Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro (beach) – Located 32km from the Costa Rican border, the Archipiélago de Bocas del Toro consists of six densely forested islands, scores of uninhabited islets and Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, Panama’s oldest marine park. Mass tourism is not an issue (and probably won’t be anytime soon). Minimal development has preserved the charm of small-town Caribbean life and the absence of mega-resorts has maintained the archipelago’s beauty. Isla Colón (perhaps the most developed area), has a strong local flavor and appealingly slow way of life. This is also a good destination for surfers.
Due to its distance from Panama City, travelers interested in visiting this part of Panama are advised to contact local travel agents for transportation & lodging arrangements. Bocas Town on Isla Colon has a small airport that is served by flights with both Air Panama and Aeroperlas – this is the simplest way to arrive. Air Panama and Nature Air also flies from San Jose in Costa Rica to Bocas Town. For those travelling overland, there are very frequent (ever 30 minutes or so) boats from the town of Almirante during the day for about $5 per person.