Bocas del Toro is a vibrant archipelago that beckons adventurers and relaxation seekers with its irresistible natural beauty and laid-back island vibes.

Whether you’re looking to snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, surf world-class waves, or simply unwind with a cold drink on a hammock, the best things to do in Bocas del Toro promise something extraordinary for every traveler.

Dive into this guide to discover the best things to do in Bocas del Toro on the 5 main islands of the archipelago: Isla Colon, Isla Carenero, Isla Bastimentos, Isla Solarte, and Isla San Cristobal.

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Jump to an Island: Isla Colon | Isla Carenero | Isla Bastimentos | Isla Solarte | Isla San Cristobal

The 25 Best Things To Do in Bocas del Toro

Our list of the best things to do in Bocas del Toro is compiled based on our first-hand experience of living and adventuring in the islands since 2015.

#1 Activity: GET WILD AT THE FLOATING BAR

Spending an afternoon at The Floating Bar is one of our TOP PICKS for things to do in Bocas del Toro.

They have good food – tacos, ceviche, and quesadillas, just what you need in between cold beers and shots of tequila.

The water is refreshing and great for a swim or a snorkel on the nearby mangrove reef or shipwreck. There’s always a cool breeze, and the atmosphere is super welcoming and good-vibed.

They are open 12-7(PM), so it’s an ideal place to escape the midday heat and catch the sunset!

Get here via a $2 taxi ride from Bocas Town, or straight from your outer island accommodation. Check their Instagram for daily specials like live music Mondays!

#2 Activity: Practice Yoga in the Rainforest Canopy

You’ll be blown away by how beautiful this yoga shala is, perched high up in the trees with an incredible view of the Caribbean sea and jungle below.

Roam Yoga and Wellness is located on Isla Solarte at about a 5-minute/ $5 boat ride from Bocas Town. They are also the only yoga shala in the islands that is screened in, so you won’t be bothered by mosquitoes while you’re trying to meditate!

Grab a healthy smoothie after class in their overwater restaurant and chat with fellow yogis and travelers!

• Class Schedule: Vinyasa on Tuesdays at 9:30AM and Yin Yoga at 5:00PM on Thursdays.
• Classes cost $5 and are 75 minutes each.
• Yoga at Roam is located 5 minutes and $5 by water taxi from Bocas Town. Contact them for help getting there if you need it!

Contact Them for More Info or Check them out on Instagram or their website!

#3 Activity: Stay in an Overwater Bungalow

We are the top-rated affordable overwater bungalows in Panama (read our reviews!), and one of the best places to stay in Bocas del Toro.

Our bungalows are centrally located on Isla Solarte, just 5 minutes from Bocas Town by water taxi, so you can easily access all the best things to do in Bocas del Toro!

Check out all the best overwater bungalows in Bocas del Toro.

Best Things to Do in Bocas del Toro: on Isla Colón

Isla Colón is the main island of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago and where most of the restaurants, shops, nightlife, hotels and hostels are located as well as the airport, bank, and hospital.

Everything you might need during your time in Bocas can be found here. However, Isla Colón is a lot more than just Bocas Town and many of the best things to do here are located farther out in the nature of Isla Colón.

Read our Isla Colón Panama Travel Guide

4: Get Dirty with Flying Pirates ATV Rentals and Jungle Trail

Renting a quad from Flying Pirates and exploring their jungle trails out past Bluff Beach is one of the most exciting and extreme activities in Bocas del Toro.

The jungle trails take you through the raw tropical rainforest, coral rock-covered beaches, deep mud, and past some incredible views.

Howler Monkeys are often seen in the trees and the occasional sloth can be found. You will also pass by two of the most unique swimming holes in Bocas! The terrain out there is as beautiful and stunning as it is rugged and challenging so be prepared to test your limits! 

5: Explore Isla Colón by Bike, E-Bike, or Motor Scooter

The best way to explore Bocas Town and the rest of Isla Colon is how the locals do… by bicycle!

Bocas Town is full of bike rental shops where you can get a nice set of wheels for around $2 an hour. You can ride the bikes all the way to Bluff Beach in about 1 hour or to Starfish Beach in 2 hours. There are plenty of beautiful viewpoints along the way so taking it slow and stopping occasionally is recommended!

