Bocas del Toro feels like a place where you “just pop in for a bit” and then, a few days later, still don’t want to leave. This tropical archipelago in northern Panama is exactly what you’d hope to find in the Caribbean: colourful wooden huts on stilts above the water, jungle that stretches right down to the beach, little boats coming and going, and a laid-back island atmosphere where nobody seems to be in a hurry. Bocas del Toro is perfect if you want to relax, go snorkelling, surf or go island-hopping. At the same time, it’s just a touch chaotic. And that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know: how to get there, which islands you shouldn’t miss and how best to plan your stay.
General information about Panama
Are you planning your trip to Panama? Then be sure to check out our Panama landing page with information on the best time to travel, your daily budget, transport and practical tips for your road trip. That way, you’ll be well prepared before you set off.
How do you get to Bocas del Toro?
Bocas del Toro is situated in the north of Panama, close to the border with Costa Rica. It’s easily accessible, but it’s a good idea to find out in advance how to get there. Most people travel from Boquete, but you can also travel to Bocas del Toro from Puerto Viejo or directly from Panama City.
From Panama City to Bocas del Toro
One option is to take the night bus to Almirante. The journey takes around 10 to 11 hours and costs around $33 per person (± €28, depending on the exchange rate). Many travellers opt for the night bus so they can save on a night’s stay in a hotel.
Once you arrive in Almirante, walk to the harbour. Water taxis leave for Isla Colón continuously from here. The crossing takes about 30 minutes and costs between $6 and $8 per person (approximately €5 to €7, depending on the exchange rate). The boats usually run every half hour.
You can also fly from Panama City to Bocas Town. The flight takes about an hour, but this is, of course, a bit more expensive. So be sure to check out Skyscanner for a good deal!
From Boquete to Bocas del Toro
Most travellers take this route from Boquete. You first travel by bus to David (about 1 hour, $1.75 / ± €1.60) and then change there to the bus heading for Almirante (about 6 hours, $9.00 / ± €8.25).
Once you arrive in Almirante, take a short taxi ride to the harbour (about 5 minutes, $2.00 / approx. €1.85). From here, you’ll take the boat to Isla Colón in Bocas del Toro. The crossing takes about 30 minutes and costs $5.00 per person (approx. €4.60 depending on the exchange rate).
Want to make things easier for yourself? Then you could also opt for a direct shuttle from Boquete. This costs an average of €30 per person (including the boat ticket) and takes about 4 hours. The price difference compared to public transport is small, but it’s much more convenient.
Are you coming in a hire car? If so, please follow the sat-nav to Emilie’s Secure Car Park in Almirante. Here you can park your hire car in a ‘secure’ car park for around $5 dollars per night. The owner will then take you to the taxi boat.
Please note: there is both a ferry and a taxi boat. The ferry takes longer and runs less frequently, but you can take your car on board. If you’re leaving your car behind, the taxi boat is quicker and more convenient.
By bus and boat from Puerto Viejo (Costa Rica)
If you’re travelling from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro, you’ll cross the border into Panama on the way. A hassle-free option is to book an organised minivan service with a connecting boat transfer. This will take you from door to door to Bocas del Toro in around 3.5 hours, without you having to organise anything yourself.
If you’d rather save a bit of money, you can also make the journey on your own. Bear in mind, however, that you’ll have to change transport several times. From Puerto Viejo, first take the bus to Sixaola, the border town with Panama. Once you’ve sorted everything out at the border, catch a bus on the Panamanian side heading for Almirante. From the harbour in Almirante, you then board a boat that takes you to Isla Colón in Bocas del Toro in about half an hour.
The islands of Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro consists of more than two hundred little islands, but don’t worry: you really don’t have to visit them all (though that wouldn’t be a bad thing). Only a few of the islands are inhabited, and it’s precisely those that make this place so special. Each island has its own atmosphere. One is lively and friendly, whilst another feels as if you’ve landed right in the middle of the jungle. A water taxi will take you to a completely different place in just a few minutes. And to be honest? That island-hopping is exactly what makes Bocas so much fun. These are the three islands where most travellers stay.
