Area Info — Bocas del Toro
Panama is the undiscovered gem of Central America, with rugged volcanoes, fast moving jungle rivers and waterfalls, lush tropical rain forests, azure waters and palm-fringed beaches. Beyond the natural wonders, man-made marvels abound. From the incredible engineering feat of the Panama Canal to the beautiful and detailed molas sewn by the Kuna Indians and the spectacular refined baskets woven by the Wounaan and Embera Indians. You could spend weeks in Panama and still not sample all of its diverse offerings.
The islands of the Bocas del Toro are located in the province of the same name, in the northwest corner of the country. Costa Rica borders to the west, Volcano Baru, the country's highest point, lies to the south, and the warm Caribbean ocean is to the north. The geography of Panama deceives some people. Since Panama is shaped like a shallow S lying on its side, there are even places on the mainland where you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific and set over the Atlantic.
The archipelago consists of countless islands, with Isla Colon, Isla Bastimentos, Isla Cristobal, and Isla Popa being the largest (ranging from 40-60 sq km in size).
The climate in the Bocas is distinctly tropical. There are two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season usually runs from May to August and November to December. Dry season includes September through October and January through April. However, it can rain anytime during the year, and it has been know to be dry for several days at a stretch during the wet months. Temperatures range pleasantly from 70 - 88 degrees throughout the year.
The diversity of animal and plant species in the region is astounding. There are more species of birds recorded in Panama than in any other part of Central America. According to record, there are over 100 animal species in Panama that are not found anywhere else in the world. And the Bocas in particular are home to some of these. There is a species of red frog that lives only on Bastimentos.
Isla Bastimentos also welcomes four of the world's eight sea turtle species to nest on its long sandy beaches. Along the northern side of the island, on the aptly named Long Beach, loggerheads, hawksbills, leatherbacks and green turtles make their nests. Different species come ashore at different times of the year, but mostly they can be spotted from April to September.
Migratory birds flock over the isthmus in their annual journeys, but those make up only a fraction of the nearly 1000 species of birds found in the country. Parrots, macaws, quetzals, and harpy eagles are frequently spotted. Stately gray pelicans feed every morning and evening just off our dock. Mammals large and small inhabit the rain forests of Panama. Jaguars, ocelots, sloths and various monkeys are just a few of the larger species you might see. And the ocean boasts its own mammals; dolphins are frequent visitor to the boaters and snorkelers in Dolphin Bay.
Without a doubt, one of the biggest draws in the Bocas for the adventure traveler is the underwater life. Snorkelers and divers will be treated to vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish. In some areas near Bastimentos the elkhorn coral is as thick as a forest. Many of the reefs are shallow, allowing for great visibility without diving. Whereas other locations in the islands offer exquisite wall dives.
If all this isn't enough, you can indulge yourself in the exploration of the endless variety of plants in the rainforest. From mangroves to coconut palms, orchids to bromeliads, botanical enthusiasts will love spending time in the rainforest.