If you want to get around faster and easier, try renting an E-Bike or Motor Scooter. These can be readily found in Bocas Town! We recommend Ixa’s Bike Rentals for reliable bikes at a good price! Bocas E Bikes and Flying Pirates also rent E-Bikes.

Check out our 10 Day Panama Itinerary for your next Vacation

6: Go on a Bioluminescence Tour

Kawi Voyage runs an incredible nighttime tour that takes you to three different locations where you can experience the magical bioluminescent algae and plankton of Bocas del Toro.

You can swim and snorkel in the glowing waters, and the guides will tell you everything about the magical events you are witnessing.

The tour usually goes from 8-10 PM and costs $30 per person, and happens around the two weeks when there is no moon (opposite of the full moon).

7: Explore the Waters of Bocas del Toro on a Catamaran or Sailboat

Panama Sailing and Jager Knights offer all sorts of sailing experiences including catamaran tours based out of Bocas Town on Isla Colon.

They’ve got Catamarans for day cruises, sunset cruises, panga boats for tours and surf guiding, and even sailing lessons! With experienced, high-quality equipment, and great ratings, these are the two companies you don’t want to miss for all your sailing needs!

For more info: check out the Panama Sailing and Jager Knights Websites

Learn about the 13 Most Bucket List Things To Do in Panama

8: Go on a 3 Day Escudo de Veraguas Catamaran Trip

Visit the magical island of Escudo de Veraguas, made famous in the opening scene Planet Earth II when a pygmy sloth is seen swimming through the most beautiful turquoise water imaginable.

You can visit this island, about an 8 hour sail from the center of Bocas del Toro, all from the comfort of a catamaran or sailboat.

This is the best way to see Escudo de Veraguas and have enough time to explore all of its unbelievable secrets.

Check out Surf N Sail Panama or Panama Sailing to arrange this adventure!

9: Explore the Jungle and Coastline past Bluff Beach by Horseback

Another (more natural) way to explore the jungles out past Bluff Beach is by horseback!

Bluff Beach Retreat does horseback riding tours run by local guides that take you along some of the same trails as Flying Pirates but in a more relaxed and environmentally friendly way! 

Tours leave at 10:00AM and 1:00PM and cost $55 per person. Check out their website for more information!

10: Explore Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach

Starfish Beach is a very popular beach for tourists and local people alike. Its a slender strip of beach with bathtub-calm water that is great for swimming and viewing starfish.

Palm trees and beach shacks line the shoreline where locals set up small bars and restaurants to serve the people that visit each day. There are lines of beach chairs, souvenir stands, beach volleyball, and even an inflatable hotdog to ride on.

Our Advice: Starfish Beach is the most touristy beach in Bocas del Toro and is seriously over-hyped by travel bloggers on the internet. We recommend trying to avoid going on weekends or holidays when it is the busiest. Read our Bocas del Toro Beach Guide to learn about some of the other much better beaches to visit.

11: See Bird Island, a Tropical Bird Sanctuary

Bird Island looks like something the creators of Jurassic Park would have thought up, but instead of Dinosaurs, you have hundreds of rare tropical birds everywhere!

The small rock island is located in the open ocean just a few minutes off of the Boca del Drago side of Isla Colón. You are not supposed to step foot on the island as it is a protected rare bird habitat.

The main attraction is driving around the island and viewing the tropical birds that nest here. Bird Island is the only place in Panama where the Red-Billed Tropic Bird is known to nest!

Best Things to do in Bocas del Toro: Bocas Town Restaurants, Shopping, and Nightlife

Bocas Town is famous for its wild, island-style nightlife where anything goes. There are island-hopping pub crawls, floating bars, aqua lounges, and nightclubs that stay open till 4 AM.

Live music is happening somewhere every day and we even have the most advanced music venue in all of Panama. Partygoers will find everything they want – and more – in Bocas! 

Bocas Town is also full of some really good restaurants, artisanal shops, trendy boutiques, and plenty of local characters. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the town and checking out the shops and restaurants.

