Bocas del Toro, Panama


Bocas del Toro

A Natural Paradise

When you visit Panama on your next vacation, add the Caribbean destination of Bocas del Toro to your list, a Panama must-see attraction.

Sea Turtle Bocas del Toro

About Bocas del Toro, Panama

One of Panama’s Top Destinations

Located on the northern coast of the Panamanian Caribbean sea, you will find the natural paradise of Bocas del Toro, one of Panama’s top destinations. The province of Bocas del Toro stretches from the Talamanca mountain chain, one of the most extensive primary cloud forests in Central America. It is a declared UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves to the islands of Bocas del Toro, home to Panama’s first marine national park. The ecosystem in Bocas is extensive and diverse, from cloud rainforests to lowland mangroves and islands we have it all. The archipelago of Bocas consists of 9 main islands, 52 cays, and thousands of islets.

Bocas del Toro is considered one of the top ecotourism destinations in Panama, offering its visitors an endless number of activities and attractions related to ecotourism. Considered the Galapagos of the Caribbean, Bocas del Toro is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet.

This complex geographical region attributes to our unique biodiversity making Bocas one of the main ecotourism destinations in Central America. Bocas del Toro is more than just another beach destination, and with a little information, you can enjoy all of these attractions.

The sizeable biological diversity makes Bocas del Toro, one of the main ecotourism destinations in Panama and Central America. The seas surrounding the archipelago has more than 95% of the coral species found in all of the Caribbean Sea, and more than 32 mammals have been documented on the Bocas islands alone. It is no surprise that the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has a research station here.

Bocas del Toro Culture

However, it’s not only the natural environment that lures tourists to our shores. Bocas del Toro is also a melting pot of local indigenous tribes, Afro-Antillean cultures, and ex-pats from Asia, North and South America, Europe, and Africa. Restaurants and cultural events light uptown parks and the streets of Bocas Town with music and food.

This natural paradise also offers a never-ending amount of activities: surfing, hiking, biking, diving, bird watching, and much more. No matter what the weather is like outside, there is always something to do.

In Bocas, you will find a wide variety of accommodations for all types of visitors. We have hotels located on the main strip of Bocas Town as well as others in more natural surroundings offering a peaceful getaway. Bocas del Toro has a never-ending amount of hotels and sustainable accommodations. Find all-inclusive luxury resorts, off-the-grid sustainable eco-lodges, surfer hostels, family-run bed and breakfasts, beachfront glamping options, luxury villas, and much more.  

If you are looking for a vacation full of adventure or relaxation, surrounded by a natural paradise, you are invited to discover Bocas del Toro’s magic.

Information

History of Isla Colón

Bocas del Toro is a picturesque archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea on the northern side of Panama’s isthmus. These islands were first discovered (and named after) Christopher Columbus in 1502, utilized initially as a place used for refuge and repairs to his fleet of ships.

 

Isla Colón Culture

Bocas del Toro was once one of Panama’s most critical provinces during the 20th-century banana boom. During this time, Europeans, Afro-Antillean workers from the Panama Canal, and Americans around the continent came to Bocas del Toro. They came to work for the banana plantations and help build what once was a bustling Bocas Town. Fast forward a little over 100 years – Bocas del Toro is a mix of Afro-Antillean and indigenous locals as well as European, Asian, and American ex-pats. All these residents call Bocas del Toro home.

 

How to Get to Isla Colón

Bocas Town is where you will find the Bocas del Toro International Airport with direct flights from Panama City and San Jose, Costa Rica. There are also boat taxis and the Bocas Ferry transporting both people and vehicles to Isla Colón.

Safety on Isla Colón

Bocas Town is the hub of the Bocas del Toro islands, is where the central police station is located. Lots of police are supervising the islands, but it’s important to practice common knowledge when visiting. Make sure to not leave your things along on the beach if you decide to go for a swim.

Isla Colón Tips & Tricks

Make sure you pack the right attitude. Remember, you are in the Caribbean on island time. Things may take longer to happen, plans may change, it may rain, and the ATM, the electricity, the internet, and even the water service could run out on you at times. This is all part of your adventure, so take it as the material for a good story, and you will enjoy your stay a lot more.

Things to Do

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