The
Bocas del Toro Travel Blog
Travel guides and Insider Information about
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Welcome to the
Bocas del Toro travel blog
The Bocas del Toro Travel Blog provides travelers to Bocas del Toro, Panama, with all of the important travel information they need in order to have the best possible experience.
The Bocas del Toro archipelago comprises 9 main islands and hundreds of smaller islets and cays, has 5 distinct local cultures, over 20 beaches, endless activities and areas to explore, as well as containing a National Marine Park and being a Mission Blue Hope Spot.
We have lived in the islands since 2015 and the best tip we can give you is this: do your research before visiting. We have covered almost all the important topics related to travel in Bocas del Toro on our blog, so that you can make informed decisions about your trip!
Getting Here - Safety - When to Visit
How to Get from Panama City to Bocas del Toro (Flights, Bus & Car)
The fastest way to get from Panama City to Bocas del Toro is a 1-hour Air Panama flight from Albrook Airport (PAC) to Bocas del Toro (BOC). One-way fares usually run about $80–$200, depending on how early you book. This guide is part of our complete Bocas del Toro Travel
The Best TIme To Visit Bocas del Toro Panama + Monthly Weather Guide
The best time to visit Bocas del Toro, Panama is during the dry season from January to mid-April. Locals will also tell you that September, October and November are great months to visit. Overall, these months are statistically the driest and sunniest months of the year and your best bet
Is Bocas Del Toro Safe?: A Crime and Health Safety Guide (Update 2025)
Yes, Bocas del Toro is safe for travelers, with very low incidences of violent crime. However, petty theft can occur, like having your backpack stolen off of the beach while you are swimming, so it is important to follow basic safety precautions. The islands also pose inherent risks related to
General Bocas del Toro Travel Guides
Bocas del Toro Travel Guide (2026): Map, Islands & Tips From a Local
Bocas del Toro is an archipelago located on the Caribbean coast of Panama known for its stunning natural beauty, biodiversity, and laid-back Caribbean vibe. The region is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Panama and is a popular destination for surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The islands
10 Reasons Bocas del Toro Is Worth Visiting
Bocas del Toro is worth visiting for its untouched beaches, lush rainforests, unique experiences, surfing, diving, and a slow-paced, small-town vibe. The islands have affordable overwater bungalows and jungle hideaways, and the boating lifestyle permeates everyday life. This guide is part of our complete Bocas del Toro Travel Guide, written
10 Day Panama Itinerary for Bocas del Toro (With Costs)
Embark on a thrilling journey through the heart of Central America as we unveil the ultimate 10-day Panama itinerary, where adventure, culture, and natural wonders collide in an unforgettable experience. This 10-day travel itinerary for Panama mostly focuses on Bocas del Toro, with some time spent in Panama City to
Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro
Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro, Panama (Island and Area Guide)
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
7 Best Affordable Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean in 2026
Dreaming of a tropical getaway to an affordable overwater bungalow in the Caribbean? Look no further! This post uncovers the 7 best affordable overwater bungalows in the Caribbean that offer stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and all the luxury you crave – at a fraction of the price. Whether you’re searching
11 Best Overwater Bungalows & Places to Stay in Bocas del Toro (2026)
Bocas del Toro, Panama is an island archipelago much like the Maldives or Fiji, featuring several overwater bungalow places to stay, as well as overwater hotels, hostels, lodges, and AirBnb’s. In Bocas del Toro, being over the water isn’t just for luxury resorts, it’s the local way of life! We
17 BEST Places to Stay in Bocas del Toro Panama (Quick Guide)
The best places to stay in Bocas del Toro Panama include overwater bungalows, tree houses, overwater hotels, and rainforest canopy lodges. Bocas del Toro is a Caribbean archipelago unlike any other in Latin America! We have lived in Bocas del Toro since 2015 and have watched it develop into one
