What Does Bocas del Toro Mean? The History of Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is more than just pretty scenery and near-endless adventure. This archipelago boasts a history and culture that stretches back hundreds and hundreds of years, starting with the first Indigenous peoples to live and work on its islands. Here’s what you need to know.

It All Starts with the Ngäbe 

The indigenous Ngäbe people can trace their roots to a large swathe of land that covers not just Bocas del Toro, but also other areas of western Panama and Costa Rica. At one point in history, Ngäbe peoples lived from the Pacific and all the way across these countries, to the Caribbean. Today, visitors to the islands can still witness Ngäbe culture and tradition, ranging from their unique cuisine to handcrafts, indigenous language to music.

Despite their prominence and continued cultural impact, however, many don’t include Ngäbe stories when detailing Bocas del Toro’s history. Instead, they start with Christopher Columbus.

Christopher Columbus and the Spanish 

Christopher Columbus first made contact with the Ngäbe in 1502, during his fourth expedition to the New World. Harboring in the archipelago, Columbus and his crews found a pristine setting in which to repair their ships. 

Much as he did elsewhere throughout the Caribbean, Columbus gave names to several of the Bocas del Toro islands, and some of these names still remain today. Our main island, Isla Colón, is a nod to Columbus, as is Isla Cristóbal. Bocas del Toro, meanwhile, means “Mouth of the Bull,” and it’s rumored that this name came about when Columbus noted that various elements of the archipelago’s landscapes formed the shape of said bull. 

Bocas del Toro in the Modern Era

After Columbus left Bocas del Toro, the archipelago was never the same. Pirates used the archipelago for shelter and retreats from the broader Caribbean. Spanish and French Huguenot settlers later came, bringing violence and disease to the Ngäbe people, and forcing many to retreat from their ancestral lands. 

In the 1700s and 1800s, wealthy individuals and enslaved peoples made their way to the islands. Trade and agriculture became an important part of the islands. Popular exports included bananas, cacao and tortoise byproducts. Bananas in particular fueled the founding and growth of the town of Bocas del Toro.

In more recent history, the Bocas del Toro archipelago has changed hands several times. The islands technically belonged to Costa Rica first, then Colombia, until Panama declared its independence in 1903. However, Bocas del Toro’s rise in tourism didn’t really start until the 1990s and, as of today, it’s a popular and favorited destination for in-the-know travelers from around the world.

Get Up Close and Personal with Bocas del Toro’s History and Culture 

Discover our history and indigenous culture for yourself, when you travel to Bocas del Toro. A stay at the Casa Botanica villa is a chance to immerse yourself in every aspect of Bocas del Toro, from the lush landscapes to the indigenous heritage and beyond. 

Learn more about what you can expect at this jungle vacation home, and start planning your travel to Bocas del Toro today! 

Sources and Further Reading
Want to learn more about the unique and storied past of Bocas del Toro? Check out some of our favorite sources on the topic, including Island Profiles and the official Bocas del Toro tourism site.