Isla Colón
This is the island you arrive at from the mainland, and it’s also where Bocas Town is located. This is the heart of the archipelago and where it all happens. Colourful wooden houses on stilts, small supermarkets, surf shops, coffee shops and backpackbars are all jumbled together here.
During the day, there’s a relaxed atmosphere and you’ll mainly see people who’ve just returned from a snorkelling trip or are strolling through the streets with a surfboard under their arm. In the evening, things liven up and there are several places where you can enjoy a drink in a cosy atmosphere. Don’t expect the hustle and bustle of a big city, but there’s plenty of atmosphere to ensure you won’t be bored for a moment. If you want everything within easy reach, Isla Colón is a great base.
Isla Solarte
Isla Solarte is less than a five-minute boat ride from Bocas Town, but it immediately feels completely different. Here, there’s no traffic, no bustling town centre and no loud music. The island consists mainly of jungle, wooden jetties and small-scale lodges by the water.
We started our stay here and found it the perfect way to ease gently into island life. You wake up to a sea view, hear nothing but the water lapping against the jetties, and can jump straight into the water from your accommodation. There aren’t any wide sandy beaches, but you don’t really miss them here. Isla Solarte is ideal if you want to slow down for a while.
Isla Bastimentos
Isla Bastimentos is about a ten-minute boat ride away and feels wilder than the other islands. A large part of the island forms part of the Bastimentos National Marine Park, which means that nature really does take centre stage here. You’ll find jungle, mangroves and beaches that sometimes feel almost deserted. Isla Bastimentos is perfect if you love nature and prefer to avoid the crowds.
How do you get around in Bocas del Toro?
Once you’re in Bocas del Toro, the way you travel changes automatically. No more long bus journeys or hire cars – just boats, bikes and, every now and then, a simple stroll through the village. Here, the water is the motorway and the water taxi is your main means of transport.
- Water taxis: The water taxis run back and forth between the various islands all day long. Small boats depart continuously from Bocas Town (Isla Colón) for destinations including Isla Bastimentos, Isla Solarte and Isla Carenero.
The great thing is that you don’t need to book anything in advance. You simply walk to the harbour, say where you want to go, and within a few minutes you’re on board. Most boats set off as soon as they’re full. The price depends on the distance, but for short trips between the islands you usually pay between 3 and 5 dollars per person. Some routes or beaches are more expensive; for example, a trip to Red Frog Beach can sometimes cost around $10 (depending on the departure point or arrangement). Also, there are fewer boats running in the evening, so prices tend to be slightly higher. - Getting around on Isla Colón: Isla Colón is the only island where you can get around easily even without a boat. In Bocas Town itself, you can walk to almost everything. The town centre is compact and easy to navigate. If you want to visit beaches such as Bluff Beach or Starfish Beach, you can hire a bike or an e-bike. We found an e-bike ideal: you can cycle effortlessly along the coast and stop wherever you like along the way. Especially in the heat, that’s a lot more comfortable than a normal bike.
- Getting around on the other islands: On Isla Solarte and Isla Bastimentos, transport options are limited. Getting around mainly involves walking and small boats. Many accommodation providers have their own jetty where water taxis moor. If you want to go somewhere, you can ask your lodge if they can arrange a boat for you, or you can wait for one to come by. It all feels a bit less organised here, but that’s precisely the charm of it. You plan less and go with the flow more.
Useful tips for getting around in Bocas
It’s a good idea to always carry some cash with you for the water taxis, as you can’t use your debit card everywhere and not every boat accepts card payments. It’s also wise to allow for slightly longer waiting times in bad weather. The sea can be rougher then, meaning boats run less frequently.
Apart from that, there’s really only one rule: rushing doesn’t work here. Bocas has its own pace. And once you embrace that pace, travelling from island to island actually becomes part of the experience.
Read also: Car hire in Panama: everything you need to know + our tips
Read also: Panama Tour: a complete itinerary for 2 or 3 weeks
What is there to do in Bocas del Toro?
In case you haven’t quite got the hang of it yet… Bocas del Toro is all about water. Everything here takes place on or around the sea. You step out of your accommodation in the morning and see little boats sailing past. Your day is dictated by the weather, the waves and whatever takes your fancy. Fancy a spot of snorkelling? Then hop on a boat. Fancy a different beach? Then hop on a boat. Fancy lunch somewhere on another island? You’ve guessed it.
