Several of the sights on and around Isla Colón [1] are most easily—or only—accessible by boat. Except for those who bring a car over by ferry, which is rarely worth it, getting around on land usually requires hiring a taxi, renting a bike, or hoofing it, though a bus now makes a few daily trips between Bocas town and Boca del Drago [2].
Isla Colón has forests and other caves to explore, but don’t attempt this without a knowledgeable guide. Night trips to turtle-nesting spots are popular during nesting season, from about March to September. Just wandering around little Bocas town night or day can be a colorful experience in multicultural people-watching. Be sure to venture beyond Calle 3 to get a feel for the nontouristy parts of town.
Attractions on or around other islands, such as Cayo Crawl [3] and Cayos Zapatillas [4], are discussed elsewhere in this travel guide, but trips to most of these are most easily arranged in Bocas town.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/bocas-del-toro/isla-colon
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/bocas-del-toro/isla-colon/sights/boca-del-drago
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/bocas-del-toro/isla-bastimentos/sights/cayo-crawl
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/panama/bocas-del-toro/isla-bastimentos/sights/parque-nacional-marino-isla-bastimentos