Bocas Isla Bastimentos

Isla Bastimentos is one of the largest and most authentic islands in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. The village of Old Bank is the island's cultural soul, where the Afro-Caribbean community resides in colorful stilt houses. The island is home to the Bastimentos Marine National Park, protecting vital coral reefs, mangroves, and sea turtle nesting sites. Its most famous spot is Red Frog Beach, named after the tiny red strawberry poison dart frogs that inhabit the forest. Adventurers can explore the Nivida bat cave or hike through the jungle to secluded spots like Wizard Beach. The island gives world-class snorkeling, diving, and surfing. Gastronomy in Old Bank features traditional coconut rice and spicy Caribbean fish dishes. With very few roads, water taxis are the primary mode of transport. The best times to visit are during the drier windows in September and October, or from February to April.

Nearby cities

Panama City

Modern capital on the Pacific coast featuring an impressive skyline.

David

Major city in the west, near the border with Costa Rica.

Colón

Port city at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal.

Santiago de Veraguas

A major agricultural and commercial center.

Chitré

Capital of Herrera province, known for its local festivals.

Soná

A historic agricultural hub and the gateway to the world-renowned surfing and diving spots of Veraguas.

Playa Blanca

A premium resort destination on the Pacific coast featuring giant pools and white sand beaches.

Pedasí

A charming fishing village on the Azuero Peninsula, famous for its beaches, whale watching, and surfing.

Santa Fé

A charming mountain village in Veraguas, famous for its orchids, coffee culture, and countless waterfalls.

Farallón / Río Hato

A premier Pacific beach destination featuring luxury resorts and expansive golden sand beaches.

Santa Catalina

A once-remote fishing village, now famous as one of Central America's premier surf spots and the gateway to Coiba National Park.

Playa Venao

A world-class surfing destination featuring black sand beaches and a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere.

Aguadulce

An industrial city known for salt production, sugar cane plantations, and shrimp farming.

History & landmarks

Las Tablas

The cultural heart of the Azuero Peninsula, known for its magnificent carnival celebrations and traditional Panamanian folklore.

Bocas del Toro

A picturesque archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, popular with tourists.

Boquete

Mountain town known for its cooler climate and coffee plantations.

El Valle de Anton

A village located inside one of the world's largest inhabited volcanic craters.

Panama Canal

A world-famous artificial waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Taboga Island

Taboga Island, also known as the "Island of Flowers," is a picturesque volcanic island situated in the Gulf of Panama.

Biomuseo

A colorful biodiversity museum designed by architect Frank Gehry.

Amador Causeway

A causeway linking islands, offering great views of the city skyline.

Nature

Gatun Lake

A massive artificial lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal.

Chagres River

The river that provides the water essential for the operation of the Panama Canal.

More places

Volcan Baru National Park

The protected area surrounding the country's highest peak.

Cerro Punta

The highest inhabited area of Panama, known for its fertile volcanic soil.

Coiba National Park

A large Pacific island with rich marine life, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Fort San Lorenzo

A historic fortress situated at the mouth of the Chagres River.

Soberania National Park

A world-renowned destination for birdwatching in the tropical rainforest.

Fortifications of Portobelo

Major Spanish colonial defenses located on the Caribbean coast.

Casco Viejo

The historic district of Panama City featuring colonial architecture.

Panamá Viejo

The archaeological ruins of the first Spanish city in Panama.