Bocas wildlife is an explosion of diversity. Its trails bring together mangroves, waterfalls, bat caves, turtle nesting beaches, and islands where you can see endemic and migratory birds. Bocas del Toro is a destination to hike, explore and connect deeply with nature. Here are 12 of its most representative trails, but there are many more to discover...
If you find yourself in Punta del Drago, don't miss this short but rewarding half-hour hike through a mangrove forest and wooden bridges over crystal clear lagoons. You will see fish, crabs, crustaceans and seabirds. At the end of the trail, you will be rewarded with the stunning Estrella Beach, where starfish come to breed.
Tip: Remember to treat starfish with respect and do not remove them from the water.
An ideal destination for the more adventurous, La Gruta is an underground coral formation that practically crosses the island. The walk takes place along a stream towards the heart of the mountain. As you move forward, the water will rise from your ankles to your waist. Be surrounded by spectacular stone formations while listening to the flutter of bats.
Tip: In Bocas Town you will get public transportation that will take you to the entrance of La Gruta. You can also walk the 7 km (5 miles), on a paved path.
It is recommended that you hire a specialized guide and wear appropriate footwear, a headlamp and quick-drying clothing.
This trail connects Bluff Beach, La Piscina, the Blue Lagoon and Mimitimbi Beach. The trail combines stretches of beach and sections under the forest. You will have the opportunity to see wild animals such as monkeys and sloths and you will find areas with restaurants and hotels.
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, water and insect repellent, and don't forget your swimsuit, for anything in the world.
To visit the Bastimentos beaches you can take a walk of about three hours. It starts at the Bastimentos pier in the direction of Red Frog Beach. You will have to pay $5 per person, as you will enter a private trail. When you arrive at Red Frog Beach, continue to the lookout point. The trail has stretches of jungle and stretches of sand. In the first part you should keep an eye out for red frogs and blue jeans, the great attraction of the area. In the last stretch you can try to see some white-faced or howler monkeys, iguanas and sloths.
Tip: Beware of frogs, do not step on them or touch them, they can be poisonous. Remember to bring your swimsuit.
This tour begins at the famous Red Frog Beach and then takes you to an experience in the middle of the forest, ending in an interesting cultural exchange. The trail, which is quite easy, offers you the opportunity to see the famous red and blue jeans frogs. They are one centimeter (0.39 inch) miniatures decorated with incredible colors due to a toxin they have in their skin. Try to identify as many patterns in their little bodies as you can.
When you arrive in Old Bank you will find an Antillean community that preserves its delicious traditional food based on seafood, coconut and spices, and its typical rhythms, such as calypso and reggae.
Tip: Be careful with the frogs: you could accidentally step on them. And remember not to touch them, as they can be poisonous.
Remember to always bring your swimsuit and some cash.
At Old Bank you will find guides who will take you to Polo, one of the most sought-after beaches in the archipelago. Due to its remoteness, the beach remains almost untouched. Along the way you will be able to spot sloths, howler monkeys, and a great variety of birds.
Managed by the Ngäbe-Buglé community, this trail will take you through banana and cacao plantations, mangroves and stretches of forest to Cueva Nivida, home to hundreds of bats. The first part, about 40 minutes, is traveled by panga along the coast and mangrove. From there you take the path uphill through the forest.
The entrance to the Nivida Cave is a challenge. As you go deeper into the mountain, the path gets darker. Swim, walk and climb to the end to find a pool of natural water where you can jump from the rocks.
Tip: This excursion must be done with a specialized guide. In Honda Bay, the community has created the Timorogo project, which organizes families to provide these services. There you will find trained bilingual guides who will provide you with the necessary equipment to enter the cave such as a helmet, headlamp, gloves and special shoes. Take advantage of the tour to have a cultural experience. Don't forget to bring cash to eat or buy crafts and remember to bring quick-drying clothing and appropriate shoes for walking in the jungle and crossing streams.
This trail starts at a white sand beach and crosses the island to another even more protected beach. Walk across suspension bridges that pass over a wetland, cross an area of fallen trees that serve as a base for new trees that emerge from their trunks. Finally, you will find a beach with clear water, ideal for snorkeling.
Tip: This trail is within the protected areas of the park and you must bring your own food. Do not leave anything that could end up in the sea or the forest. To get there you must hire a tour operator on Colon Island or Bastimentos Island, and pay a fee of around $10 to enter.
This trail runs along the coast of the smallest island of the archipelago. Although in some sections it is not well marked, you just have to be careful to have the sea on your side. You can stop at any of the beaches, take a swim and have a picnic and then continue. Along the way you will find small settlements, hotels and very natural stretches full of wildlife.
The trail starts at the beach, goes into a very jungle-like section ideal for spotting wild flora and fauna and ends at Punta Hospital, an ideal beach for snorkeling in one of the most beautiful spots in the archipelago.
Tip: The trail is private so you will have to pay the entrance fee. The cost includes snorkeling equipment and towel. Bring money in case you want to eat at one of the restaurants near the beach.
Managed by the Klosay Ecotourism Project of the Ngäbe Buglé region, this trail starts on the road that leads to the region. Once there, the guide will encourage you to have something to eat with the members of the community before embarking on the second part of the trail. This section can be very steep because of the continuous ascents and descents, and on rainy days there may be mud. The reward: a beautiful waterfall in the middle of two high stone walls. A completely natural spectacle.
Tip: Remember to bring long pants, insect repellent, sunscreen and your bathing suit.
In the continental part of the province, in the Naso Tjër Di region, the women of the community have organized themselves to offer community-based tourism services. This trail will take you through jungles and allow you to discover beautiful waterfalls in the middle of nature. You can swim in natural pools and enjoy a refreshing dip. Along the way you will find ñeques, monkeys and peccaries, besides being a perfect place for bird watching.
Tips: We encourage you to share with the community. Bring appropriate footwear, bathing suit, insect repellent and water.
There are many more trails throughout the archipelago and mainland Bocas. In general, be sure to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and appropriate equipment according to the conditions of each trail.
Already know where to start? Enjoy exploring the natural beauty of Bocas del Toro!