20 interesting facts about Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro were the first islands in Panama I visited. Since my first time there in May 2012 I made my way back already twice in 2014 and I can tell you that it was not my last time, for sure. Not only because there are still so many things to do in Bocas del Toro, and even repeat those I’ve already done there, but also because it is just not difficult to get to the islands at all. Comparing to other tropical islands in the Caribbean, there’s more tranportation options available.
20 interesting facts about Bocas del Toro:
1. In 1502 Christopher Columbus passed around the islands restocking his ships and named some islands after himself – such as the main island Isla Colon.
2. Nowadays, Bocas del Toro are definitely one of the most known Panama’s night life and backpackers hot spot destinations.
3. Did you know that Bocas del Toro has some of the largest rainforests in Central America?
4. The archipelago has 9 main islands, 52 cays, and hundreds, some even say that thousands of islets with coral reefs and mangroves all around.
5. Bocas del Toro is also home to two national parks: La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, Panama’s first marine park and a nesting ground for hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles. Considered the ‘Galapagos of the Caribbean’ Bocas del Toro is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.
6. More than 17 countries filmed Survivor series in the archipelago.
7. Once a trading center for chocolate, bananas and tropical hardwoods, nowadays the very laid-back islands are great for eco-tourism.
8. Starfish, Red Frog Beach and Zapatillas Key are the 3 most beautiful beaches.
9. Red Frog located on Bastimentos island has the best marina in Bocas del Toro and rainforest close-by.
10. There’s 7 zip lines at Bastimentos Sky Rainforest Zipline close to Red Frog Beach Resort where I stayed at.
11. Bocas Yoga studio where I started practicing yoga has ranked as the number 1 attraction in Bocas del Toro for a lot of times. Unfortunately, Laura Kay, yoga teacher and the founder of Bocas Yoga moved out from Bocas del Toro already.
12. Bocas del Toro are famous for parties, especially the Aqua Lounge where you need to take a water taxi to get to.
13. The islands are more expensive than you might think. The food both in stores and restaurants is not the cheapest, but no wonder, you are on islands!
14. You will be surprised to see so many small grocery stores, mostly owned by Chinese/Vietnamese.
15. The city center of Isla Colon is full of fruit smoothie stalls where you pay from $2 to $3.50 per one.
16. Spanish is the official language but English is widely spoken.
17. There’s way too many souvenir stores found all around Bocas Town.
18. The streets of Bocas Town are full of different restaurants, hostels, hotels and tour agencies. Most of them are owned by expats.
19. Bocas is definitely one of the most laid-back places I’ve traveled to. Mostly many young people, surfers, raggae rasta guys and couples will be those who you run into on the streets of Bocas Town and all around the Bocas del Toro islands.
20. I heard about a few problems with drugs and prostitutes on the islands and unfortunately many expats in there are drug and/or alcohol addicts or moved in there to cure that addiction. Thankfully, I have not seen much of it, but be careful who you get in touch with.
TIP: Before you head off to the islands, don’t forget to check out 15 things to do in Bocas del Toro for some useful information:)
Have you heard about any of these interesting facts about Bocas del Toro? Do you know any other facts? Please share in the comments below the article.
Tomas Martinec
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We were in Bocas del Toro in February and can confirm great beaches, night life and great food in restaurants around. Also tropical storm on the boat is huge experience ?. Tomas
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Tropical storms anywhere are always an experience, I guess … Glad you enjoyed the rest of the islands, though, Tomas ;)
Dylann Andre
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You have brought up a really fantastic point. It’s very useful and helpful. Thank you for sharing your article about these 20 interesting facts about Bocas del Toro Panama. Great!