Hola! Bienvenidos! Welcome to beautiful Isla Taboga!
Buenos dias. Good morning country collectors. If you've been following along you know we've been
having a blast here in Panama City and today the fun continues. That's right we are taking
a ferry to Isla Taboga to soak up some of those Tropical Island Vibes. I cannot wait to get over
there but before we get started please hit that subscribe button and ring the bell so you don't
miss out on any of our future adventures. We are down here at Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina it's
here on Isla Flamenco on the Amador Causeway we showed you in our last video. This is where the
Taboga Fast Ferry leaves from. So you can either buy tickets here or online, we did it online. I
recommend if you're coming on the weekend or a holiday buy them online because I heard they
sell out. It costs $24 round trip for non-nationals like ourselves and twenty dollars for Nationals.
And I believe $14 round trip for children. Isla Taboga is about 20 kilometers from Panama City
so we are going to be taking this lovely Ferry right here the Taboga Express. We heard that
there are some tour operators like Barefoot Panama that do all-inclusive tours including lunch
but today we're just gonna DIY it. The lovely lady up at the desk just told us the departure
times. Eight o'clock is the first one then it goes 9:30 am and 11 am. The last boat back from the
island on the weekdays is four on the weekends they have an extra journey so you get another
hour so it comes back at five o'clock. It's only gonna take about 30 minutes to get there that's
a fast ferry for you. Looks like people are lined up over here so why don't we hop in line head down
to the boat and start this adventure! And just like that we are off! You can hear the music is
playing and everyone is just excited to get over there. Inside they have covered seating
if you want to be out of the sun or you can sit out here on the sun deck and just take it all
in. I am loving it already! Yeah we're going by these really beautiful boats here in the marina.
And you know what we're gonna be there before you know it so let's enjoy it together!
So far so awesome! We're passing all these ships that are heading into the Panama
Canal. And the one in front of me sort of reminds me of the Titanic. Maybe you can see it it looks
like smoke stacks even though it isn't. Yeah this is just so cool! And check it out we have already
made it! What a ride. I mean the time really flew by with these blue skies, all those boats out there,
the birds cruising on the water. Yeah and I am so excited! The houses look nice and fun and colorful
and the beach looks great! All right let's get on that island. Let's start having some fun. Check it
out here's the welcome sign and I am feeling very welcome. And I also see something right over here
that looks very special let's go check it out. It's the colorful Taboga letters which as you know is
a great place to snap a photo. And before we head out you know we just took a moment to sit here and
really just take it all in. You know it's so neat that you can go just 30 minutes from the city and
be transported to this quiet Tropical Paradise. I mean it's a whole other world. That hustle and
bustle we just like left it behind as the wind kind of blew us over here. I love the sound of the
waves and the rocks just kind of like doing that little grind. The boats are just sitting out here.
It's gorgeous. Yes it is well all right let's get going and yeah just see what we can find. It looked
like most of the people were getting off the boat heading straight to the beach there's one right
here that looks really nice. It connects this like main part of the island to this other little part
over here. I can't wait to go down and check it out but there's some stuff we want to do in town first
before it gets too hot. Don't you worry though we'll be back in a little bit. And as you enter
the island they have a map right here so you can get your bearings. And it looks like there's a path
that runs along the shoreline so we'll probably take that through town but first I see some food
over here and you know we're hungry we need a little breakfast so let's go grab something!
Four empanadas please and a beer. Just kidding! I mean it is a light beer isn't that okay before 10 a.m. What else does she have right here?
