A Caribbean archipelago with nine main islands, known for its red poison dart frogs, coral reefs, and Afro-Caribbean culture. Popular among surfers and snorkelers.
In Panama's Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro, you can watch three-toed sloths hang from tree branches, snorkel among parrotfish and angelfish at Coral Cay, or surf the waves at Black Rock point break. Walk through streets lined with wooden Caribbean houses painted in bright yellows and blues, take a water taxi to Red Frog Beach, or kayak through mangrove tunnels. The nine main islands include Isla Colón with its active town center, Isla Carenero with its surf spots, and Isla Bastimentos, home to a protected marine park.
Getting to Bocas del Toro
You can reach Bocas del Toro by air or land from Panama City. A 45-minute flight from Marcos A. Gelabert Airport in Panama City lands at Isla Colón International Airport. By land, take a 6-hour drive to ChiriquÃ, then continue for 3 hours to Puerto Almirante, where you'll catch a 35-minute boat to Isla Colón. Public buses run regularly from Panama City's Gran Terminal de Albrook to David, where you transfer to another bus to Puerto Almirante.
The Three Main Islands
Isla Colón is the archipelago's main transportation hub, with Bocas Town as its center. The streets follow a simple grid pattern, with avenues running east-west and streets running north-south. You'll find essential services here: banks, pharmacies, grocery stores, and the main port. A 2-minute water taxi ride takes you to Isla Carenero, where you can walk around the entire island in about an hour on its coastal trail. Isla Bastimentos, the largest island, contains the Bastimentos National Marine Park and the village of Old Bank.
Marine Life and Activities
The water temperature stays at 79°F (26°C) year-round, making swimming and diving possible in all seasons. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute conducts marine research here, studying the coral reefs that house parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles. You can explore limestone caves inhabited by bats, join guided snorkeling tours to spot seahorses and octopuses, or go diving around coral formations at Hospital Point. Local conservation groups work on coral reef restoration projects throughout the archipelago.
Weather and Best Times to Visit
The archipelago gets about 130 inches of rain annually. January, February, March, May, September, and October typically see less rainfall. November to April marks the peak season, when surf conditions are best. Book accommodations early during these months as rooms fill up quickly. Rain can occur any time of year, so bring waterproof gear and sun protection.
Local Culture
Calypso and reggae music play in the streets, and restaurants serve dishes combining coconut rice, fresh seafood, and Caribbean spices. Many locals speak guari-guari, a dialect mixing English, French, and Spanish. You can visit the Naso Tjër Di villages on the mainland to learn about their farming practices and daily routines. Contact certified guides to arrange village visits that respect community customs.
