Bocas del Toro Overview

V!VA User‘s Description

One of the highlights of Panama’s Caribbean coast is the group of islands near the border with Costa Rica, Bocas del Toro.  This archipelago is one of the fastest developing visitor sites in Central America and home to six large islands and dozens of little ones.

The main island, Isla Colón, has most of the restaurants and hotels and is a great launching place to explore the smaller islands and to participate in the many water sports offered in the area like snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. There is also an airport on Isla Colón which is the best way to reach the islands from Panama City.  There is no public transportation to the beaches outside the main town of Bocas del Toro on Isla Colón, so rent bikes or take a cab.

The culture is more Caribbean than Latino; most of the residents are of African heritage.