Bocas del Toro

All the boats from the mainland have their docks in Bocas del Toro (the town), so if you are going to stay on another island you have to take another boat. Bocas del Toro is known as the 'party town', there are bars everywhere. Most people living there are Afro and Afro-Caribbean, then a Chinese population, Lebanese and indigenous people. Now there is a big immigration of people from USA and Europe to the islands. You see them everywhere, there are many, and many more will come. If you are European, from USA or Chinese owning a super marked,you are likely to be living in one of the big beautiful houses on the pictures below. If you are indigenous or of African or African-Caribbean origin you will be more likely to live in a small box of a house like this house below. It is incredible how many people they fit into a small house like this. The house on the picture looks nice, most of the poor people live in smaller more run down houses. You see them a little bit away from the fancy hostels and hotels that are owned by foreigners (Swiss, Germans). The hospital in the town however is not very fancy or well equipped.

Bocas del Toro is also the name of the province. Its extension is 4,643.9 square kilometers comprising the mainland and nine main islands. The province consists of the Archipelago of Bocas, Bahía Almirante (Almirante Bay), Laguna de Chiriquí, and adjacent mainland. The capital is the city of Bocas del Toro (Bocas Town to most people) on Isla Colón. Other major cities or towns include Almirante (from where you take the boat (and the bus to other places in Panama or to Changinola for transefere to Costa Rica) and Changinola. The province has a total population of 125,461 people (2010). The area was discovered by Christopher Colombus in 1502. Bocas del Toro borders the Caribbean Sea to the north where the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute operates a research station northwest of Bocas Town. The archipelago attracts more travelers every year, but its ecosystem remains largely intact due to the admirable efforts of conservationists. In fact, the biodiversity of the Bocas del Toro region is so exquisite, it’s internationally recognized as both a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.There are many banana plantations in Bocas del Toro, often called the oro verde or green gold of Central-America. Under, a beautiful mahogany house I would like to live in.

How much time do you have to travel? It can take months to explore all of Bocas del Toro’s 9 major islands, 50 cays (low, coral-based islands), and 200-plus islets.Most people do not do that. like I said, the nightlife is great in Bocas Town and on Aqua Lounge, 30 seconds by boat to Isla Caremero. The second night in Bocas I went to Aqua Lounge with people from Heike. It was "ladies night Wednesday", free drinks for women until 24:00. One of the best parties I have attended in ages, people were dancing, the music was good and some people got so drunk that they jumped from the dance floor into the water. Beach-lovers and sufers (you’re in for a treat!) will be eager to begin their island-hopping. However, Bocas Town itself has lots to offer in dining, nightlife, and accommodations. It’s an archetypal Caribbean village of pastel rooftops, fresh seafood served in waterfront restaurants on stilts, fishing boats in bold, primary colors, and docks stretching over the patchwork waters. Playa Bluff is the town’s most dazzling beach. I went there by bike on my forth day in Bocas. Some advice if you are going on dolphin sightsing; make sure you go with a tour company that does not hurt or disturb the dolphins. If they act reckless towards the animals, let them and everybody know so that they will not operate again.