Panama's Bocas Del Toro: A Naturalist's Dream

Bocas del Toro, Panamá has long been overlooked as a Caribbean destination in favor of its more developed neighbor to the north, Costa Rica. With an untouched beauty all its own, Bocas is an outstanding destination for travellers who are looking to relax and explore the stunning natural environment of the Caribbean. However, anyone looking to spend a week lazing at a beach resort sipping piña coladas would best stay on the mainland-Bocas is truly for those with an adventurous spirit, a passion for sustainable living and a love of natural environments.

Bocas del Toro is an absolute treasure trove of biodiversity, from gorgeous white sand beaches and colorful coral reefs to native forests teeming with wildlife. Visitors can explore mangroves, take night walks to see sea turtles, or explore the ocean depths on a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure.

On Colon Island, the main island, visitors can pass hours relaxing or walking lazily down Bluff Beach, where the sounds of the waves and birds are the only thing you can hear. With a shaded refuge of palms several meters from the water, it is the perfect location for both sun-worshipers and shade lovers. Bluff can be reached by taxi, bus or bike, and is well worth the 30 minute trip from town. Along the way, the forested areas of Mimitimbi and Big Baight are home to monkeys, iguanas, snakes, hundreds of bird species, and my favorite, the sloth, who reflects the attitute of Bocas natives-calm, relaxed, and at peace.

Bastimientos Island is almost entirely dominated by the Bastimientos Island National Park, a paradise for naturalists with its combination of rainforest, mangroves, and coastline. It is the only remaining habitat for the Red Tree Frog, searched out daily by tourists making stops at Red Frog Beach during one of many boat tours that leave from Colon Island. However, to really appreciate the wild beauty of Bastimientos, it is necessary to spend more than an hour there.