Welcome to Bocas del Toro, Panama's tropical jewel where Caribbean rhythms set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. This travel guide unlocks the secrets of the archipelago, guiding you through turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and vibrant communities. Whether you seek sun-soaked beaches, underwater exploration, or cultural immersion, Bocas del Toro offers it all. From the lively streets of Bocas Town to the secluded sands of Bastimentos, discover the best spots for local cuisine, pristine beaches, and cultural experiences. Dive into the coral gardens of Bastimentos Marine National Park, groove to reggae nights, and embark on eco-adventures in untouched rainforests. Your passport to Bocas del Toro awaits, promising moments filled with the magic and wonder of this Caribbean paradise. Let the journey begin!
Bocas del Toro is in the western part of Panama, close to Costa Rica. It consists of 16 islands, including:
-Colón Island, the main island that includes Bocas Town
-Carenero Island, a small island to the southeast of Bocas Town
-Bastimentos Island, a large island with a relaxed feel, beach lodges, and wild life (we saw a crocodile, anteater, and red frog within 10 minutes of being on the island)
-Cristobal Island, located south of Colon Island, home to Dolphin Bay
-Cayos Zapatilla, two uninhabited islands with wildlife and pretty beaches - a popular destination for boat tours
There are two national parks in the province, and it's a beautiful place to relax with its friendly locals, stunning beaches, and rainforests. A short 1 hour flight from Panama City, it's easy to navigate once you're there, with plenty of pick-up truck taxis driving around consistently.
The weather in Panama typically stays in the 80s all year round, though like most place in the Caribbean, there is a rainy season. We visited in September, which is technically rainy season (roughly May-December), but the rain was very intermittent. It was sunny and dry the majority of the time, with a few showers throughout the week. The locals told us this was actually the best time of year due to the calm waters - which we experienced while swimming.
Hotels
If you want to be able to walk to the bars and restaurants, the boat docks, the airport, etc, I'd recommend staying in Bocas Town. It's a bustling town, so it may be a little loud, and if that's an issue, you can stay a little north of Bocas Town. We stayed a 10 minute walk away from town and it was a great compromise for convenience and quiet.
If you want to get into nature and away from crowds, a beach lodge on Bastimentos could be right up your alley. We split our week between Bocas Town and Basimentos, which we really enjoyed. There are boats you can hire to take you between islands for a few dollars, either arranged by your hotels or they'll be waiting for customers at the docks.
This is where we stayed in Bocas - it was quiet, picturesque, beautiful, and on a private dock that we went swimming off of. Highly recommend! It was about a 10-15 minute walk to Bocas town.
We stayed here on the island of Bastimentos. Our room was beautiful, it's on a fun beach, there's a bar and restaurant on site - it's great if you're looking to relax in one place.
A great option if you want to stay on the beach and away from the bustling town for some peace and quiet. A beautiful part of the island, and less than a 10 minute drive from Bocas town.
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Activities
While grabbing a coffee, relaxing at a beach, and enjoying a cocktail are always favorite activities of mine while traveling - sometimes I need more. Luckily there are tons of options in Bocas! Our week here was filled with fun things to do, with some options listed below.
We didn't get a chance to visit Starfish beach, but everyone said it's amazing! There are tons of starfish around Bocas, and we saw a ton when we did a boat tour off of Bastimentos Island.
A bit of a ridiculous tourist activity, but so fun - especially to spice up the relaxation of your time in Bocas. Great to meet other travelers! More of a younger crowd.
One of the most beautiful beaches I've been to! We went in early September and the water was extremely calm, which according to the locals, is rare. We were able to swim the whole time we were there, but we were warned it's usually unsafe to do so.
A cave in a small village that houses a Buddhist shrine.
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Transportation
If you start your trip in Panama City, you can either take a bus or fly. Keep in mind that when you fly from any major city to Panama City, you fly into PTY (Tocumen International Airport). This is NOT the airport you use to fly from Panama City to Bocas del Toro, that is Albrook Airport. I only emphasize this because we made this mistake!
You can't fly direct from the US to Bocas, so we stayed in Panama City for a night before making our way to the islands. The flight from Panama City to Bocas is about an hour, on a propellor plane, and absolutely beautiful - be sure to look out the window on this flight.
Once you're in Bocas, the airport is right in town - we walked from to and from the airport to our hotel. There are "taxis" (aka yellow pickup trucks and white vans) driving around Colon Island all the time, and you just have to flag them down to get a ride (be sure to have cash on you!). For transportation between islands, simply go to the docks and hire a boat - generally people are waiting for customers. You can also schedule a driver through your hotel, especially if you're staying at a place with a private dock.
Bocas del Toro Isla Colón José E. Hall International Airport
The small airport in Panama City that you use to fly to Bocas.
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Bars & Restaurants
The restaurants in Bocas were fabulous, we had some pretty great meals here. There's a mix of locals and expats that have opened businesses here, and there's something for everyone - with vegetarian and vegan options as well. Like a lot of it's neighboring countries, Panama isn't necessarily cheap - with food and beverage prices consistent to a mid-sized city in the US.
A super fun bar to meet fellow tourists! It was busy consistently, it's on the water but also has a pool, and it's a stop on the "filthy Friday" bar crawl.
Hi! I'm Bethany, an explorer with a passport stamped in 52 countries. Having called three different nations home, I've cultivated a deep appreciation for the cultures our world offers. By day, I navigate a full-time job outside the travel sphere, which fuels my passion for crafting concise yet insightful guides to the remarkable places I've been lucky enough to travel to.
Embarking on a journey with me means embracing a blend of adventure, relaxation, and immersion in local customs. As a solo female traveler, I've ventured through 21 countries, and I'm here to share insights on safety and the empowering experience of navigating the globe alone.
A glimpse into my roots reveals an American spirit born in Seoul, nurtured in Germany during my childhood, and blossomed in the United States. A decade in the vibrant DC area enriched my life with a wealth of experiences that I'm eager to recommend. Now, I find myself based in Denver, Colorado, brimming with tips for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and camping in the summer.
Whether it's strolling through historic cityscapes or savoring the diverse flavors of the world, I'm an enthusiast for walking tours and foodie adventures. Balancing a demanding full-time job with an insatiable wanderlust, I make it a goal to take at least three international trips a year, and monthly domestic trips.
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