She also has some liver and some fry bread as well it looks like this is pretty popular because we're just at the
end and I see a lot of people around eating the same stuff. Yeah! And can I just say this Empanada
is one of the best I've ever had and I'm not just saying that. It's fried to perfection, stuffed with
chicken and nice and hot so definitely stop by that lady when you arrive to the island. And
look at this! We've seen people going by on golf carts. It seems to be the main mode of transport
here. We did see a couple trucks go by but this is just so cool! And if you would like to come for an
extended stay you can stay here on the island. We were just walking past this place it's called The
Taboga Palace Spa Hotel. I believe it's a four-star hotel so you can come and treat yourself. And just
over here there's an ATM I actually heard there weren't ATMs on the island but it looks like
there is one but it is out of service so we would just recommend bringing enough cash with you. And
check out this super cute house! I would like to live here. I love that yellow. And look at all the
flowers. Speaking of flowers... You know we heard that Isla Taboga is known as the Island of Flowers but
we were not expecting this. They are literally everywhere. Every time we turn a corner there's
another blooming beautiful colorful flower to just sort of ignite your senses! And there's
birds everywhere too as well. This is actually a volcanic island so there are so many nutrients
that make it rich and make it possible for plants like this and fruit bearing trees to grow here as
well. It seems like as you're walking around there are so many colorful restaurants right
along the main walkway here on the water and that color seems to extend to everything. Look at this
even this bench is beautiful! We got a toucan and I just wanted to say thank you to Marcela!
And I was wondering what happens in that situation. It looks like the bigger vehicle always wins! And a
little further down along the water here there's a walkway that has this cover over it. It looks
like they're trying to grow some vines with flowers over it. You can see little patches of
them as you get down a little bit farther but it's pretty even without the flowers. Let's talk a walk. Let's do
it. And when you look out at the water there's this beautiful beach, the little boats and then
a little bit farther it's just like all of those huge ships waiting to get into the canal. It's like
battleships almost isn't it? It really is like battleships and even just in the distance here
you can still see the city. I think the plaza is just up here so why don't we go see. And it
looks like we found it. Here's the church and then you know what's always next to the church,
the basketball court! Oh let's play some hoops baby oh check out those moves! AND 1! Behind me here is
Iglesia de San Pedro. It was founded in 1524 and what makes it special is that is supposedly the
second oldest church in the western hemisphere which I'm guessing means that this basketball
court is the second oldest basketball court in the Western Hemisphere. I just made it up I don't know! I doubt that!
And like most islands we have been on they got their fair share of Chickens. This one has a little chicks
in tow, they are so so cute! And make sure while you're here bring a hat, sunscreen, have plenty of
water because it is super super hot and get shade and rest when you can! That was great but let's
head a little bit further south and see what else we can find. And as we continue walking you can
see the homes are kind of just built up into the hillside. We've seen some locals out and about just
Chit Chating and the town is still very quiet, super clean just has an overall really nice vibe here.
And it seems like there are so many nice relaxing places to stay here. Like this right here it's got
a five-star rating, they have a swimming pool a nice little place to hang out. I think we might
have to come back here and spend the night because it's so relaxing. Yeah nice little getaway! And this
is something we have never seen before. They have little garages for their golf carts out here. It's
just like a fence with a roof but it keeps it safe. As you can see we are are heading out of town a
little bit. We're gonna head up this mountain here to the cross on the hill. I told Adam to
wear sneakers today and he's like why aren't we going to the beach? We're going on a little hike
but first we just passed by the cemetery and it got me thinking. You know back in the day when the
French started building the Panama Canal 22,000 men ended up losing their lives. And they didn't
know what the illness was. It was kind of like this mystery illness. So they sent them here to
Taboga Island to quarantine before they found out it was caused by malaria and yellow fever. So it
got me wondering if there are some French men over there in the cemetery from that time. It's a good
question. Yeah if you know let us know all right well let's keep going. We heard it can be a little
bit tricky to actually find your way up to the cross. The first step is to get to the end of the
paved road and then you get to a dirt road. Then we have to look for a path that starts going up.
I don't know what else to say. Let's do it! Let's do it!