Many travellers plan to spend two or three days here, only to end up staying for almost a week. This isn’t just down to the beaches, but mainly because of the variety on offer: tranquil jungle islands, surfspots, floating bars and impromptu boat trips. These are the activities you really mustn’t miss.
1. Start off at a leisurely pace on Isla Solarte
We began our stay on Isla Solarte, a small, lush island just a five-minute boat ride from Bocas Town. In hindsight, that turned out to be the perfect choice. No traffic, no busy town centre, no music playing late into the night – just jungle, water and wooden lodges built on stilts.
After a long journey, this was the perfect place to settle down in peace. You wake up to a view of the sea, hearing nothing but birdsong and the lapping of the water against the jetties. There aren’t any wide sandy beaches, but you can jump straight into the water from your accommodation. Many travellers head straight for Isla Colón, but we actually preferred to experience the tranquillity first and only then seek out the livelier atmosphere.
2. Island-hopping between the various islands
In Bocas, island-hopping isn’t an organised excursion, but simply part of your day. You walk to the harbour, spot a small boat arriving and ask if they can take you to another island. Within a few minutes, you’re out on the water.
The short trips between Isla Colón, Isla Solarte, Isla Bastimentos and Isla Carenero usually cost between 3 and 5 dollars per person. Always agree on the price in advance. Rates can sometimes be a bit higher, especially in the evenings. What we really liked about this is that you don’t have to commit to anything. Fancy a different beach or want to have lunch somewhere on another island? Then you just hop on a boat. It feels spontaneous and free, exactly as Bocas is meant to be.
3. Explore Isla Colón by bike
Isla Colón is bigger than you might think. If you want to see more than just the centre of Bocas Town, hiring a bike is a good option.
You’ll drive along the coast, through small villages and towards the beaches outside the town centre. The road to Bluff Beach It’s partly unpaved, but manageable on a sturdy bike. Along the way, you’ll come across small beach bars where you can stop for a drink or a dip.
Tip: there are plenty of places in Bocas Town where you can hire a bike to explore the island. If you don’t fancy a standard bike or would like a bit more comfort, Flying Pirates also offers e-bikes or even quad bikes. Bear in mind, though, that these options are a bit more expensive than a standard hire bike.
4. Surfing at Isla Carenero or Isla Colón
Bocas del Toro is a popular surfing destination in Panama. Around Isla Carenero, you’ll find surfspots suitable for various levels. We particularly enjoyed the atmosphere around Isla Carenero: a dip in the water during the day, followed by a coconut or a cold beer on the beach whilst waiting for the sun to slowly set.
For experienced surfers, Bluff Beach and Paunch Beach On Isla Colón, there are well-known spots with stronger waves. Even if you don’t surf, it’s fun to stop by and watch the surfers taking on the waves. Don’t have any experience yet? Then you can book a surfing lesson at one of the surf schools in Bocas Town.
Surfboard hire: ± $15 (± €12.80 depending on the exchange rate) per hour
5. Visit Wizard Beach on Isla Bastimentos
Wizard Beach is one of the most impressive beaches in Bocas del Toro. From the village on Isla Bastimentos, it’s about a twenty-minute walk through the jungle to this long, golden beach.
The sea can be rough here, but in our opinion the beach itself is perfect! No sun loungers or beach clubs, just sand, jungle and space. It’s a lovely place to go for a walk and simply do nothing at all.
6. Spot red poison dart frogs at Red Frog Beach
Isla Bastimentos is also home to Red Frog Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Bocas. The name refers to the tiny red poison dart frogs that live in the jungle surrounding the beach. With a bit of patience, you can spot them amongst the leaves.
From Isla Colón, it’s about a ten-minute boat ride to Isla Bastimentos, followed by a fifteen-minute walk along a lovely nature trail to the beach. The sand here is soft and there are a few beach bars where you can have something to eat or drink. If you’re looking for a quieter spot, you can carry on to Polo Beach, a smaller beach where it’s often much quieter.
