Sugar-sandy beaches with turquoise waters set against a
backdrop of rainforests are the lure of Bocas del Toro.
The archipelago, on the Caribbean coast, is one of Panama’s
most popular beach destinations. It is a melting pot of cultures, ranging from
indigenous people from the Western Caribbean to Latinos to globetrotters, who
discovered Bocas, as the locals call it, and never left.
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| Bocas del Toro Courtesy of Central America Tourism Agency |
It is easy to see why. The islands brimming with abundant vegetation are unspoilt, almost primitive. It’s as if life here has stood still for centuries. It is so laid-back, which is obviously its appeal for the foreigners to have made it their home.
Even in the capital Bocas del Toro, on the Isla Colón,
despite having a few shops, some small pretty hotels and a smattering of good
restaurants and lively bars, is not packed with tourists.
Bocas is not only a haven for beach goers but it is also
attracts bird watchers, surfers and divers. It is also great for snorkelling –
the coral reefs here are spectacular.
The best way to see the islands and keys is to spend a day
taking a leisurely boat trip. I passed by forests, farms and so many stunning
beaches fringed with mangrove. Photographs don’t do them justice. One of my
favourites was Buff Beach, covered in vibrant orange sand. You may spot
white-faced monkeys and marine turtles.
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The Bastimentos Island National Marine Park, a combination
of nature reserve, forest and beach is not to be missed. Also on Bastimentos
Island is Red Frog Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Bocas, which gets
its name from the small red frogs that inhabit the beach. You can hear them
during the day. I was told they are poisonous, but the good news is that they
are not a threat to humans.
Lots of tourists stay at the villas here. For me it was just
a little too remote although there are plenty of activities on offer ranging
from dolphin watching to spa treatments to simply lazing on the beach. Be
careful not to swim out too far as you can encounter a strong undertow.
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| On route to Restaurante Alfonso |
Lunch was at Restaurante Alfonso, a thatched restaurant built on stilts in the middle of the ocean. We stopped off on the tour in the morning to order our lunch which was ready at the designated time. Fresh fish and a room with a view, what more could you ask for?
Well, maybe a home like Lin Gillingham’s Finca Los
Monos Botanical Garden. She and her husband purchased this 20-acre property,
then a green wall of jungle, about 12 years ago and have now created a tropical
utopia complete with views of the Caribbean. The garden is bursting with lush
flowers, fruit trees and ornate plants. Walking around the winding paths to the
sounds of humming birds, you may bump into monkeys, birds and snakes.
In the evening the town of Bocas comes alive. Caribbean
music fills the streets. And the party begins.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
Jetcost jetcost.com from Panama City
Playa Tortuga Hotel & Beach Resort, Bocas del Toro (hotelplayatortuga.com)
For general information visit visitpanama.com and visitcentroamerica.com
First published in All About
Hair (All About Hair UK), the
travel and lifestyle blog with a luxury twist
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