Oh my gosh we were just talking I'm like we're nuts! Like you can literally see the heat like
shimmering off of the dirt, like the wavelengths. Like you get off pavement sometimes but it's happening in the dirt
here. That's how hot it is! I don't know if you can see the massive amount of sweat coming down. Oh they can see it. And this just
shows you how much we love you. We're willing to sacrifice everything, our health. No. Sacrifice
a little bit of us to get up that mountain for you to give you some great views! We got this babe.
We got it! Let's keep trucking! And what the heck is this? It's like we're walking in flour. I feel
like an elephant in Africa! It's so hot the Earth is giving up and just becoming dust. Oh gosh, my shoes are filthy!
Looks like you found a sign, what's it say?
It says turn back now because it's too hot! No I'm just kidding. It says that Cerro De La Cruz or the
The Cross Hill is right up here. So we're just gonna get on this path and keep on going
hopefully we make it! We will We Will! We can do it as long as they're here with us. And I know we said
it was going to be a bit tricky because on the Google Maps that's what it said but it looks like
somebody put up some signage for us so whoever you are thank you very much. You see the grade has
definitely increased but come on we got this. It is steep but it's not gonna be too long. Let's go!
And we just saw somebody they gave up they said it was just too hot but we are not
going to do that. We're going to persist! We have water. I hope so! What do we got left in here?
It might be warm but we got water.
It's nice and warm. Oh man. This is tough. Look we found
some shade right now. It looks like we have already probably made it halfway.
Not a lot of shade here so when you can find it definitely catch that breeze, just take a breather.
That's nice. Oh a little shade. That's what I just told them. It's nice right? It is and there's a little
breeze too. See how I told you. We can do it. And if you're gonna attempt this just know like.
This is no joke.
This heat in August.
It's really really trying. And like you can see the trail is all rocks so that's why you gotta
wear nice footwear but looks like we are almost there. And Adam was just like did you say August?
That just goes to show you my brain is just frying a little bit from it. It's April. Oh gosh
look what it is. We've done it! Babe you made! Yay.
It's bad. Yup he's mad at me. It's fine babe. It's just so hot. I'm gonna let Adam sit there and then
you know try to catch his breath. If I knew it was gonna be this tough probably wouldn't have done
it but I can say these views are definitely worth it up here. With the ships out in the distance, you
see the beaches down here and all those colorful houses. So I think we're just gonna you know sit
by the cross right here, reflect a little bit and just enjoy the fruits of our labor. Of our
hard effort. There are some people down here you can hear them like laughing and they're jumping
off the side of a pirate ship into the water and it looks so nice! That'll be a soon. I wish they had a...
You know what they should do get a zip line up here. You get up and then you zip right down to the
bottom. Oh hey that's a good business idea. Let's do it. And if you're up for an even more strenuous
hike we learned there's one that goes up to a bunker on the top of the hill. We learned that
during World War II the U.S. used this island for artillery practice so they would shoot from there
down to a ship located by the smaller island down here. So pretty neat stuff. Woah! I almost fell off
the side of the cliff. Now that we've cooled down a little bit and I do just mean a little bit we
are gonna head back down to town and fuel up again. Maybe get some food a drink, perhaps a pina colada?
Sounds so good! And go to the beaches? That
sounds awesome! I could really use a little plunge into some cool water! Me too. We'll
see you down there. Welcome back to town. We survived! We did survive. It was this close
though I almost didn't make it. Over here is Playa Honda there's a few people in the water
but let me tell you we were here this morning and it was so quiet this place has changed. There are
some catamarans down on the water, there's there's like little cruise ships here. The
shops are open there's people walking around listening to music. It's definitely much more
lively. We're gonna head down to that beach I showed you when we first got off the dock
today though and I am dolphinately hungry. Thanks for being here for me buddy. So let's head over there!
And look who's coming. This little cutie! Hi!
He's on a mission just like we are. As you can see down here by Playa Restinga this is where
a lot of the restaurants on the beach and like the souvenir shops are. I just saw this lady come
out of here with a whole pineapple filled with a pina colada and I think that's just what the
doctor ordered! Yes please. Let's head in. Oooo! Pineapple! Oh wow! With a little heart on it. This looks incredible!
