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June 12, 2025
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Updated June 12, 2025 — After a turbulent pause, one of Panama’s most treasured destinations is open again. The roads are clear, the boats are running, and Bocas del Toro is once more ready to welcome the world. Here’s what happened, and why now is the perfect time to visit.
A Region Cut Off — and Why It Mattered
In late April 2025, a wave of protests swept through western Panama. Thousands of banana workers in Bocas del Toro—one of the country’s most economically fragile regions—took to the streets in response to pension reforms that threatened their early retirement rights.
The reaction was swift and widespread: roads leading into the province were blocked, including key highways from David and Boquete to the port town of Almirante. Over six weeks, Bocas became an island in more than just spirit—ferries stopped, flights stalled, and tourism all but vanished.
Local tour operators suspended excursions. Hotels received cancellations. Backpackers were stranded or rerouted. Locals—many of whom rely on tourism—saw incomes drop to zero. The archipelago’s tranquil beaches and rainforests fell eerily quiet.
A Breakthrough on June 11
After weeks of tension and economic loss, a turning point came. The Panamanian government moved a bill forward that would restore the workers’ pension rights. In response, union leaders agreed to lift the roadblocks, and law enforcement worked quickly to reopen routes.
By June 12, access to Bocas del Toro was fully restored—and the heartbeat of Panama’s Caribbean coast began pulsing again.
“It was a tough time for everyone,” said Luis, a local boat captain. “But the sea is calm again, and the tourists are starting to return. We’re ready.”
Two Unmissable Tours Are Back
Now’s your chance to explore Bocas with fresh eyes—and fewer crowds. Two of our most popular tours are ready to welcome you:
Dolphin Bay & Zapatilla Cays Boat Tour
Departs daily from Isla Colón at 10:00 AM
Experience wild dolphins in their natural habitat, snorkel vibrant reefs at Cayo Coral, and relax on the untouched shores of the Zapatilla Cays, part of the Isla Bastimentos Marine Park.
Bird Island, Bocas del Drago & Starfish Beach Tour
Departs daily from Isla Colón at 10:00 AM
Visit the rare seabird sanctuary at Bird Island, stroll the quiet coastline of Bocas del Drago, and wade into the warm, shallow waters of Playa Estrella, where starfish scatter the seafloor.
Why Visit Now?
✅ Fewer tourists mean more intimate, immersive experiences
✅ Your visit directly supports recovery of small businesses and guides
✅ Nature is flourishing after a quiet six weeks
✅ You’ll experience Bocas in a rare moment of calm
Whether you’re a solo traveler chasing sunsets, a couple seeking adventure, or a family looking to reconnect with nature, Bocas del Toro is the perfect post-protest escape.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Check ahead with your tour provider for pickup details
- Bring cash (some local vendors are still offline post-protest)
- Respect locals—this is a community healing and reopening
- Travel light and stay flexible: infrastructure is recovering, but functional
A Trip That Makes a Difference
Tourism doesn’t just fuel Bocas—it sustains it. When you book a tour, dine in a family-run restaurant, or buy a handmade craft, you’re helping a real person get back on their feet.
Your trip becomes more than a vacation. It becomes part of the story.
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