Bocas del Toro. Return to Paradise
Bocas del Toro archipelago represents the fifth essence of the Caribbean: the relaxation of its extensive beaches along transparent waters that offers fantastic places for diving and the passionate nature watch activity which is the largest attraction of the site. Anyone can be the exceptional witness of exotic animals in their natural milieu as turtles that arrive at the beaches to lay their eggs or the birds that have seized some of the cays. A destination protected from the rush of modern times and space where still is possible to return to a true paradise on Earth.
Bocas del Toro province is a territory located on the westernmost edge of Panama, bordering with Costa Rica. Two bays are opened in the coastal line: Almirante Bay and Chiriquí Lagoon and among them, an extraordinary archipelago is extended with an area higher then 2,000 km2, a door opened to the reencounter with paradise. Because in these islands of Bocas del Toro, you will leave behind the suffocating contact with civilization and will find yourself in full contact with a non explored nature. The area has abundant mangroves and gorgeous coral reefs, plus excellent semi-dessert like beaches. On the northernmost area of Colón Island, the most recommendable are Bluff and Boca del Drago, at 45 minutes away in motorboat or 20 minutes away by car from the province capital found in the southernmost area of the island at some 25 Kilometers.
Natural Reserve at Bastimentos Island In the incomparable landscape of this archipelago, the first Marine National Park of Panama was set up, that of Bastimentos Island. This is a natural reserve of incredible wealth that comprises coral reef, large extensions of mangroves of white sand and crystalline waters and extends from the very Bastimentos Island to the small islets that surround the place, until reaching Zapatilla Cay, found heading southeast, and at less than one-hour flight from Panama City. This is one of the most beautiful habitats with over 13,000 hectares where frogs of indigenous species are found as well as sloths, manatees and tarpons. Also four types of turtle come to lay their legs by a thousand on these beaches, though the most protected and scant specie is hawksbill turtle. Visitors should be given a written permit from INRENARE to go to the Park located on Calle Primera, at Bocas del Toro City (Colón Island). This is the Government Agency for the Protection of Natural Resources.
Coral Paradise Found at Zapatilla Cays Zapatilla Cays are two small islands located inside the National Marine Park of Bastimentos Island. This curious name is given for the slipper slipper they have when seen from the sky on an aircraft. Dive lovers know them for their unique submersion spots, thanks to the large diversity of its marine fauna. The only way to have access to them is by sea, it is indispensable to establish contact with a travel agency (almost all Panamanian agencies organize excursions to these islands) or with the owner of any vessel. To preserve nature in these spots, all type of buildings and facilities to serve tourists have been simply forbidden. Signs of civilization are barely seen, though at Cayo Menor, a shelter is found where scientist live occasionally to study the green turtles of this area and for being the favorite place of many species to lay their legs. However, Cayo Mayor has a small dock to make landing easier. The golden and extensive beaches of Zapatilla Cays are idyllic places that you will never dreamed of. Near to them the tropical jungle, full of coconut groves. Just relax and come to have that pleasant feeling of not being in tune with the rush of time, watching birds, strolling in the midst of the jungle, relaxing under the sun. This is paradise on Earth, come and see it.