The best nightlife and day party options in Bocas del Toro:

• Filthy Friday – Famous Island Hopping Party Crawl
• The Floating Bar – Fish Tacos, Swimming, Live Music and Sunsets
• Aqua Lounge – lots of DJ’s and theme parties

The Best Restaurants for Dinner in Bocas Town:

• Tacos la Neta Caribe – Really good, authentic Mexican tacos – located in Aqua Lounge hostel
• El Ultimo Refugio – International Cuisine in an overwater open-air setting
• Merén Pool Club – Overwater Swimming Pool in Bocas Town with creative Caribbean fusion cuisine
• JJ’s at the Bocas Blended Bus
• Octo – Caribbean Grill serving authentic seafood and meats with local ingredients
• La Italiana (or) Renny Pizza– Our favorite Pizza places in Bocas Town!

The Best Things to do in Bocas del Toro: on Isla Carenero

Isla Carenero is just a quick 1-2 minute water taxi ride away from Isla Colón.

The South end of Carenero Island is full of tourist accommodations, resident ex-pats, a local community and a few really good restaurants. The interior of the island is dense jungle and the exterior is dotted with small protected beaches.

Carenero Island is famous for the surf spot Carenero Point and is also home to a few other breaks that are great for learning to surf.

Read the Isla Carenero Travel Guide

12: Relax At Bibi’s Beach and Bibi’s Restaurant

Bibi’s Restaurant is an iconic Bocas del Toro landmark located on the East side of Isla Carenero.

They serve local-style seafood in a relaxed atmosphere at their overwater restaurant which has amazing views. Bibi’s is known for its Ceviche and is a great place to spend an afternoon swimming, enjoying live music, and throwing back a few happy hour cocktails during the sunset. 

There is a small beach nearby that is popular with locals and tourists and is the closest beach to the center of Bocas. The water in front is generally calm and shallow and is great for swimming. Bring your bug spray as the local sand flies are active in this area! 

13: Go Surfing at Carenero Point and Black Rock

Two of the best surf spots in Bocas are located along Isla Carenero’s coastline: Carenero Point and Black Rock.

Carenero Point is a long left-hand point break. Black Rock is an A-frame reef break that is a great spot for beginners to learn how to surf. Check out our Bocas del Toro Surfing Guide for more information on these spots!

The Best Things to do in Bocas del Toro on Isla Bastimentos

Isla Bastimentos is the largest island of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. It is most known as the home of the Afro-Caribbean town of Old Bank.

The island is located about 10 minutes away from Bocas Town by boat and has the second-largest population of the Archipelago. Isla Bastimentos is covered in thick rainforests and some of the best beaches and adventures to be found in Bocas!

14: Explore the Authentic Caribbean Town of Old Bank

Everyone who comes to Bocas should plan an hour to visit the community of Old Bank on Isla Bastimentos.

Old Bank is said to have one of the last remaining authentic Arfo-Caribbean populations in the world. The local people speak a dialect called Guari-Guari and many speak English. The town is a traditional Caribbean town with colonial-style houses painted in bright colors. People here enjoy life in a way not seen anywhere else! 

How to get to Old Bank: Water Taxis from Bocas Town are $5 per person. 

15: Tour the Pure Tree Experience Permaculture Farm

Pure Tree Experience (Previously called Up in the Hill) is a popular Isla Bastimentos landmark and one of the best off-the-beaten-path tours in Bocas.

They are located on the highest point of the island about 15 minutes up the trail that leads out of Old Bank from the main park. Their specialty is their cacao and permaculture farm tour. The Pure Tree Tour is very highly rated, very delicious, and you will not only see wildlife like strawberry poison dart frogs, but you’ll also learn a lot about permaculture, cacao, and living off of the rainforest.

16: Visit Some of the Best Beaches in Bocas del Toro

Isla Bastimentos is home to some of Bocas del Toro’s best beaches: Wizard Beach, Red Frog Beach, and Polo Beach.

Wizard Beach is accessed by a professionally done hiking trail that starts in the town of Old Bank. The beach here is raw and untouched, with nothing but rainforest and golden sands stretching the coastline.

