Why Bocas del Toro is Panama’s Best-Kept Secret

When you think of traveling to Panama, what do you think of? Immersing yourself in the vibrant,

colorful culture of Panama City? Retreating to a rainforest resort? Miles of sandy beaches facing

the Pacific?

Unless you’re already familiar with Bocas del Toro, you might not think of an archipelago of

tropical islands in the Caribbean. However, this is exactly what you’ll find here, in Panama’s

best-kept secret. While growing in popularity, Bocas del Toro is a small destination that

welcomes travelers in the know with a blend of culture, history, beaches, wildlife, water sports,

luxury, and more, all scattered across multiple islands.

Because we’re a little under the radar right now if you visit Bocas del Toro before the secret of

just how great this destination is gets out, you’ll enjoy all this and more with limited crowds, and

be the first of your traveling friends to do so.

Not convinced yet? Well, consider these other reasons why Bocas del Toro is Panama’s best-kept

secret….

1. Bocas del Toro is “the Galapagos of the Caribbean”

Everyone knows the Galapagos right? Situated off the Ecuadorian mainland, the islands are

renowned for their abundant and unique wildlife and marine life. However, their fame means

more travelers are headed there. You can break away from the crowds and, instead, make tracks

for the Galapagos of the Caribbean, aka Bocas del Toro, for ample wildlife-watching and marine

life-observing opportunities.

2. Bocas del Toro is the Perfect Place to Unplug

Searching for a getaway destination that will truly allow for a little R&R? If you’re heading to a

busy resort, you might not find it. Likewise, if you’re traveling to a well-known beach

destination that gets crowded and crammed with travelers, you may find that rest and relaxation

is the last thing available.

In Bocas del Toro, the vibe is laid back, the crowds are minimal and there are even places you

can go where you can find beaches and even entire islands all to yourself. What’s more, when it

comes to accommodations, you can opt to stay in a luxury vacation rental instead of a crowded,

loud resort, for resort-like amenities but with a more relaxing, rejuvenating, and private

atmosphere.

3. Bocas del Toro Allows You to Really Immerse Yourself in Local Life

When you travel to tourist-centric destinations that receive millions upon millions of visitors per

year, you might not get the chance to really see how the locals live and interact with them. You’ll

just find big resorts, international chains, and little in the way of authenticity.

That’s not the case in Bocas del Toro. Here, you can stroll Bocas Town and take in the colorful

architecture that hearkens back to the early 1900s. You can visit local markets to shop. You can

dine at local restaurants and bars. You can visit local producers and farms. You can even

experience Indigenous traditions and histories with visits to native villages.

In Bocas del Toro, everything is as authentic as it gets.

Ready to Discover This Best-Kept Secret for Yourself?

Don’t just take our word for it. Experience all this and more with a trip to Bocas del Toro.

Need to know more before you book? Check out more of our informational and tip-filled blog

posts. From what to pack to things to do, we’re giving you everything you need to know to plan

your perfect Bocas del Toro getaway.