fbpx

Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro, Panama (Island and Area Guide)

Where to stay in bocas del toro title image

Choosing where to stay in Bocas del Toro, Panama is a difficult task for anyone who hasn’t been here before. Our Caribbean Island Archipelago is full of small, boutique-style accommodations that are spread throughout many different islands and communities. Each island offers a different experience and location plays a huge factor in what that experience will be like.

Bocas is a destination where the local people, foreign ex-pats, and visiting travelers live as neighbors; as opposed to being just a resort town. Some areas are densely populated and offer unique cultural experiences alongside tropical Caribbean beauty. Other areas are more remote where the only neighbors are indigenous fishermen, dolphins, monkeys, and sloths.

We made this guide to help give future visitors to Bocas del Toro an idea of what they will experience in the different areas they could stay in. We hope this guide will help people choose the best place to stay that is suited for them and the vacation that they want! 

We may receive compensation from some of the businesses featured in our articles, but we are still only recommending the best places to stay in Bocas del Toro.

Featured Listing:

roam yoga and wellness

Roam Jungle and Snorkel Lodge

Roam Jungle and Snorkel Lodge is a paradise for nature lovers and yogis, set in the rainforest just steps from the Caribbean Sea. They feature several jungalows for rent throughout the year and they also feature weekly yoga classes and host yoga retreats! Amazing snorkeling and paddle boarding right from the property!

Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro Panama: Overview

Satellite Map of the Islands and Areas to stay in Bocas del Toro Panama
Satellite Map of Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is an Island Archipelago comprising 9 main islands and several hundred islets. The 9 Main Islands can be further categorized by their proximity to the capital of Bocas del Toro: Bocas Town.

The majority of the action – activities, restaurants, hostels, hotels, surf, and beaches – of Bocas del Toro can be found on Isla Carenero, Isla Bastimentos, and Isla Solarte, including the main island of Isla Colon where Bocas Town is located.

The other islands in the Archipelago, like Isla San Cristobal and Isla Popa, feature several accommodation options as well. The main difference is that these islands are generally too far away to easily connect with the 4 main islands. These islands will give you privacy, seclusion, and immersion in nature. However, the tours, surf, beaches, and many popular activities are not easily accessible.

This Guide focuses on these main factors: 

  • What are the rainforest and ocean like in these areas?
  • What is their proximity to Bocas Town?
  • Do they have access to the water taxi system or is it land-based?
  • What is the proximity to Surf?
  • What attractions/ activities are nearby?
  • Do they have nice sunset views?

Check out our Travel Guide: The Best Time to Visit Bocas del Toro

Jump to an Island:

Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro: Isla Colon

map of where to stay in bocas del toro on isla colon
Satellite Map of Isla Colón

Staying on Isla Colón is a good all-around option for a Bocas del Toro Vacation. Isla Colón is the second largest Island of the Bocas Archipelago and has several areas to stay in that are very different from each other. 

Bocas Town is the most popular place to stay in and has some really good restaurants and nightlife options. The areas outside of Bocas Town, especially along the main road out to Bluff Beach, are where the best places to stay in Isla Colon are located. 

One major difference of staying on Isla Colón vs. staying on one of the outer islands is that the main forms of transportation are on roads, not the water. Instead of taking water taxis around the Caribbean Sea, people who stay on Isla Colon will mostly be using the land taxi system or exploring on bikes.

Check out our Isla Colon Panama Travel Guide

Where to Stay on Isla Colón: Bocas Town

Bocas Town
The Breeze side of Bocas Town, via
  • Good for Surfers?: Yes
  • Good Sunset Views?: Most Places do not have direct sunset views
  • Pros: Access to Stores, Tours, Restaurants, Nightlife, Social Scene, ATM and Hospital, Easy Water Taxi/ Boat Access, Easy Surf Access through Water Taxi System, Local Culture on Display
  • Cons: Lack of Nature, Loud Music at Night, Street Hustlers, “Mass” Tourism

The best places to stay in Bocas Town on Isla Colon:

tropical suites

Tropical Suites

Tropical Suites is an overwater hotel that puts you right in the middle of Bocas Town’s authentic Caribbean lifestyle. The hotel has great views, spacious rooms (some with kitchens), and the only place with an overwater swimming pool, equipped with a swim up bar!

