This is The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bocas del Toro, Panama.

We wrote this guide because we know Bocas del Toro is a challenging destination that requires research and guidance in order to achieve the best experience.

You need to understand the geographical layout of the islands, how the areas and islands differ, and what activities are best for which areas. Choosing the right time to come is also important, as is knowing the best places to stay. Discovering insider travel tips and how to save time and money is also cool.

Our Ultimate Guide aims to educate you on everything you need to know about Bocas del Toro so that you can make the most informed decisions for your trip. We also feel that you deserve to hear this information from someone who understands the islands on a deep level, and not just based on a few weeks (or days) of visiting! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us in the comments! Enjoy!

Quick Facts about the Bocas del Toro Islands

• English Translation of Bocas del Toro: “Mouths of the Bull”
• Capital City: Bocas Town on Isla Colón
• Population: Around 16,000
• Currency: Us Dollar or Panamanian Balboa
• Languages: Spanish, English, Guari Guari, Ngäbere
• Official Website: bocasdeltoro.com, go.bocasdeltoro.travel
• Bocas del Toro News: thebocasbreeze.com, Bocas TV
• Bocas del Toro Travel Blog: bocasdeltoroblog.com
• Panama Travel Blog: PTY.life
• Location: Northwest corner of Panama, Central America
• Popular Activities: Surfing, Scuba Diving, Hiking, Nightlife, Cultural Tours
• Popular Destinations: Starfish Beach, Red Frog Beach, The Zapatilla Islands, Nivida Bat Cave
• Popular Islands: Isla Colón, Isla Carenero, Isla Bastimentos, Isla Solarte, Isla San Cristobal

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 is Bocas del Toro, Panama?

Panama is located in Central America and borders Colombia to the South and Costa Rica to the North. Panama has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. There is a mountain range that transverses the country and dissects the northern and southern regions called the Cordillera de Talamanca.

Bocas del Toro Province And Island District

Bocas del Toro is a province located in the Northwest corner of Panama and includes a large mountainous region on the mainland filled with cloud forests and banana plantations, as well as an island-filled archipelago along the Caribbean Sea. Much of the Bocas del Toro Province is designated reservation land, called a “Comarca,” for the Indigenous Nägbe-Buglé tribes.

The island district of Bocas del Toro is what the majority of people are referencing when they talk about Bocas del Toro. This area includes the most popular tourist islands of Isla Colón, Isla Carenero, Isla Bastimentos, Isla Solarte, and Isla San Cristobal.

Tourism in Bocas del Toro is centered around these 5 main islands with Bocas Town on Isla Colón being the heart of the action.

Discover the 13 Most Bucket List Things To Do in Panama

How to Get to Bocas del Toro Panama

You can get to Bocas del Toro From Panama City, Panama or San Jose, Costa Rica.

Airport and Bus Terminal Information:

The Bocas del Toro Airport is called Aeropuerto Internacional de Bocas del Toro, Isla Colón (Bocas del Toro International Airport, Colon Island).

Airport Codes:

• The Bocas del Toro Airport Code is BOC (International Airport of Bocas del Toro, Isla Colón)
• The San Jose, Costa Rica Airport Code is SJO (Juan Sanatamariá International Airport)
• The Panama City International Airport Code is PTY (Tocumen International Airport)
• The Panama City Domestic Airport Code is PAC (Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport)

Bus Terminals

• MEPE Bus Caribe Station for the Bus from San Jose to the Sixaloa Border crossing into Bocas del Toro
• Albrook Bus Station (Located near Albrook Mall & Airport) for Panama City to Bocas del Toro

How to Get to Bocas del Toro from Panama City:

1. Fly to Bocas del Toro with Air Panama.
2. Take a 10-hour bus ride from the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City and a 30-minute water shuttle.
3. Fly to David, Panama, and then take a 4-hour taxi ride and a 30-minute water shuttle.

Flying To Bocas del Toro from Panama City

• Flying to Bocas del Toro from Panama city only takes 50 minutes.
• Flights leave from the Albrook International Airport (PAC) and not the Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Be sure you are selecting the proper airport code when buying your flights.
• You should leave 2.5-3 hours in between your international flight arrival to Panama and your domestic flight to Bocas del Toro. This time will account for immigration lines and the sometimes heavy traffic in Panama City.
• Air Panama is operating between 2 and 4 flights per day: 2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.
• To find flights to Bocas del Toro from Panama City check on AirPanama.com

Money-Saving Tip

• Use an UBER to get around in Panama City and for your transfer from the international airport to the domestic airport. This is the cheapest option.

