Complete Guide to Panama Bocas del Toro

In reality, the island archipelago of Bocas del Toro in Panama is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. Despite being a well-liked destination for eco-tourists, there is still a lot to learn.

Backpackers will be raving about the party scene, nature lovers will have lots of species to see, surfers will be happy in the waves, and divers will appreciate the underwater paradise.

In 2019, I lived in Bocas del Toro for just over a month and took advantage of everything these islands have to offer. Whether you're looking for somewhere to stay, things to do, or—most importantly—places to eat, our comprehensive guide to Bocas del Toro is full with helpful travel advice.

Activities in Bocas del Toro

A journey to Bocas del Toro, Panama, will keep you occupied because there is so much to discover about this island archipelago.

1. Explore Bocas Town

• Exploring Bocas Town, the biggest "city" on the most populous island, Isla Colón, should be your first activity when you get to Bocas del Toro. There are a lot of tropical vibes in the tiny village. Explore on foot or by renting a bike while you stop by stores, have a smoothie on the dock, and take in the relaxed island way of life.

2. Catch Some Waves

• You can't expect to see surfers in their natural environment when you travel to an island like this. There's plenty of terrific surfing out there, regardless of your level of experience. Numerous surf shops in Bocas Town provide board rentals for $10 to $20 per day, depending on the board's quality. Additionally, their prices will probably be weekly or monthly.

• Visit the water taxi stand located directly across the street from Bocas Brewery to catch the morning surf. Because the water taxi will drop you in the middle of the waves, you should make sure you have your board and $6 for the ride, but leave all other possessions, including your shoes, behind. You are free to surf as many waves as you like after simply telling your boat driver what time you would like to be picked up!

3. Go Scuba Diving

• Bocas del Toro is not an exception to the Caribbean Sea's reputation for having some of the best scuba diving. Some of the greatest diving locations in the area may be found near Bocas Town thanks to a few dive shops. If the visibility is good, you can also choose to dive among bioluminescent plankton at night!

• Bocas is also a good destination to obtain PADI certified because of its warm waters and excellent visibility. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I fell in love with the underwater world while completing my PADI Open Water Divers Certification with La Buga Dive & Surf.

4. Find Your Inner Balance In A Peaceful Yoga Class

Doing some yoga by the water is a great way to truly enjoy the relaxed island way of life. Bocas Yoga is the only yoga studio in Bocas Town that provides morning and evening courses every day. But several of the hostels had courses on their over-water decks that I really enjoyed. Find your inner equilibrium while taking in the serene wave lapping and asking for class schedules at Mamallena or Selina.

5. Have A Quad Biking Adventure

Quad biking was by far one of the most exciting (and my personal favorite) things to do in Bocas del Toro. A guided excursion through the jungles and along Isla Colón's coast is available from Flying Pirates. As you go up and around the northeastern coast, take a dip at totally empty beaches and cool off in the cenotes.

6. Tour the Bat Cave on Bastimentos

If you like creepy crawlies, you'll love exploring Bastiamentos Island's well-known bat cave. Until you arrive at a nearby settlement, take a water taxi along the Sloth's Trail canal for approximately fifteen minutes (any water taxi drivers will know where to take you). You can have a guided tour of the caves, equipped with a headlamp, for $5.

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7. Take a Cocoa Plantation Eco-Tour

Did you know that one of Panama's top exports is chocolate? On the Oreba Chocolate Tour, see how cocoa is grown and how chocolate is made. You will also have the opportunity to experience life in the native Ngabe village while on the excursion.

Where To Eat In Bocas Del Toro

• The greatest grilled meats this side of the Caribbean may be found at Derek's Caribbean Flavor (Bocas). On one of your days there, ask Derek whether he'll eat lobster. You won't be sorry!

• Bocas Blended (Bocas): This small restaurant sells wraps, salads, and smoothies and is a brightly painted school bus converted into a food truck.

• Bocas Brewery (Bocas): Their artisan beer isn't awful for an island brewery! (Read: It's genuinely excellent.) The relaxed ambiance also complements the pub fare.

• A charming tiny cafe in Bocas, Cafe del Mar is committed to utilizing only local, fresh ingredients free of preservatives.

• Amaranto (Bocas): This cafe, which is next door to Cafe del Mar, offers cold-pressed juices, fresh coffee, and breakfast staples.

• Falafel Bocas (Bocas): The best real Middle Eastern food in town is served at this vegan-friendly eatery.

• Sweet Love Tea shop (Bocas): This all-encompassing tea shop will make you feel like a hippie and offers a comfortable setting for unwinding and sipping hot tea.

Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro

Isla Colón and Isla Bastimentos are the two most visited islands in Bocas del Toro. Situated in the southern portion of Isla Colón, Bocas Town is the largest town in the Providence. It centers on a small town center that is visible from the water and has stores, eateries, lodging facilities, and vibrant Caribbean clapboard homes.