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Travel guide: What to do in Bocas del Toro, Panama
The islands of Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro consists of more than 200 islands, of which only a few are inhabited. There’s three islands that are most popular with tourists. You can choose to have one base during your stay or hop around different islands. There’s a water taxi that can easily take you in between islands. These are the three most popular islands of Bocas del Toro:
Isla Colón is the main island in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Coming from the mainland, you will arrive in Bocas towns, which is the touristy center of the island. It is the largest island and has a small downtown area. To be completely honest, this island is my least favorite, because I found it too touristy and not the tranquil island getaway I was looking for. However, it is the main hub and has a lot of hotels and hostels, cozy restaurants, and bars. You’ll always find a spot to grab a drink in the evenings.
Isla Solarte is the island with the least inhabitants and lots of dense jungle. It’s located just a 15 minute boat ride from Bocas Town. The island is quiet, mostly covered in jungle and has a few lodges on the water. A popular place to stay is Bambuda Lodge. The water is usually calm around the islands so it’s perfect for swimming and kayaking.
Isla Bastimentos is a beautiful island located a ten-minute boat ride away from Bocas Town. Part of this island belongs to Bastimentos National Marine Park. The island has gorgeous beaches, mangroves, and is famous for the red poison dart frogs that you can see there.
Which islands to choose as a base for Bocas del Toro?
In the end, it’s a personal choice, but I can highly recommend Bastimentos island. If you’re looking for a party, I’d recommend Bocas town on Isla Colon. However, if you want a nice, quiet island getaway go for Isla Solar or Isla Bastimentos. A lot of Isla Bastimentos is covered in Jungle, the beaches were fantastic and we loved the wildlife.
What to do in Bocas del Toro
A daytour to the Zapatilla islands
A day tour to the Zapatilla Islands is a must-do for visitors to Bocas del Toro. However, I recommend that instead of joining a tour, you book a boat together with friends and do it on your own schedule. This way you can avoid the crowds. We went early in the morning so we would get there before all the tour groups. These two uninhabited islands, part of the Bastimentos National Marine Park have some of the most pristine beaches and coral reefs in the area. But to enjoy it to the fullest, you want to get there before the crowds. The islands have crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, and lush vegetation. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing in a tropical paradise.
See dolphins in Dolphin Bay
I wouldn’t recommend doing a tour to see the dolphins, but we saw them on our day tour to Zapatilla island. After some research I found out that some of the dolphin tours are unfortunately very harmful to the groups of dolphins. During our day trip to Zapatilla island we just spotted them from a distance and were to only boat around when the dolphins chose to jump out of the water and give us a show. You can ask your captain if he can take a route were you may be able to see them! Of course, there’s never any guarantees with wild animal, but you may get lucky. Watching these playful creatures leap and swim around your boat is a highlight for nature lovers and an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Party at Filthy Friday
Filthy Friday is Bocas del Toro’s famous island-hopping party, taking place every Friday. It’s a fun, high-energy event where travelers hop between three different islands, enjoying music, dancing, and tropical cocktails along the way. Starting in Bocas Town and moving to Aqua Lounge, followed by a stop at Isla Solarte, it’s a great way to meet fellow travelers, let loose, and experience the vibrant nightlife of the islands.
Visit Starfish Beach
Starfish Beach, located on Isla Colón, is a tranquil paradise where crystal-clear waters meet golden sand, and dozens of starfish rest on the shallow seabed. Accessible by a short boat ride or bus from Bocas Town, this serene beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Whatever you do, don’t touch the starfish! Picking up a starfish will kill it, so visitors are reminded to admire the starfish without touching them to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.
Visit Playa Polo
Playa Polo is a hidden gem located on the northern tip of Isla Bastimentos. Named after Polo, a local man who has lived there for decades, this secluded beach is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. Surrounded by lush jungle and calm turquoise waters, it offers excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in an undisturbed natural setting. Bring a picnic, as this idyllic spot is remote with no nearby services.