Panama City Layover: Read – 5 Best Hotels and Things to Do in Panama City, Panama

Bus From Panama City to Bocas del Toro

• This takes 10 hours and costs around $40 for the whole trip.
• The bus ends in the town of Almirante; the nearest mainland port town to the islands of Bocas del Toro. From here there is a 30 minute, $6 dollar water taxi ride to arrive in Bocas Town on Isla Colón.
• Buses leave frequently between the hours of 8AM and 11PM. Just show up at the bus terminal and ask for the bus to Bocas del Toro. There you can buy your ticket and await the next departure.
• Check out the bus terminal website for more information: https://www.grantnt.com/

Money Saving Tip

• You can take a night bus to Bocas del Toro and save yourself from paying for a night in a hotel room in Panama City.
• The night bus really is the best bus option, as you can sleep the whole way and still have an entire day in the islands once you arrive.

Flying to Bocas del Toro from San Jose with Sansa

New Year, New Airline flying from San Jose to Bocas del Toro! Check out Sansa for flights. These flights operate out of the main airport, SJO in San Jose, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of switching airports, nice!

Getting To Bocas del Toro from San Jose by Shuttle

• Caribe Shuttle has a $78 (plus taxes) guided shuttle service from San Jose to Bocas. It leaves early in the morning to arrive in Bocas in the late afternoon (about a 10 hour trip). (Check their website for updated price information)

Getting To Bocas del Toro from San Jose, Costa Rica by Bus

• The public bus is the cheapest option but takes more effort and knowledge as you have no one guiding you through the border crossing or bus stations. Check out more information on this option here.

Check out our full guide on How to Get to Bocas del Toro.

Bocas del Toro Panama Weather

One of the most talked-about aspects of Bocas del Toro on the internet is the weather, specifically, the rain. Nobody wants it to rain their entire vacation.

And the truth is… it will rain at least once during your trip. Bocas del Toro is in the rainforest, after all! The good news is that the average storm in Bocas only lasts 1 hour!

The best way to prepare is to pack a rain poncho and have a positive attitude – be ready to go with the flow! Take advantage of the sunshine and bust out that good book you’ve been wanting to read if it rains! Plus, over 200,000 people vacation in the islands each year, so can the weather really be that bad?

Insider Travel Tip

• It seems that the standard weather apps that come on most cell phones always predict a high percentage of thunderstorms for Bocas del Toro. Do not be deterred by this. We have found these apps to be almost always wrong for our specific region.
• We use an app called Windy to check the weather in Bocas del Toro.
• We have found it to be the most reliable source of weather, wind, and waves for Bocas del Toro over any other app. Check out Windy.com for Bocas del Toro here.

Bocas del Toro Climate

Bocas del Toro has a Tropical Rainforest Climate. There is a large amount of rain that falls every month of the year. There is no defined dry season or rainy season; but rather months that are dryer and months that experience more rain.

• The driest months of the year in Bocas del Toro are: January, February, March, September and October. 
• The months with the highest amount of rainfall are: June, July, August, November and December. 
• Average temperatures are: Highs of 83-90F (28-32C), Lows of 71-75F (22-24C).

The Best Time to Visit Bocas del Toro Panama

The best time to visit Bocas del Toro depends on the activities you wish to partake in during your trip.

Some months are great for surfers and other months are great for scuba divers. Thankfully, most of the year is great for snorkeling and exploring far-flung beaches and jungle trails. Additionally, the months of December, November, and February are great to experience Panamanian culture through local holidays.

Check out the different categories of when to visit below!

Best All-Around Months to Visit Bocas del Toro:

December, January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, and November (with September and October being the absolute best.)

Best Months for Surfers in Bocas del Toro: 

December, January, February, March, April, June, July, and August. Peak swells come in December – March and July. (Check out our Bocas del Toro Surf Guide)

Best Months for Scuba Divers:

Regional visibility peaks during the dry seasons: January – April & September – October (Check out our Scuba Diving Guide)

High Season for Tourism:

December-April with a “Mini-Season” in June, July, August

Low Season for Tourism:

May-November. Some places may increase prices again for the Mini Season from mid-June to mid-August, especially surf-related businesses.

Popular Holidays in Bocas del Toro & Panama

• Christmas & New Years: These are the busiest tourism weeks of the year!
• Carnavales: End of February
• Feria Internacional del Mar (International Sea Fair): Mid September
• Separation Day (From Columbia): November 3rd
• Bocas Day: November 16th
• Bastimentos Day: November 24th
• Independence Day: November 28th

Insider Travel Tip

• The absolute best months to visit Bocas del Toro (for non-surfers) are September and October – two of the lowest tourism months of the year!
• Low Season means discounted accommodations, less people around (empty beaches), and a much more relaxed vibe throughout the islands.
• The weather is breathtakingly beautiful and the calm seas make for the best beach going, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boat adventuring of the entire year!

Check out our detailed guide on When to Visit Bocas del Toro.

Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro Panama

Choosing where to stay in Bocas del Toro is one of the most challenging decisions you will make for your trip.

There are 9 main islands, 5 of which are where tourism is centered. The 5 main tourism islands also consist of different areas to stay in; each of which can drastically change the experience you will have. On top of that, the accommodation options are seemingly endless, which can be overwhelming.

