Bocas del Drago and Starfish Beach

When Christopher Columbus arrived in Panama in 1502, he landed at Boca del Drago, on the northern tip of Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. You’ll find it much easier to discover this same tropical beach today. For $5 (round trip) you can take a 40-minute bus ride from the park on Main Street in Bocas Town, across the island to Boca del Drago. (The schedule when I was there was Mon – Sat 6 am, 8 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm, return trips at 7 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm. Check current schedules). The bus travels a well-paved road through the farming and fishing community of the Ngobe Indians. As you pass by the picturesque thatched roof houses that are home to many of the 300 community members you may envy the serenity and simplicity of their lifestyle. But, keep in mind, for most, there is no electricity and water is hauled from creeks.  

I was awakened from my day dreaming by the sensation of pavement suddenly turning to sand. No, we hadn’t gone off the road, we had arrived at Boca del Drago. A short distance beyond the tourist restaurants, cabinas and gift shops there was a small dock with a boat waiting to take me and a few fellow travelers over to Playa de las Estrellas or Starfish Beach ($1.00). A few minutes later we were swimming in crystal clear waters with beautiful orange and red starfish. They were magnificent and plentiful, each measuring 6 to 8 inches. Palm trees and tropical vegetation offered shade along the pristine sandy beach and small beach bars offered lounge chairs and refreshments. Of course, there were drinks in coconuts. Just what the body needs after a little snorkeling with starfish. I decided to take the beach path back to the main settlement to catch the return bus. It’s about a 20 minute easy walk. Yes, my day at Starfish Beach was magical, I could have stayed for weeks.