AN OUTDOOR LOVER’S PARADISE
The archipelago of Bocas del Toro is on the northwestern coast of Panama, in and around the Bay of Chiriqui, near the border with Costa Rica. The region is one of the very few places remaining in the world where you can enjoy gorgeous beaches with scarcely another soul in sight. Many of these soft-sandy beaches are fringed with rain forests so fine that the Lonely Planet Guide calls them “a biologist’s fantasy.” Bocas is the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors, whether you prefer diving, snorkeling, fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding or white-water rafting. No hurricanes and an average year-round temperature of 75 °F make outdoor activities a way of life.

UNDISCOVERED NATURAL SPLENDOR
One of the most geographically diverse regions in the Caribbean, Bocas del Toro has only recently been discovered by international tourists seeking a pristine eco-tourism experience. Unspoiled coral reefs, magnificent rain forests and miles of unspoiled beaches are within close proximity. Quality jungle tours, river tours, island tours bird-watching and turtle-watching expeditions are only part of what Nature lovers will discover. Bocas is also home to at least two tribes of indigenous Indians whose villages can be visited by invitation. Several of these villages are located in the Bastimentos National Marine Park, a gem among Panama’s National Parks. Bocas is also one of the few places in the world selected by the Smithsonian Institution as a location for one of its research facilities.

CARIBBEAN CHARM, 21st CENTURY CONVENIENCE
The main town on the archipelago is Bocas del Toro on the southeastern tip of Isla C ólon, a waterfront town with a rich history stretching back to the late 1800s. With all the charm of Caribbean waterfront eateries, hotels and shops, Bocas also boasts paved streets, treated potable water, internet service, Cable TV, a hospital with ambulance service and a fire department. Several flights land daily at the well-equipped airport from Panama City and other nearby cities. Taxi service by boat is available throughout the day from Almirante, the closest city on the mainland. If you prefer to travel by car, ferry service is provided several times each week from Almirante.

HASSLE-FREE TOURISM
As in all of Panama, the currency is the U.S. dollar. In Bocas, you’ll find that most people speak English. Perhaps more important, you’ll find the townsfolk friendly and helpful. They appreciate visitors and will go out of their way to assist you. Enjoy strolling through town to dinner, to catch a water taxi or just to check out the shops. So many visitors have fallen under the spell of Bocas del Toro that the town is seeing something of a real estate boom. Although prices are rising, they still represent some of the best buys in the Caribbean. Panama’s policy of attracting retirees means that you can enjoy the good life in Bocas in safe and beautiful surroundings on a retirement income.