Adventure Advisor:

It's too bad for the Panama tourism board that when foreigners think Panama, they still think drug trafficking and Noriega. In reality, Panama is one of the most underappreciated travel destinations in the hemisphere, safer and more beautiful than the 1980s news coverage would have ever let you believe. Your friends are absolutely right -- the islands of Bocas del Toro offer some of the most pristine reef dives in the Caribbean. So grab your scuba gear and get out there before the rest of the world figures out what they've been missing.

From Panama City, you can fly directly into the town of Bocas del Toro on the tip of Isla Colón. Once you've landed, head for Admiral Bay, where the marine life is protected and underwater activity is closely regulated to prevent overuse. In warm water as shallow as 20 feet, you'll spot dozens of coral species and hundreds of invertebrates, including starfish and the occasional seahorse. A little deeper, there are sunken boats to explore.

While diving and snorkeling are the islands' main activities, there are also some decent surf spots. Reef breaks and strong waves might scare off beginners (with good reason), but if you're comfortable enough on a board to negotiate the tough spots, head for a favorite local site called The Dump, a 15-minute cab ride from town. One note: there are no surf shops at Bocas del Toro, so you'll have to bring your own board. If you need repairs while you're there, however, just ask around. On-site board repair is how lots of local surfers make a living.