Insider Travel Tip

• Our best advice is to first narrow down an area that suits your interests, and then find your favorite accommodation in that area.
• Staying in multiple areas over the course of your trip is also a common and encouraged tactic. That way you can experience the rainforest, beach, seclusion and Bocas immersion all in the same vacation!

Our, “Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro Guide,” gives you an overview of the 5 main islands, as well as the most popular areas to stay in on each island.

We also list what we see as the best accommodations to stay in throughout each area. This list is based on the reviews of each place, the experience they provide to their guests, and also their reputation in Bocas for being a top choice. (If you are a hotel owner in Bocas del Toro and feel that you should be listed here, please send us an email!)

Use this guide to narrow down your search, and feel free to send us an email if you have any questions @ info (at) solbungalowsbocas.com!

Where to Stay on Isla Colón

Isla Colón is the main island of the Archipelago and home to the capital city of Bocas Town. Bocas Town is most notable for the colorful hotels and restaurants that line its shores and streets. It is also the center for all the essentials (ATM, Groceries, Hospital, Airport, Nightlife, Dining, ect.).

Isla Colón is the only island with roads and cars and development is happening fast. It is busy and bustling in its own laid-back, Caribbean way. Isla Colón is also gifted with some of the most stunning beaches, rainforests, coastlines, and surf spots in all of Bocas. The best part is that they are almost all connected by roads, making for easy (and dry) access!

The most popular areas to stay in on Isla Colón are Bocas Town, Saigon Bay, Big Creek to Paunch, Bluff Beach, and Boca del Drago.

Staying in Bocas Town

Bocas Town has connectivity to water taxis and land taxis, tons of hotels and hostels, restaurants, stores, nightlife, ATM, ect. Everything you could need during your trip can be found here. It has a laid-back, Caribbean surf town vibe and it is a hub for backpackers and locals alike.

If you’ve done some research about Bocas del Toro on the internet, you will find that Bocas Town has some mixed reviews. One of the main reasons for this (we think) is that people don’t understand the geographical layout of Bocas del Toro. Bocas is different in this regard in that the main town is not located on a beach. The nearest beaches to Bocas Town worth visiting can be found on the south end of Isla Carenero, which is only a $1-$2 and 1-2 minute water taxi ride away.

What Bocas Town has instead are hotels, hostels, restaurants, and bars all along its shoreline that have big outdoor decks for tanning and swimming. There’s also two Floating Bars!

Where to Stay in Bocas Town: 

Hotels:

• Azul Paradise Hotel – New Overwater Hotel that is part of Azul Paradise Resort with a modern/ Caribbean style
• Hotel Gran Bahia – Locally owned with a significant history in Bocas del Toro, a gem of Colonial architecture and local culture.
• Palma Royale Hotel – Locally owned hotel where Jimmy Buffett used to stay!

Mid Range:

• Lula’s B&B – Ranked #1 B&B in Bocas Town, private rooms, AC, on a quieter side of town.

Staying in Saigon Bay

Saigon Bay is located just outside of Bocas Town and features Caribbean-style accommodations mixed in with the local people. It is easily connected to Bocas Town by land taxi or bicycle. The best accommodations in Saigon Bay are located on the water and have amazing views of the sunsets and mountains of mainland Panama.

Saigon Bay is located on the bayside of the isthmus that separates Bocas Town from the rest of Isla Colon. The opposite side of the isthmus features a long beach called Playa Chiquita, which is a popular beach for sports activities and is a favorite among the local people.

Where to Stay in Saigon Bay:

• Saigon Bay B&B – Top-rated overwater B&B in classic Bocas del Toro Style with great views
• The Sunsetter B&B – New overwater B&B on a quiet side of Saigon Bay with great sunset views, kayaks, and paddle boards.

Staying in Big Creek to Paunch

This is a very popular area to stay in that is farther outside of Bocas Town. This area follows along a beautiful Caribbean coastline that is backed by a howler monkey-filled rainforest.

Visitors who stay in this area will love the accessibility to several surf spots (Tiger Tails, Paunch, Bluff) as well as being just a few dollars away from Bocas Town by land taxi for restaurants and nightlife. The taxi system is known to be a hassle, so renting a golf cart, car, or motor scooter is recommended.

This is our pick for the best area to stay in for all of Isla Colon for its proximity to surf, nature, the ocean, and accessibility to Bocas Town. It’s also one of the hottest areas for real estate in Bocas del Toro, which you can read more about here.

Where to Stay in Big Creek to Paunch:

• Surf Break at Paunch – Located on the hillside above Paunch Surf Spot, great breakfast and nice, Bocas del Toro style accommodations.
• Paki Point – Stay right in front of Tiger Tails surf spot above a great restaurant and beach lounge with awesome views.
• Nomad Tree Lodge – Located on the hillside between Paki Point and the Paunch surf spot, surrounded by rainforest, cool and stylish accommodations, with an awesome pool and great vibe.
• Nowhere Panama – Located in the jungle near Playa Chiquita, green dome-style rooms with a trendy style.
• Skully’s Hostel – Pirate-themed hostel located right on the water with a great vibe, pool, bar and restaurant, and ATV rentals.

