The Absolute Best of Bocas del Toro

With its incredibly comfy rooms, pampering spa, gourmet cuisine, and Caribbean beach, it would be easy to never leave La Coralina Island House. But for those who like to explore there are plenty of other ways to discover the tropical paradise Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama.

Isla Colón, the archipelago’s main island, is encircled by amazing beaches. Three sun, sand, and sea gems — Playa Escondido, the Blue Lagoon and La Piscina Beach — are just up the coast from La Coralina. Keep driving around the north side of the island to Playa Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach. Or head south for Istmito Beach.

An ancient Spanish colonial settlement, Bocas Town revolves around Plaza Simon Bolivar with its bandstand and huge shade trees. La Coralina guests going for a night on the town will find a wide range of food and beverage options along the Bocas Town waterfront, from vegan cafes, pizza joints and Korean street food to upscale Japanese, Italian, and Panamanian seafood restaurants.

Numerous outfitters offer opportunities for sailing, scuba diving or snorkeling in the warm, aquamarine waters of Isla Bastimentos Marine National Park or small, nearby islands like Zapatillas or Pajaros.

Or head inland for the quirky Plastic Bottle Village or a guided eco-tour through of the Bocas del Toro Nature Reserve in search of sloths, monkeys and other rainforest creatures.

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