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Caribbean
Area Descriptions
San Blas Islands
Bordered by the province of Colón on the west,
Colombia on the east and the provinces of Panama and Darién
on the south, the region primarily consists of 365 islands
grouped together in the Caribbean Sea. The majority of
the Kuna Indian population is concentrated in these islands.
The Kuna Indians have governed this autonomous province
since the 1920s. They maintain their own economic system,
language, customs and culture with their distinctive dress,
music, dance and legends. There is a feeling of being
in another world - straight out of the pages of National
Geographic. The men still fish from canoes and climb for
coconuts as they have done for centuries. Stunning golden
sands and blue-green waters are edged by the coconut palms,
the idyllic islands of your dreams.
Daily Flights serve several of the islands so don’t be
surprised if you find yourself island hopping. You are
advised to make reservations as the small planes tend
to get crowded. Aerotaxi, Aviatur and Ansa serve some
islands from Albrook Airport. Traffic between islands
is by motorized cuyaco.
Accommodations are generally in simple and rustic cabins,
with palm thatched roof and walls, some have hammocks
instead of beds. Sailing and snorkeling around these coral
islands is superb. Diving conditions are best between
April and June.
The arts and crafts of the Kunas are famous. The bright
tropical scenery and wildlife is reflected in the colorful
molas, a rainbow of reverse appliqué embroidery
in geometric designs made by the Kuna women that are popular
souvenirs for visitors.
Colon Province
The Caribbean province of Colon has seen some colorful
history. First came the Spanish, harried by scavenging
pirates. Then in the 19th century came the gold rush 49ers
from the east coast of the United States, willing to face
the rigors of walking through Panama's humid jungles to
seek riches in California. A historic railroad the first
ever to cross a continent was built to speed them on their
way. Then, at the beginning of the 20th century, came
the great days of the construction of the Panama Canal.
The good news for the visitor is that not only are there
fascinating reminders of these different ages to visit,
but the setting is spectacular: turquoise waters, palm-fringed
bays, tropical flowers and forested hills. And as well
as seeing the sights, you can scuba dive or snorkel, or
spend a day or two relaxing on the island of Isla Grande.
Located at the Caribbean-side entrance to the Panama
Canal, just 55 minutes by car from the Pacific, the city
of Colón is the country's main port for the import
and re-export of merchandise. The Colón Free Zone
is the most important free trade zone in the western world.
Colón is approximately one hour by car from Panama
City via the Panama-Colón highway. Buses leave
every hour from the Albrook Bus Terminal. Aeroperlas also
flies to the city of Colón from Albrook Airport.
You can also get to Colón via railway from Panama.
The trip takes 50 minutes.
Colón Free Zone
Located in the Caribbean port city of Colón, the
free zone is the second largest import/ distribution center
in the world. All types of products, from raw materials
to machinery, can be imported, stored, modified, distributed,
processed, assembled, re-packed and then re-exported without
being subject to customs duties.
Bocas del Toro
Follow in the wake of Christopher Columbus who found
safe anchorage here in 1502. Bocas is for the free spirit!
This is a Caribbean paradise with an international flavor.
Bocas del Toro, or the "mouth of the bull" is
the name of the province that borders Costa Rica in the
North West corner of Panama. The islands of the archipelago
of Bocas del Toro have had a more peaceful existence than
some areas of the country. They were not colonized by
the Spanish as little gold was found here so the Indians
were left in peace. Buccaneers came here but mainly to
repaired their boats and, if legends are true, bury their
treasure. French Huguenots settled here in the 17th century.
Later when the banana industry flourished, former slaves
from other Caribbean islands and Colombia came to work.
This is a diverse community indeed, where English is widely
spoken and life is lived to a Caribbean beat.
This spectacular archipelago consists of six large
islands and numerous small ones in an area that mostly
caters to ecotourism. The emerald waters are edged by
silvery sand against a back drop of the dramatic peaks
of the Cordillera hills. Isla Colon is the most visited
and developed island with a number of small hotels and
boasts an airport with daily flights to and from Panama
City and David by Aeroperlas. This is the only island
with roads as most of the traffic throughout the area
is by water. Most families go shopping by boat or water
taxi. The best times to visit are February to April and
September/October.