Wow! I love that it reminds me when we were on Isla Ixtapa! Remember? Oh yeah you got the little mouse drink. Yeah. They
were in there the guy like did this thing he twisted out the core, chopped it up, they threw
these little pineapples on the side. I mean it wouldn't be a tropical drink without a little
umbrella on it. And then a little heart because we love you! Oh why don't you try it!
That is the perfect pineapple flavor. There is nothing artificial about it. They just they just
blended up the pineapple and it tastes perfect with just a hint of rum. Maybe a little bit more
than a hint! And we were loving it so much here we asked if they had food and she said we got
fish so we both got fried fish. We've already jumped into it but it's so delicious. He said
it was called parga, the type of fish. And we didn't know this but apparently your pina
colada comes with a free refill. How good is that? Pina colada is seven dollars and the fish is twelve
dollars. Delicious! Loving it. We're gonna finish this up and then head to the beach come along!
You feeling good from the Pina Colada? I'm feeling great from that Pina Colada!
Check this out. They're selling the molas here that they make on San Blas Islands, the Guna
people. These are the indigenous people from Panama we're gonna be going there in our next video so
stay tuned for that but right now let's hit that Playa baby! We have arrived at Playa Restinga. It is
so nice down here the sand is this golden kind of color. The water is clear out here. They also rent
umbrellas and chairs starting at five dollars so if you don't want to be in the sun or you've had
enough so far you can just come here and grab one and enjoy yourself on the beach. Let's go
take a little walk. Oh man I love that idea let's go! I had to run across that sand to get my feet
in the water because it is so hot but that water felt so good. I mean it's like the perfect water
temperature for a hot day. Yes and everyone on the beach is just having fun there's even this
lady singing karaoke by herself. Oh yeah well hey if you can't do it with other people you might
as well just do it yourself. Get it girl, live your life! There's people hanging out on jet skis, sitting
in the water having a couple of beers. It looks like a really good time and I think it's our
turn to get in there. And there's also a resort down here right on the water. But this, the tide
is coming up pretty high it's about to get our stuff. You can see behind us the sandbar here at
joins Isla El Morro at low tide so we better get in or move our stuff so it doesn't get soaked. How
about we do both, we move our stuff and we get in. Yeah so come with us! But you know what
before we get in we have to dedicate today to our newest patrons: Mark, Terry and Jason. You
rock! Thank you so much for all of your support it means the world to us. You help to make today
a possible even climbing up that ridiculous Hill to the Cross! How could you make us do that? But
we did it for you because we appreciate you and today is all about you. Yes it's all dedicated
to you so thank you so so much! And if you would like to join our patreon community we'll put the
link in the description below. Well let's get in that water! I can't wait anymore. We all deserve it!
Whew it's hot! Oh my goodness I feel like a little ice cube. It feels so good, that water. It's cold but
so refreshing. And you may be wondering Adam why didn't you take your top off before you came in?
Well because that is my top. The permanent tank top. Someone in one of our photos from like last week
was like Adam I like your white muscle tee. It is pretty muscley! I was like he doesn't have a muscle tee. And then I went and saw
the picture and it just made me crack up! That's so funny. Yeah we gotta lay out in the sun one of
these days because I definitely got the Farmer's tan too. I don't think it's quite as bad as this. No!
But thank you so so much for joining us today. What a fun little day trip here. And we recommend
definitely coming early so you can spend the entire day here. I know we did the hike and
we were filming but like we only got maybe an hour until the last boat leaves you know. Yeah
so we better get to enjoying. Yeah but thank you again so so much. It would have been nowhere near
as much fun if you hadn't been here to share it with. If you enjoyed this video please give
us a big thumbs up, comment, subscribe and don't forget too...
DLING, DLING, DLING, DLING the bell! We'll see you, next time! Adios!