The only way to describe Bocas del Toro is paradise in the Caribbean!! The Hit series 'Survivor' has been filmed in the Bocas a record breaking 12 times by countries such as France, Spain, Italy and Russia. This area was one of the first and prime tourist destinations outside Panama City due to its calm crystal clear waters, paradise like Islands and diversity of Marine and Wildlife. Nowhere else can you enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Caribbean better.

The Archipelago de Bocas is situated on the West Caribbean side of Panama close to the border with Costa Rica. There are many Island that make up the Archipelagos however Isla Colon the main Island is the biggest and where most of the action takes place. The main town of Bocas has a lot of history and is reminiscent of colonial wooden hotels on stilts on the Caribbean Ocean. English is spoken freely in the area and the town offers some great Caribbean Cuisine and a friendly active nightlife.

One of the main attractions is the Bastimentos National Marine Park which is 13,226 hectares large, and is a beautiful Marine Park offering dazzling reefs and the pristine Islands of the Zapatilla's. There are dozens of Coral Reefs that protect this large marine environment and due to Bocas's remote location they have been untouched for thousands of years. The area is a protected zone and the endangered Manatee and the Tarpon fish are frequently seen in the area.

One of the best ways to see what the Bocas's has to offer is by taking a snorkeling or diving trip which can be arranged very easily. The Diving and Snorkeling in the Bocas is said to be the best in Panama if not the Caribbean.

Bocas has also some great beaches that are white sanded where palm trees line where rainforest meets white sand. Some of the most famous beach areas from Bocas Town (Isla Colon) are Bluff and Bocas del Drago which are reachable only by boat, as most of the Bocas is. On every boat ride that you take please keep your eyes open for Dolphins as they are very common visitors in the area.

One of the first people to set foot in the area was the famous Christopher Columbus in 1502. He would stop in the Bocas to repair his ships at Carinero Island, which was named personally by C. Columbus. Also the area was a great haven for English Pirates seeking haven in paradise. Then in the 1800's the area became a location of great trading in the Caribbean, with the trading of Cocoa and Bananas. Immigrants, mainly from Jamaica, made Bocas an English speaking province in a Spanish speaking nation. Today the locals speak a pigeon English that is your ear is attuned to can be understood. Even today, most adults speak English.

As the century turned to 1900's the United Fruit Company opened its first headquarters on the Bocas Islands, bringing with it over 25,000 inhabitants and a lively vibrant culture with it. However 20 years later the Banana plight put an end to this, however the town still has some old buildings of this time standing today. Today the biggest trade and income in the Bocas is generated through Tourism.

Over the past 5 years and especially in the last year Bocas del Toro has seen a real estate boom that is like any other. The land has been snatched up as quickly as possible as people look for that piece of paradise to have as a holiday home or to retire on. However there are still some great bargains to be had. There are still some beachfront lots available for under $45,000. The Cost of living in the area is very cheap compared to the western world and if you like the thought of retiring in paradise look no further!!!

Hotels that are recommended in the area can be found in the hotels section and a few are listed here: Bocas del Toro Hotel, Punta Caracol and Tropical Suites.

If you would lie more information on Bocas del Toro or would like to speak to somebody please feel free to call us on 0207 193 3930 or e-mail us.