The Best Hostels in Bocas del Toro, Panama for 2023 (A Local’s Guide)
Hostels were the first big accommodation type in Bocas del Toro when tourism started over 20 years ago. Surfers were the first to discover the islands for the tropical paradise that they are, and a few hostels popped up to meet the demand. Jump to 2023, and you’ve got more
Things to Do in Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro Surfing Guide: Surf Spots, Seasons & Lessons (2026)
This article covers everything you need to know about surfing in Bocas del Toro, Panama, including a detailed surf spot guide, where to stay, the surf seasons, where to check the surf report, and where to find surf lessons! We have lived and surfed in Bocas del Toro since 2015,
25 BEST Things to do In Bocas del Toro (By a Local)
Bocas del Toro is a vibrant archipelago that beckons adventurers and relaxation seekers with its irresistible natural beauty and laid-back island vibes. This guide is part of our complete Bocas del Toro Travel Guide, written by locals who have lived in the islands since 2015. Whether you’re looking to snorkel
Best Things To Do in Bocas del Toro, Panama (Quick Guide)
This quick guide of the best things to do in Bocas del Toro is for adventure seekers who want a new and off-the-beaten-path experience. These activities require that you put in some effort, energy, and cash. Bocas del Toro is an absolute playground for those who are willing to add
7 Things you SHOULD NOT do in Bocas del Toro, Panama
Bocas del Toro is an island archipelago on the Caribbean coast of Panama with a reputation as being, “the Galapagos of Central America,” for its biodiversity both on land and in the sea. This guide is part of our complete Bocas del Toro Travel Guide, written by locals who have
The 12 Best Beaches in Bocas del Toro Panama (Ranked)
One of the main reasons why people come to the islands of Bocas del Toro is to visit our amazing beaches! But did you know? The most promoted, talked about, and visited beaches in Bocas del Toro are not necessarily the best ones. There are actually over 20 beaches in
Scuba Diving in Bocas del Toro Panama: A Dive Master’s Guide (2022)
Bocas del Toro is becoming recognized as one of the best and most affordable places in Central America for scuba diving! Scuba diving in Bocas del Toro has something to offer for divers of all levels, like colorful reefs, shipwrecks, and underwater cave systems! One of the things people love
Quick Travel Guides by Island
Isla Solarte: A Local’s Travel Guide (2026)
Isla Solarte (also known as Nancy’s Cay) is one of Bocas del Toro’s most untouched and natural islands. It has a landmass of 8 square kilometers and a population of about 300 people, primarily made up of the indigenous Ngäbe people and a small scattering of ex-pats. This guide is
Isla Colón, Panama: A Local’s Travel Guide to Bocas del Toro’s Main Island
Isla Colón is the main island of Panama’s Bocas del Toro archipelago, and almost every trip to Bocas starts here. It’s home to Bocas Town, the airport, and famous spots like Starfish Beach and Bluff Beach. This guide is part of our complete Bocas del Toro Travel Guide, written by
Isla Carenero: A Local’s Quick Travel Guide (2023)
Isla Carenero is Bocas del Toro’s smallest main island – just under 1 square kilometer – but it has the most to offer for tourists compared to its size. There are beautiful beaches and world-class waves, lively coral reefs, lush rainforest, palm trees, turquoise waters, and awesome places to both
Isla Bastimentos, Panama: A Local’s Travel Guide (2026)
Isla Bastimentos in Panama is the largest island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago and one of the most popular islands for tourism. The Afro-Caribbean town of Old Bank is the capital of the island and the second-largest population center in the archipelago. This guide is part of our complete
Bocas del toro Real Estate Guides
Where to Buy Real Estate in Bocas del Toro Panama (A Local’s Guide)
Mark Johnson from Paradise Found Realty says that what most people are looking for when they buy real estate in Bocas del Toro are these five things: This guide is part of our complete Bocas del Toro Travel Guide, written by locals who have lived in the islands since 2015.
