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| Bocas del Toro
Courtesy of Central America Tourism Agency
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Sugar-sandy beaches with turquoise waters set against a backdrop of rainforests are the lure of Bocas del Toro.
The archipelago, on the Caribbean coast, is one of Panama’s most popular beach destinations. It is a melting pot of cultures, ranging from indigenous people from the Western Caribbean to Latinos to globetrotters, who discovered Bocas, as the locals call it, and never left.
It is easy to see why. The islands brimming with abundant vegetation are unspoilt, almost primitive. It’s as if life here has stood still for centuries. It is so laid-back, which is obviously its appeal for the foreigners to have made it their home.
Even in the capital Bocas del Toro, on the Isla Colón, despite having a few shops, some small pretty hotels and a smattering of good restaurants and lively bars, is not packed with tourists.
Bocas is not only a haven for beach goers but it is also attracts bird watchers, surfers and divers. It is also great for snorkelling – the coral reefs here are spectacular.
The best way to see the islands and keys is to spend a day taking a leisurely boat trip. I passed by forests, farms and so many stunning beaches fringed with mangrove. Photographs don’t do them justice. One of my favourites was Buff Beach, covered in vibrant orange sand. You may spot white-faced monkeys and marine turtles.
The archipelago, on the Caribbean coast, is one of Panama’s most popular beach destinations. It is a melting pot of cultures, ranging from indigenous people from the Western Caribbean to Latinos to globetrotters, who discovered Bocas, as the locals call it, and never left.
It is easy to see why. The islands brimming with abundant vegetation are unspoilt, almost primitive. It’s as if life here has stood still for centuries. It is so laid-back, which is obviously its appeal for the foreigners to have made it their home.
Even in the capital Bocas del Toro, on the Isla Colón, despite having a few shops, some small pretty hotels and a smattering of good restaurants and lively bars, is not packed with tourists.
Bocas is not only a haven for beach goers but it is also attracts bird watchers, surfers and divers. It is also great for snorkelling – the coral reefs here are spectacular.
The best way to see the islands and keys is to spend a day taking a leisurely boat trip. I passed by forests, farms and so many stunning beaches fringed with mangrove. Photographs don’t do them justice. One of my favourites was Buff Beach, covered in vibrant orange sand. You may spot white-faced monkeys and marine turtles.
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| The Bastimentos Island National Marine Park |
The Bastimentos Island National Marine Park, a combination of nature reserve, forest and beach is not to be missed. Also on Bastimentos Island is Red Frog Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Bocas, which gets its name from the small red frogs that inhabit the beach. You can hear them during the day. I was told they are poisonous, but the good news is that they are not a threat to humans.
Lots of tourists stay at the villas here. For me it was just a little too remote although there are plenty of activities on offer ranging from dolphin watching to spa treatments to simply lazing on the beach. Be careful not to swim out too far as you can encounter a strong undertow.
Lots of tourists stay at the villas here. For me it was just a little too remote although there are plenty of activities on offer ranging from dolphin watching to spa treatments to simply lazing on the beach. Be careful not to swim out too far as you can encounter a strong undertow.
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| On route to Restaurante Alfonso |
Lunch was at Restaurante Alfonso, a thatched restaurant built on stilts in the middle of the ocean. We stopped off on the tour in the morning to order our lunch which was ready at the designated time. Fresh fish and a room with a view, what more could you ask for?
Well, maybe a home like Lin Gillingham’s Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden. She and her husband purchased this 20-acre property, then a green wall of jungle, about 12 years ago and have now created a tropical utopia complete with views of the Caribbean. The garden is bursting with lush flowers, fruit trees and ornate plants. Walking around the winding paths to the sounds of humming birds, you may bump into monkeys, birds and snakes.
In the evening the town of Bocas comes alive. Caribbean music fills the streets. And the party begins.
Well, maybe a home like Lin Gillingham’s Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden. She and her husband purchased this 20-acre property, then a green wall of jungle, about 12 years ago and have now created a tropical utopia complete with views of the Caribbean. The garden is bursting with lush flowers, fruit trees and ornate plants. Walking around the winding paths to the sounds of humming birds, you may bump into monkeys, birds and snakes.
In the evening the town of Bocas comes alive. Caribbean music fills the streets. And the party begins.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
Playa Tortuga Hotel & Beach Resort, Bocas del Toro (www.hotelplayatortuga.com) For further info www.visitpanama.com and www.visitcentroamerica.com
Jetcost jetcost.com from Panama City
Playa Tortuga Hotel & Beach Resort, Bocas del Toro (www.hotelplayatortuga.com) For further info www.visitpanama.com and www.visitcentroamerica.com