Prices: beach entry: $5 & water taxi from Isla Colón: approx. $10
7. Visit Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella)
Starfish Beach is situated on the north side of Isla Colón and is known for its calm, clear waters. Depending on the season, there may be more or fewer starfish in the shallow water. You can reach the beach by taking the bus towards Boca del Drago from the centre of Bocas Town. The journey takes about 45 minutes, after which you’ll take a short walk along the coast.
It’s a lively beach with local eateries and music. If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, just walk a little further past the restaurants.
Please note: do not touch starfish. However beautiful they may be, they should be left in peace and can be damaged by being touched.
8. Have a cocktail at a floating bar
Something that makes Bocas truly unique is its floating bars. Yes… you read that right! They’re moored out in the water and can only be reached by boat. You book a water taxi, get off at the bar and spend a few hours there enjoying cocktails and the view of the clear blue water. A well-known spot is Boya de Vida, where you can order tapas as well as cocktails. Getting too hot? Then just jump into the water.
9. Take a day trip to the Zapatilla Islands
For those looking for a truly tropical setting, the Zapatilla Islands are a great option. These uninhabited islets are situated within the Bastimentos National Marine Park and can only be reached via an organised tour. During such a day trip, you’ll usually visit several spots, such as Dolphin Bay and go snorkelling around Cayo Coral. The tour lasts about six hours and includes lunch.
Good to know: this is a popular excursion. So don’t expect complete silence, but do expect beautiful beaches and clear water.
10. Snorkelling or diving in clear water
The underwater world around Bocas del Toro is incredibly colourful. You can go snorkelling on your own from certain beaches, but an organised tour will take you to places you wouldn’t otherwise reach. Snorkelspots sites such as Hospital Point and Cayo Coral are renowned for their coral and tropical fish. Diving is also possible here, with one of the diving schools in Bocas Town.
Tips for good restaurants in Bocas del Toro
Good food is a must when travelling, and fortunately there’s plenty of choice in Bocas Town! Below, we’ve listed our favourites and a few top picks on the other islands.
- Octo Caribbean Grill: A lovely spot in Bocas Town for flavourful Caribbean cuisine. The food is beautifully presented and the atmosphere is relaxed – ideal for a cosy evening out on Isla Colón.
- El Patio: You can pop in here any time of day for colourful bowls, tacos, burgers and smoothies.
- Café Amaranto: A cosy little coffee shop in Bocas Town where you can enjoy good coffee, fruit bowls and smoothies. Ideal for breakfast.
- Café del Mar: A modern spot for breakfast or lunch, serving fresh rolls and good coffee. A lovely place to stop off during a day out in Bocas Town.
- Skully’s: A cosy bar and grill on Isla Colón, just outside the town centre. Perfect for burgers, seafood and a relaxed evening with music or a game of pool.
- Coco Fastronomy: A popular spot amongst travellers for fusion dishes with a Caribbean twist.
- Renny Pizza: A popular spot for pizzas and other comfort foods. It doesn’t serve Caribbean cuisine, but it’s ideal if you fancy something familiar and filling.
- Leaf Eaters Café on Isla Carenero: A vegetarian hotspot, just a minute’s boat ride from Bocas Town. Ideal for anyone looking for something other than fish or meat.
- Bibi’s on the Beach on Isla Carenero: One of the most popular spots spots amongst travellers who enjoy a relaxed beach lunch. Right on the water’s edge, serving seafood specialities, cocktails and offering a stunning view of the ocean.
- The Blue Coconut on Isla Solarte: A unique spot built on stilts above the water, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. You can have a meal here, enjoy cocktails and even go snorkelling around the restaurant. It’s a bit of a touristy spot, but definitely worth a visit for the atmosphere and the views.
Our favourite spots in Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro consists of several islands, and where you stay really does determine your experience. Do you want to be right in the thick of the action? Then Isla Colón is ideal. Are you looking for peace and quiet, surrounded by jungle? Then Isla Solarte or Isla Bastimentos are just perfect. We drew up a list of our favourites in advance in Booking.com but we’d advise you to book as soon as possible, as the best accommodation fills up quickly. These were our favourites:
- Bambuda Lodge (Isla Solarte): Bambuda Lodge on Isla Solarte is a special place surrounded by greenery. We stayed here and can highly recommend it. You’ll find yourself nestled between the jungle and the water, with a choice of private rooms or dormitories. There’s a swimming pool, a bar and a restaurant, and you can go snorkelling straight from the jetty.