On these islands, you will find gorgeous beaches, where
the rainforest reaches the sea and the only access is
by boat, perhaps mangroves full of wild life, or with
coral fields near their shores. Some of the islands are
within the marine Parque Nacional Bastimentos, this provides
protection for nesting turtles, aquatic birds and mammals,
and consequently has terrific spots for diving, snorkeling
and swimming. However, the best places for diving are
Hospital Point, Coral Key, Dark Wood Reef and Punta Juan
buoy. For snorkeling, the Garden near Cayo Nancy, Hospital
Point and Punta Juan buoy are excellent. Boating, sport
fishing and kayaking are popular everywhere. One of the
most spectacular beaches is Red Frog Beach, so called
because it is the only home to a thumbnail sized species
of dendrobatids, bright red with black spots. Surfing
is popular at Punch Beach on Isla Colon, and surfers are
excited about a big reef break called Silverbacks on Bastimentos
Island. If you just wish to chill out and enjoy the pleasures
of sand and sea then you have miles of beach to choose
from. There is something special for everyone in Bocas!
Bocas
del Toro is an archipelago on the Caribbean bordering
Costa Rica.
Boca del Toro Islands and Activities (refer to
map above)
1 - Swans Cay or Bird Island: Birdswatching
It is a small cay out in the sea, where several sea birds
(boobies, tropic birds, seagulls, pelicans) nest and stay.
2 - Boca del Drago - Soropta Chanel: Birdswatching, snorkelling,
beach, restaurant
Boca del Drago is an old village with beautiful beaches.
The Soropta Chanel goes inside of the San San Pondsack
Reserve (wetland) where we may view the fauna and flora
of this special ecosystem.
3 - Bluff Beach: Beach, surf, marine turtles nesting
The best beach of the region, white sand and a forest
just accross the road. Marine Turtles (leatherbacks, hawksbills,
greens) come to nest from April to September.
4 - Hospital Point: Snorkelling, scuba diving, beach
It is on the Solarte Cay western end. Tiny beach and beautiful
coral reef for great snorkelling and scuba diving.
5 - San Cristobal: Indian village, snorkelling, scuba
diving
One of the more important ngobe indian villages. Local
handicrafts. Just in front of the community is a good
spot for snorkelling and scuba diving.
6 - The Garden: Snorkelling, scuba diving
One of the best spots for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Along the southern coast of Solarte Cay.
7 - Bocatorito: Dolphins watch, restaurant, indian community.
Calm bay waters surrounded by mangroves. Good for watching
dolphins. Small picturesque village with a very good restaurant.
8 - Marine Park Mangroves: Snorkelling, mangroves
Along the southern coasts of Solarte Cay and Bastimentos
Island is this impressive region of mangrove islets in
a lagoon like scenery. Snorkelling viewing the mangrove
roots, this beautiful underwater environment is a must
see.
9 - Coral Cay: Snorkelling, scuba diving, restaurant
Snorkelling and scuba diving paradise in the multiple
coral reefs that surround this cay. Here is a well known
restaurant specialized in seafood.
10 - Red Frog Trail and Beach: Birds and frogs watching,
beach, hiking
After leaving you boat on the southern coast of Bastimentos
island, a well maintenned trail brings you through the
rainforest to the other side of the island, where a magnificent
white sand beach awaits for you. In the forest look for
the fantastic red dart poison frogs.
11 - Bahia Honda: Sloths watching, trail in the forest,
restaurant
Probably one of the best trails of the region, a mix of
water and land trail, is here. Sure views of sloths, some
times with their babies. A big grout with a community
of bats is at the end. Good restaurant in the ngobe community.
12 - Long Beach: Beach, surf, marine turtles nesting
White sandy beach inside of the Marine Park, good for
surfing and marine turtles watching during the nesting
season (April to September). The access is not easy except
by land, using a local guide.
13 - Salt Creek: Indian village, trail in the forest,
bird watching
Other important ngobe indian village of the Archipelago.
Here, you may hire a local guide to hike the rainforest
trail that ends at Long Beach. Chances are good that you
sill see small mammals, birds and reptils. The guides
also know about traditional medicinal plants.
14 - Zapatillas Cays: Marine Park, snorkelling, scuba
diving, beach, hiking
The jewels of the Marine Park. Home base of the Park rangers
and several conservation activities. A small trail runs
you through a tiny forest. Good coral reefs with caves
form a barrier where the waves explode in a spectacular
show of the power of nature. When the sea is calm it is
a very good spot for scuba diving.
15 - Sandubidi (Popa 2): Indian village, trail, mangroves
watching, restaurant
Ngobe indian community in the Popa island, in the center
of the Archipelago. Here you can hire a guide to see the
fauna and flora of the rainforest or, by yourself, walk
in the elevated wooden way of the "Mangroves Demonstrative
Trail". Soon, a restaurant and a cabin, both with
spectacular views of the islands, will be open to visitors.
The local women also offer good ngobe handicrafts.
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