Caribbean West

The Caribbean West region of Panama includes all of Bocas del Toro province and Ngöbe-Buglé province as well as the northern portion of Veruguas province.

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Cities

Bocas del Toro Archipelago map - 500x500px Bocas del Toro – The biggest town on Isla Colon and party capital of the region. Bocas del Toro offers diving, beach horseback riding and lots of beaches. Changuinola – A large town on the mainland. Almirante – A port town on the mainland and where all ferries leave for the islands around Bocas del Toro. Cruce de Frontera GPS 9.970512,-84.196793 – The border town where you can immigrate into Panama from Costa Rica.

More Destinations

Bastimentos - a beautiful island with secluded surf beaches and a small walking only village
Isla Carenero - a small island with a beach and some lodging opposite Boca town
Isla Cristóbal - a nature filled island
Isla Popa - the second largest island in Boca del Toro
La Amistad International Park - a remote National Park on the mainland

Caribbean West Halal Travel Guide

Bocas del Toro Province is centered around the water. Much of the hinterland of this Province is difficult to access.

Hispanic influence in Bocas del Toro Province is weaker and much more recent than in the rest of Panama. The native Ngöbe and Buglé people still make up a large portion of the population. Descendants of 19th century immigrants from Jamaica make up another large segment of the population of the Province. These two cultures plus Hispanics from other parts of Panama all give the Province a lively cultural diversity.

Local Language in Caribbean West

English is widely spoken along much of the Central American coast, and Panama is no exception. The local residents of Bocas del Toro are descendants of West Africans caught in the slave trade and speak English. One might also notice the mixture of several tongues in the Creole that the natives speak amongst themselves. As in the rest of Central America, note that English is more spoken on the Caribbean side than the Pacific side.

How to travel to Caribbean West

There are two road routes into Bocas del Toro Province, one over the lush, jagged mountains from Chiriqui and the other from the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Buses travel both of these routes.If you are traveling from Costa Rica, take the bus to the border crossing.

Travel on a Bus in Caribbean West

In David terminal look for buses to Changuinola and ask a driver to stop in Almirante (Panama#Money|$9 / 4 hr). In Almirante take a taxi ($2) or walk (1.6 kilometers) from bus stop to water taxi and then $5-6 boat to Bocas del Toro. Most of buses are small coasters and they will make a short stop for bathroom breaks and food near Rambala in Bocas del Toro province.

Fly to Caribbean West

There are as well several Flights into Bocas del Toro (town) from San Jose (Costa Rica) | San Jose, Costa Rica and Panama City.

From Costa Rica

Option 1

From the border in Panama (closes at 6PM Panamanian Time and 5PM Costa Rica time as there is a time difference!) you can take a mini bus(US$10) to Almirante and a 25 min boat from there to Bocas del Toro (town) | Bocas town (US$6).

Option 2

Take a local Bus to Changuinola and a taxi to the docks and then the 1 hour / US$7 boat to Bocas del Toro (town) or a Minibus for US$5 from the border straight to the docks of Changuinola. As of 11/08 the water taxi route has been closed. As of May of 09 there has been no word on reopening this route. All water taxi service is from Almirante.

Option 3

The cheapest way is probably going with the Chicken bus (leaves every hour/US$1) to Changuinola, take a regular bus to Almirante (~US$1,50 / one hour) and then taxi (US$2) or walk (1.6 kilometers) from bus stop to water taxi and the US$6 boat to Bocas del Toro (town)

Get Around

Water taxis travel to Bocas del Toro town from both Changuinola and Almirante.Almirante is the quickest route, but the boat to Changuinola travels the route of an old canal and is a fun ride. As of April 2010 and they canal route from Bocas Island to Changuinola is still closed.

Otherwise, you can go by thumb, bus or taxi ... in the order of cost.

What to see in Caribbean West

Rent a good bike and take a day trip to the other side of the main island to Bocas Del Drago. There is also a taxi shuttle that runs if you get too tired along the way. However, make sure you do not travel alone, especially if you are a Muslima!
Rent a bike and take a day trip to Bluff Beach the most spectacular beach of Isla Colon. When you arrive at the "Y". after you left town, stay to the right and follow the coastline. The road has been fixed and it is a very pretty ride. Approximately 7 km from town to the Beginning of Bluff Beach. Bluff Beach itself is another 7 km of relatively deserted while sand beach where Leatherback turtles nest starting April. You can also take a taxi to Bluff Beach. Cost is roughly $10/way
Go snorkeling or scuba diving. There is a good chance you will see a reef shark!
Red Frog Beach- only $5 for a round trip on a water taxi. It is an absolutely gorgeous white sand beach, that has fewer than 10 other beachgoers present. $5 is the MINIMUM price for a water cab and there is a $1–2 entrance fee to access the beach.
A cheaper alternative to Red Frog Beach is Wizard Beach on the island of Bastamentos which is a $2–3 round trip ride form Bocas Town and the water is a little rougher (good for bodysurfing) and it takes a 20 min. hike but it's worth it. The island of Bastamentos itself is a funky Caribbean island and a great place to get real "roots" food.
The Bat Cave- only $1 to enter and you walk through water while looking at tons of bats clinging to the ceiling.
Dolphins!

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Caribbean West

File:Manatee_(PSF) - Manatee in the Caribbean West

Manatee Tour - Puente San San S/N, Carretera Guabito, Changuinola 9.46632, -82.54862 near Changuinola ☎ +507 66797238 Opening Hours: 8AM Monday - 5PM $50 pp Head to the AAMVECONA headquarters, but call them for a reservation. The tour is about 2.5 hours and travellers seem happy about it.

General

Bocas del Toro has great beaches on the Caribbean
Diving and Scuba
Surfing
Boating
Fishing
Snorkeling
Yoga

Halal Restaurants & Food in Caribbean West

True to the history of the region and the food of Bocas del Toro has a lot more Caribbean influence than the rest of Panama. For one thing, you will find coconut used a lot more here than in other parts of Panama. While there are places you can find more traditional food (platos típicos), for the most part the majority of restaurants have American style dishes (pastas, Pizzas, sandwiches, etc...).

Local soft drinks include Balboa, Panama, and Atlas.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Caribbean West

Caribbean West - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Caribbean West, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Caribbean West. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Caribbean West and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Caribbean West. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Caribbean West. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Caribbean West: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Caribbean West.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Caribbean West: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Caribbean West, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Caribbean West.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Caribbean West, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Caribbean West, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Caribbean West and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Caribbean West, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Caribbean West, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Caribbean West without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Caribbean West is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Caribbean West.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Caribbean West is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Caribbean West, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Caribbean West Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Caribbean West

eHalal Group Caribbean West is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Caribbean West. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Caribbean West.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Caribbean West ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Caribbean West. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Caribbean West, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Caribbean West are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan 2024 Celebration in Caribbean West

Ramadan 2025 in Caribbean West

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels/Resorts

Look at local guides for lodging listings.

Urraca Private Island - Isla Popa - Urraca Private Island, in the heart of the Caribbean, is perfect if you’re looking for paradise and history. Thit island where Mangroves, are surrounded by agreen-hued sea, with nourishing marine plant life, phosphorescent waters and protective coral reefs, will offer you a panoramic view of the Cayos Zapatillas, a site much treasured by true lovers of natural beauty is nearby a community of Ngobe Indians.