Bambuda Bocas Town

Bambuda Bocas Town

Bambuda Bocas Town is a new overwater hotel and hostel with great views and a good restaurant, overlooking the bay in between Isla Colon and Isla Carenero. Their best rooms are our favorite hotel rooms in town and with some of the best views.

Surf N Sail Panama

Surf n Sail Panama: Stay 3 nights on a Catamaran and explore Escudo de Veraguas, Bocas del Toro’s most magical island, where sloths swim through clear turquoise waters and golden sand lines the coast.

divers paradise hotel

Diver’s Paradise Hotel

Diver’s Paradise Hotel is a newer hotel with an in-house dive center called Bocas Dive Center. They have quality rooms with nice views of the mountains of mainland Panama and are located on the quieter south end of town.

Learn About the 13 Most Bucket List Things To Do In Panama

Pros of Staying in Bocas Town:

Bocas Town on Isla Colón is the main city of Bocas del Toro and where all of the essentials are located. The Bocas del Toro Airport, our only Bank and ATM, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, hotels, hostels, tours, and way too many grocery and hardware stores are all located here.

Bocas Town is in the center of everything, so the best part about staying there is how easily connected you will be. Water Taxis and Land Taxis are both easily accessed to bring you wherever you want in the Archipelago. You can zip out to one of the beaches during the day and walk to a restaurant at night. You can get a drink at an overwater bar to watch the sunset or grab a coffee from one of the many great cafes in the morning. Staying anywhere other than Bocas Town will require you to take a taxi to experience this wide variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, and stores.

Cons of Staying in Bocas Town:

Bocas Town serves its purpose as the Archipelago’s hub for essentials, restaurants, cafes, tours, and nightlife. However, many people are turned off by the town’s third-world-ness, trash problem, loud music and party scene. The good news is that Bocas Town is getting cleaner thanks to the help of many different groups working towards a better future here.

Electronic Sim Card for Travel in Panama: Airalo is the world’s leading E-Sim brand and they offer a 30-day, 3GB plan for $18 that covers all of Panama. We use Airalo whenever we travel abroad!

Where to Stay on Isla Colón: Saigon Bay

saigon bay
Direct sunset views from Saigon Bay, via
  • Good for Surfers?: OK – Easy access to land taxi system
  • Good Sunset Views?: Saigon Bay faces the West and has direct sunset views
  • Pros: Just outside of Bocas Town, Easy access to everything in Bocas Town, on a calm bay with great views
  • Cons: Outside of main Bocas Town but still in Bocas Town, loud music, densely populated area

The best places to stay in Saigon Bay

saigon bay bed and breakfast

Saigon Bay B&B

Saigon Bay Bed and Breakfast is an overwater B&B in classic Caribbean style with great views and hosts. They are top-rated!

Sunsetter B&B

The Sunsetter Bnb is another overwater B&B located in Saigon Bay, also with great views, hosts, and kayaks for guests to use! They are top-rated as well.

Pros of Staying in Saigon Bay

Saigon Bay is a popular place to stay for its convenient location close to Bocas Town and being on a calm Caribbean bay. There are nice sunsets over the mountains of mainland Panama and across the Bay of Almirante.

The land taxi system is easily accessed from Saigon Bay as the main road cuts right through this very narrow strip of land. There is also a beach on the other side of the road, although it is not great for swimming due to an algae bloom.

Cons of Staying in Saigon Bay

Saigon Bay is heavily mixed with the local population which can be seen either as a nuisance or as a cultural experience. Expect to hear music on the weekends and definitely on holidays, especially the Feria del Mar holiday in September.

Check out our 10 Day Panama Itinerary

Where to Stay on Isla Colon: Big Creek to Paunch

paunch and big creek on a map
Paunch and Big Creek area map
  • Time to Bocas Town: 10-15 Minutes by Land Taxi
  • Good for Surfers?: Yes
  • Good Sunset Views: No direct sunset views, this coastline faces the East
  • Pros: 10-15 Minutes to Bocas Town, Beautiful Coastline & Surrounding Rainforest, Walking Access to Surf (Tiger Tails, Paunch, Dumpers, Bluff), Some Good Restaurants in Area
  • Cons: No Boat/ Water Taxi Access, Land Taxi system can be expensive at night, really bad road to drive on

Best places to stay in Big Creek/ Paunch

La Coralina Island House Luxury Resort Drone

La Coralina Island House

La Coralina Island House is a Balinese-styled luxury resort located right in front of the Paunch surf spot. They feature a large swimming pool that overlooks the surf, some private rooms and also several individual homes for rent.

