Colón Island, also referred to as Isla Colón in Spanish, is the principal island on the northernmost tip of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, positioned inside the Bocas del Toro Province of Panama. It is the most populous island within the Bocas Del Toro archipelago and serves as the home to some of the location's pinnacle ecological wonders and seaside tourism locations.
Colón Island was first discovered in 1502 (and named after Christopher Columbus), and the islands were initially used as shelters and places to repair their fleet.
On Isla Colón, you can locate Playa Estrella, also called "Starfish Beach," an included ecotourism vacation spot in which you can also revel in the Afro-Caribbean subculture and cuisine of the region (remember no longer to touch the starfish). Next, head to Playa Bluff to enjoy international-elegance browsing and the possibility to learn about nearby sea turtle conservation efforts. Along the way to Playa Bluff, there is mostly a stop at Paki Point, a laid-returned seashore wherein you could revel in a cold beer. You may additionally want to go to Playa Tortuga, a seashore resort with the most essential seashore swimming pool within the region, or the picturesque seashore of Boca del Drago.
Colón Island Location
| Name | Colón Island (Isla Colón) |
| Country | Panama |
| Province | Bocas del Toro |
| Coordinates | 9°23′15″N 82°15′30″W |
| Area | 37 km2 |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EAST) |
| Population | 125,461 |
| Airport | Bocas del Toro International Airport |
How to Get to Colón Island
- Bocas Town is the location of the Bocas del Toro International Airport, with flights available from Panama City and San José, Costa Rica.
- From the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City, you can take a bus, which takes approximately 10 to 12 hours.
- Additionally, there are taxis and Bocas ferries available to transport people and vehicles to Isla Colón.
Things to Do in Colón Island
Bocas Town
Bocas Town is located on the southernmost tip of Isla Colón and serves as the capital and most important city in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Despite being the bustling hub of the region, Bocas Town is small and, without difficulty, navigable.
Most lodges, eating places, and bars are located along First Street, Second Street, and Third Street (Main Street)—the city middle functions Simón Bolívar Park, in which artisans sell food and handicrafts. Taxis are to be had, but many locals select bicycles, which might be available for lease all through the metropolis.
Stroll through Bocas Town to explore artisan stores. Enjoy staying at waterfront restaurants in the downtown area and soak in the active atmosphere of Bocas Town.
There are lots of eating places in Bocas Town, and you'll be amazed by the exceptional variety of food to be had in this type of small metropolis. Waterfront restaurants often provide satisfaction hour specials in the past due afternoon. In the evenings, Bocas Town comes alive with songs and activities. Explore the various bars and discotheques in Bocas Town for dancing and relaxation at night.
Bluff Beach
Bluff Beach is famous for its golden sands and jungle backdrop. It's a magical place with scattered beachfront eating places in which you can nevertheless find a small patch to call your very own. This seashore is also a crucial nesting place for numerous turtle species. Explore the jungle on horseback.
Lie in a hammock by way of the seashore and allow pass of all concerns, or catch a few waves within the ocean. Bluff Beach is a have-visit for any vacationer.
Starfish Beach
Boca del Drago is a superb choice for snorkeling or enjoying a calming day on the seaside. Here, you'll locate pleasant beachfront eating places serving clean seafood and local delicacies. Have lunch, after which you can revel in terrific snorkeling off the shore.
You can also walk to Starfish Beach or take a ship tour to Bird Island. Starfish Beach faces the mainland and has calm waters, making it brilliant for swimming.
Bird Island
Bird Island is a municipal protected area, a small rocky outcrop at the northern tip of Isla Colón. Terns, gulls, and pelicans leap across the island while smaller forest birds dart in and out of the dense cover. It's the handiest vicinity in Panama, where you can see red-billed tropicbirds, recognizable by means of their lengthy streamer-like tail feathers as they glide over the island.
Access to the region across the island is viable when the sea is calm. It's a birdwatching paradise and a perfect spot to experience the wild Caribbean vibes. Remember, entry to the island itself is not allowed.
When to Visit Colón Island
The first-rate time to visit Isla Colón is from December to March, which is generally the driest period of the year and also the busiest for tourism.
The driest months on Isla Colón are typically taken into consideration to be January to March. However, the height traveler season is from November to April. During these months, you could anticipate, broadly speaking, a dry and exquisite climate with occasional wet days.
Bocas del Toro falls beneath a tropical rainforest climate, which means that it's far more humid year-spherical. There are several weeks throughout the year without rain; however, you can commonly expect at least a little rain for the duration of your travels.
Recommended Colón Island Hotels
- Paradise Divers Boutique Hotel: Perfect for divers visiting Bocas del Toro, offering new high-quality facilities, a restaurant, and an in-house diving school, all located in Bocas Town.
- Gran Hotel Bahia: A historic hotel in a building dating back to 1905, serving as the headquarters of the United Fruit Company (Chiquita Banana). It has been operating as a hotel since 1968, with local ownership and staff.
- Hostel Mamallena Bocas: Located above the sea, this hostel features a lively bar for fun and relaxation, providing a comfortable place to meet other travelers and enjoy ocean views.
- Hotel Bocas del Toro: This boutique hotel offers ocean and town views, exquisite decor, personalized service, and a Caribbean-style restaurant and bar.
- Hotel Don Chicho: A colorful hotel providing private accommodation steps away from Bocas Town center, ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking comfort and relaxation.
- Hotel Palma Royale: With stunning views of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Palma Royale Hotel is one of the most popular accommodations, offering private rooms and suites and a delicious Italian restaurant downstairs.
- Hotel Vista Mar: Comfortable with beautiful views and tasty local cuisine, Hotel Vista Mar is a perfect place to explore Bocas, rumored to offer some of the best fishing tours.
- The Bocas Inn: A charming family-run inn located on the waterfront on Isla Colón in Bocas Town, offering private rooms and a lovely deck with Caribbean Sea views.
- Somewhere: A luxurious nine-suite hotel located just outside Bocas Town, nestled between tall palm trees and the azure ocean, offering an unforgettable experience.
- Tropical Suites: Located in the heart of Bocas Town, Tropical Suites Hotel features modern, elegant design and comfortable amenities, allowing guests to relax and enjoy a beautiful tropical island getaway truly.
