Page 91 - The Rough Guide to Panama (Travel Guide)

Isla Taboga Panama City 89
before arriving, forty-five minutes later, at three well-tended crosses – the burial sites of a 1
trio of buccaneers who foolishly tangled with some Taboganos. Bearing left again, the
trail soon emerges from the undergrowth onto the dirt road to the summit.
aRRiVaL anD inFORmatiOn iSLa taBOGa
By boat Two companies run boats to Taboga. The even buy a ticket a day in advance. There are fewer
traditional way to travel is on the Calypso Queen (T314 departures in the rainy season; call to confirm. Taboga Ferry
1730), which offers great views from the open top deck and Express (T6234 8989, Wtabogaexpress.com) runs a more
affords close-ups of the ships waiting to transit the Canal. frequent, faster and more expensive daily service from
There are usually two daily departures from La Playita on Balboa Yacht Club, on the causeway (30min; $20 return).
the Amador Causeway, near the entrance to the Punta Tourist information The English-language website
Culebra Nature Centre (50min; $14 return), with extra Wtaboga.panamanow.com is a useful resource.
crossings at weekends and on public holidays when you’ll Money Take sufficient cash with you; there is no ATM on
need to get there 1hr beforehand to be sure of a seat, or Taboga.
aCtiVitiES anD tOURS
Kayaking One- or two-person kayaks are available at ($20/person) and historical walking tours round San
Playa Restinga ($5/30min). Pedro.
Taboga taxi and tours 30m to the right of the jetty, Whale Watching Panama T6758 7600, Wwhale
as you leave the ferry T6061 7986. This little outfit watchingpanama.com. Half-day trips from Panama City
can fix you a couple of hours in a panga, including a spot to spot humpback whales in the migration season
of snorkelling, for around $60 for the boat. They also run (July–Oct; from $175; minimum six people), accompanied
an ATV excursion up to the island’s three main summits by a naturalist guide.
aCCOmmODatiOn
Accommodation on the island is limited and generally overpriced. Some locals rent out rooms informally for $20–40;
they’ll often meet the morning ferry to drum up custom, otherwise ask at Restaurante Mundi by the jetty.
★ Cabañas Verde Mar Opposite the jetty T6410 three-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes and private
9641, Everdemartaboga@gmail.com. Six simple, cosily balconies. $100
decorated self-catering cabins spread around shady Hotel Vereda Tropical Above the main path T250
tropical gardens, each with two bedrooms (with a/c, and 2154, Whotelveredatropical.com. The most comfortable
sleeping four; $30/person) and a spacious veranda with a of the island’s accommodation exudes a Spanish hacienda-
hammock. $60 style feel in its tasteful rooms with rustic tiling and fans
Cerrito Tropical B&B Up the hill from the village (a/c costs $15 more); some overlook the ocean. The terrace
centre T6489 0074, Wcerritotropicalpanama.com. provides lovely views to accompany excellent food – try
This friendly B&B offers plain double rooms with a/c, fan, the house corvina in coconut and passion fruit sauce ($15)
private bathroom and shared balcony, and one- to – but prices are high and service is hit-and-miss. $72
EatinG
The island’s eating options are restricted and service is slow, so if you join the summer weekend crowds it’s probably
worth bringing a picnic.
★ Calaloo Main path, 50m to the left when leaving the Restaurante Mundi 50m to the right when leaving
jetty T6000 5172, Wfacebook.com/CalalooPanama. the jetty T250 2292 or T6429 4803, Whospedaje
Cheery, breezy café-restaurant looking across the main path munditaboga.com. Small restaurant with an agreeable
to Playa Honda – great for people-watching. The tasty, prow-shaped deck over the water and rustic wooden
varied menu ranges from hummus and roast vegetables to furniture, serving fried breakfasts and tasty seafood with
fresh fish with patacones and salad, plus fresh fruit juices rice or patacones at tourist prices ($14–18). They can
and ice-cold cocktails. Mon–Fri 8.30am–4pm, Sat & Sun deliver to the beach. Daily 8.30am–4pm.
8.30am–9pm.

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