Bocas del Toro
The archipelago of Bocas del Toro lies just a few miles off the northern coast of Panama and is made up of several large islands and many smaller islands and cays. The largest is Isla Colón and most services are available here (hospital, bank, supermarket etc). There is a good selection of restaurants and accommodation catering to most budgets and it makes an excellent base for exploring the islands. There are several beaches on Isla Colón which can be reached by a variety of rental vehicles or taxi. However, they do not really compare to those reached by boat or those on nearby Isla Bastimentos.
Activities abound in Bocas del Toro. Visit our playful friends in Dolphin Bay, hang out with hammerhead sharks as you scuba near Bastimentos, soar over the islands on a parasailing excursion, learn to sail a catamaran, bike to Bat Cave, ride the waves on Playa Bluff, Isla Carenero and Isla Bastimentos or just lay back on white sand and soak up the sun. All of this and more can be organized by the various tour operators on the islands. Cheap and efficient water taxis also make exploring the islands on your own a feasible option.
Highlight
If weather is good, a visit to Cayos Zapatillos should not be missed. Part of the Marine National Park, two small islands fringed with white sand and surrounded by beautiful untouched coral reef.
BEACHES IN BOCA DEL TORO
On Isla Colón is the easiest nice beach to reach. Good for surfing, but not for swimming.
Is a less scenic beach on Isla Colón but it has a reputation for great surfing.
Is 45 minutes from town on the other side of Isla Colón. It is a beautiful palm-fringed white sand beach. Prime for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing at the restaurant/bar.
The island directly across from town has swimming, snorkeling and diving at Hospital Point. A nice a bed & breakfast is also located on this island: www.solarteinn.com.
On Bastimentos offers swimming in certain areas, diving at Dolphin Rock, snorkeling and surfing. This beach is good for learning to surf as there are no rocks and the waves aren't high. Drinks are available from the bar. Playa Polo hosted the first European series of SURVIVOR.
Is another lovely beach on Isla Bastimientos. At night you may see the famous sea turtles.
Offer some of the best skin diving in the marine park, windward from Crawl Cay. The variety of underwater ecosystems includes fan gardens and coral reefs. Choose from a variety of depths and currents to suit your skill. More intrepid and experienced divers can explore a series of nearby caves, which reside at 40 ft. and require underwater lights.
On Isla Bastimentos is one of Panama's most beautiful surf and swimming beaches. This is the only place in the world where the red poison dart frog lives in its natural habitat. Food and drinks are sold at the bar. The beach is a short hike through the forest and you will have to pay $1.00 entrance to the park.
On Isla Colón is a great place for swimming. Many starfish hang out near the shore. It can only be reached by water taxi.
HOTELS IN BOCA DEL TORO
Budget Hotels $7-$35
6612-1209
Mid Range $35-$99
High End $100+
