The Bocas del Toro Research Station of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute sits on Isla Colón, overlooking the lagoon between the main island and Isla Carenero. The station is primarily a scientific facility — researchers here study coral reef ecology, sea turtle biology, migratory birds, and the extraordinary diversity of poison dart frogs — but it offers limited public programming including guided reef snorkelling tours and occasional open lectures.
The station's marine laboratory pier is one of the best places in the archipelago to see what lives below the surface without travelling far from Bocas Town. Visiting requires advance arrangement; the station is not a walk-in attraction, but guided tours can be organised through the STRI website. The pier and shallow reef around the station are particularly good for night snorkelling, when octopus, lobster, and bioluminescent plankton are most active.