Isla Popa
Wild Beaches, All-Inclusive Resorts & Lush Jungle
Isla Popa is the second-largest island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. It is located only 200 meters from the mainland.
Isla Popa
Untouched beaches and Raw Jungle
Popa Island is one of the biggest islands in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. It consists of a group of islets and cays that form part of this district. On Isla Popa, you will find colorful reefs, mangroves, and lush forests where you can see tucans. Go on a snorkeling tour and discover the many reefs and fish that inhabit the surrounding island. Or simply relax on one of its almost private beaches where you will be the only one there. Popa Island is only a few minutes from the famous Cayos Zapatillas. One of the least visited islands in the Bocas archipelago. Isla Popa is home to five indigenous communities: Popa 1, Popa 2, Isla Tigre, Loma Partida, and Punta Laurel.
Information
- History of Isla Popa
- Isla Popa Culture
- How to Get to Isla Popa
- Safety on Isla Popa
- Isla Popa Tips & Tricks
History of Isla Popa
Bocas del Toro is a picturesque archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea on the northern side of Panama’s isthmus. These islands were first discovered (and named after) Christopher Columbus in 1502, utilized initially as a place used for refuge and repairs to his fleet of ships.
Isla Popa Culture
Isla Popa is home to five different indigenous communities. Each community practices agriculture tends livestock and artisanal fishing. The majority of the inhabitants are indigenous Ngöbe. Most residents live in rustic homes, many of them built over the sea.
How to Get to Isla Popa
Most visitors to Bocas del Toro visit local indigenous communities for cultural and wildlife tours. Isla Popa is a 30-minute boat ride from Bocas Town. Reach out to local tour agencies for details on where to go and what to do on Isla Popa.
Safety on Isla Popa
Isla Popa is a small community of only around 600 inhabitants. Still, just like anywhere, it’s essential to use common sense when visiting. Do not leave your things unattended while visiting. Make sure to use local tour agencies and guides when visiting the jungles and surrounding reefs.
Isla Popa Tips & Tricks
A few local communities offer tours of their villages and places to eat over the water. Make sure to bring cash, the entire island is off-the-grid, and there are no ATMs anywhere near here.
Things to Do
With us, Flytrip, discover Bocas del Toro, a natural paradise with international projection
A charter flight company offering you the most memorable experience with VIP lounge, personalized attention and trips with a purpose.The natural beauty surrounding Bocas del Toro and its residents'...
Bocas Adventure: The Panama Day Tour You Will Love
How fun does taking a boat ride to Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge on Isla Bastimentos, exploring the trails onsite, climbing up the canopy observation tower, and spending the afternoon in the...
Where to Learn to Surf in Bocas del Toro
Blessed with both the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Panama is one of the top surfing destinations in Central America. It offers a wide array of options for all types...
Renting a Bicycle on Isla Colon (And Where to Go)
Isla Colon is the Bocas del Toro archipelago's central hub and one of the few islands in this area with roads. On Isla Colon, you can find cars, trucks, and many, many bikes. Over the years, more...
How to Spend 1 Week in Bocas del Toro (On a Budget)
So you got your airplane ticket, and you're coming to Panama for vacation. You have decided that you want to explore the islands of Bocas del Toro for one week, but you're not sure where to stay,...
Does Bocas del Toro Have a “Rainy Season”?
In Panama, there are only two seasons; dry and rainy. Lots of websites and travel books about visiting Panama tell you that the dry season is from December to March. But that isn't the case when it...
5 Places to Kayak in Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is a paddling paradise. No matter what canoe you decide to use, the Bocas del Toro islands offer several different spots where you can go exploring. Whether it's over colorful reefs...
