This island was named for Christopher Columbus who sailed into this area of Panama in 1502. Isla Colon is approximately 14 km long and 7 km wide and with many hills supporting the surrounding rainforest. This island features a 5 km beach along its eastern side called Bluff Beach, mangroves on the west, and many caves along the interior. Bluff Beach is one of many important turtle nesting grounds in the archipelago.
Isla Colon has the highest population of all the islands, with most living in the town of Bocas del Toro which is the capital of the province. The culture on the island is mostly Afro-Caribbean with Latino, Chinese, and the indigenous Ngöbe people as well. The main language of the islands is Spanish, with English also prevalent. The Ngöbe people mainly speak only their native language.