Do a night tour on Bastimentos
A night tour on Bastimentos Island offers a magical opportunity to experience Bocas del Toro’s nocturnal wildlife. As the sun sets, the island transforms, and creatures such as tree frogs, the Panamanian night monkey and bats become active. Guided tours take you through the jungle and along the shores. Looking for these animals in the dark is exciting and you’ll see unique things that you won’t be able to see in the daylight. The tour I went on, was offered by the Selina Hostel on Bastimentos.
Cycle to bluff beach
Cycling to Bluff Beach is a perfect way to soak in the tropical charm of Bocas del Toro. The scenic 7-mile/11km ride from Bocas Town takes you through lush jungle landscapes, small villages, and past stunning coastal views. As you near the beach, the road turns into a sandy path, leading you to the golden shores of Bluff Beach. Known for its powerful waves and great surf. Take your time to relax, watch the surfers s or explore the nearby trails.
Surfing in Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is a paradise for surfers, offering some of the best breaks in the Caribbean. With spots for all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers, you can ride waves at iconic beaches like Carenero, Bluff Beach, and Paunch. There are several surf schools and board rentals shops that can take you out and give you advice on what spots are best for your skill level.
Spot red poison dart frogs at Red Frog Beach
Red Frog Beach, located on Bastimentos Island, is famous not only for its pristine beauty but also for its resident red poison dart frogs. These tiny, brightly colored amphibians can often be spotted hopping around the tropical undergrowth. You will find these frogs all over the island and not just on the beach. Walking through one of the jungle trails you’ll very likely see plenty of them!
Diving or snorkeling in Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is a great destination for diving and snorkeling. In my opinion not as good as Coiba National Park in Santa Catalina, but still worth a try, because its a very different experience. The coral reefs are full of interesting marine life, including colorful fish, rays, and sea turtles. Popular dive sites like Hospital Point, Crawl Cay, and the Zapatilla Cays offer incredible visibility and diverse ecosystems, providing an unforgettable experience for both beginner snorkelers and seasoned divers.
How to get to Bocas del Toro
From Panama City: Getting to Bocas del Toro is an adventure in itself, with a few options depending on your starting point. If you’re coming from Panama City, the quickest way is by taking a domestic flight to Bocas del Toro’s small airport on Isla Colón, which takes about an hour. This is also the most expensive option. Several airlines offer daily flights. Alternatively, you can travel by bus or car from Panama City or Costa Rica to the coastal town of Almirante, where you’ll then take a 30-minute water taxi to Bocas Town. However, if you plan to do it by bus, you’ll likely stop in other destinations before going to Bocas del Toro.
From Boquete: Traveling from Boquete to Bocas del Toro is a popular journey that involves a combination of bus and boat. First, you’ll need to take a bus or shuttle from Boquete to the nearby town of David, which is about an hour away. From David, you can catch a direct bus to Almirante, a port town on the Caribbean coast, with the journey taking around 3-4 hours through scenic mountain and jungle landscapes. Once you arrive in Almirante, hop on a water taxi for a 30-minute ride to Bocas Town on Isla Colón. Shuttle services also offer door-to-door transport from Boquete to Bocas del Toro, making the trip a bit more convenient.
Best restaurants in Bocas del Toro
Isla Bastimentos
Palmar Beach Restaurant: We didn’t stay here, but their restaurant on the beach was my favorite on Bastimentos. I particularly enjoyed the ceviche and pasta.
Bocas Town
Sababa: Simple, cafe style restaurant, but with delicious falafel.
Café del Mar: Cute little breakfast café, with several brunch classics.
Trattoria Pane e Vino: Cute Italian restaurant. The staff is lovely and food is good. Not the best Italian I’ve ever had, but very satisfactory for an Italian place on an island.
Méren Pool Club & Restaurant: Méren Pool Club & Restaurant in Bocas Town is a chic and vibrant spot offering a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere for both dining and leisure. Located along the waterfront, this venue features an inviting pool surrounded by comfortable loungers where guests can enjoy stunning ocean views while sipping cocktails or refreshing drinks.
