bocas del toro panama red frog beach bocas coral cay bocas del toro
Once a low-budget backpackers retreat, Bocas del Toro has gradually matured into a more upscale, international destination. While most of its visitors are still budget travelers — arriving from neighboring Costa Rica — the addition of newly built hotels and expensive residential developments has begun to attract a more demanding, international clientele. With international flights arriving from San José, Costa Rica, the region has found a permanent home on the global tourist map. In addition, Bocas has a relatively stable ex-pat community, comprised primarily of North American and European citizens that live there year-round.
Comprised of nine islands and 52 cays, the archipelago's white-sand beaches, clear, turquoise waters, and lush tropical forests are its mainstay. Whether scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, or beach-going, Bocas has something for everyone, and Bocas' intimacy permits visitors to do whatever they want with minimal effort.
Daily flights service Bocas del Toro from Panama City ( Air Panama ) and San José, Costa Rica ( Nature Air ). From Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City, overnight buses depart daily between the hours of 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., arriving Almirante at 5:30 a.m. and Changuinola at 6:30 a.m. respectively.
From David, mini-buses to Almirante and Changuinola depart daily from the central bus terminal. If you have entered Panama at the Sixaola border, you will need to take a mini-bus or taxi from Changuinola to Almirante. Once in Almirante, you can take the water taxi to Colon Island — the dock is a short, 5-minute walk from the bus terminal.