Bocas del Toro and its Good Vibes
Bocas del Toro is one of the favorite destinations among Panamanians and visitors. Just a 45-minute flight from Panama City brings you to the north-westernmost province of the country. Immerse yourself in its cultures, cross forest-covered mountains, sail through mangroves, swim among reefs, surf the perfect wave and discover the good vibes of Bocas.
Bocas del Toro is divided in two, it has a continental side and its archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. The continental side is very green. It is preserved thanks to its protected areas such as La Amistad International Park (PILA), the Bosque Protector de Palo Seco and one of the indigenous communities you can visit: the Naso Tjër Di.
If you visit them, you can explore their lands, sleep in their villages and learn about their customs. We recommend you hire a certified guide and have a car to take the roads.
If you are looking for activities in the sea, the Bocas Archipelago is a destination not to be missed. Its nine islands and thousands of islets, its crystal clear waters with a constant temperature of 79 °F (26 ºC) and its types of waves and surf spots have made it famous around the world.
But that's not all. Because of its immense diversity of coral and marine fauna, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute settled in the archipelago. It was also declared a Hope Spot by Mission Blue, for the restoration of coral reefs. This is a great reason to add diving and snorkeling to your travel plans.
The archipelago of Bocas is a reflection of the Afro-Caribbean culture. On the streets you’ll hear calypso and reggae rhythms, you’ll perceive the essence of its cuisine and you’ll even hear guari-guari– a language that is a mixture of English, French and Spanish, very distinctive of its culture.
Bocas has 3 main islands: Isla Colón, Isla Carenero, and Isla Bastimentos. Most surfers and travelers alternate their visit among them.
Isla Colón
It is the main island, home to the provincial capital, Bocas Town. Here is the small international airport. This is the most developed island of the archipelago, it is rustic, very colorful and full of lodgings with docks on the sea. It is also the only one with paved roads, which makes getting around by bike, on foot or cab very easy.
In Bocas Town, you’ll find the largest array of services: luxury hotels, bungalows and hostels, a variety of tours and activities, international food, stores, pharmacies, ATMs, and of course nightlife.
Isla Carenero
Just across the way is Isla Carenero, just 2 minutes away by water taxi. This is a small but full scale island. You can walk around it in an hour following a path that passes by beaches, bars, hotels and renowned surf spots. There are surfing spots for all levels.
Isla Bastimentos
It is one of the largest islands of Bocas. It is home to the authentic Afro community of Old Bank and Panamá's first marine park: Bastimento National Marine Park. This island is also famous for all its wildlife, for its contrast between beaches without human intervention and others with villas and resorts, but above all, for its wild waves: the most sought after by pro and advanced surfers.
The three islands are quite close together, and hopping between them is very easy with tours and water taxis. Depending on where you are staying, many can pick you up and drop you off at the hotel pier.
What to do in
Bocas del Toro
Diving and Snorkeling
Bocas del Toro is a diving paradise because of its abundant and diverse marine...
Afro Community
The Bocas del Toro Afro-Antillean experience in the Panamanian Caribbean is rich...
Trails and Waterfalls
If you love walking through wild scenery, this is the perfect place for you:...
Surfing
In the Panamanian Caribbean, Bocas del Toro is a world-renowned...
Beaches
The Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro is known for its natural abundance....
Indigenous Communities
Bocas del Toro's culture and history is rich everywhere you look. These...
Cacao
Bocas del Toro is home to the “black gold,” the precious cacao that...
Birdwatching
If you are one of those who travel with binoculars in hand and know birds by...
From Panama City, you can take a 45-minute flight from Marcos A. Gelbert Airport to Bocas Town on Isla Colón.
If you go by bus or car, from Panama City to the port of Almirante in Bocas del Toro is approximately 9 hours, followed by a 35-minute boat ride.
If you are traveling from Chiriquí, you can reach Bocas by a 4-hour trip from David to Almirante by car or bus, and then a 35-minute boat ride to Isla Colón.
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