Casa Botanica

Casa Botanica is one of the most beautiful rental home properties in Bocas. The whole property sleeps 10 guests in 3 separate buildings, comes with a BBQ, golf cart, natural swim pond (pictured) and amazing views and access to the famed Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden, where you can easily spot Tucans and Capuchin Monkeys.

skullys house isla colon hostel

Skully’s House

Skully’s House is a hostel/ hotel with a swimming pool, bar, restaurant, pool table and a few other fun outdoor games. They are the center of the social scene in this area.

Pros of Staying in Big Creek to Paunch

The strip of coastline from the Big Creek area to Paunch on Isla Colon is one of the most desirable locations to stay in Bocas del Toro. This area is essentially a suburb of Bocas Town and the main road goes right through it.

Big Creek to Paunch is also one of the best areas to stay for surfers that visit Bocas due to the abundance of waves within walking distance. Development is happening fast in this location and you will notice plenty of construction happening along the main road. There are really nice jungle hideaways and also coastal accommodations to stay in here. 

Cons of Staying In Big Creek to Paunch

Due to the coastal conditions of the area, there is no boat access and swimming is limited and dependent on the waves. The road to get here is bumpy and full of holes and gets worse in the rainy season. The Land Taxi system can be considered expensive for some, with a $9 cost from Paunch to Bocas Town (which gets split amongst your group), and after midnight the prices double.

Where to Stay on Isla Colon: Bluff Beach

Bluff Beach, as powerful as it is beautiful
  • Time to Bocas Town: 20 Minutes + by Land Taxi
  • Good for Surfers?: Great for Advanced Surfers only
  • Good Sunset Views?: The Bluff Coastline does not have direct sunset views, it faces Northeast
  • Pros: Beautiful Beach and Rainforest with Howler Monkeys, Great Surf for Advanced Surfers, Great restaurants and nature hikes.
  • Cons: Too far and expensive from Bocas Town to be going to restaurants and nightlife, Beach is generally unsafe for swimming, no Boat Access or calm sea nearby

Best Places to Stay in Bluff Beach

Oasis Bluff Beach

The Oasis Bluff Beach is top-ranked in all of Bocas and won the top 20 in Panama award on Trip Advisor in 2021. They also have a swimming pool.

hummingbird

The Hummingbird

The Hummingbird is a lodge that is similar to others in this area and also has a swimming pool. It’s pretty much a safe bet to stay at any of the lodges on Bluff Beach.

Pros of Staying in Bluff Beach:

Bluff Beach on Isla Colon is another hotspot for real estate development and a very desirable location to stay in Bocas del Toro. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Panama with lush tropical rainforest spilling right out onto the beach.

The powerful surf in this area is world class which is great for the surfers but it can be dangerous for swimmers. Many places to stay in this area feature swimming pools for this reason. The accommodation options out here almost all have their own restaurants so there are more than a few good places to eat. 

Cons of Staying in Bluff Beach:

Bluff Beach is far from the restaurants and nightlife of Bocas Town, with taxi costs at a minimum of $15 in the day and double that past midnight. The road to get out here is really bad which makes the ride long and bumpy.

There are a few good restaurants along this strip of beach which can make up for the lack of access to Bocas Town. There are some really nice places to stay at Bluff Beach that are fully immersed in the rainforest and still right on the beach. The downside of this beach is that it is generally too dangerous to swim in due to the powerful waves.

Where to Stay on Isla Colon: Boca del Drago

drago beaches
Drago Beaches, calm waters and palm tree lined shores
  • Time to Bocas Town: 30 Minutes + by Land Taxi
  • Good for Surfers?: No
  • Good Sunset Views?: Some parts face west and others face north but you do get the sunsets.
  • Pros: Secluded Area with amazing rainforest and wildlife, beautiful calm beach areas and access to Starfish Beach, Mimbitimbi Beach, and Bird Island
  • Cons: Far away from most of the main Bocas del Toro attractions, too far from surf, too far to restaurants and nightlife of Bocas Town

Best Places to Stay in Boca del Drago

bird island bungalows

Bird Island Bungalows

Bird Island Bungalows is a romantic lodge with swimming pool and a beach nearby that is a turtle nesting site – good for a stay away from it all with your lover!

