Bocas del Toro is becoming a very popular diving and snorkeling destination, due to its clear waters and calm bays. This area was first visited by Christopher Columbus on October 5, 1502. Because the Spaniards did not immediately colonize the area, English pirates successfully set up a base there in 1745, from which they traded in live turtles, sarsaparilla, tortoise shell and mahogany. By 1890, the pirates were gone, the first banana plantation had been established on the mainland, the island of Bocas del Toro became the administrative center of this activity, and a small town of the same name sprang up there. The Caribbean province of Bocas del Toro was officially founded in 1903, shortly after Panama won its independence from Colombia.

The Bocas del Toro area consists of nine islands, 51 named cays, and 200 unnamed islands. Facilities include a fine airport with several daily flights by two airlines, a selection of hotels in a variety of price ranges, restaurants serving local and international cuisines, and three dive shops. The town's ambiance is relaxed and very safe. Most of its inhabitants speak both Spanish and English. Activities include snorkeling, diving, ecotourism and turtle watching. There are great beaches in Bocas for sunbathing.

Snorkeling and diving
Because of its clear, calm bays, Bocas del Toro is the perfect place for dive training and certification. All three of the Bocas del Toro dive shops offer PADI certification and one is a PADI-certified resort. More experienced divers like the unique variety of marine life here, a result of the mixing of mainland nutrients and ocean silicates. Divers (and lucky snorkelers) can expect to see yellow and southern stingrays, as well as eagle rays and nurse sharks. There is an excellent variety of tropical fish, including Queen Angel fish. Water visibility at Bocas varies from 12 meters from November to March to up to 30 meters the rest of the year. Water temperature is a comfortable 27 degrees Centigrade and conditions are always favorable for diving. The deepest dives offered are about 40 feet. Underwater photography courses are available, and Sea & Sea cameras can be rented.