Red Frog Beach is reached by water taxi and a short hike on a well-maintained trail. We love to go to Nacho Mama’s Beach Bar, rent a beach bungalow, and enjoy the waves, sand, and great food from Nacho Mama’s.

Polo Beach can be visited by boat if the sea is calm, or you can hike here from Red Frog Beach in about 30-45 minutes. Polo Beach features a barrier reef, which protects the shoreline from the open ocean swell, making the waters here calm and great for snorkeling and swimming.

17: Titi’s Polo Beach Hiking Tour

Titi is a Bastimentos local who owns a small farm on the way towards Wizard Beach. He is a professional guide and a pioneer of one of the best hiking experiences in Bocas!

The tour starts out in the Afro-Caribbean town of Old Bank where you start the 3-hour hike through the heart of the Isla Bastimentos rainforest, along Red Frog Beach, past Turtle Beach, and finally arriving at Polo Beach.

Once you arrive at Polo Beach you can swim, snorkel, or sip on rum coconuts while Polo cooks you a fresh fish lunch!

Contact Titi for the tour: +507-6788-1331 – Prices vary by group size

18: Top 10 Best Things To Do in Bocas del Toro: Take a Boat Trip to the Zapatilla Islands

The Zapatilla Islands are the #1 Tour in the Archipelago – and for good reason. They are two small, slipper-shaped isles located inside the Bastimentos National Marine Park.

The Zapatillas are lined with white sand and turquoise water and their interiors are dominated by high-reaching palm trees. The only development on the Zapatilla Islands is a few structures for the park guards and the sea turtle conservancy volunteers who help study and protect the sea turtles that nest here. 

The Zapatillas can get crowded with day tours but it is easy to find a corner of the island with no one around. We recommend skipping the jam-packed boats that leave from Bocas Town and booking a private driver instead.

19: Top 10 Best Things to Do in Bocas Del Toro: Explore the Nivida Bat Cave with a Local Legend

Exploring the Nivida Bat Cave with Rutilio Milton is one of the best things to do in Bocas del Toro.

The cave is located deep in the jungle of Isla Bastimentos in an area inhabited by the Ngobe Indigenous people. Legend has it that the cave was known about for many years but none of the locals dared to enter the cave out of fear for what was inside it.

The tour takes you on a scenic boatride up a river into the heart of Isla Bastimentos, where you’ll enter the cave and explore its’ mysteries. You can see sloths, dolphins, red frogs, and more wildlife!

Contact Rutilio at +507-6726-0968 (whatsapp) to set up a tour! The tour costs $45 plus $15 cave entrance fee and includes pickup in or near Bocas Town.

20: La Tierra del Encanto Hiking Trails in Bahia Honda

Explore 3 new hiking trails developed in Bahia Honda by La Tierra del Encanto, where you can see the islands’ best waterfall or hike all the way to the little visited Long Beach, a turtle nesting ground and protected area.

The trails are professionally constructed and can be done with or without a guide. Some highlights include swimming holes, a rope bridge, and the islands’ best-known waterfall.

This area of rainforest is seldom explored by tourists or locals alike, so you are sure to see an abundance of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, red frogs, tropical birds, and caiman alligators!

Trails are open from 7AM to 6PM and can be done with our without a guide. $10 per adult or $5 per child, and a guide is $20 per hour. Contact them here: Whatsapp: +507-6589-6036 or check out their website: LaTierradelEncanto.com

Best Things To Do in Bocas del Toro: on Isla Solarte

Isla Solarte is the least populated of the Bocas Islands. It is primarily covered in thick rainforest with gigantic old trees, tropical birds, and calm waters all around it.

There is a maze of jungle trails throughout the island and hiking to Hospital Point is a popular activity. Isla Solarte has a central location in the Archipelago and is easily accessible from all of the other islands. 

How to get to Isla Solarte: Isla Solarte is located about 3-5 minutes away from Bocas Town and can be easily reached by water taxi for between $3 and $5.

