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Taboga Island is a volcanic island located in the Gulf of Panama. Learn how you can join the tight-knit expat community in Taboga here.
Partly cloudy
Isla Taboga, or simply Taboga, is a picturesque gem just a brief ferry ride from Panama City. Taboga Island boasts stunning beaches: Playa Honda and Playa Restinga are top picks for both locals and travelers.
This is a volcanic island located in the Gulf of Panama, about 20 km offshore from Panama City. And, its name is a derivative from an Indian word meaning “abundance of fish”.
Today it is also known as the “Island of Flowers” although has also gone by the name Isla de San Pedro, which was the name given by Spanish explorers.
A small island of 12.1 km2 the population is comfortably under 1800 people.
The Taboga island is served by a single road, although there are almost no cars. Isla Taboga with people who are looking for a beach close to Panama City.
Those on stopover flights in Panama can head out to this tropical island for a day before catching the next part of their flight.
Isla Taboga has an interesting history, the western hemisphere’s first saint, Santa Rosa de Lima was conceived on Isla Taboga. The house where her parents lived is still standing today and can be found near to Playa Hondo on the island’s north side.
Santa Rosa de Lima found her calling in Peru where she was known for selfless work with the sick and others in need of her help and comfort.
Henry Morgan, the pirate whose name is entwined throughout Panama’s history, plundered Isla Taboga, as well as Panama City. He wasn’t the only pirate drawn to the island, either.
Many came, attracted by tales of riches which had been buried on the island throughout the ages.
In 1671 Morgan sacked Panama City, and instructed his men to sail to Isla Taboga and steal anything of value. The island was burned to the ground. Later it became a trading point and storehouse for stolen goods.
Various excavations and construction projects have turned up treasure, and it is likely that there is much more to find.
Another interesting tale regarding pirates on the island recounts a lone pirate ship attempting to attack the island.
However on landing, the pirates were met by a huge army which was led by an ethereal looking woman. The woman’s appearance, and the size of the army, caused the pirates to abandon plans of attack. They turned and headed back to their boat and sailed away as fast as they could.
Tabogan folklore dictates that the woman in question was the Virgin del Carman who had protected them. July 16th is commemorated each year as the year when the Virgin del Carman saved the island.
In later years, Isla Taboga played a significant role during the building of the Panama Canal. The French, who started work on the canal, built a 50 bed retreat for the canal workers.
The U.S. took over the building when they started work on the canal. After construction was finished, the center became a resort location. It was named Hotel Aspinwall, after the Panama Railroad promoter William Henry Aspinwall whose company built the cross Panama railway which revolutionized the country.
There is a tight-knit expat community here, everybody seems to know everybody else. Hardly suprising when you consider the size of the island.
It’s can be reassuring though and lots of the residents particularly enjoy the community atmosphere and safety which comes from having neighbors who know, and look out for each other.
The tropical climate is warm all year making it ideal for taking advantage of the activities you can participate in. Hiking and horseback riding are popular on land, as is using a machete to create your own path through some of the thick jungle which covers the land. There are some sandy beaches to swim on and the water is clear and warm, more like the Caribbean than the Pacific. Scuba diving and sailing are popular, as is fishing.
Cerro Vigía is the highest point on the island and offers a special view over the bay to the towers of Panama City. From here you can see the ocean liners queuing up to pass through the canal against the seemingly endless backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
Reviewed By Lief Simon
Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
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Taboga is a 12-square-kilometer island situated in the Gulf of Panama in the Pacific Ocean, 20 kilometers off the mainland.
Getting here is simple. Two ferry companies provide service seven days a week to and from the island. Taboga Express charges US$20 round-trip and Barcos Calypso charges US$14 round-trip. Both leave from Causeway Amador and take 30 to 45 minutes to reach Taboga.
You’ll need to buy your tickets on the companies’ websites ahead of time as the ferries fill up quickly.
The boat ride to Isla Taboga is beautiful. You’ll pass by dozens of gigantic cargo ships waiting their turn to pass through the Canal.
You’ll get dropped off on Taboga’s main pier in town near Playa Honda. There’s a police checkpoint here, and they will search your bags. Important: it’s against the rules to bring your own alcohol to consume on the beach. If you’re coming to Taboga for the day to spend time at the beach, the police will confiscate every single drop of alcohol they find on you. (You can buy alcoholic beverages at the kiosks near the beach.)
Some hotels will pick you up and drop you off at the pier. If you have a reservation, ask the staff if they offer this service
As is true for all islands, many expenses on Isla Taboga are higher than on the mainland. That said, there are savings because the lifestyle is more natural: You won’t be tempted to splurge on entertainment simply because it doesn’t exist.
Utilities like gas, electricity, and water are cheaper here than in Panama City, as is rent. There is no need for a car which also saves money.
Plus, the lack of malls and different options for entertainment mean that frivolous purchases are almost impossible to make here.
Rent for a two-bedroom home in town will set you back about US$500 to US$1,000 a month. Budget at least US$800 a month for a high-quality, comfortable rental.
A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about US$50, or US$15 to US$20 a plate.
