Bocas del Toro Overview

North of Chiriquí Province, the archipelago of Bocas del Toro (pop. 89,000) gives its name to the province and capital. Drawing travelers with an entirely different siren song than its southern neighbor, Bocas del Toro doesn’t promise cool temperatures or high-altitude thrills, but rather its own distinct Caribbean allure. You’ll hear Spanish give way to a dense mix of English creole and indigenous languages known as Guari-guari. Watch rugged forests and ranchlands melt into beaches, mangroves, and mossy docks that frame island life. The banana industry made Bocas del Toro a point of entry for immigrants and money in the 19th century. Today it attracts foreigners with its natural wonders: white sand islands, coral-rich underwater views, hikes through untouched vegetation, and great surfing spots. In addition to the Ngöbe (NO-beh), Bribrí, and Naso tribes, inhabitants include a mix of Latino and Afro-Caribbean peoples. Many islands, reflecting the local multi-lingual stew and Columbus’s overzealous naming practices, have more than one name.

The archipelago is made up of six large islands (Colón, Bastimentos, Cristóbal, Popa, Cayo Nancy, and Cayo Caranero) and several smaller ones. Called “Bocas Isla” by the bocatoreños, Isla Colón is the main base for visiting the archipelago. It is also ground zero for Panama’s backpacker scene. If you’re looking for all-night partying, an international crowd, great cuisine, and hostels, look no further. If you prefer a laid-back Caribbean vibe, Bastimentos, just a few minutes away by boat, is the place to go.

• Almirante

People visit small, run-down Almirante either to hop on a boat out to the Bocas del Toro archipelago or to take a bus to Changuinola or David. Bananas are a big business in this small town. In recent ...more

• Changuinola

Changuinola is hot and dirty, but is home to the border crossing into Costa Rica. It’s a good place to run errands and complete any necessary paperwork. The city survives off merchants and banana plantations ...more