Bocas del Toro Archipelago facts for kids
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Native name:
Archipiélago de Bocas del Toro
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Map of the archipelago
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 Bocas del Toro Archipelago
Location in Panama
Bocas del Toro Archipelago
Location in Caribbean
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| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 9°15′42″N 82°09′05″W / 9.261752°N 82.151281°W |
| Area | 250 km2 (97 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| Province | Bocas del Toro Province |
| District | Bocas del Toro |
| Largest settlement | Bocas Town |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 13,000 (2012) |
| Pop. density | 24.85 /km2 (64.36 /sq mi) |
The Bocas del Toro Archipelago is a beautiful group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. You can find it in the northwest part of Panama. These islands act like a natural barrier, separating calm bays like Almirante Bay and Chiriquí Lagoon from the big, open Caribbean Sea.
The archipelago is part of the Bocas del Toro District and the Bocas del Toro Province. The main town is Bocas del Toro, also known as Bocas Town. This town is located on Isla Colón, which is the largest island.
Getting to these islands is quite easy! You can travel between them using water taxis or private boats. To reach Isla Colón, you can fly into Bocas del Toro "Isla Colón" International Airport. This airport is just west of Bocas Town. Ferries also connect Bocas Town to places like Almirante, Changuinola, and Chiriquí Grande.
Contents
Exploring the Bocas del Toro Islands
The Bocas del Toro Archipelago covers about 250 square kilometers. This is about 60% of the district's total area. Around 13,000 people live here, which is about 75% of the district's population.
Main Islands to Discover
The archipelago is made up of several islands. Each one offers something special! Here are some of the main islands:
- Cayos Zapatilla
- Isla Bastimentos
- Isla Carenero (also called Careening Cay)
- Isla Cayo Agua
- Isla Colón (the main island)
- Isla Cristóbal
- Isla Popa
- Isla Solarte
- Isla Pastores
- Isla Bagui
- Isla Split Hill
Besides these larger islands, there are also about 50 smaller cays and around 200 tiny islets.
Protected Natural Areas
Many parts of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago are protected. This helps keep the amazing nature safe. Some of these special areas include:
- Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park
- Mimi Timbi
- Palo Seco
- Playa Bluff
- La Amistad (Pila)
These protected areas are home to many different plants and animals. They are great places to learn about nature.
Towns and Villages
You can find several towns and villages across the islands. These are places where people live and work.
- Bocas del Toro (Bocas Town)
- Bastimentos (on Isla Bastimentos)
- Salt Creek (on Isla Bastimentos)
- Punta Laurel (on Isla Bastimentos)
See also
- List of islands of Panama
- Atlantic Ocean
- Panama
- Districts of Panama
- List of islands in the Caribbean: Panama
- Outline of Panama
- Index of Panama-related articles
- List of cities in Panama