Pros of Staying in Boca del Drago:

Boca del Drago on Isla Colon is becoming a more popular place to stay in Bocas del Toro. The area is secluded from the rest of Bocas and the elevated coastline offers very nice views.

Boca del Drago is also home to Starfish Beach, Bird Island, and Mimbitimbi Beach. Starfish Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bocas but Mimbitimbi Beach is the real gem of the area. While Starfish Beach will be packed with visitors in the High Season, Mimbitimbi will have 0. There is also some really great freediving and snorkeling to be done around Mimbitimbi beach and Bird Island.

Cons of Staying in Boca del Drago:

The downside of staying in Boca del Drago is that it is very far from everything. While there are some great attractions with Starfish Beach, Mimbitimbi Beach, and Bird Island nearby, it is a timely and costly mission to get anywhere else. Surfers will have a minimum of a 30-minute taxi ride to surf. Those who want to enjoy the restaurants and nightlife of Bocas Town will also be over 30 minutes away. 

Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro: Isla Carenero

Satellite Map of where to stay on isla Carenero in Panama
Isla Carenero Satellite Map

Isla Carenero is another popular island to stay on in Bocas del Toro. Carenero Island features several good restaurants and many different style accommodation options. 

Isla Carenero is centrally located, 1 minute to Bocas Town by water taxi, has nice, calm areas for swimming, and tons of waves. The northern side of the island is covered in tropical rainforest with some trails for exploring. The southern side of the island has a small town with some accommodation options, restaurants, and a school for the local kids. There are also a few hidden tropical beaches around the island. 

Check out our Isla Carenero Travel Guide

Where to Stay on Isla Carenero: The South Side

  • Time to Bocas Town: 1 Minute by Water Taxi
  • Good For Surfers?: Yes
  • Good Sunset Views?: Yes
  • Pros: Close to Restaurants, Beaches & Bocas Town, walk to the surf
  • Cons: Potentially loud nightlife on island and from Bocas Town

Best Places to Stay on The South Side of Isla Carenero:

The view from the deck of the casa acuario house on Isla Carenero

Casa Acuario

Casa Acuario is an overwater, Caribbean-style house featuring 4 private rooms with spacious balconies over the pristine waters around Isla Carenero. Amazing sunset and sunrise views, along with great reviews and hosts, make this an awesome choice of where to stay on Isla Carenero.

Casa del Fuego on Isla Carenero

Casa del Fuego

Casa del Fuego is a 3-bedroom oceanfront rental home on Isla Carenero. The views are amazing, as are the breezes. It’s a perfect place for families, groups, and surfers! There is a small private beach, huge private dock, and the waves are just a few minute walk away.

Get 5% OFF direct bookings when you mention “The Bocas del Toro Blog” Email the host for direct bookings: Email Casa del Fuego

Pros of Staying on the South Side of Isla Carenero:

Isla Carenero is one of the best places to stay in Bocas due to its proximity to Bocas Town without actually being in Bocas Town.

There are a few really good restaurants on Carenero as well as small but beautiful beaches that are also good for swimming.

The South Side of Isla Carenero is also just a 10-15 minute walk to Carenero Point for surfers. Bocas Town is just a quick 1 minute/ $1 water taxi away which makes hopping over for dinner and drinks quick and easy. 

Cons of Staying on the South Side of Isla Carenero:

Being this close to Bocas Town has its benefits but it also has some negative effects. The most noticeable for people staying here will be the noise from the clubs of Bocas Town at night. This side of the island is also busier with both tourists and locals.

Where to Stay on Isla Carenero: The North West Side

  • Time to Bocas Town: 2 Minutes by Water Taxi
  • Good for Surfers?: Yes
  • Good Sunset Views?: The west side of the island has great sunset views
  • Pros: Walking distance to restaurants, beaches, and surf, and easy access to Bocas Town and beautiful surrounding rainforest
  • Cons: Potential for music from Bocas Town due to proximity

Best place to stay on the North end of Isla Carenero

Piratearts Experience Resort Apartments

Pirate Arts Experience Resort

PirateArts Experience Resort features luxury modern apartments set inside a tropical island resort. The apartments are fully equipped with everything you need, including full kitchens and AC. Walking distance to surf, and a 2-minute water taxi from Bocas Town while being secluded enough to only hear the sounds of the rainforest!

BONUS: Get 10% OFF with Direct Bookings when you mention “The Bocas del Toro Blog”/ This Article.

