Isla Colon

Isla Colon is the heart, always beating, of the province of Bocas del Toro, in the Panamanian Caribbean. On this island you’ll find some of the best beaches in the archipelago. Visit them and find all kinds of adventures, snorkel in beautiful reefs or surf among wild waves. Walk trails that connect hidden landscapes with places full of life or walk through the forest to connect with nature. 

Things to Do in Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro:

When you go to Isla Colon, you’ll be visiting a historical and very important place for the Afro-Caribbean culture of our country. The culture of Bocas del Toro is rich in history, gastronomy and art. Make a stop to learn the details of a resilient town struggling to keep its legacy alive. Eat at local restaurants, participate in festivities, learn about their dialect, guari guari, and dance to their music. Experience the Caribbean with those who make it a complete paradise. 

Bocas Town: The Starting Point

Pedal through Bocas Town and its surroundings. This small town is the center of the archipelago. Most tours, boats and public transport to the rest of the islands depart from here. It’s the place from where all your adventures will begin.

Explore Unique Beaches and Wildlife

Visit Boca del Drago Beach and enjoy an afternoon of kayaking or take advantage of the gentle waves to try surfing. To keep exploring, take the trail to Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella), famous for its abundance of starfish, and walk along wooden bridges through the mangroves.

The importance of Protecting the Starfish

To ensure their conservation. Do not touch them or take them out of the water, remember that they are living beings and need our protection.

Isla Pajaros: A Paradise of Birds and Coral Reefs

Boats depart from Playa Drago for Bird Island (Isla Pájaros), which is perfect for birdwatching, diving, and snorkeling. Very close to Isla Colón, you'll find some of the best spots in the Caribbean for these activities.

Playa Bluff: For Surfers and Adventures

For professional surf lovers, a must-visit is Playa Bluff, a huge expanse of golden sand where nature mixes with small hotels, restaurants and bars, in front of huge waves that seem to have no rest.

Descubre Pequeños Senderos a Ambos Lados de Playa Bluff

Que te llevan a nuevos lugares hermosos. Playa Escondida es un santuario en estado virgen para disfrutar del paisaje natural. La Piscina y Blue Lagoon son paraísos que solo se pueden disfrutar cuando las aguas están bajas y calmadas.

Outdoor Activities in Isla Colón

To keep you always busy, Isla Colon offers you surf and diving schools that get you certified in these sports, as well as rental places with all the necessary equipment; you can also get kayaks, bicycles and ATVs to explore every corner and do not miss anything.

And to End the Day

After exploring the islands and experiencing a thousand adventures, there's nothing quite like returning to Bocas Town and enjoying its waterfront bars and restaurants. With a prime view and a relaxed vibe.

In the Heart of Bocas Town

In Bocas Town, the urban center of Isla Colon, there are the largest number of hotels, restaurants and bars. It’s a favorite spot for young adults looking for its famous nightlife. 

In the Peaceful Surroundings

On the outskirts of town and on the opposite side of the island, you can stay in much quieter places to recharge and connect with nature. 

Although the island is small and does not lose its charm of a Caribbean paradise, it’s quite ready for tourists. On Isla Colon, there are hotels devoted to surfing and yoga retreats, large hostels with experiences for young adventurers, boutique hotels for those looking for comfort, and rental houses for the more independent. 

Remember that Isla Colon is the connecting spot to reach the diverse and incredible natural paradises that the province offers. Walk through the center of the village to find the ports of departure to all the islands and tours. In Bocas, there is no time to lose, as there are new experiences every day. Try to plan and book your vacation in advance so that nothing is left out, but remember that Isla Colon can surprise you, so leave some free time to discover something new.

Responsible Tourism, Natural

Sanctuary

Responsible Tourism, Natural

Sanctuary

 

When you visit Isla Colon and its surroundings, you’ll be in the middle of a haven of life. Both the inhabited and unspoiled beaches are home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Therefore, when you visit us, do so in an environmentally responsible way. 

Bocas is a paradise. Help us keep it that way. Don’t leave trash and respect wildlife. In addition to wanting to protect our landscape and environment, the natural setting you see here is part of a much larger green corridor. Protecting the natural setting of Bocas is protecting the natural setting of the entire region. Don’t leave behind anything that doesn’t belong to the landscape and don’t take a piece of it with you. When doing sport activities, respect the rules and follow the instructions of experts. 

By Land and Sea

To get to Isla Colon by land from Panama City, take the Pan-American Highway for approximately 6 hours to Chiriqui. Find the detour to Gualaca on the right hand side and continue 3 more hours to Puerto Almirante. You can also take a bus from the Grand Albrook Terminal to the David Terminal, where you must take another bus that will take you to the port.

In Puerto Almirante, you must take a ferry or water taxi for about 35 minutes and you’ll finally arrive on the island. 

By Air

Sure, there’s a much faster alternative: From Marcos A. Gelabert Airport, there are 45-minute direct flights to Capitan Jose Ezequiel Hall Airport, in Bocas Town, Isla Colon.

The Best of Bocas del Toro