Bocas del Toro

 

In 1502, during his fourth and the last of sea expeditions, Christopher Columbus was amazed by the verve and audacity of this naturally endowed island and its calm waters. Elegant rainforests, serene water bodies, Caribbean beaches, and miles of exotic coral gardens define the landscape of this virtually untouched archipelago. This is the place where at least a dozen countries have filmed the Survivor series. Labeled as one of Panama’s top tourist destinations, the Lonely Planet Guide calls this place a biologist’s fantasy. Welcome to Bocas del Toro.

 

Some say the archipelago got its name because of a large bull-shaped rock in one of the islands; some attribute its name to the many waterfalls that resemble a bull’s mouth; some others say that the majestic waves crashing against the volcanic rocks make a sound like the roar of a bull. Whatever the reasons, Bocas is a bull of an island.

Among the earliest settlers in these islands are about 350 species of birds including the beautiful red-billed tropicbird, four species of now endangered turtles, sloths, caimans, and numerous fishes. In the dense forests, tapirs, wild cats, and jaguars can be seen roaming about freely in search of prey. A short ride through the mangroves takes you to an island garden where you can see the flutter of brightly colored butterflies. Bocas del Toro is a veritable paradise for the backpacking tourists as well as retirees.

The palm-lined Caribbean beaches have an untamed beauty about them. The jungles are so dense in some places that sunlight fails to kiss the ground. The mountains and rivers are unexplored and there are spooky mangroves. This is not just another island destination where you can just finish up your planned activities in the given time and return. Bocas has so many options that you will find it difficult to keep to a schedule. Bocas and other adjoining islands offer nature walking, beaching in the silver sands, sport fishing, dolphin sighting, visiting the interior forests in search of rare plant species, visiting the colorful homes of the indigenous people, and much more for the discerning tourist.

Time was when Bocas was known for banana and cocoa cultivation. All that remains of that period are the fading remnants of the Unified Fruit Company’s headquarters and a park which have been accorded stately and historical importance. The current surge in commercial activities around Bocas is mostly driven by the tourism and realty industries. Baby boomers from the US, Canada, and Europe are lapping up prime ocean front properties creating a never-before-seen rise in the prices.

Apart from the usual attractions of being in Panama, Bocas is attracting people who are seeking a retirement abode or a second home in a sophisticated Central American location because of its English-speaking populace and because there have never been an incidence of a hurricane. In spite of its popularity among tourists, Bocas is subdued and friendly. Most of the time, you can be sure that no one else will disturb your rendezvous with the sun kissed beaches. The crystal clear waters reflect your calm face shorn of all the worries of a busy city life. Most of the hotels in the archipelago are located in Bocas, adding spice to the variety of foods served in this Panamanian island and extending full-on nightlife. This is one of the reasons why Bocas del Toro is preferred over many other busy Central American tourist locations.

At Bocas, you will be amazed at the variety of residential options, restaurants serving a surprising array of delicacies from sea food to pizza to Chinese and East Indian dishes. You will just not want to return from Bocas del Toro.