Panama Travel

The Bocas del Toro Archipelago

Surrounded by the warm lapping waters of the Caribbean, you’ll find nine islands, 52 keys and over 200 islets in an area known for its virgin jungle and forests, and rich bio-diversity of bird and marine life -- four different types of sea turtles nest on some of the many deserted beaches. Eco-tourism is very popular as is excellent fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and diving off palm fringed white sand beaches. Some people spend their time simply exploring the countless islands, thick jungles, and solitary sand beaches.

The picturesque archipelago offers a laid back life style in small hotels, B & Bs, restaurants and bars. Sand streets lead you to colorful shanties their porches hanging over the bathtub warm waters where with local potion in hand, you can salute the setting sun. The most developed of the islands is Colon where the capital, Bocas del Toro, is located. But you’ll want to investigate Cristobal, Bastimentos, Cayo de Agua, Cayo Carener, and Popa too.

Or take a side trip to the mainland surrounding Bocas to visit the amazing Parque Internacional La Amistad (friendship) that extends over 479,000 acres and is operated as a joint venture with Costa Rica. Three Indian tribes, the Teribe, the Bribri and the Ngobe-Bugle call the area home.

Keep an eye out for the elusive jaguar, Capybaras (the largest rodent in the world), Red-napped Tamarin monkeys, and the very rare Harpy eagle (the national bird of Panama) -- the adult female can weigh up to 18 pounds and sport a wing span of eight feet). Boas are fairly easily spotted with a girth approximating a fire hydrant! And these are only a few of the hundreds of species endemic to the Parque.

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