Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Surf some of the sickest breaks you'll find in the
Caribbean
(
Click here
) - just
watch those shallow reefs!
Explore
Parque Internacional La Amistad
(
Click here
) , where the Naso
(Teribe) live under one of the world's last tribal monarchies
Spot manatees and river otters while boating through the oft-overlooked wetlands
of
Humedal de San-San Pond Sak
(
Click here
)
History
Christopher Columbus visited Bocas del Toro in 1502, during his fourth and final New
World voyage. Taken by its beauty, he affixed his name to many sites.
During the 17th century, the archipelago became a haven for pirates repairing and
building ships, felling the forests and feeding upon nesting sea turtles. Despite rumors of
buried treasure, none of their loot has been found (or reported).
After French Huguenots settled the coast in the 17th and 18th centuries, a Spanish mi-
litia was sent to Bocas to dislodge them. Their diseases and destruction virtually wiped
out the indigenous populations.
In the early 19th century wealthy aristocrat settlers arrived in Bocas with many black
slaves from the USA and Colombian islands. When slavery was abolished in 1850, the
blacks became fishers and subsistence farmers. Towards the end of the 19th century Ja-
maican blacks joined them to work in the burgeoning banana industry.
In 1899, however, United Fruit Company overtook a small American-owned banana
company. As United Fruit established vast plantations across the entire peninsula it also
constructed elaborate networks of roads, bridges and canals. Entire towns and cities
popped up to house workers.
Now Chiquita Brands International, the company grows and exports three-quarters of
a million tons of bananas annually. The largest workforce in the province, they are also
the most diverse nationwide, with West Indian, Latino, Chinese and indigenous workers.
ARCHIPIÉLAGO DE BOCAS DEL TORO
For most travelers, the archipelago
is
Bocas - Caribbean clichés aside, there's no short-
age of postcard beaches, emerald waters and swaying palms.
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