Travel to Bocas del Toro
The Bocas del Toro Archipelago is close to the border with Costa Rica. The islands offer the visitor a number of attractions: luxurious rain forests with an abundance of fauna and flora, sunny islands, beaches that compete with the Caribbean best, coral reefs in crystal clear water, mangrove islets in a lake-like scenery, guaymi indian villages and a national marine park that protects examples of the ecosystems and natural resources coexisting within the Archipelago boundaries, as a tribute to our future generations.
The caribbean architecture, the local cuisine, the people and their festivities, have made these islands a nice place to stay for a couple of days.
The main city and the most common place of arrivel is Bocas del toro town. There are two main beach areas on the main Island, both at opposite ends of the town. the first one is Bocas del Drago, and the other one is Bluff Beach, favored by surfers from all over the world.
Places to see in Bocas del Toro
- Rent a good bike and take a day trip to the other side of the main island to Bocas Del Drago. There is also a taxi shuttle that runs if you get too tired along the way. However, make sure you do not travel alone, especially if you are a women as I found out the hard way
- Go snorkeling or scuba diving. There is a good chance you will see a reef shark!
- Red Frog Beach - only $5 for a round trip on a water taxi. It is an absolutely gorgeous white sand beach, that usually has fewer than 10 other beachgoers present.
- The Bat Cave - only $1 to enter and you walk through water while looking at tons of bats clinging to the ceiling.
Where to eat in Bocas del Toro?
- The Blue House. Here, the owner lovingly serves traditional Panamanian cooking with a distinct carribean flare. It is also a great place to meet some of the colorful local people of almirante and soak in the cool, laid back vibe of the town. I strongly reccomend it before heading out to Isla Colon where the food can be largely overpriced and unsatisfying.
- LemonGrass. There are many good restaurants in Bocas del Toro, mostly new businesses and it is too soon to judge the consistency of the cooking. However there is one that always offers excellent quality and that is LemonGrass. It has the best view in town, but the memory that stays with you is the delicious food.
- Black Olive. Best greek salads, souvlaki and falafel, at unbelievable prices.
- Ultimo Refugio. It's near the ferry dock for some of the most creative food in Bocas Town. The fish is always fresh and the tenderloin is amazing. I truly enjoyed the fusion experience where Asian style seared yellowfin tuna was paired with homestyle mashed potatoes and fresh greens with mango dressing. Excellent!
- Hotel La Coralina. The Jamiacan chicken is to die for.
Things to do in Bocas del Toro
- Bocas del Toro has great beaches on the Caribbean
- Diving and Scuba
- Surfing
- Boating
- Fishing
- Snorkeling