Staying in Bluff Beach

Bluff Beach is a 30-minute land taxi ride away from the center of Bocas Town. The road to get here turns from paved to coral rock at around the halfway point and is infamous for its gaping mud holes. For this reason, the Bluff Beach area is still largely undeveloped (a good thing).

Bluff Beach is for those that are seeking escape, are not interested in moving around too much, and want to experience some of the most beautiful nature and landscapes in Bocas del Toro. The rainforest here is filled with howler monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds. There’s also an ATV trail that you can hike along to explore this extremely exotic coastline and adjacent rainforest.

The coastline at Bluff Beach is also home to some of the best surfing in Bocas del Toro. However, most of the year Bluff is not a swimming beach due to the power of the waves and the proximity in which they break to the sand. Bluff Beach is a favorite for advanced and pro surfers but is too difficult to surf for those that are not highly experienced. You can find Bluff Beach calm and flat, but only at certain times of the year or the rare occasion when the swell goes flat during surf seasons.

Where to Stay in Bluff Beach

• Oasis Bluff Beach – One of the top-rated accommodations in all of Bocas del Toro, right on the beach, with a pool and great restaurant.
• The Hummingbird B&B – Caribbean-style accommodations, swimming pool, great food, and the center of the local social scene.
• Island Plantation Resort – Balinese-inspired architecture on the far end of bluff beach with a pool, great restaurant, beach lounge & pizza.
• Bluff Beach Retreat – Caribbean-style B&B with a pool and horses to ride through the incredibly beautiful area.
• Tesoro Escondido – Located in a secluded cliffside above a small private beach with bungalows surrounded by rainforest and amazing views.

Staying in Boca del Drago

Boca del Drago is an area on the far side of Isla Colon opposite of Bocas Town. It is most known as being home to Starfish Beach, the most popular tourist beach in the islands. This area is largely undeveloped and features several small accommodation options and local indigenous communities. 

Boca del Drago has a beautiful coastline with a handful of hidden, paradisiacal beaches along it. Bird Island, another popular tourist destination and tropical bird sanctuary, is located just off of the coast.

Drago is at least a 40-minute taxi ride from Bocas Town and surfing, but those looking to disconnect in the tropical rainforest might find this to be the perfect place! There is also an abundance of wild animals in this area including sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds, and some beaches are turtle nesting areas!

Where to Stay in Boca del Drago

Staying on Isla Carenero

Isla Carenero is located adjacent to Isla Colon and is only a $1-$2 water taxi ride away. Carenero Island is known for the long left-hand point break, called Carenero Point, which breaks on the northwest corner of the island. Surfers will love being able to walk to the surf if they stay on Isla Carenero, plus there are a few other breaks within walking distance on the island. 

The interior of Carenero island is thick, low-lying rainforest and the south end features a small town with restaurants, accommodations, stores, and an indigenous/ local community. Isla Carenero also has a handful of really nice beaches and viewpoints hidden around its coastline. This is a great place to stay if you want proximity to all of the action while still being surrounded by the rainforest and Caribbean Sea.

Where to Stay on Isla Carenero:

Zona Tropical Homestay – a tropical waterfront homestay-style accommodation great for surfers!

Staying on Isla Bastimentos

Isla Bastimentos is the second most popular and populated island in Bocas del Toro. It is most known for the Afro-Caribbean town of Old Bank which is said to be home to one of the last remaining authentic Afro-Caribbean cultures in the world. Old Bank is the center of the population, economy, and tourism activities of Isla Bastimentos and you will find the majority of accommodation options located here, or nearby. 

The best part about staying around Old Bank is being easily connected to the rest of Bocas del Toro by the water taxi system. You will also have the beautiful nature of the rest of Isla Bastimentos easily within reach. Surfers will love staying here as there are several waves that you can walk to, and Carenero Point and Isla Colon are just a short water taxi ride away. 

Where to Stay on Isla Bastimentos

Around Old Bank

• The Firefly – Bohemian Chic bungalows with an amazing restaurant, swimming pool, cool breezes and stunning views.
• Surf & Chill – Family-owned, local-style jungle cabins immersed in the rainforest just outside of Old Bank that offers a great cultural experience
• Hostel Bastimentos – Huge, locally-owned hostel in the hillside of Old Bank with nice rooms and a very authentic experience.
• Hotel Caribbean View – Locally owned, overwater hotel with great views and super friendly staff, right in the heart of town.
• Up in the Hill – Cacao Farm and local style jungle cabins, family-owned, great food and immersion in the rainforest.

