Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a Caribbean archipelago off Panama's northwest coast, a cluster of forested islands ringed by beaches, mangroves and coral reefs. Its centre is Bocas Town, with wooden buildings on stilts and a Caribbean and Afro-Antillean population, and visitors come for surfing, snorkelling and diving, boat trips through the mangroves to see dolphins and sloths, and days spent moving between beaches and coves.

Highlights

• The beaches - the Caribbean beaches like Red Frog and Starfish.
• Snorkelling and surfing - the reefs and surf breaks.
• The mangrove tours - the boat trips for dolphins and wildlife.
• Bocas Town - the colourful stilt town and its laid-back scene.

When to go

The drier spells, roughly December to April and again around September and October, are best, though this Caribbean coast is wetter and less seasonal than the Pacific side, with rain possible much of the year; the surf is best in the winter months.

What to expect

The Caribbean coast is wetter than the rest of Panama, so rain is common much of the year. It is reached by a flight or a long road-and-boat journey. Bocas Town has a lively backpacker-and-party reputation, while the outer islands are quieter.

Nearby

The mainland rainforest, Boquete and the Costa Rican border are within reach.