Our 2 week holiday in Panama in June 2010 consisted of lots of activities, one of which was Bocas del toro snorkeling! The weather was amazing which made Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving EVEN better! The crystal clear water and colorful reefs were second to none. We hired a boat and a friendly guide called Roberto and ventured out exploring to see what Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving had to offer. Roberto gave us good quality snorkeling and scuba diving equipment and our first stop was Dolphin Bay. We arrived at Dolphin Bay around 1pm, although it seems the best time to visit here is in the morning to get the most out of Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving at Dolphin Bay. However, we did spot the Dolphins and had loads of fun swimming with them around the Bay and seeing them in their natural environment. Our next stop was Coral Cay where we had lunch and a beer in the local restaurant. We jumped into the water and continued our Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving adventure. We saw a wide variety of flamboyant fish and marine life including crabs, star fish and tons of colorful exotic fish. We soon got back in the boat and went to Hospital Point which was a really pretty area. It was lovely and secluded and we were able to get really close to the side of the rocks where we saw a million tiny fish swimming around us. It was picture postcard pretty with palm trees along the shore line. Hospital Point was probably my favorite part of the Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving trip. Even the boat ride alone was amazing fun and like a roller coaster! We all had big wide grins on our faces the whole time we were going up and down, riding the crest of the waves!
Another plus point to Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving is that there are so few tourists around so you get a real sense of being off the beaten track and adventuring and exploring out on your own. Like discovering a hidden gem that nobody else knows about yet. You will never get bored of Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving as there are so many islands to conquer each with their own natural beauty and individuality to offer.
Zapatilla is another incredible Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving spot which sometimes may go unnoticed, but is well well worth a visit as it was truly breathtaking. The 6 of us had such an enjoyable time island hopping and snorkeling in the sunshine, although we were not experienced snorkelers, we still plunged in and had a great day. However, the sun is really strong and one member of the group got sunburned after just an hour, so sun cream is a must!
We stayed in the hostel Bocas Bound in Isla Bastimentos which was a great base for our Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving escapades. The staff were really helpful and arranged our boat and guide for us. They also gave us loads of tips and advice on where to go around the islands and information on exactly the best places for Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving. However, staying at any of the islands around Bocas allows you to have easy accessibility to boats. Just check that they have good equipment as this can certainly ruin your day! Our guide was really flexible and accommodating to our needs and gave us loads of information about the local eco system.
Though it may not be the first place you would think of for a snorkeling and scuba diving destination, Bocas del toro snorkeling was without a doubt a real highlight of our whole holiday in Panama. I would definitely recommend Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving to anyone and everyone, and I have already advised all my friends and family back home to spread the word of its highlights and book a flight and go!
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