Isla Colón
Restaurants, Events, Nightlife and Golden Sand Beaches
Isla Colon is home to the capital district of the Bocas del Toro province. It is the most populated island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
Isla Colon
The Hub of the Bocas del Toro Islands, Panama
The central hub of the Bocas del Toro archipelago is where most of the hotels, restaurants, bars, tour operators, and businesses are located. Bocas Town is where you will find the Bocas del Toro International Airport with direct flights from Panama City. Home to the majority of events and activities, this is where you will find a lively downtown atmosphere and wild beaches and lush jungle. This island truly has it all.
Bocas Town
Bocas Town sits on the southernmost node of Isla Colon, and it is the capital and main town of the Bocas del Toro islands. Though Bocas Town is the bustling center of the area, it is still small and easy to get around. Most hotels, restaurants, and bars are located on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd street (Main St). In the center of town is the Simon Bolivar Park where artisans sell food and handicrafts. Taxis are everywhere, but most locals get around on bicycles, which are rented all over town.
Walk around Bocas Town and explore the shops for artisan work. See live music in over-the-sea restaurants, the center of town, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of downtown Bocas.
There are many restaurants in Bocas Town, in fact, you might be surprised at the quality and variety of food you can find in such a small town. Over-the-water restaurants offer happy hour specials from late afternoon onward. At night, Bocas Town lights up with music and events. Check out the many bars and discotheques and enjoy a night dancing and letting loose in Bocas Town.
Bluff Beach
Bluff Beach is famous for its golden sand and jungle backdrop. Dotted with beachfront restaurants, this is a magical place where you can still find a little section just to yourself. This beach is also a significant nesting area for different species of sea turtles. Go on horseback tours in the jungles. Disconnect from everything by just laying on a hammock by the beach or grab a few tubes in its shore pounding waves- Bluff Beach shouldn’t be missed by any visitor.
Starfish Beach
Boca del Drago is a great option for snorkeling or enjoying a relaxing day at the beach. Here you will find delicious beachfront restaurants offering fresh seafood and local cuisine. Have lunch and then enjoy great snorkeling just out front. You can also walk over to Starfish Beach or take a boat tour to Bird Island. Starfish Beach is an excellent spot for swimming as it faces the mainland and doesn’t have waves.
Bird Island
Bird Island, a municipal reserve, is a small rocky outcropping just out from the northern tip of Isla Colon. Sea birds such as terns, frigates, shearwaters, and gulls circle around the island while smaller forest-dwelling birds flit in and out of the dense canopy. This is the only place in Panama you can see the Red-Billed Tropicbird, identifiable by the long ribbon-like tail feathers flowing behind them as they glide around the island. The area around the island is accessible only during calm seas. This is a bird watching paradise and the perfect place to get a taste of the wild Caribbean. Remember, people are not permitted to access the island itself.
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.
