These beautiful islands located on the Caribbean Sea become the ideal place to spend the day exploring nature and then enjoying its nightlife. Here you will find a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. The Islands and Keys that make up this archipelago represent the vibrant Caribbean culture of Panama.
Below we will give you some details about each one so that you do not miss out on learning about the attractions and activities they offer.
Colon Island
It is the largest, and to the southeast of the island is Bocas del Toro also known as Bocas Town, the capital city of the province. This is the most developed island in the Archipelago.
Most of the hotels, restaurants, and bars are located here. Some of its main attractions are:
Riding a bike around town is a fun adventure. You can build your tour bordering the island with wonderful views of the sea. In this way you will have more contact with Caribbean culture, you can cool off at Paunch Beach and walk along the extensive Bluff Beach.
Bluff Beach is known for its golden sand and the extensive vegetation that surrounds it. Here the waves are impressive, the atmosphere is calm and there are restaurants to eat or have a drink overlooking the sea.
Playa Estrella and Boca del Drago are two beaches that are located 40 minutes from the center of the island. They are the best beaches in the area with crystal clear calm waters and the ideal temperature for bathing, you will also find starfish. There is a wide variety of restaurants serving local food, music, and a Caribbean atmosphere to let yourself go.
Popa Island
It is the second largest island, populated mostly by an indigenous community, with colorful reefs, mangroves, and lush forests where you can see toucans among other bird species. The beaches here are ideal for those who want to be calm and without people around. Being so close to the Keys Zapatilla It can be your previous stop.
Bastimentos Island
Old Bank, is a small Town located on this large island and is home to a large Afro-Caribbean descent community. Here you can discover different restaurants that are located on the seashore or hang out at special events such as the Bastimentos fair that, among other things, offer boat races, local gastronomy, and cultural dances.
The beaches of Punta Vieja and the area called Macca Bite are located in the open sea. They are white sand beaches located in front of the famous Zapatillas Keys, with large reefs and corals that make them an excellent place to practice snorkeling and diving.
Red Frog It is one of the most visited beaches in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. You will be able to see the great variety of vegetation that surrounds it and its natural beauty. It is mostly visited by surfers since it has big waves that make it an ideal place to practice this sport.
The village of Salt Creek is about a 30-minute boat ride from Isla Colon. Here you will see sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, golden frogs, alligators, and bats. There are hiking trails that will allow you to explore the terrestrial part of the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, we recommend you coordinate with a guide.
“Nivida Bat Cave” located nearby to the Bahia Honda community, is a huge cavern with bat swarms and an underground lake. The entrance to the cave goes through a forest between mangroves which makes this walk an unusual adventure that you will never forget.
Zapatillas Keys
These are two small islands surrounded by golden sand beaches and coral reefs full of marine life. They are located within the National Marine Park of Isla Bastimentos. Its crystal clear waters are ideal for snorkeling. Hawksbill turtles, which are endangered, nest on its shores.
San Cristobal Island
Dolphin Bay is located on the east side of the island, famous for the sighting of these cetaceans making it a mandatory route for most boat tours. Upon arriving at the island you can join the “Trail of Cacao” tour, and participate in a workshop that explains everything about the process of harvesting and producing Cacao. It is organized by the women of the community, you will be able to learn more about the Ngabe Buglé culture and the experience of preparing a traditional lunch with them.
Cayo Agua island
Famous for its reefs where snapper abounds, this area is ideal for fishing lovers. Some area restaurants offer the ability to cook the fish you’ve caught for yourself. It is a highly recommended experience since you will be able to taste your fresh catch with a Caribbean flavor and a panoramic view of the sea.
Solarte Island
The west end of Solarte islands is called Punta Hospital and is known for having some of the best snorkeling and diving in Bocas del Toro. You may see lobsters, moray eels, lionfish, trumpet fish, and a variety of corals.
Carenero Island
Is the closest island to Bocas Town just 5 minutes by boat. It is one of the smallest and you can tour it walking or go around it on a kayak in a little less than an hour. Activities here include surfing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, hiking, or just relaxing on one of the beaches. There is a great diversity of restaurants offering seafood, and international and vegetarian cuisine. It is the ideal place to rest on one of the beaches that surround this small island.
Birds Island
Known for being the best place for bird watching in the entire region. This rock formation serves as a refuge for a great diversity of birds. Here you can find two exotic birds: the brown booby and the red-billed Tropicbird. Other birds that can also be seen are terns, frigates, pelicans, swallows, and gannets.
Where to stay
Bocas Town is undoubtedly the most popular place to stay since here you have access to shops, tours, ATMs, medical care, easy access to taxis, local cultural movements, a ferry, a pier, and the airport.
A big difference between staying on Isla Colón and the other islands is the way you get around. While in Bocas town, you will use the roads or streets to get around by car or bicycle, in the rest of the islands you will do it by boat. The good thing about staying in Bocas Town is that you can take a tour and explore the other islands during the day and return by the evening to experience the nightlife that offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
We recommend that you take some time to review the destinations, schedules, and fares upon arrival. We will gladly advise you and give you our recommendations.
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