Popa Island (Spanish: Isla Popa) is the second one-biggest island inside the Bocas del Toro Archipelago of Panama, protecting an area of 53 km2 (20 sq mi).
Popa Island is a part of the Isla Popa National Park, renowned for its stunning seashores, clear waters, and plush tropical vegetation. The island is home to a small indigenous network of Ngäbe people, who live in traditional thatched-roof huts. Popa Island is a popular destination for ecotourism, trekking, bird-looking, and snorkeling. It can be reached by boat from the nearby town of Bocas del Toro.
Popa Island Location
| Name | Popa Island (Spanish: Isla Popa) |
| Country | Panama |
| Province | Bocas del Toro |
| Coordinates | 9°9′N 82°7′W |
| Area | 53 km2 (20 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) |
| Population | 1,200 |
| Airport | N/A |
Popa Island Culture
The Bocas del Toro Archipelago, along with Popa Island, was first located in 1502 (and named after Christopher Columbus), to begin with serving as a shelter and place for repairing his fleet.
Popa Island also serves as a hub for island hopping tours. It is one of the most advanced towns in the archipelago, boasting several first-class eating restaurants and cafes. Popa Island is home to five excellent indigenous communities, every engaged in agriculture, farm animal farming, and artisanal fishing. Many of the houses here are constructed over the water, including the uniqueness of the landscape.
Best Places in Popa Island
- Popa Island Beach: Popa Island Beach is a lovely stretch of white sand that extends along the east coast of the island. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and strolls. Visitors also can bask in various water sports activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
- Popa Paradise Beach Resort: This seashore hotel offers guests a secluded and high-priced experience on Popa Island. Accommodations include villas and cottages, every offering private balconies overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The hotel additionally functions in restaurants, bars, and a swimming pool.
- Popa Island Wildlife Reserve: The Popa Island Wildlife Reserve is a sanctuary for numerous animal species, such as monkeys, sloths, and jaguars. Visitors can discover the reserve on foot or via boat, and birdwatching or fishing opportunities are also available inside the location.
- Popa Island Hot Springs: The Popa Island Hot Springs is a natural wonder on the island, supplying visitors with the threat to loosen up in heat mineral pools surrounded by dense jungle. Accessible simplest with the aid of a boat, it's miles encouraged that site visitors lease nearby publications for a safe journey.
- Popa Island Chocolate Farm: This operational chocolate farm on Popa Island presents site visitors with the possibility of studying the chocolate-making procedure from bean to bar. Farm tours consist of tastings of the farm's delicious chocolate products, as well as demonstrations of traditional Panamanian cooking techniques.
How to Get to Popa Island
The nearest airport to Popa Island is Bocas del Toro Airport, which you can fly to from Panama City. From there, you can take a boat or water taxi from Bocas del Toro Town to Popa Island.
Boats typically depart regularly throughout the day, so you shouldn't have trouble finding transportation when looking for a way to reach the island.
When to Visit Popa Island
The great time to go to Popa Island in Panama for a holiday is from mid-December to mid-April during the dry season. During this time, the island experiences much less rainfall, making it more straightforward to explore the encompassing regions and revel in the lovely beaches. The temperatures at some stage in this era also are tremendously slight.
As these months are the height season, accommodation fees can be higher. If you decide upon fewer crowds, the wet season from May to November is probably a better time to visit as fees can be decreased, and the island is much less crowded. However, keep in thoughts that this is the time with the highest rainfall on the island, so be organized for viable rain showers.
The Famous Food of Popa Island
- Ropa Vieja: This is a dish of shredded red meat sluggish-cooked with tomato sauce, onions, garlic, and bell peppers. It's typically served with rice and beans.
- Patacones: These are fried green plantain slices, mashed and fried two times to create crispy and delicious chips. They are often served as an aspect dish or appetizer.
- Arroz con Pollo: A classic chook and rice dish seasoned with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chili peppers. It's generally cooked with hen broth, saffron, and different spices, resulting in a flavorful and fragrant dish.
- Fish Ceviche: A seafood dish made with the aid of marinating uncooked fish in lime juice and spices. It's typically served with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro and may be enjoyed as a prime route or appetizer.
- Sancocho de Gallina: A hearty bird soup made with yams, plantains, tomatoes, and cilantro. It's frequently served with rice and avocado, making it a famous comfort meal on the island.
- Seafood Rice: A savory dish made with rice, shrimp, clams, mussels, and other seafood. It's cooked with tomato sauce, garlic, onions, and peppers, creating a flavorful and enjoyable meal.
Popa Island Hotels
If you're planning to visit Popa Island in Panama, it's best to look for accommodation options in the nearby town of Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro is a popular tourist destination with a variety of lodging choices, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Many tours and activities exploring Popa Island depart from Bocas del Toro, giving you another compelling reason to seek accommodation there.