Read our Isla Solarte Travel Guide

21: Scuba Diving Shipwrecks off Isla Solarte

The most popular and frequented dive spots in all of Bocas del Toro are located on the point of Isla Solarte just a 5-minute ride from Bocas Town. There are two shipwrecks, a deep water wall and several reefs that are visited daily by the dive shops from Bocas Town.

The best seasons to go Scuba Diving in Bocas del Toro are during the dry season from January to March and then September and October.

The best way to Dive the Shipwrecks in Bocas del Toro is through one of the many dive shops around the islands! We recommend La Buga, Panama Dive School, or Bocas Dive Center.

22: Snorkel and Explore Hospital Point

Hospital Point is located on the western tip of Isla Solarte. It is named after the hospital that was built here by the United Fruit Company in the year 1900 to treat workers who were sickened with yellow fever and malaria. The Hospital was eventually abandoned in 1920. Today the area is best known as being a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving!

23 Activity: Visit the Blue Coconut

The Blue Coconut is a popular overwater bar/restaurant built off of a mangrove island just off the coast of Isla Solarte. It’s 10 minutes away from Isla Colon and is the second stop of the famous Filthy Friday Island Pub Crawl.

The Blue Coconut is a great place to come for an afternoon to relax in the sun and swim or snorkel around the mangrove. They serve typical Caribbean food and seafood, frozen drinks, and cold beer.

24 Activity: Kayak or Paddle Board Around the Island

Isla Solarte is one of the best Islands for kayaking and paddleboarding. The waters around the island are generally calm and are mostly protected from the open ocean swell. The water on the south-facing side of the island is known to be some of the clearest in the Archipelago. The abundance of tropical birds and seabirds around the island makes for an exciting and relaxing adventure! 

Sol Bungalows provides Kayaks and Paddle Boards for all of our Guests!

Best Things to do in Bocas del Toro: On Isla San Cristobal

Isla San Cristobal is most known for the large Indigenous village that is located there as well as the area known as Dolphin Bay. San Cristobal is about a 10-15 minute boat ride from Bocas Town with the area of Dolphin Bay being about 20 minutes away.

San Cristobal is located close to the mainland of Panama and is completely protected from the open ocean swell. There are several Eco Lodges in this area as well as Cacao farms. It is a good island to stay on for nature lovers who don’t mind being away from the rest of Bocas.

How to Get to Isla San Cristobal: To get to San Cristobal you need to hire a water taxi. Prices will vary depending on group size – for 2 people it can cost $20-$25 per person.

25: See Exotic Wildlife at Green Acres Chocolate Farm

Green Acres Chocolate Farm in Dolphin Bay offers tours at 10AM and 2PM daily but by reservation only. Their property consists of 30 acres of natural paradise, with monkeys, sloths, toucans, and strawberry poison dart frogs, among a myriad of other species of Bocas del Toro’s flora and fauna. Isla Can Cristobal is more remote, less developed, and very large, so wildlife is more abundant and varied here than most of the other islands of the archipelago.

The Green Acres Chocolate Tour will teach you about Cacao and how it is made into chocolate, but you’ll also explore a beautiful property and see plenty of wildlife that you might not see anywhere else in Bocas del Toro. They are one of the top rated attractions on Trip Advisor!

Contact Green Acres: [email protected], +507 6716-4422

26: Go Paddle Boarding in Dolphin Bay

The Dolphin Bay Area is one of the most popular destinations for day tours in Bocas. Unfortunately, this breeding ground for the unique bottlenose dolphin species that calls it home is under immense pressure from the 100+ motor boats that pass through here daily during the high season.

Because of this, we have to insist that you only visit this area with a guide who knows the correct dolphin-watching techniques.

Something really cool to do in Dolphin Bay that doesn’t harm the dolphins is to rent some paddle boards in Bocas Town (or from your accomodation) and then take a water taxi to this area to paddle around. You should see some dolphins as you explore the bay and will be doing so in a way that is much better for the dolphin population.

Thanks for Reading about the Best Things to do in Bocas del Toro!

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out Sol Bungalows for the best overwater bungalows in Bocas del Toro!

Want to Learn More About Bocas del Toro?

Check out our Bocas del Toro Travel Guides below! There’s 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.