Pros of Staying on the North West Side of Isla Carenero:

The north end of Isla Carenero is popular with Expats and has a few higher-quality places to stay. This location is central to everything that Bocas has to offer but also secluded and in nature.

The water taxi system is easily accessible and there are several good restaurants within walking distance or a short water taxi ride. You can also walk to surf at the surf spots on Isla Carenero from this location. 

Cons of Staying on the North West Side of Isla Carenero: 

The only cons about this part of the Island is its proximity to Bocas Town and the potential to hear music from the clubs at night. The water in this area can also become less calm when there is swell due to the waves wrapping around the outside of Isla Carenero and coming into the bay. 

Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro: Isla Solarte

where to stay on isla solarte
Isla Solarte Satellite Map

Isla Solarte is the least populated of the 4 main islands and remains the most untouched and natural. Solarte doesn’t have any infrastructure like the other main islands. There’s no public electricity or running water unless it is private solar systems and rainwater catchment systems.

Much of Solarte is protected from the open ocean swell so the waters around the island are calm and clear. Some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving is done around Isla Solarte due to an abundance of diverse coral reefs.

The North end of Isla Solarte also falls within the sweet spot for an area to stay in with its proximity to Bocas Town and Surfing, but also with peace, nature, and quiet. Solarte is a long and slender island full of ancient trees, tropical birds, hiking trails and beautiful viewpoints.

The island is mostly surrounded by coral reefs and the east end of the island is rimmed by mangrove islets. The westerly-facing side of the island has incredible sunset views across the expansive bay of Almirante. The mountainous spine of mainland Panama also sits in the distance and provides a magnificent view. 

Check out our Isla Solarte Travel Guide

Where to Stay on Isla Solarte: The West Side

  • Time to Bocas Town: 5-10 Minutes by Water Taxi
  • Good for Surfers?: Yes
  • Good Sunset Views?: The best Sunset views in Bocas del Toro are found along the west facing coast of Isla Solarte
  • Pros: Easy access to surfing, Bocas Town, and other islands by water taxi due to central location. Removed enough for peace and nature. Proximity to Hospital Point, snorkeling, and hiking + incredible sunset views
  • Cons: No restaurants or grocery stores within walking distance, proximity to Bocas Town has potential for music at night

Best Places to Stay on Isla Solarte

Drone of Sol Bungalows

Sol Bungalows

Sol Bungalows is the top-rated Overwater Bungalow stay in Panama, offering affordable overwater bungalows and an authentic Bocas del Toro experience. 5% Discount with Direct Bookings!

Bambuda Lodge

Bambuda Lodge is the #1 Hostel in Panama and the best place to stay for younger travelers looking for the best of both worlds – ocean and rainforest. The social scene here is friendly and welcoming, and more laid back than most Bocas Town hostels.

roam yoga and wellness

Roam Jungle and Snorkel Lodge

Roam Jungle and Snorkel Lodge is a paradise for nature lovers and yogis, set in the rainforest just steps from the Caribbean Sea. They feature several jungalows for rent throughout the year and they also feature weekly yoga classes and host yoga retreats! Amazing snorkeling and paddle boarding right from the property!

SoulFire Cabin

SoulFire Farm

SoulFire Farm is a fully functioning permaculture farm located Isla Solarte and run by a young family from Argentina. They have a beautiful rustic cabin for rent that immerses guests in their unique off-grid and sustainable lifestyle.

Pros of Staying on the West Side of Isla Solarte:

The West End of Isla Solarte is our pick for the best area to stay in Bocas del Toro. Getting to Bocas Town is quick and easy using the water taxi system and only costs between $3-$5 per person.

The surf on Isla Carenero is also within quick and cheap water taxi distance. There are also several overwater bar/ restaurants within short water taxi distance.

The western facing side of the island has calm waters and is protected from the open ocean swell, so kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling are year-round activities. Solarte’s hiking trails are some of the best in the Archipelago and hiking to Hospital point for snorkeling and bird watching is a popular day time activity. The west side of Isla Solarte also has the best sunset views in Bocas over a huge bay and then the mountains on the mainland. 

Cons of Staying on the West Side of Isla Solarte: 

Isla Solarte is the least inhabited of the main Bocas Islands and has no infrastructure, stores, or restaurants. The nearest restaurants are on Isla Carenero and in Bocas Town which are 5-10 minutes away by water taxi. 

