Overview
Take a trip to Bocas del Toro on your Panama Vacation
Located 32 km (19.88 mi) from the Costa Rican border, Bocas del Toro is an archipelago in Panama that is made up of six islands, several uninhabited islets and two national parks to be enjoyed on a Panama vacation.
Christopher Columbus came to the archipelago during his final voyage in 1502. As gold was not plentiful on the islands, the Spanish did not colonize much of the archipelago. This allowed the area to become a haven for pirates who would use the islands as rest spots to repair their ships. When the French Huguenots arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Spanish sent a militia to remove them devastating the indigenous population with the disease as well as fighting.
The 19th century witnessed several aristocrats come to the archipelago with their slaves. However, once slavery was abolished, many of the now-freed people decided to make their homes in Bocas del Toro. By the end of the century, the archipelago’s banana industry had begun and was quite successful, eventually becoming part of Chiquita Brands International.
The archipelago is home to Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, the first marine park in the country hosting a great deal of Caribbean wildlife. Bocas del Toro also shares UNESCO World Heritage-listed La Amistad International Park with Costa Rica. The opportunity to see incredible flora and fauna, on trips to Panama whether on land or in water, is incredible making Bocas del Tora one of Panama’s most popular tourist destinations.
The archipelago is home to Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, the first marine park in the country hosting a great deal of Caribbean wildlife. Bocas del Toro also shares UNESCO World Heritage-listed La Amistad International Park with Costa Rica. The opportunity to see incredible flora and fauna, on trips to Panama whether on land or in water, is incredible making Bocas del Tora one of Panama’s most popular tourist destinations.
At a Glance
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Panamanian Balboa (PAB)What do the experts say?
U.S. dollars are used interchangeably with Panamanian balboas (at a 1:1 rate). There’s no need to exchange currency if you’re carrying U.S. cash.
Many assume Panama is just about the canal. In reality, it’s also a paradise for beaches, highlands, and indigenous culture — from Caribbean islands like the San Blas to the coffee region of Boquete.
Panama has more bird species than the United States and Canada combined — over 1,000. For birdwatchers, it’s one of the richest destinations in the world.
A visit to an Emberá indigenous village along the Chagres River is a cultural highlight — arriving by dugout canoe, sharing traditional food, and learning about their way of life in the rainforest.
Globetrotters should ensure they visit Isla Coiba, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a penal colony, today it’s one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Americas, often compared to the Galápagos for its marine biodiversity.
Bocas del Toros is a popular photo opportunity ...
Bocas del Toros - always a great time to relax ...
Bocas del Toro Tours
Poison Dart frog
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