Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a province of Panama, Central America. The capital is the city of Bocas del Toro (or Bocas Town) on Isla Colón.

Bocas Town is small enough to explore on foot, however cabs are plentiful and cheap. Bikes and scooters can be rented, and the roads are flat and in good repair.

Activities here include snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving and surfing.

Finca Los Monos (the Monkey Farm) is situated on Isla Colon and contains large collections of gingers, palms, spices, flowering trees, ornamentals and fruit trees. A guided tour will take you through the rainforest, complete with sloths, birds and monkeys.

Take a boat trip to Isla Zapatillas, here you can relax, snorkel, swim and picnic on the lovely sand beach.

Playa Bluff is a beautiful sand beach which is rarely crowded but the water can be rough here. Another option is Playa Estrella, which is more tourist orientated with lots of bars and restaurants.

Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park is home to a variety of species, coral reefs, birds and is a nesting place for sea turtles.

Bocas Butterfly Garden is located a few minutes from Bocas Town (Isla Colon) by boat. The butterfly garden consists of various species of flowering plants for butterflies as well as ornamental ones. Learn about the butterflies’ biological cycle and the different stages of development. Visit the Terrarium which showcases a variety of colours of the Red Frog, which inhabit the various islands of Bocas del Toro.

Souvenirs include traditional local art, Guatemalan textiles, Nicaraguan hammocks and Emberá baskets.

A wide range of food options are on offer here from fresh fish and seafood, Indian, Italian and fast food as well as local dishes consisting of rice, beans, salad and meat.

Cruise ships anchor and tender passengers to Colon Island.

Water taxis operate between the mainland and the various islands.