Other Parts of Isla Bastimentos (Red Frog Beach, Bahia Honda, Punta Vieja)

There are also some accommodation options located on far corners of Isla Bastimentos that offer off-grid luxury and immersion in tropical beauty. Some other popular areas to stay in include Red Frog Beach, Bahia Honda, and Punta Vieja.

• Red Frog Bungalows – Top-rated surf retreat located right on Red Frog Beach (where the pro surfers stay).
• Al Natural Resort – A top-rated, beautifully constructed eco-lodge on one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago (Punta Vieja).
• Azul Paradise Resort – A well-known overwater bungalow resort also located in Punta Vieja, popular with couples.

Staying on Isla Solarte

Isla Solarte has very little development and is most known for its jungle trails, snorkeling and scuba diving, and the historical area known as Hospital Point. Hospital Point was once the location of a sprawling hospital complex built by the United Fruit Company in the early 1900’s. Today, it is a popular scuba diving and snorkeling spot that features some of the most diverse coral reefs in the archipelago.

Nature lovers will enjoy hiking the miles of jungle trails throughout Isla Solarte, where there is an abundance of strawberry poison dart frogs and tropical birds.

Isla Solarte is mostly protected from the open ocean swell so kayaking and paddleboarding are great activities to do around the island. Much of the island is surrounded by mangrove forests which act as fish nurseries and offer a diverse and exciting snorkeling experience.

Where to Stay on Isla Solarte

Staying on Isla San Cristobal

Isla San Cristobal is the 5th main Bocas Island but sits farther away than the other 4 (Colon, Bastimentos, Carenero, and Solarte). It is becoming an increasingly popular location for tourist accommodations and is most known for the area called Dolphin Bay. 

Dolphin Bay is the breeding ground and primary home of the Bocas Dolphin; a unique species of bottlenose dolphin that has specially evolved in this area. The Bocas Dolphin population is one of Bocas’s greatest treasures.

Isla San Cristobal is far away from beaches, surfing, and the rest of Bocas. But, it is good as an escape with calm seas and shallow reefs for snorkeling. There are also jungle trails and horseback riding options here. Staying here is the best option to see the local dolphin population in a respectful and sustainable way.

Where to Stay on Isla San Cristobal

Other Top-Rated Accommodations

• Popa Paradise Beach Resort – A boutique beach resort on Isla Popa, great for couples and honeymooners, with a pool and specializing in barefoot luxury.
• Finca Vela Lodge – Eco Luxury at it’s finest on Isla Pastores, French owned, calm waters, swimming pool, and privacy!
• Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge – Brightly painted overwater bungalows in a private and secluded area of Isla Colon, facing the mountains of mainland Panama.
• Sweet Bocas Panama – The single most breathtaking and luxurious tropical vacation experience in all of Panama, where celebrities and global VIPs stay, and where you and I cannot afford.
• Urraca Private Island – Rustic luxury overwater bungalows with gourmet food, a monkey rescue sanctuary, and immersion in the biodiverse environment of a mangrove island.

Read our full guide on Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro, The 17 Best Places to Stay, and the Best Hostels

Where to Eat in Bocas del Toro panama

The restaurant options in Bocas del Toro are as diverse as the people who live here. There’s plenty of great local food; where fried fish, lobster, chicken in salsa, and octopus, accompanied by coconut rice and patacones, are favorites. (The different styles of ceviches are also not to be missed!)

The international food scene covers all corners of the globe. Many places are owned by ex-pat chefs who brought their talents to Bocas to live the good life while pursuing their passions. There are also some of the best Panamanian chefs residing here who own top-rated restaurants. The end result of so much concentrated talent is that we have over 80 restaurants that are receiving at least a 4-star rating on Trip Advisor.

This guide is all about showing you the best possible options. So, we listed out our top restaurant picks based on who we know that delivers consistently great culinary experiences. We are factoring in the entire experience, so that means the atmosphere, location, service, and views as well.

19 Best Places to Eat in Bocas del Toro panama:

Merén Pool Club (Bocas Town) – Located over the water with great views, a swimming pool, and modern food/ drinks

Bambuda Bocas Town – Also new with a modern menu, great drinks, views and vibe, and over-the-water on the quiet and breezy side of town.

Receta Michila (Isla Carenero) – A top Panamanian chef armed with mom’s secret recipes – beachside under a thatch roof on Isla Carenero.

The View at Oasis (Bluff Beach) – Rated #1 on TA, International cuisine with great service and stunning views of Bluff Beach.

Leaf Eater’s Cafe (Isla Carenero) – Great vegetarian/ vegan food by any standards in an overwater restaurant with awesome views of Bocas Town and sunsets.

El Ultimo Refugio – A favorite among expats with an international menu, great service, and a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea!

Octo (Bocas Town) – Top local Chef and top rated on TA, emphasizing local ingredients put together in surprising and delicious ways.

Om Cafe (Bocas Town) – Indian/ Thai food in a bohemian style overwater restaurant that is always a winner!