A couple renting their home should budget about US$2,500 a month for a well-appointed lifestyle on Taboga. Homeowners will spend around US$1,600 a month.
Most of the homes you’ll find for sale or rent on Taboga are in San Pedro town, along the main road. Many properties have been abandoned over the years as residents move to the mainland, and you can find houses in need of renovation for cheap.
If you’re in the market for a home that’s ready to move into, you can buy a two-bedroom home in town for about US$200,000 to US$350,000.
Alos, it’s possible to find a nice home for less, but you’d need to visit Taboga to scout properties here yourself.
Online listings for Taboga properties are few and far between, and many people sell by word of mouth (and that’s how you’ll get the best deals).
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | - | Not included here as too variable. |
| HOA Fees | - | There are no residential communities on the island. |
| Property Taxes | - | 1.75% to 2.1% |
| Transportation | US$16 | Round-trip ferry ticket for a Taboga resident. |
| Gas | US$7 | Tropigas services the island. |
| Electricity | US$150 | Using air conditioning at night. |
| Water | US$6 | Water isn’t potable. You’ll need to prepare or buy drinking water. |
| Cell Phone | US$40 | Basic Tigo plans for two people. |
| Internet | US$65 | For a Tigo plan with high-speed internet (600 Mbps) and 217 TV channels. |
| Cable TV | - | Bundled with internet. |
| Household Help | US$280 | For an eight-hour day twice a week. Comes out to US$35 per day. |
| Entertainment | US$640 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: US$100. Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: US$60. |
| Groceries | US$500 | Shopping at local supermarkets and PriceSmart in Panama City. |
| Gym Membership | - | No gym on the island. |
| Medical Appointment | US$1 | General consult at public clinic. |
| TOTAL | US$1,705 | Does not include mortgage or property taxes. |
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$800 | Unfurnished, two-bedroom, comfortable home. |
| Transportation | US$16 | Round-trip ferry ticket for a Taboga resident. |
| Gas | US$7 | Tropigas services the island. |
| Electricity | US$150 | Using air conditioning at night. |
| Water | - | Renters don’t pay for public water. |
| Cell Phone | US$40 | Basic Tigo plans for two people. |
| Internet | US$65 | For a Tigo plan with high-speed internet (600 Mbps) and 217 TV channels. |
| Cable TV | - | Bundled with internet. |
| Household Help | US$280 | For a five-hour day twice a week. Comes out to US$35 per day. |
| Entertainment | US$640 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: US$100. Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: US$60. |
| Groceries | US$500 | Shopping at local supermarkets and PriceSmart in Panama City. |
| Gym Membership | - | No gym on the island. |
| Medical Appointment | US$1 | General consult at public clinic. |
| TOTAL | US$2,499 |
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$500 | Most basic kind of rental. |
| Transportation | US$16 | Round-trip ferry ticket for a Taboga resident. |
| Gas | US$7 | Tropigas services the island. |
| Electricity | US$65 | No air conditioning. |
| Water | - | Renters don’t pay for public water. |
| Cell Phone | US$40 | Basic Tigo plans for two people. |
| Internet | US$53 | For a Tigo plan with high-speed internet (300 Mbps) and 220 TV channels. |
| Cable TV | - | Bundled with internet. |
| Entertainment | US$160 | Monthly cost for eating out twice a week at an affordable restaurant: US$40 |
| Groceries | US$350 | Shopping at local supermarkets, farmer’s markets, and buying all local-brand products in Panama City. |
| TOTAL | US$1,191 |
If your personal paradise involves water sports and spending time on the beach, you’re in luck, because activities on Isla Taboga revolve around the sea. Besides the restaurants, there aren’t indoor entertainment options here, making this a destination for those who love being outside.
Here are a few activities you can enjoy year-round on Taboga…
Go fishing—on your own boat, from the shore, or hire one of the local fishermen to take you out and show you the best places to catch red snapper, seabass, tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, and more.
Take a whale watching tour—you can simply ask a local fisherman to take you out on his boat, or, if you have your own, head offshore between July and October to see migrating humpback whales. If you’re lucky, you’ll see them jumping and twisting out of the water.
Sign up for a diving class or snorkeling tour— Scuba Taboga offers both. You can sign up for an introductory diving class for US$110 for one person or US$180 for two people. A snorkeling tour costs US$75, and if you’re feeling brave, nighttime snorkeling tours run US$85.
Kayak or stand-up paddle—the waters surrounding Isla Taboga are gentle enough even for beginners. Scuba Taboga offers tours for both activities and will provide you with equipment.
Hike—climb to the top of Cerro Vigía for a spectacular 360-degree view of Isla Taboga, the Bay of Panama, the line of ships waiting to enter the Canal, the Panama City skyline, and nearby islands like Taboguilla, where ships fuel up before passing through the Canal. This is the highest point on the island, and it takes about an hour-and-a-half to get here. The viewpoint is on top of a U.S. World War II bunker. I recently hiked Cerro Vigía and was lucky to spot an endangered green tree dart frog.
If you’re looking for a shorter hike, Cerro de la Cruz also offers breathtaking views of San Pedro town, the bay, and Panama City in the distance. It should only take you about an hour round-trip.
