Trade in that screensaver for the real thing — these totally secluded, completely blissful islands are the stuff of honeymoon dreams.
By: Pam GroutBocas del Toro, Panama
Jimmy Buffet would feel right at home in this laid-back archipelago off the northwest coast of Panama. The vibe is chill, the beaches look like talcum powder and there’s a reverent respect for nature, local culture and biodiversity. With nine main islands, 51 keys and hundreds of little islets dotted across the Chiriqui Lagoon, Bocas del Toro is off the beaten path for sure, but it won’t take hours of your precious time to get there.
Photo courtesy of VisitPanama
What to Do:
Bocas del Toro is best viewed on water. It’s a cinch to rent boats, water taxis and cayucos (dugout canoes) from a collective of freelance captains who will gladly ferry you to deserted islands and the Bastimentos Marine National Park with its pristine reefs, perfect for catching glimpses of everything from moray eels to parrotfish. Surf lessons and diving excursions are always at the ready and are easy on the wallet compared to other islands around the world.
On land, wander through charming colonial streets or just relax to the sounds of reggae wafting in the distance and sip daiquiris made from passion fruit that, most likely, was still in the island’s thick tangle of jungle hours earlier.
The wildlife viewing is tops. Keep your phone ready for pictures of everything from neon frogs and alligators to sloths, capuchin monkeys — even jaguars! There are bat caves to explore complete with beautiful rock formations, fresh water and — yes — bats.
Where to Stay:
La Loma Jungle Lodge & Chocolate Farm on Isla Bastimentos, a 30-minute boat ride from Bocas Town, offers four open-air cabins, scattered among 57 acres of tropical forest overlooking Bahia Honda (room rates start at $90 per person and include meals; thejunglelodge.com).
