Panama holiday; An expert guide to Bocas del ToroThe Bocas del Toro Archipelago lies off the north western coast of Panama, near the border with Costa Rica. It is made up of six islands and almost 200 tiny uninhabited islets many of which are covered in dense jungle with pristine, white sand beaches straight out of a classic Caribbean fantasy. The population is made up of Ngöbe-Buglé and Teribe Indians, Afro-Caribbean, as well as a growing expat and retiree community. To date, tourism development here has been limited so the islands have retained their local flavour and relaxed atmosphere. The main town of Bocas is on Isla Colon and this is where you find the majority of restaurants, shops and nightlife. If you are looking to slow down and escape, there are several lodging options away from the main town on the island of Bastimentos. TO SEE AND DO IN BOCAS DEL TORO:The diving and snorkelling are outstanding - Bocas is home to some of the best-preserved hard and soft coral on the planetTake a day–trip by boat to the Zapatilla Cayes – part of the marine park, home only to a park ranger and covered in coconut palms you can snorkel right off the beachFish – Tarpon fishing is excellent hereVisit the Indian communities of the Ngöbe-Buglé and Teribe tribesHike through luxuriant rainforest in Isla Bastimentos Park and see sloth’s, monkeys, the strawberry poison dart frog and many beautiful birdsSurf – this is considered by many as the surfing epicentre of the southwest Caribbean, the most infamous breaks being on Playa BluffGo beach combing – visit the stunning wilderness beaches of Wizard and Red Frog on Isla Bastimentos
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