Panamanian Residents of Taboga Prevented Tourists from Disembarking

On the morning of Saturday, November 1st, a group of residents from Taboga Island staged a protest at the port to express their rejection of the increase in the price of ferry tickets, a measure that they say directly affects their economy due to the lack of jobs on the island.  Protesters blocked boats carrying tourists from disembarking, demanding that the Taboga Express Fast Ferry reverses the fare increase that took effect on November 1, 2025. According to residents, the fare hike disproportionately affects locals, who use the service more frequently than tourists. 

“We spend money on tickets more frequently than tourists, so it doesn’t seem fair that they raise the price when we’re the ones who use the ferry constantly,” said one of the residents during the protest.  Faced with community pressure, Taboga Express Fast Ferry issued an official statement announcing a temporary agreement with residents. In the document, the company stated that current fares will remain in effect until a meeting with local authorities, scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025.  The company specified that prices will remain at $20 round trip for adults and $14 round trip for children and resident retirees.

“The existing price is guaranteed for permanent residents of the Island until the date of the meeting,” the statement clarified.  The agreement has been received as a temporary respite by the people of Taboga, who hope that a definitive solution will be reached at the next meeting that benefits both the island’s inhabitants and the ferry operating company.  Taboga Island, also known as the “Island of Flowers,” relies heavily on maritime transport to connect with the capital city, so any adjustment to ferry fares directly impacts the daily lives of its residents and the flow of visitors.