation during the French canal construction and World War II.
Check out tours with Taboga Tour Center. Make sure to get there early as they start at 10:15 daily at their office at the Calle Principal in Playa Restinga. Phone: +507 6704-4028. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9 am to 4 pm, Sat-Sun 9 am to 5 pm-
2. Hike in Taboga Island
Looking for a challenge during your Taboga Island getaway? Then hiking taboga’s 307m trail will thrill you! Take a hike to Taboga highest point to Cerro Vigilia.
The road is already filled with exuberant plant and animal diversity. No wonder why is it know for the Island of Flowers! Back in the days, the island was known by its fruits.
You will also stumble upon a wide variety of colorful and exotic birds in great abundance! Some of the most abundant species you may encounter are the brown pelican, sea gulls, and cormorants.
Last, get mesmerized by the lavish views of Taboga town and the Pacific Ocean.
3. Climb Taboga’s Highest Point on a Monster truck
Hop in a monster van or truck and climb Taboga Island’s mountains up to the highest point!
This is definitely a tour for everyone who wants to experience Taboga to the fullest and encounter its amazing views. Definitely one of the top things to do in Taboga.
Climb up 1,200m, visit a WW2 bunkers and get in touch with Taboga Island’s biodiversity! (Pro tip: If you visit Taboga during the rainy season you could be lucky to stumble upon poison dart frogs).
Book your tour with Taboga Tour Center
in advance. Tour starts at 11:45 and ends at 1:15 pm, lasting approx. 1:30 hs.
Depending on availability they can arrange tours in a different time. Prices are $25 Per Adult, kids 6-12 $12.50 price and kids younger than 5 years old free.
4. Fish your own Mahi on Taboga Island
Book a fishing tour around Taboga Island! Actually, the name Taboga originates from ‘Aboga’, an indigenous word that means ‘fish abundance’!
So lucky you if you are a sports fisher or an experienced fisherman! Catch your own Tuna, Snapper, and Amberjacks!
Monitor the best fishing season on this website you can also look at forecast for even a week in advance.
If you are wondering how to book your Taboga fishing tour check out Fishing Booker, a fishing tour finder.
You could also book with Panama Gem Charters for a 4 hours or a 8 hour options. They even clean and fillet your catch of the day.
They are located at the Amador Causeway but you can also contact them on
Sales@panamagemcharters.com, USA +17866232002, +507 232-7521. Phones:+507 6677-4402, +507 6022-1103 and +507 6378-7070
Panama Yacht Adventures also offers a boat Ocean Pro 31. Ideal for fishermen initiating sports fishing. Phone: (507) 394-3882 / 394-3883
Now you are just a step away to the iconic waterways to fish your own Mahi and Wahoo.
5. Sunbathe on Taboga Island beaches
Chill around, have a cold one or swim on the most accessible beaches of Taboga.
Playa La Restinga, Playa Honda, Barlovento, Playa Diablo or Santa Catalina are your best options.
Don’t hesitate on eating fresh ceviche, lobster, octopus and fish. Because, what else would you want to do on an Island?
6. Island Tour by Boat
Either public or private boat island tours are always a good idea!
Pair them up with bird watching and you have a full Taboga Island experience. Prices are $35 for adults, $12.50 for kids 6-12 and kids younger than 5 years old for free!
Visit approx. 8 miles of the island and learn about Taboga history.
This tour is amazing year-round, with a few gifts from mother nature depending on the season.
Between January and May watch the 10,000 pelicans on the Pelican reserve. And between August and September, there are possible sightings of humpback whales!
Tour starts at 11:45 am and a reservation is required.
There are also many options for renting boats, catamaran, and yachts. Check out Panama Sailing Tours for prices for Catamaran and other boat types.
This boat departs from Balboa Yacht Club at Amador Causeway and you need to check in 30 minutes earlier. Then, you can enjoy the 45-minute with music and stunning sightings of the city’s skyline,cinta costera and ships waiting to cross the Panama Canal.
Did I say the tour is all-inclusive? Enjoy Lunch, snacks, and an open bar for $85 for adults and $69 for kids 3-10 years old.
Just make sure to bring passports, extra cash, and your swimsuit! The duration of the tour is 6:00 Hours approx.
7. Watching Humpback Whales in Taboga Island
Humpback whales bring spectacular sightings in Taboga due to migrating to warmer waters. So make sure to come between July and September.
You can reserve your spot with Taboga Tour Center . They offer a round trip ferry in Catamaran for 125 per person. Moreover, the tour includes a walking historical tour.
Scuba Panama also offers whale watching in private charters for a couple of hours, half a day or all day long! Departure time is at 7 am at any hotel in Panama City.
The tours take place around Taboga and Taboguilla islands and it includes lunch and drinks.
8. Snorkeling in Taboga Island
Where there is sea, there is seafood and snorkeling, too! There are various places where you can rent snorkels.
Taboga Tour Center offers Snorkeling Tours around the beautiful coral of Taboga.
The tour must be booked in advance and it takes 1.5 hs. The tour includes all you need and its price is 25 per person. Don’t worry if you are a beginner, they have locations that adjust to your level of experience.
Scuba Taboga also rents all your equipment, including an optional wetsuit. They offer a snorkeling guided tour in kayak starting from $25.
They give you a brief training and recommendation before departing. Book them through whatsapp +507 62882498 and info@scubataboga.com
Also, the trip locations will depend on the weather. So, departure locations will vary and you could expect stops in caves, rocky coasts, beaches, and cascades.If you are not interested in a tour, they can rent your fins, masks, tube, and life vest for $5 for a 2-hour period.
If you prefer kayaking, Scuba Taboga is a good option. They offer kayak + board for $5 per person for 30 minutes.
9.Scuba Diving
If you are a certified scuba diver make sure to visit Scuba Taboga. Or if you are not certified, just like me, check out their initiation courses or Bautismo Scuba Diving, as they call it.
With this initiation, you can experience what is it to breathe underwater under the watch of a certified PADI instructor. If you like it, you can then try getting a PADI certification.
Only bring your flops and towel and you are ready to dive in! The course price is $70 per person and it includes a diploma certificate.
Scuba Panama offers a diving tour adventure on two islands, Taboguilla, and Taboga.
Firstly, they will pick you up at 7:00 am from any hotel in Panama City. Then, will take you to Taboguilla, where you will have your first dive and then your last in Taboga Island.
The trip includes lunch and you could expect to be back in your hotel by 5 pm. Therefore, you will enjoy a 7 hours tour for $200.
You can book online or call +(507) 2613841 or +(507) 2614064. Email: scubapanama@scubapanama.com
There are a million things to do in Taboga Island. From laying out on their beaches, having a historical tour to adventure activities! This is why Taboga has a place in every traveler’s heart!
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