The Floating Bar (Bocas Town) – It’s a floating bar! Right outside of Bocas Town with great swimming and views of the mountains, plus they have great ceviche and fish tacos too!

Buena Vista (Bocas Town) – Panamanian, Caribbean, and International food in an authentically constructed overwater restaurant with awesome views, a staple in Bocas for over 22 years!

Cafe del Mar (Bocas Town) – All-around great cafe with wraps, bowls, coffee, smoothies, and more – always crowded, for a reason!

Amaranto (Bocas Town) – A cafe that serves some of the best coffee in town, with healthy juices, breakfasts, bowls, and treats!

La Buguita Ocean Lounge (Bocas Town) – Overwater lounge serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a great vibe and frequent live music!

The Firefly (Old Bank) – Caribbean/ Thai tapas style menu in a romantic, bohemian setting right on the ocean just outside of Old Bank. Great for sunsets!

Arboloco (Paunch) – The most uniquely decorated restaurant in Bocas, located near Paunch, with equally delicious and unique food!

Kinga Sauce (Bocas Town) – The best tacos in Bocas, a “hole-in-the-wall” spot located next to Barco Hundido.

JJ’s Real Food (Bocas Town) – Amazing location on the north side of town, great international food, beautiful view.

Mami’s Place (Old Bank) – Hole in the wall Afro-Caribbean food, make yo belly full!

The Best Local Food Spots in Bocas del Toro

• Restaurante Tom (Bocas Town) – My personal favorite local spot. There’s a great view of the ocean and it’s packed every lunch so you know they are doing something right!
• La Chomba (Food Truck next to Super Market Isla Colon) – The best empanadas made with hojaldra dough!
• Rosti Pollo (Bocas Town) – The spot for roasted chicken and patacones with an overwater deck, and my current favorite plato del dia.
• Alvin and Kecha’s (Old Bank) – Overwater restaurant with great views of the bay of Old Bank. Make your belly full with some of the best local Afro-Caribbean food in the islands!
• Lysette’s Place (Old Bank) – Overlooks the central park and bay of Old Bank, another great local Afro-Caribbean option popular with the locals.
• Bibi’s on the Beach (Isla Carenero) – A very popular lunch and dinner option that sits over the water just off of a small and picturesque white sand beach. Stunning views and great ceviche!

Where to Buy Groceries in Bocas del Toro

Buying groceries is also important, and knowing where to go is difficult due to the absolutely ludicrous volume of supermarkets throughout Bocas.

Here’s where you should buy your food and shop for essentials:

• Super Market Isla Colon – Overall the cleanest and most well-stocked supermarket.
• Tutty N’ Fish – Best prices and quality on meats and seafood.
• Super Gourmet – A USA-style deli offering great food and high-quality, niche products.
• Mercadito Oliver – Our favorite fruits and veggies stand (although any will do, and better to support these small local businesses than the big-name supermarkets.)
• TOTO – A dominant force in Bocas similar to a Walmart, where you should be able to find anything you need, all in one place.
• 3R Mall – Another place similar to a Walmart, but on the north side of Bocas Town
• Essential Bocas – Fully stocked with niche items like health powders, creams, teas, and more!

What To Do in Bocas del Toro

One thing we love about Bocas del Toro is that anything is possible. You really have the freedom and ability to make all of your wildest tropical island dreams come true! 

There’s world-class surf, ATV rentals, amazing scuba diving and snorkeling, spearfishing, deep-sea fishing, cacao and cultural tours, bat caves, island hopping day parties, zip-lining, and over 20 beaches within the boundaries of the islands!

Insider Travel Tip

• If you are a more adventurous traveler, you’ll want to explore the lesser-known beaches around the islands. Most (all?) tours don’t actually go to these beaches, so you’ll have to get a private boat captain to take you out there.
• We love Polo Beach, Punta Vieja, and Mimbitimbi, for example, where we cook our fresh caught fish right on the beach with hardly anyone else around!

The Best Things to do in Bocas del Toro Are:

Spending an afternoon at The Floating Bar!

The Floating Bar is our Top Pick for What to Do in Bocas del Toro. They’ve got great swimming, nearby snorkeling, cold drinks, and tacos, ceviche, and quesadillas that are the perfect fit for an afternoon in the sun. The atmosphere at The Floating Bar is always welcoming and friendly, with Live Music on Mondays, and a bumping happy hour every day. It’s a very popular spot with both locals and tourists and on our own days off, it’s where we like to go! Open every day through high season (December 1 – April 30).

more popular things to do:

• Spending the day in Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach
• Visiting Sloth Island and the Zapatilla Islands
• Surfing or taking Surf Lessons
• Going for a half or full-day fishing adventure
• Scuba Diving and Scuba Diving Certification Courses
• Spending the Day at Red Frog Beach
• Taking a Catamaran tour of the Archipelago
• Riding a bicycle around Isla Colon
• Hiking through the Rainforest 
• Visiting the Plastic Bottle Village
• Riding an ATV through the rainforest
• Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, and Snorkeling
• Partying in our World Famous Nightlife and Day Parties
• Exploring the Nivida Bat Cave with Local Legend Rutilio Milton
• Learning about Cacao through a local farm
• Learning Spanish at Habla Ya Spanish Schools
• Escape Room: Enigma Bocas del Toro

Bocas is all about putting yourself out there, learning new things, and testing your comfort zone. You’ll be happy and satisfied if all you do during your trip is relax, eat, drink, and cross off the top 2 things to do from Trip Advisor. However, with so many awesome things to do in Bocas, we highly recommend you get out there and explore! After all, just because everyone else is doing it, doesn’t mean it’s the best there is!

