Cheap flights to Bocas Del Toro airport

Discover Bocas Del Toro

Cheap Flights to Bocas Del Toro Airport

Bocas Del Toro was originally named Isla del Drago -- by Christopher Columbus, who arrived in 1502. Over the years, through a territorial dispute between Costa Rica and Panama, the area passed to Panama, and it was finally renamed Bocas del Toro (or "mouth of the bull").

The chain of nine islands, hundreds of islets and cays (and a bit of mainland) that comprise Bocas Del Toro are now home to a somewhat modern town. It was entirely built by the United Fruit Company a century ago. With a population of Native Americans, Latinos and whites, this archipelago is immediately recognizable for its beautiful, shimmering blue-green waters, colorful stilted clapboard homes, its amazing biological diversity and its perfectly wonderful Caribbean atmosphere.

The essentials: arriving in Bocas del Toro

Canadians are welcome in Panama; there is no visa required. All you need is a passport with at least three months on it. The best part is, the region is wonderful to visit year-round. There's practically no bad time to go.

The best way to get to Bocas del Toro is by air. Air Panama has flights from Panama City, and Nature Air flies from Costa Rica. It's possible to book using tools like Skyscanner to find the most competitive pricing prices.

Some tourists choose to arrive by boat; there are services from Almirante. If you'd rather enjoy the countryside and travel by road, there are bus services from many parts of the country.

Isla Colón airport in Bocas del Toro is a  basic facility, as you would expect for a small town. A functioning bathroom is about the only amenity available; the airport opens at 6 am each morning, and closes at night. Metered taxis are easily available at the airport; there are no car rental counters.

Taking in the best of Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is an undiscovered Caribbean paradise. Most people head out to the more famous destinations; Bocas, meanwhile, is just as wonderful with none of the crowds. When you arrive, you'll probably want to head over to the Autoridad De Tourismo Panama, the local tourism office, for any information that you may need. Once you're set, there's any amount of wonderful stuff to do.

It's a good idea to start out with the Boca del Drago Beach, Starfish Beach in English. The waters here are remarkable for their clarity and absolute stillness. It can be wonderful to look at the bright orange starfish on the seabed a few feet below. Boat tours are available, but many simply swim or snorkel down to look at those fish. Carenero is another little island beach with great marine life. This one is spectacular for its coral reefs. Playa Bluff is a great beach with wonderful, golden sands.

You'll find that you spend much of your time shuttling to the various little islands around on the amazingly cheap water taxis, finding the experience very agreeable. As a budget destination, your money will go very far here.