The Bocas del Toro Province in the northwest of Panama is a lovely bay dotted with islands covered with sandy beaches. The city of Bocas del Toro is at the southern end of Colón Island, which is just a short flight from either Panama City or San José, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Once on Colón Island, water taxis are available to take you to other islands. There are a total of nine major islands and hundreds of small islets to explore.
Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, or Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, is just southeast of the city of Bocas del Toro, and provides protection for the natural habitat of many plants and animals. The National Marine Park extends into the Caribbean Sea, also protecting sea animals such as the sea turtles which are nesting this time of year. You can expect to see monkeys, crocodiles,
After spending the day exploring this unspoiled natural habitat, you can return to the city for your evening’s nightlife. Fine dining at spots will top off your evening before heading back to one of the island’s unique hotels, but you will need to make a choice. A favorite is Guari Guari and if you plan to try it, be sure to make reservations if you want to enjoy their five-course feast.
The island hosts several five-star hotels such as the small, private Garden of Eden Inn, the Hotel Oasis, available to the city by a quick water taxi ride, or the romantic Popa Paradise Beach Resort.
Spend your second day on the water, whether sailing, surfing, snorkeling or scuba diving, you’ll find it all here.
For the really adventurous, you can tour a Bat Cave. Keep in mind this is not Bruce Wayne’s Bat Cave, and not for the squeamish! You will have a variety of choices, but La Gruta Cave is one that is on the smaller side, and therefore possibly better for the beginning spelunker. Besides encountering cave-dwelling bats, you’ll also see a variety of spiders. Be prepared to get wet, get dirty, and possibly get frightened. This is not a theme park, friends, it’s the real thing.
The very brave may wish to explore Nivida Cave while on Isla Bastimentos. One of Panama’s longest caves, you will be wading through water nearly up to your neck at times but you will get to see a ceiling covered with bats in this truly unique experience. Don’t look up with your mouth open!
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