Check out our Activity Guides: 31 Best Things to Do in Bocas del Toro, 7 Best Things to do in Bocas del Toro

Nightlife in Bocas del Toro

Nightlife in Bocas del Toro is known to be some of the wildest in all of Central America. The bars and clubs of Bocas Town stay open until 4AM, but some of the best parties are actually found during the day, like the infamous Filthy Friday. Our beloved Aqua Lounge has also reopened, and the party at Selina Hostel pretty much never stops.

Some of the best parties to look out for are:

• Domingo Paraiso (Sunday’s at Aqua Lounge)
• Saturday Night Theme Parties at Aqua Lounge
• Filthy Friday

If pumping electronic music isn’t your thing, there is also live acoustic music almost every night at one of the restaurants in Bocas Town. There’s a big scene of “older” ex-pats as well with several local haunts to accommodate them.

The Best Beaches in Bocas del Toro

There are over 20 beaches in Bocas del Toro within a 1-hour boat ride from Bocas Town. But which are the best? Our top 5 favorite beaches are:

• Polo Beach, Isla Bastimentos
• Isla Zapatilla, Isla Bastimentos
• Red Frog Beach, Isla Bastimentos
• Bluff Beach, Isla Colón
• Wizard Beach, Isla Bastimentos

Getting to the beaches in Bocas del Toro generally requires some effort as most accommodations are not located right on the beaches. Expect to have to take a land taxi/ ride a bike, or take a water taxi to get to the beaches.

Some beaches, like the Zapatilla Islands’ beaches, are about a 45-minute boat ride away from Bocas Town, and costs about $30 per person for a group tour to go there. Other beaches, like Red Frog, are just an $8 water taxi ride (+$5 entrance) to get there from Bocas Town.

Want to learn more about all the different beaches in Bocas del Toro? Check out our Bocas del Toro Beach Guide!

Surfing in Bocas del Toro panama

Bocas del Toro is, first and foremost, a world-class surfing destination. Surfers come here from all over the world for the warm Caribbean water, stunning tropical landscapes, and as Surfer Magazine puts it: “waves on par with Indo.”

Bocas del Toro also has great waves for beginners and those who want to learn to surf. There are also waves that are good enough for the best pros in the world, with Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, and Taj Burrow all having visited the islands.

Something that sets Bocas apart is the sheer volume of surfable waves within a 25-minute boat ride from Bocas Town. On the record, there are about 11 surf spots. Off the record, more like 20. Some even say that Bocas has more surfable waves in a 2-mile stretch of coastline than anywhere else in the world!

Bocas del Toro panama Surf Map

Read our full Bocas del Toro Surf Guide.

Scuba Diving in Bocas del Toro panama

Scuba Diving is the second most popular activity in Bocas. Divers will love the cheap prices: about $85 for a two-tank dive, or less than $300 for a PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Certification.

There are a wide variety of different dive spots throughout the islands, with the most desirable being shipwrecks and areas with immense underwater cave systems. Bocas del Toro has 95% of the world’s soft coral species as well as an abundance of tropical fish species.

Some of the favorite underwater sights are sea turtles, nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays and seahorses. Macro diver’s will love seeing cowries, flying gurnards, scorpion fish, decorator crabs, mantis shrimps, cleaner shrimps, and more!

Read our Scuba Diving Guide

Is Bocas del Toro Safe?

Is Bocas del Toro, Panama, Safe? We do believe so, yes! 

In fact, Panama is one of the safest countries in Latin America. This is largely due to their stable government, strong economy, and position as the owners of the Panama Canal. Additionally, Bocas del Toro, being a sparsely populated scattering of islands in a rural corner of Panama, is much safer than the densely populated cities of Panama City and David.

But…

Just because Bocas del Toro is a safe place to visit, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be a smart traveler here. If you do stupid things like…

Leaving a bag full of your valuables unattended on the beach while surfing or snorkeling/ ect., there is a small chance they will be missing when you come back.

