Take an international flight to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Costa Rica's meteoric rise in tourism has made San Jose the main hub in Central America for international and regional airlines. Juan Santamaría International Airport receives daily direct flights from Miami, Florida and Houston, Texas.
Catch the bus or fly from San Jose to Changuinola, Panama. The bus, operated by Transporte Bocatoreño, departs from the Hotel Cocori at 9 a.m. Changuinola is the largest city in the Bocas Del Toro province. You will need a valid passport and will be charged a small visa fee ($5 as of April, 2011). It is also possible to take a local bus -- departs the Caribbean Terminal in San Jose -- to Puerto Limon and then catch another bus to the border crossing at Sixaola. Flights, offered by Nature Air, depart San Jose's Pavas airport and land on Isla Colon is Bocas Del Toro.
Take a bus or taxi to Almirante. The small town is the gateway to Bocas Del Toro. The bus from Changuinola takes approximately 45 minutes, costing $5 as of April, 2011.
Take a water taxi to Bocas Del Toro. Boats depart the Almirante docks when they are full, making the 45 minute trip to Isla Colon. The water taxi cost $4 as of April, 2011. From Isla Colon, it is possible to catch local water taxis to the other islands in the archipelago.
Take an international flight to Panama City, the capital of Panama. Panama City, located along the Panama Canal, is Central America's economic heart. Tocumen International Airport receives daily international flights from the United States.
Travel by bus to from Panama to Almirante. A direct bus ($23 as of April, 2011) from Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte in Panama will take you to Almirante. The trip takes eight to nine hours. From Alminrante, catch the water taxi to Isla Colon. The rest of the archipelago is accessible by local water taxi from Isla Colon.
Fly to Bocas Del Toro. Take a bus from Tocumen International Airport or your hotel to Albrook National Airpot. Taca Regional or Air Panama provide regular flights to Bocsa Del Toro International Airport on Isla Colon.
