Accessible via an hour-and-a-half sail on our boat from Panama City, Taboga Island has a fascinating history. First inhabited by indigenous tribes, the island was later discovered by the Spanish in 1515. It has since played host to pirates, explorers, and even Paul Gauguin, the famed French painter, who sought inspiration here.

During World War II, the U.S. military used the island as a base, and remnants of bunkers can still be found. The island’s Iglesia de San Pedro, one of the oldest churches in the Americas, stands as a testament to its deep-rooted heritage.

Panamanians love day-tripping on Taboga since it is so close to the mainland. Here’s what we did and saw on Taboga Island.

1. Playa Restinga

One of the island’s most famous beaches, Playa Restinga is the perfect spot to unwind. With golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it offers an idyllic setting for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the view of anchored boats swaying with the tide.

We were there on a weekday, so it was very quiet.

2. Hike to Sendero Las Tres Cruces

We hiked past the three crosses to the top, where we were rewarded with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Panama City, and the lush greenery of the island. We also explored an abandoned U.S. military bunker there. Fascinating!

3. Explored the Village and Its Culture

The charming village of Taboga is a colorful blend of colonial architecture, vibrant flowers, and friendly locals. We wandered through its narrow streets until we arrived at Iglesia de San Pedro, one of the oldest churches in the Americas, dating back to 1524. According to some, it is the second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere. There’s a bit of a debate about this.

The day we were there, there was a church service in progress…over loudspeaker! It was quite dystopian, actually. We went inside the church and it was empty; yet on the outside, a service was being broadcast quite loudly. Huh.

But the church was quite pretty. Interestingly, it had a telephone booth and a basketball court within a few feet of its steps.

4. Paused at the Catholic Shrines

There were tons of them—some in the water, some on land.

5. Enjoyed the Sculptures

Things We Learned While Visiting Taboga Island

• Bring Cash: While some places accepted credit cards, it would have been good to have cash for small vendors.
• Visit on a Weekday: Weekends can get busy; we were there during the week, so there were no crowds
• Moorings on Taboga Island Can be Unreliable: While we were there, another catamaran broke free from its mooring, and Roy sprung into action!

• Dinghy Dock: There’s no dinghy dock on Taboga Island, per se, but we docked our dinghy behind the ferry, and no one seemed to mind.

Final Thoughts

Taboga Island is a cute little island just a stone’s throw from Panama City. Whether you’re a history buff, hiker, or someone looking for a peaceful beach escape, this island has a bit of something for everyone.

We loved it as a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of Panama City.