It happens several times every year, and we all hear about it in our social media groups and it makes Bocas seem like a bad place. But keep this in mind: the average hourly wage in Bocas del Toro (for hard manual labor) is about $3 an hour. So, a bag full of potentially thousands of dollars in cellphones, drones, & camera gear is pretty tempting. Just be smart with your stuff, please.

our top Crime and Health Safety Tips for Bocas del Toro:

Crime Safety Tips: 

1. Use the Buddy System
2. Leave Your Valuables at Home and never leave your bag unattended on an uncrowded beach
3. Avoid Uncrowded or Remote Areas, Especially at Night
   • Go in a group or with a guide for your far-flung exploratory missions
4. Don’t Drink Too Much
5. Don’t Use Drugs
6. Avoid Street Hustlers
   • Street hustlers abound in the bigger towns of the islands. They are harmless but certainly annoying. Just politely ignore them and continue to your destination.
7. Only hire taxis and tours from registered companies
8. Lock Doors and Windows
   • Theft often occurs at night when you are asleep. Lock your windows and doors at night to avoid this problem.

Health Safety Tips:

1. Stay Hydrated
   • Please use a reusable water bottle 🙂
2. Cover up from the Sun
   • With reef-safe sunscreen, or long clothing if you are already burnt
3. Don’t Drink too Much Alcohol
4. Disinfect your Cuts
   • Small scrapes and cuts will get infected and turn into an antibiotic situation quickly. Avoid this by disinfecting and washing all of your cuts.
5. Don’t Scratch your Mosquito Bites
   • These can become infected, and will generally be infected by your own fingernails.
6. Swim with Caution
   • Rip Tides, extremely powerful surf, and boat traffic are the biggest dangers.

Read our full Crime and Safety Guide.

What to Pack for Bocas del Toro, Panama

Bocas del Toro is all about going with the flow, having a positive attitude, and being ready for anything.

The frequently changing weather means you need to pack for all conditions. Bringing around a day pack with a rain poncho, reusable water bottle, and sunscreen is always recommended!

Packing List

• Rain Poncho or rain jacket
  • A rain poncho that covers your whole body is better for the heavy rains/ boat rides in the rain
• Flip Flops, Tevas, or the locally favorited Crocs, and a pair of jungle hiking shoes or boots
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Reef Safe Sunscreen
• Natural Bug Repellent or one high in DEET
• Light, Breathable Clothing (Quick drying is a bonus)
• A book for rainy days
• A light pair of pants and a light long sleeve for cooler nights and bug protection
• Some nicer clothes for nights in Bocas Town
• A Copy of your Passport in case you are stopped somewhere in town

Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?

The cost of living or vacationing in Bocas del Toro is considered to be less expensive than more prominent Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas or the BVI’s. However, it can still be expensive depending on how you choose to spend your time here.

For instance, you can find a cheap room in a hostel for around $15 per night, or spend over $1000 per night for an overwater bungalow. The local “Plato del Dia” lunch can cost between $4-$6 for a huge plate of food, or you can eat out at expensive restaurants for $30 an entrée.

What we can say is that Bocas del Toro is not “dirt cheap” like some other destinations in Central America. Being on an island means almost everything is imported, so costs for everyday items are almost all more expensive in Bocas del Toro than in the rest of the country.

Here are some average prices in Bocas del Toro to give you an idea of how expensive things are:

• 1 Night in a Quality Accommodation: $100+
• Hostal Dorm Room: $12+
• Hostal Private Room: $30+
• Entrée at a good restaurant: $15+
• Dinner at a good restaurant: $30+ (Per Person)
• Local Beers: $1.50 – $2.50
• Imported/ Craft Beers: $5+
• Mixed Drinks: $5+
• Group Isla Zapatilla Tour: $30 Per Person
• Private Isla Zapatilla Tour: $160+
• Surf Lesson: $50
• Scuba Diving: $85+
• Water Taxis: $2-$5 Per Person, or $8 to Red Frog Beach
• Land Taxis: 60 Cents in Bocas Town, up to $15 total to go to Bluff Beach

Prices vary in Bocas del Toro just like anywhere else in the world. You can live/ vacation here very cheap if that’s your style, or you can really ball out on the best accommodations, private guides, and food. The choice is yours!

Is Bocas del Toro Worth Visiting?

So the question is: “is Bocas del Toro worth visiting?” We think the real question should be, “Are other parts of Panama worth visiting outside of Bocas del Toro?”

And the answer is, yes, you should visit other parts of Panama – either before or after – your trip to Bocas del Toro. Panama City has a lot to offer, but generally, 1-2 days here is enough to see it all, like the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo. The San Blas Islands, Santa Catalina, Isla Coiba, and Boquete are also popular destinations for tourists visiting Panama.

But the one place that really has it all – beautiful beaches, amazing accommodations, scuba diving, surfing, nightlife, delicious food, culture, and authenticity – is Bocas del Toro. The only real downside of the islands is the weather, but when it is sunny, Bocas del Toro can compete with any of the top tourism destinations in the world.

Read our full post on if Bocas del Toro is Worth Visiting.

Thanks for reading! I hope this guide helps you have the ultimate Bocas del Toro experience!

Drew from Sol Bungalows

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