Taboga Island Catamaran Cruise with Lunch from Panama City

Fuerte Amador and the Amador Causeway

Your cruise begins at the Fuerte Amador marina at the tip of the Amador Causeway, a road built on rock dug out during the construction of the Panama Canal that links the mainland to the small islands of Naos, Perico and Flamenco. Lined with palm trees, cycle paths and restaurants, the causeway is one of the city's favourite places for a stroll, with the Bridge of the Americas on one side and the skyline on the other.

Because there is no hotel pickup on this cruise, it is worth knowing that the marina is about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi from the Financial District or Casco Viejo. Arrive in good time and wear a complete outfit at the marina, as walking around in swimwear only is not permitted. Our team sends you the exact meeting details on WhatsApp after booking.

Sailing the Bay of Panama

As the catamaran heads out, the city spreads out behind you: the glass towers of Punta Paitilla and the Financial District, the old quarter of Casco Viejo on its peninsula, and the green hills of Ancon. Ahead, dozens of cargo ships, tankers and cruise ships lie at anchor in the bay, waiting for their turn to enter the canal locks, an impressive sight that shows the scale of world trade passing through Panama.

The crossing to Taboga takes about an hour. Pelicans and frigatebirds glide over the water, and between July and October humpback whales arrive in the Bay of Panama to give birth, so keep an eye on the horizon. If the wind is right, the crew raises the sails and you can lie in the trampoline nets at the bow as the hulls cut through the waves.

The hidden bay behind Taboga Island

Before reaching the village, the catamaran sails around to the back of Taboga Island, a wild side with steep green slopes and no buildings, where it anchors in a calm bay with beautiful natural views. This is your first swim of the day: jump from the deck into the warm Pacific water or use the steps at the stern to slip in gently.

The island's coastline and the nearby islets are part of a protected wildlife area known for its nesting brown pelicans, and the clear water around the rocks often shows small fish. After the swim, climb back on board to dry off in the sun, enjoy a snack and dance to the music with the crew as the catamaran sails towards the town side of the island.

Taboga village and beach: the Island of Flowers

Taboga, nicknamed the Island of Flowers for the bougainvillea and hibiscus that spill over its walls, lies about 20 kilometres off Panama City. Its village of San Pedro was founded in 1524, and its small white church is often said to be the second oldest in the Americas. Narrow lanes lead past colourful houses, a little square and shrines decorated with flowers, and a trail climbs to the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint for sweeping views.

Is Taboga Island worth visiting? For a relaxed day by the sea close to the capital, absolutely. After an easy disembarkation at the dock you can spend your time on the main beach, where umbrellas and chairs can be rented, or wander through the village. At low tide a sandbank connects the beach to the islet of El Morro. The best time to visit Taboga is the dry season from December to April.

Life on board: lunch, music and the return cruise

Back on the catamaran, lunch is served on deck: chicken in tomato sauce with rice, a fresh vegetable salad, potato salad and pasta pomodoro, with refreshments on board throughout the day. The boat has a roofed area, seats and tables for meals, and toilets, so you can move between sun and shade as you like.

On the way back, the crew keeps the atmosphere lively with music, while others prefer to stretch out in the nets and watch the skyline grow closer. How to get to Taboga Island? Ferries also run from Amador, but this cruise adds the swim stop, lunch and a comfortable sailing day in one booking. The catamaran returns to Fuerte Amador about six hours after departure, in the mid-afternoon.