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Bocas
is one of Panama's top tourist destinations, with
good reason. There are few places left in the world
where you can enjoy gorgeous beaches with scarsely
a soul in sight. Many of these incredible beaches are fringed with rainforests
so fine that Lonely Planet Guide calls them "a biologist's fantasy."
Amid this natural splendor you'll find the charming town of Bocas, a laid
back Caribbean settlement with a friendly English speaking population, historical
ambiance, great restaurants and a lively nightlife.
Bocas is also blessed by nature in that no hurricanes ever touch these shores,
as they do other Central American neighbors.
The archipelago of Bocas del Toro is located on the northwestern coast of
Panama in and around the Bay of Chiriqui. International travelers have only
recently discovered this isolated region of Panama. It is for this reason
that much of the island chain remains pristine and untouched.
It is an outdoor lovers paradise with diving, fishing, boating, kayaking,
snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding and white water rafting.
This region, considered the most geographically diverse in the Caribbean,
is also a nature lover's dream come true. Bocas is one of the few places in
the world that can boast of being the home to a fully functional research
facility owned and operated by the Smithsonian Institution. Eco-tourism is
coming of age in Bocas, and why not, with unspoiled coral reefs, a magnificent
rain forrest and miles of unspoiled beaches within close proximity. If nature
is your thing, you will find quality jungle tours, river tours, island tours,
bird watching and turtle watching expeditions.
Bocas is also home to at least two tribes of indigenous Indians whose villages
can be visited by invitation. Several of these villages are located within
the boundaries of the Bastimentos National Marine Park, a gem in Panama's
National Park system.
The main town on the archipelago is Bocas Del Toro,
which is located on the southeastern tip of Isla Colón. It is easily
reached by land, sea or air. There are several daily flights from Panama
City and other nearby cities into the modern airport. Taxi service by boat
is available throughout the day from Almirante, the closest city on the
mainland. For those wishing to get to Bocas by car, ferry service is provided
several times each week from Almirante.
In addition to the charm of a small Caribbean community, the town boasts
paved streets, treated potable water, several new hotels and restaurants and
modern conveniences such as internet service, cable TV, a hospital with ambulance
service and a fire department.
As in all of Panama, the currency is the US dollar and in Bocas you will
find that many of the local people speak English.
In addition to a tourism boom, in recent years Bocas
has experienced a real estate boom. Although prices are rising, they still
represent some of the best buys in the Caribbean. On a retirement income
in Bocas, you can enjoy "the
good life" in safe and beautiful surroundings. |
Outside Magazine discusses the Panama Canal and and the beauty of the country including Bocas del Toro.
"Holidays 2004: Bocas del Toro, Panama" Travel+Leisure 
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge as seen in Outside Online.
