Snyder (Changuinola) Canal

Bocas del Toro Province


In 1903 a 12km-long canal connecting the Río Changuinola and Almirante Bay was dug parallel to the Caribbean shoreline to facilitate the barging of bananas from the fields of the Bocas del Toro archipelago to ships. Abandoned years ago, the 30m-wide channel is now an amazing spot to view wildlife. It’s about 5km east of Changuinola (taxi one way US$3).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bocas del Toro Province attractions

1. Humedal de San San Pond Sak

4.39 MILES

These relatively unknown wetlands covering 160 sq km just 5km north of Changuinola harbor an incredible variety of tropical fauna. In addition to sloths,…

2. Boca del Drago

12.2 MILES

Boca del Drago, in the northwest of Isla Colón, is one of the best beaches on the island, though the surf can be rough at times. Just offshore from the…

4. La Gruta

16.16 MILES

If sun, sand and surf isn't your thing then consider a trip to this cave in Colonia Santeña, a small village of cattle farmers 7km northwest of Bocas town…

5. Playa Bluff

17.48 MILES

This lovely beach is pounded by intense waves. Though you wouldn’t want to get into the water here without a board, the soft, yellow sand and palm-fringed…

6. Castillo Inspíración

17.61 MILES

French-Canadian Robert Bezeau crafted this four-story castle from 40,000 plastic bottles. The epitome of recycling, it's one of a kind and worth a good…

7. Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden

17.97 MILES

One of the joys of visiting Bocas is touring the 'Monkey Farm' botanical garden a couple of kilometers northwest of the center. Painstakingly carved out…

8. Punta Uva

18.3 MILES

Off a dirt road marked by Punta Uva Dive Center is a quiet, idyllic cove that could double for a scene in the film The Beach. When the water is calm, it…