Music from Bocas Town and Old Bank can be heard in the distance during holidays and weekends.

Where to Stay on Isla Solarte: The East Side

Roam Yoga and Wellness
Roam Yoga & Wellness is a top place to stay, and just 7 minutes from Bocas Town
  • Time to Bocas Town: 10-20 Minutes +
  • Good for Surfers?: OK – NO, can be too far to easily go surf or use water taxi system
  • Good Sunset Views?: The western coast of Isla Solarte has some of the best sunset views, but the east facing side does not have direct sunset views, althought they do have better breezes and nice sunset views
  • Pros: Quiet, beautiful surrounding nature, calm waters and coral reefs
  • Cons: Far from Bocas Town Restaurants and Surfing, far from beaches 
  • Where to Stay: Villa F&B (French Style Lodge)

Pros of Staying on the East Side of Isla Solarte:

The East Side of Isla Solarte is full of natural Caribbean beauty and surrounded by calm water and mangrove forests. This side of the island is popular with expats and has a few off-grid eco retreats. It is a good spot to spend a relaxing vacation enjoying the peace and quiet of our tiny Island Archipelago.

The northeast facing side of the Island has quicker access to the entrance trail to Red Frog Beach. Some parts of this side of the island have access to the hiking trails, some do not.

Cons of Staying on the East Side of Isla Solarte:

Being farther away from Bocas Town means you have less access to the restaurants, tours, nightlife and shopping. This is also far for surfers to stay as the nearest waves can be a 10-20 minute boat ride away. The farther the boat ride, the more money it will cost, and the water taxi system is only available here through appointment.

The water taxi system will also be expensive coming from so far away. Some will enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with being so far away from everything, but others will appreciate having easy access to more options.

Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro: Isla Bastimentos

Where to stay on Isla Bastimentos Map
Isla Bastimentos Satellite Map

Isla Bastimentos is one of the most popular places to stay in Bocas del Toro. It is the largest island in the Bocas Archipelago and has several locations where tourists will find all types of different accommodations to stay in. 

Old Bank, the second biggest community in the Bocas del Toro islands, is located on the western tip of Bastimentos Island. The town of Old Bank and the immediate surrounding area is a very popular location for tourists. People are drawn to this area for its authentic Caribbean culture and laid-back, fun-loving spirit. 

Other popular areas to stay in on Isla Bastimentos are the Red Frog Beach area and the Punta Vieja area which is near the Zapatilla Islands. 

Check out our Isla Bastimentos Travel Guide

Where to Stay on Isla Bastimentos: Old Bank

The town of old bank on isla bastimentos from a drone.
Old Bank Town, Isla Bastimentos, via Bocas del Toro Productions
  • Time to Bocas Town: 7 Minutes
  • Good for Surfers?: Yes
  • Good Sunset Views?: Yes
  • Pros: Vibrant and Authentic Afro-Caribbean Culture and Food, Good Restaurant Options, Close to Surf and water taxi system, walk to Wizard Beach
  • Cons: Loud Music, Trash problem in some parts

The best places to stay in Old Bank on Isla Bastimentos

Pros of Staying in Old Bank:

Old Bank on Isla Bastimentos is a very unique and special Afro-Caribbean town that sits along the shores of a calm bay. The people that live here are primarily of Afro-Caribbean descent and have a reputation for being free-spirited and fun-loving.

It is truly a unique and special cultural experience to stay somewhere in the town. There are also many places around the town that offer some distance and a more natural experience but still a cultural aspect.

The trail to Wizard Beach is located in Old Bank and the water taxi system is readily available to take surfers out to surf Isla Carenero. There are also a few really good restaurants in town as well as the Cacao farm at Up in the Hill. 

Cons of Staying in Old Bank:

The fun-loving nature of the local people can be one of the downsides of staying in Old Bank (they are particularly fond of loud music). Some areas around town do not hear the music but others have it pointed right at them. The music usually peaks around holidays and on the weekends.

There is a bit of a trash problem in Old Bank due to a rapid influx of single-use packaging before the local people were educated on how to dispose of it. This “progress” in packaging led to an abundance of trash being piled up with nowhere to go. The problem is getting better and many local people now help in educating the rest of the population about keeping the island clean and green. 