7 Things You SHOULD NOT DO When Buying Real Estate in Bocas del Toro
Real Estate in Bocas del Toro is hot right now! It seems that everything is for sale, being bought, or already being built on. This guide is part of our complete Bocas del Toro Travel Guide, written by locals who have lived in the islands since 2015. (But you already
Real Estate in Bocas del Toro: Property Buying Guide + Insider Tips
So, you’ve heard about the paradisical Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro and you are interested in buying property there. With all of the questions you may have about real estate in Bocas del Toro, it may seem overwhelming just trying to find where to begin! This guide is part
General Panama Travel Guides
Surfing in Panama: Travel Guide & Best Surf Spots
Surfing in Panama started around 20 years ago, when places like Bocas del Toro and Santa Catalina were first being discovered for having world-class waves. Since then, tourism has grown around surfing and an abundance of hostels, surf camps, yoga shalas, and beach lodges have sprung up throughout the country.
Our Escape Clause: Unethical Travel Blogging Exposed in Bocas del Toro
Travel Blogging. What is it? What is its purpose? How do travel blogs help, or hurt, the destinations and people they talk about? This guide is part of our complete Bocas del Toro Travel Guide, written by locals who have lived in the islands since 2015. Furthermore, who is a
Is Panama Safe?: A Local’s Guide to Safety in Panama
Key Takeaways: Is Panama Safe? In this article, we will uncover if Panama is safe for travel and give you actionable tips on how you can have a safe and crime-free visit to Panama. This guide is part of our complete Bocas del Toro Travel Guide, written by locals who
Does Costa Rica Have Overwater Bungalows?
Costa Rica is one of the top vacation destinations in the entire world. The small, Latin American country seems to truly have it all: lush rainforests full of life, incredible mountain ranges and national parks, and some of the most beautiful beaches on earth. But why aren’t there any overwater
Best Luxury Hotels, Resorts, and Overwater Bungalows in Panama
Panama is quietly becoming one of the top destinations in Central America for luxury resorts, hotels and even overwater bungalows. As Costa Rica becomes too expensive, over-developed, and touristy, Panama is rising as a more authentic and affordable travel destination. Costa Rica doesn’t even have overwater bungalows, but Bocas del
5 Best Hotels and Things to do in Panama City, Panama
This article explains our top picks for the best hotels and things to do in Panama City, Panama based on our experience of living in Panama 2015. This guide is part of our complete Bocas del Toro Travel Guide, written by locals who have lived in the islands since 2015.
13 Bucket List Worthy Things To Do in Panama
This post uncovers 13 of the most bucket list worthy things to do in Panama. We have lived in Panama since 2015 and know that Panama should be at the top of your travel bucket list if you’ve ever dreamt of exploring a tropical paradise filled with rich culture, breathtaking
About The Bocas del Toro Blog
Our Mission: To provide honest, insider information to help you have the ultimate Bocas del Toro experience.
Hello! We are Drew and Tamara – the authors of the Bocas Blog and owners of Sol Bungalows. We believe that one of the best ways we can help tourism in Bocas is to give people honest insider information that they can use to have the best possible stay. Our goal is to leave you well informed so you can decide on what activities, islands, and accommodations are best for you.
There are many other travel blogs about Bocas written by people who only visited the islands for a few days. These blogs are full of incorrect information and are obviously written from a point of view that lacks understanding of the full Bocas experience. It is our intention with this blog to set the story straight – to defend the future of Bocas and the livelihoods of its people, where the local economy is 95% based on tourism.
Feel free to get in touch with us at info[at]solbungalowsbocas.com if you have any questions, and follow us on social media below to keep up with Sol Bungalows!
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Affordable overwater bungalows in the Caribbean
Come Stay With Us
A vacation in Bocas del Toro isn’t complete without staying in an Overwater Bungalow! Sol Bungalows offers affordable overwater bungalows and an authentic Bocas del Toro experience.
We have been living, adventuring, and guiding others in the islands since 2015. Our guests not only get to stay in some of the best (and most affordable) overwater bungalows in Panama; you also get our wealth of knowledge and experience to guide your trip!