Immerse yourself in nature—grab your binoculars and go birdwatching in the forest where you can spot 127 species, or catch a glimpse of the sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beaches from August through October.
Head to the beach—Playa Restinga is the most popular beach on Isla Taboga, which also makes it the most crowded. On weekends and holidays it can be difficult to get a spot, so arrive early. If you’re at the pier, Restinga is on the opposite side of the sandbar connecting El Morro to the main island. It’s sandy, has gentle waves, and you’ll be able to see the city skyline from your beach chair.
Playa Honda is in town, directly in front of Calaloo. It also has soft sand and calm waters, and there are usually fishing boats bobbing in the waves just offshore.
Taboga has a mix of sandy and rocky beaches. If you walk to the other side of town, you’ll find quieter, more private beaches. On my last trip I went to Playa Aspín and was the only person there. It was quite rocky though and not one I would choose to swim in. It was, however, a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, and the views of town and the sea were stunning.
If you’re after white-sand beaches and clear, turquoise water, you’re not going to find it on Taboga (look to the islands of Las Perlas archipelago). Instead, the water is a lovely blue-green and the sand, though a darker beige, is fine and smooth.
Attend a cultural celebration—two festivals honor the island’s patron saints. San Pedro Day is on June 29 and begins with a Mass followed by a procession of decorated boats that circle the island. The celebration of Virgen del Carmen falls on July 16 when fishermen take her image out on their boats in her honor.
Indulge in delicious, fresh-caught seafood—the main street is lined with restaurants and kiosks selling expertly prepared seafood recipes, but the expat favorite is Calaloo, close to the pier. Serving up a Caribbean-inspired menu, dishes include ceviche, fried whole seabass or snapper, Caribbean seafood ragout (a hearty seafood stew in tomato sauce), langostinos (prawns) in garlic butter, and lobster.
They also have a delicious vegetarian menu. The chef has lived on Taboga his entire life and is a master at preparing local recipes. The seafood served at Calaloo is purchased
from local fishermen.
Taboga is the perfect place to moor a boat, either temporarily or permanently. With your own boat you can easily explore the beaches on the opposite side of the island that are difficult to reach on foot.
There are around 300 expats from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America living on Isla Taboga. They come from all ages, backgrounds, and careers.
Many are entrepreneurs and have started their own businesses here. Others are digital nomads, taking advantage of the island’s excellent internet and electricity to do their remote work.
A large group of these expats are retirees.
The expat community is close-knit and well-connected. You’ll quickly find opportunities for volunteering and for socializing, including the cultural committee, Lions Club, environmental projects, drinks at the beach or Calaloo restaurant, poker nights, ladies’ walks, activities on the water and at the beach, and more.
You will need to learn Spanish if you make Taboga your home.
Very few locals speak basic English. Your new life will be significantly easier if you pick up conversational Spanish, especially if you plan to start a business, build a home, or get involved in any way with the local community.
The good news is that most locals are happy to help and many would gladly give you classes.
There’s only one health care facility on Isla Taboga, a public Centro de Salud run by the Ministry of Health (MINSA). Cynthia Cudmore Mulder, co-owner of Calaloo restaurant and Cerrito Tropical Eco-Lodge, tells me that the doctor is wonderful.
Cynthia explains that the clinic is open until 3 p.m. each day and after that, if you have an emergency, they’ll do their best to get you on a boat to the city. She says that the clinic is subsidized, making it extremely affordable. You’ll only pay US$1 for a consult and US$10 for a basic procedure.
She recalls one guest at her eco-lodge who had a cough and went to the clinic where he was given a free COVID test. After the test came back negative, the doctor prescribed him three different kinds of medicine. The guest paid US$10 total… an enormous bargain for quality care.
Taboga’s permanent population is small. Everyone seems to know each other and a neighborly feeling pervades the island. People stop for conversations on the street… an elderly lady replaces the flowers adorning one of the many Virgin of Carmen effigies… little kids wander around by themselves… Safety isn’t a concern here.
Locals inform me that crime isn’t a concern either… This is a place where you can walk around without fear of someone snatching your cell phone or your purse if you’re out by yourself. Best practice, no matter where you are in the world, is to use common sense and not make an opportunity of yourself to the potential thief.
Like all of Panama, Taboga has a tropical maritime climate with two seasons. The dry season (“summer”) starts in January and ends in April, and the wet season (“winter”) is from May to December.
The average daily temperature is 83°F (28°C) and at night, temperatures hover around 75°F (24°C).
It’s hot and humid year-round, but the dry season breezes cool things off a bit.
Panama is sheltered from severe natural disasters like hurricanes, tsunamis, and major earthquakes.
The weather changes quickly and even during the wet season it rarely rains all day… usually just a couple of hours and then the sun comes out again.
October and November are the rainiest months, and it can pour all day.
Reviewed By Lief Simon
Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
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A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas Today 2025
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Here at Live And Invest Overseas think Taboga might be for you if you’re after an ocean lifestyle in a destination that has the feel of a small village and that’s close to Panama City, Panama. Also, it’s a good place to start if you want to join the growing community of expats who have found their dream life on Isla Taboga.
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