→ Also available on Hostelworld. - Palmar Beach Lodge (Isla Bastimentos): Palmar Beach Lodge is situated right on Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos. Here, you’ll literally be sleeping in the heart of nature, surrounded by jungle and with the beach on your doorstep. The lodge offers various types of accommodation, from dormitories to bungalows.
→ Also available on Hostelworld. - Bambuda Bocas Town (Isla Colón): If you’d like to stay in the centre, Bambuda Bocas Town is a great option. This accommodation is situated on the waterfront in Bocas Town, and they also organise yoga classes and dance evenings.
→ Also available on Hostelworld. - Gran Hotel Bahia (Isla Colón): Another hotel on our list, where we ended up having a really lovely stay, was the Gran Hotel Bahia. Don’t expect luxury, just a neat room in a good location. The large communal balcony is a lovely spot to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee in the morning or to sit for a while in the evening.
→ Also available on Hostelworld.
Frequently asked questions about Bocas del Toro
When we were planning our trip to Bocas del Toro, we came across quite a few practical questions. That’s why we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions for you below. From transport to budget and from safety to journey time, everything is clearly laid out in one place.
1. How many days do you need for Bocas del Toro?
Three to four days is ideal for visiting several islands and relaxing. We ended up staying for 3.5 days. Check out our full itinerary on our blog: Panama Tour: a complete itinerary for 2 or 3 weeks
2. How do you get from Panama City to Bocas del Toro?
Take the night bus to Almirante (10–11 hours) and then a 30-minute water taxi. You can also fly from Panama City to Bocas Town. The flight takes about an hour, but this is, of course, a bit more expensive.
3. How much does the water taxi to Isla Colón cost?
Between 6 and 8 dollars from Almirante to Isla Colón.
4. Is Bocas del Toro expensive?
Bocas del Toro is slightly more expensive than the Panamanian mainland, mainly because everything has to be brought in by boat. Nevertheless, it remains generally affordable. Expect slightly higher prices for accommodation, tours and food, but it is certainly not an exclusive destination. With an average budget, you can easily spend a few days here.
5. Which islands should you visit?
Isla Colón, Isla Bastimentos and Isla Carenero are the most popular, and we definitely recommend visiting these islands.
6. Is Bocas safe?
Yes, it’s generally safe. If you’re visiting busy places in the evening, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your belongings. We always say: use your common sense and don’t take any unnecessary valuables with you when travelling.
7. When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Bocas del Toro is from February to April inclusive and in September and October. During these periods, there is less rainfall and the chances of sunshine are highest. Ideal for this beach destination!
8. Can you use your debit card in Bocas del Toro?
Yes, there are several cash machines in Bocas Town on Isla Colón. There are no cash machines available on the other islands. Please bear in mind that cash machines in Bocas can sometimes run out of cash temporarily. It is therefore advisable to withdraw sufficient cash on the mainland before travelling to the islands.
9. Is Bocas del Toro suitable for backpackers?
Yes, it’s a popular backpack destination and there are plenty of hostels and hotels where activities are organised.
10. Is Bocas suitable for families?
Yes, Bocas del Toro is certainly suitable for families, as long as you choose your accommodation carefully. On Isla Colón and around the nightlife areas, things can get lively in the evenings, but there are plenty of quiet places to stay on, for example, Isla Solarte or Isla Bastimentos. If you choose somewhere just outside the centre, Bocas is a beautiful and relaxing destination that’s also ideal for families with children.
Bocas del Toro is the sort of place where you can easily end up staying longer than you planned. Whether you’re relaxing on Isla Solarte, surfing at Carenero or heading into the jungle on Bastimentos, you’re always surrounded by water and there’s always a boat to take you somewhere else. We hope our tips will help you organise your days here in a smart and relaxed way. Do you have any questions? Feel free to send us a message at Instagram, we are happy to think with you.
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