Bocas del Toro, Panama

Arguably Panama's most beautiful region and an ecotourism favorite, the Bocas del Toro archipelago consists of nine densely forested islands, scores of uninhabited islets and the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, Panama's oldest marine park. At the southern tip of Colón Island is Bocas Town, the province capital offering dining and shopping opportunities. Sun, sand and surf are obvious highlights – stunning seashores include Bluff Beach to the east and sheltered Starfish Beach to the northwest. Carenero Island is a tranquil aside with some of the province's best seafood. Adventure lovers will find first-rate diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing and hiking, as the blend of lowland tropical rainforest and coral reefs gives this area tremendous biodiversity. Water taxis transport visitors between the lush islands in search of unique flora, fauna and terrain – dolphins or sloths might be seen on the way to a bat cave tour.