Taboga Island · day trip from Panama City
Taboga Island tour from Panama City: ferry day trip or private speedboat
The island of flowers, 20 km from Panama City. Go the easy way by ferry with hotel pick-up, lunch and a beach set-up, or take a private luxury speedboat for your group with a waterfall stop, snorkel gear and your own floating island.
Private speedboat from US$1,000 per boat, up to 8 people
Everything in 10 seconds
- A day on Tabogaferry day, or 6 hours on a private boat
- Short boat rideferry ~30 min from Amador · speedboat from Marina Flamenco
- Hotel pick-upincluded in the ferry day
- Food includedlunch (ferry) · cheese & charcuterie board (private)
- Beach readychairs & umbrella (ferry) · floating island (private)
- Organised by usferry per person · private boat up to 8
- Every dayweather permitting
- From US$120 per personprivate boat from US$1,000 per group
Two ways to go
Choose your Taboga day
Taboga by ferry, all organised
Best value for couples and small groups.
- Private transport from your Panama City hotel to the ferry and back
- Round-trip ferry from the Amador Causeway (about 30 min each way)
- Welcome drink
- Guided walk through the historic village
- Beach chairs and umbrella
- Lunch on the island
- Toilets and showers on the beach
Not included
- Extra drinks and snacks
- Activities you book on the island (snorkel rental, kayak, hikes)
Your own speedboat to Taboga
Split between 8, that is US$125 per person.
- Private speedboat with captain for 6 hours
- Beach time and a boat ride around the island
- Stop at a hidden waterfall to swim and snorkel
- Village visit (optional)
- Welcome cocktail for every guest
- Cheese, charcuterie and olive board
- Cooler with ice
- Snorkel gear and an inflatable floating island
With the drinks package
- 32 drinks: beer, soda and water, mixed as you like
- or 2 bottles of wine + 2 bottles of champagne
Extras
- Argentine barbecue grilled on board by an Argentine: US$20 per person
- Home-cooked meals on request: ask us for options and prices
- You can bring your own drinks
Departure: Marina Flamenco, Amador Causeway
How the day goes
Your Taboga day, step by step
By ferry
- MorningPick-up at your hotel
Private transport to the ferry pier on the Amador Causeway.
- ~30 minFerry to Taboga
The skyline behind you and ships waiting to enter the Panama Canal.
- ArrivalWelcome drink and village walk
Colourful houses, lanes full of flowers and the white San Pedro church.
- MiddayBeach and lunch
Your chair and umbrella are ready; lunch is served on the island.
- AfternoonFerry back and drop-off
Back to Amador and to your hotel.
Private speedboat
- StartBoard at Marina Flamenco
Your captain meets you in Amador. Welcome cocktail on board.
- On the wayAcross the bay
Pass the Canal entrance and the big ships at anchor.
- Stop 1Hidden waterfall
Swim and snorkel at a quiet spot you can only reach by boat.
- Stop 2Beach time
Anchor off the beach, launch the floating island, open the board and the cooler.
- OptionalVillage visit
Walk up through the village, or stay on board. You decide.
- After 6 hBack at the marina
Return to Marina Flamenco, Amador.
Ferry times are confirmed when you book. Times change a little with the sea and the ferry schedule.
Taboga Island
Why Taboga is worth a day
Taboga sits in the Gulf of Panama, about 20 km from Panama City. It is called the island of flowers for the bougainvillea and hibiscus along its lanes. The village of San Pedro de Taboga was founded in 1524, and the painter Paul Gauguin spent time here in 1887.
The two main beaches are Playa Honda, in front of the village, and Playa La Restinga, with views of the city skyline. At low tide a sandbar joins La Restinga to El Morro, a small islet with pelicans and frigatebirds.
If you like walking, Cerro El Vigía, the highest point of the island at about 300 m, takes around 2 hours and gives you views over the whole bay.
Before you book
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Passport or a copy of it
- Some US dollars in cash for extras on the island
- Water shoes for the rocky spots
- A dry bag for your phone
Deposit and cancellation
A 20% deposit by payment link confirms your booking. Cancel up to 3 days before the trip for a full refund.
Weather and changes
Boats only go out when the sea is safe. If the weather turns, we move your trip to another date.
Groups and kids
The private boat is priced per boat, for up to 8 people. The ferry day is per person; for kids, ask us on WhatsApp.
Taboga Island
Taboga in photos
Taboga photos: Wikimedia Commons, by Ayaita (CC BY 3.0), Jose507 and Garcia.dennis (CC BY-SA 4.0), Osopolar (CC BY-SA 3.0), randreu (CC BY 3.0). Resized.
Private speedboat
Inside the speedboat
A cabin with lounge seating and a small galley, for shade and a break from the sun.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Taboga from Panama City?
About 20 km. The ferry from the Amador Causeway takes around 30 minutes. The private speedboat leaves from Marina Flamenco, also in Amador.
Ferry or private speedboat: which one should I choose?
The ferry day is the best value for couples and small groups: US$120 per person with hotel pick-up and lunch. The private speedboat is for groups and celebrations: your own boat for 6 hours, a waterfall stop, snorkel gear and a floating island. With 8 people it costs only a little more per person than the ferry.
Is the private boat price per person?
No. US$1,000 (or US$1,100 with drinks) is for the whole boat and up to 8 people.
Can we bring our own drinks?
Yes. On the private speedboat you can bring your own drinks; the cooler with ice is included.
Is food included on the private boat?
A welcome cocktail and a cheese, charcuterie and olive board are included. You can add an Argentine barbecue grilled on board for US$20 per person, or ask us for home-cooked meals.
Do you pick us up at our hotel?
Yes, on the ferry day. For the private speedboat you meet the boat at Marina Flamenco in Amador; ask us if you need a transfer.
Can I walk to El Morro?
Yes, at low tide, over the sandbar from Playa La Restinga. At high tide the sandbar is under water, so check the tide first.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Boats only go out when the sea is safe. If the weather turns, we move your trip to another date.
How do I book and pay?
Write to us on WhatsApp with your date and number of people. A 20% deposit by payment link confirms your booking, and you can cancel up to 3 days before for a full refund.
More trips from Panama City
Ready for Taboga?
Tell us your date, how many you are and which option you like. A person from our team answers, usually within minutes.
Page updated: 4 November 2026
