Bocas
del Toro is a province of Panama. The capital is the city of Bocas
del Toro, found on the island of Colon, more commonly referred to as
Bocas town. The population of the
province numbers some 89,300 people. Its extension is 8,745
kilometers and is formed by 9 principal islands. There are many
plantation of plantains here, often called the oro verde or green
gold of Central America. This area of Panama is a definite tourist
destination, with multiple beaches, rain forests and a various
activities and places to see by boat and car, that can better be
described as mini adventures.
More Information and Images
Bocas Del Toro Panama Images &
Information
Bocas del Toro is a chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea on the western end of
Panama.
This group of islands is some of the most beautiful in the world. Crystal clear
waters, beaches and mangrove lined islands are trademarks of Bocas del Toro.
Bird Island
You can hire a private boat or jump aboard a tour boat to Dolphin Bay to
encounter more dolphins than you have seen anywhere, or travel to
Dolphin Bay
Access to most of the islands is available via many water taxis for very
reasonable prices.
Surfing at Bocas del Toro is thought to be some of the best in the world. Many
restaurants are world class dining experiences.
Bird Island
There are ample accommodations for any budget available in Bocas del Toro
town and most of the larger islands.
You can fly out of Panama City, the flight is approximately an hour. You can
also fly from David, about six hours west of Panama City by car. The flight from
David to Bocas del Toro is approximately 30 minutes.
How to get to Bocas del Toro by Water
Access to most of the islands is available via many water taxis for very
reasonable prices.
Zapatillos Keys Zapatillas Keys, named after the fruit, zapatilla; are located inside
the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park and are comprised of two islands
located on a coral platform toward the open sea. These islands are noted for
their white sandy beaches, caribbean clear water, coral reefs and forest. Zapatillas Minor is the western island and is an occasional base or
conservationists, scientist and marine turtle researchers.
Zapatillas Major hosts a Park Rangers refuge, the only habitation on
the islands, managed by INRENARE, the Government Agency for Protection of the
Natural Resources.
An excellent place to snorkel or scuba dive, as only 300 meters from the beach,
toward the mainland, is the Coral Islands. This shallow area is only ,
particularly good for 20 feet depth where you can observe underwater
coral islets, snappers, angel fish, groupers, parrots and butterfly fishes.
Swans Cay is just a short boat ride away. This bird sanctuary is home to a
unique tropical bird known as the Frigates; as well as pelicans and seagulls.
For the preservation of the nesting, you are not permitted on the island.
Hospital Point At Hospital Point you can dive or snorkel nearby. Hospital Point is the home
of the the tiny colorful and poisonous frogs and the tombs from the beginning of
the century. You are permitted to walk the forest with a local guide. On the
western side of Hospital Point is a main house adorned with a lush botanical
garden, enhance with flora species from all over the world.
San Cristobal Island San Cristobal occupies an important sector of the Admiral Bay is rich in
marine environments. Two reefs, one on the north side, the other on the west
side are some of the best snorkeling areas. The first reef is called "Cristobal
Light" because the navigation light for the ships travelling in the channel that
runs along the north coast of the island.
Sight Seeing Currently the only ways to see the Bocas del Toro Islands is by boat,
considered the most easy and by car which only on Colon Island.
Marine Tour: You can rent a boat for a full day to tour Admiral Bay,
Colon Island, Criobal Village, Hospital Point and the mangrove islets in the
Marine Park. You may want to break up your tour to only a few of the above at a
time, allowing you more time to explore these incredible areas.
Land Tour: One TourOriginates in the town of Bocas del Toro. You can
either travel along the coast towards the open sea. On this route you will
observe rock outcroppings and hillsides with your final destination being the
undeveloped Bluff beach, noted for it's unusual orange sand. Here you can swim,
surf or simply relax on the beach.
Another interesting and fun activity you may wish to engage in on Bluff
Beach is preserving and protecting the marine turtles nests. This activity takes
place in nesting season during the night hours.
The other tour will take you to the old settlement of Bocas del Drago,
located on a sandy beach. From there you can go to the bird sanctuary Swans Cay
and your return route can take you to the middle of the island to explore
Bats Cave.