Where to Stay on Isla Bastimentos: Red Frog Beach

Drone of Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago of Panama. The view is from a drone with green jungle and turquoise water.
Red Frog Beach, facing East
  • Time to Bocas Town: 10-15 Minutes walking + 10-15 Minutes Water Taxi
  • Good for Surfers?: You can surf on Red Frog Beach but the rest of the waves are a minimum 20-30 minutes away
  • Pros: Beautiful Beach to stay on, A few good Restaurants & Nice Places to Stay
  • Cons: Far from Bocas Town and Surfing, Need to walk 10 minutes to get to the beach and beach accommodations from the water taxi dock

Best places to stay on Red Frog Beach

Palmar Beach Lodge Red Frog Beach

TOP Pick: Palmar Beach Lodge

Palmar Beach Lodge puts you right on world-famous Red Frog Beach and is our #1 best place to stay on Isla Bastimentos. With dorm rooms, tents, or even high-end bungalows with A/C and kitchenettes, set in the rainforest but steps from the beach, Palmar offers the best of both worlds!

Red Frog Resort La Rosa Beach Club

Red Frog Resort

Red Frog Resort features beautiful luxury homes sprawled throughout the hills behind Red Frog Beach. It’s not as full-service as some other resorts may be, but they do have a pool club and one restaurant. It’s one of the only real resorts in Bocas del Toro, and they have mixed reviews, so do your research.

Pros of Staying in Red Frog Beach:

The Red Frog Beach Area on Isla Bastimentos is an all-around good place to stay in Bocas. The best part of staying here is the beautiful beach of Red Frog. You are also in close proximity to Polo Beach, which is about 45 minutes away on foot.

There are nice accommodation options that are tucked away in the tropical rainforest just steps from the beach. The beach area sees a lot of day visitors and can be fun for people who are social. There are a few good restaurants in the area so you have a nice variety without having to leave the beach zone. 

Cons of Staying in Red Frog Beach: 

The downside of staying at Red Frog Beach is the time (and money) it will take to go anywhere else. It is a minimum 10-minute walk through their jungle trail to get to the water taxi dock. From there it is another 10-15 minutes to Bocas Town or the nearest surf spot at Carenero Point.

Where to Stay on Isla Bastimentos: Punta Vieja (Old Point)

The beach at Punta Vieja in Bocas del Toro, on Isla Bastimentos
Punta Vieja Beach
  • Time to Bocas Town: 30 Minutes or more
  • Good for Surfers?: No
  • Good Sunset Views?: This area faces south, so no direct sunset views, but there are great sunrises
  • Pros: Beautiful Beach with calm water, Beautiful area with very nice views, close to Zapatillas, great diving
  • Cons: Very far away from everything, too far from surf, no other restaurants just self contained resorts/ accommodations

Best Places to Stay in Punta Vieja:

Casa Cayuco

Casa Cayuco Eco Adventure Lodge (5% Discount)

Casa Cayuco Eco Adventure Lodge is the best place to stay in Punta Vieja. In 2023, they earned Trip Advisor’s prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ award for the ninth year. All meals are included with your stay as well as kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel gear!

Get a 5% Discount: Enter the code “Solbungalowsblog” when making a direct booking!

Pros of Staying in Punta Vieja (Old Point)

Punta Vieja is one of our favorite areas to boat out to on a nice day. There’s a beautiful, truly picturesque Caribbean beach with white sand and calm, turquoise water.

Punta Vieja is the closest area on Isla Bastimentos to the Zapatilla Islands. This makes it quick and easy to visit for a few hours before the crowds show up.

The water in the Punta Vieja area is generally very calm due to the protective reef systems that block most of the wave activity. Some of the best spearfishing/ snorkeling/ and freediving is also around this area. 

Cons of Staying in Punta Vieja (Old Point)

The biggest downside to staying out here is that you are very far from the rest of Bocas. All of the point breaks and reef breaks are located around Bocas Town which is easily 30 minutes away.

It is one of the best places to stay for a self-contained, non-surfer vacation, to just enjoy the water and the beach.

With no other restaurant options in the area, you are at the mercy of your accommodation and their prices.

Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro: Outer Islands

Yes, there are accommodation options outside of the 4 main islands of the Bocas Archipelago. In fact, some of the most unique and special accommodation options can be found 30 or more minutes away from Bocas Town. 

The big difference in these places are that they are almost entirely self-contained, and have to be. Consider them as boutique resorts where you will mostly stay on-site and participate in the activities they have in the vicinity.

Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro: Outer Island Lodges

  • Time to Bocas Town: 20-30 Minutes or more
  • Good for Surfers?: No
  • Good Sunset Views?: Depends
  • Pros: Mostly higher-end and luxurious places to stay, in quiet, far-off locations
  • Cons: Very far away from everything, too far from surf, no other restaurants just self-contained resorts/ accommodations

Best Of The Outer Islands of Bocas del Toro

la loma jungle lodge

La Loma Jungle Lodge

La Loma Jungle Lodge is located in Bahia Honda on Isla Bastimentos, 20 minutes from Bocas Town. This is a world-class rainforest experience, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner all coming straight from their permaculture farm. Sleep in the trees and keep your eyes peeled for sloths and monkeys!

Nayara Bocas del Toro

Nayara Bocas del Toro

Nayara Bocas del Toro is the most Maldives-like overwater bungalow resort in Bocas del Toro. The bungalows come equipped with glass floors, Air Conditioning, and private plunge pools. It’s all-inclusive and located on a mangrove island off of Isla San Cristobal.

Pros of Staying At an Outer Island Lodge

Staying at a luxury-style accommodation in a far-flung corner of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago might be exactly what some people are looking for. These places are mostly higher-end, with some being the most luxurious accommodations in Bocas.

They generally boast of having great restaurants and very relaxed experiences. Think kayaking around a calm bay and having a lunch that was organically grown on-site.

Cons of Staying At An Outer Island Lodge

Some people might be disappointed in how far these places are from the rest of Bocas, including the beaches and the surf. These are generally the most expensive places in Bocas, with some easily in the thousands of dollars.

Still not sure of where to Stay in Bocas del Toro?

Sol Bungalows
Top Rate and Affordable, Sol Bungalows

As the owners of Sol Bungalows, we are most certainly biased toward thinking you should stay with us! We lived in Bocas for several years before settling on our location and we feel we were extremely lucky to come across our property.

We are close to Bocas Town but not in Bocas Town. There are calm seas around us for kayaking and paddle boarding and we are close to surf (just a few minutes in a water taxi). There is clear water and beautiful coral reefs just meters in front of our bungalows. There’s also incredible hiking trails all throughout Isla Solarte. And the Sunsets… the sunset views from our Bungalows are the best in all of Bocas del Toro! Check out more about our location here and we hope to see you in Bocas one day!

Want to Know More About Bocas del Toro?

Check out our Bocas del Toro Travel Guides below! There are tons of travel guides about Bocas del Toro out there, but most are written by people who only visited the islands for a few days. Our guides are written from years of experience living full-time in Bocas!

Browse the guides below or visit our blog homepage here.

10 thoughts on “Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro, Panama (Island and Area Guide)”

  1. Pingback: 7 Things You SHOULD NOT Do in Bocas del Toro (2021)

  2. Good morning! Do you have any recommendations for a group of 12-14, included 2 children (ages 6 & 2), teens, and Seniors? We want to come in for December 28th, and stay until January 1st. Also, do you know how the flights run with such a large group?

    1. Hi! Flights should just be normal flights even though you have a group. I believe the Air Panama planes fit about 100 passengers. For a group like that maybe you want to stay at a hotel so you can have seperate rooms but still be close to eachother. Maybe somewhere with a pool? If you want to send me an email I can help you further 🙂

  3. Pingback: Travel to Panama's Bocas del Toro on a Budget - Explore with Finesse

  4. You are a wealth of information and we hope some day to stay with you, if we are so lucky! I hear Casa del Fuego on Caranero is a pretty cool spot to stay for families and larger groups. Is that true?

    1. Hi! Glad our guides have helped you out! Yes Casa del Fuego is a cool spot and good choice on Isla Carenero if you are looking to rent a house! I will be adding it to our guides soon 🙂

  5. Hi,
    Your blog is absolutely great, thank you very much for all the information! It helped me a lot. We are interested to stay at Sol Bungalows. It’s 3-5 minute water taxi from Bocas Town. What’s the timetable? Do the water taxis drive all day long or just certain times?

    1. HI! Glad our blog has helped you out! The water taxis don’t run on a schedule you can just find them in Bocas Town and they will take you where you want to go. We also give our guests the whatsapp number of a few taxi drivers as well so they can order taxis whenever they need them!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Limited Space in March and April still Available!

Join the Sol Bungalows Mailing List!

Get Exclusive Deals and the most important updates straight to your inbox. No spam. Ever.