Looking for an affordable Caribbean diving paradise? Bocas del Toro in Panama offers a myriad of islands with white-sand beaches, coral reefs and unique wildlife, a good range of accommodation and restaurants, as well as a great deal of activities from diving and snorkeling to hiking and kayaking – and it serves all this with a relaxed Caribbean vibe.
Bocas del Toro is the capital of the province of the same name in the Caribbean coast of Panama. The town is located on Isla Colón, the largest island on the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, offering a good base for exploring the outer islands. The few Panamanians who live on the islands are both English-speaking West Indian and Spanish-speaking Latino ancestry. Bocas del Toro has become a popular tourism destination in recent years, having an increasing number of hotels, restaurants, tour operators and shopping and nightlife options available.
Activity & nature destination. Biking and trekking in Bocas del Toro are rewarding, as the islands host lush rainforests and beautiful empty beaches. Horseback riding is also available if you stay at a ranch accommodation. Rare Caribbean wildlife can be seen for example on Isla Bastimentos and small Cayos Zapatillas islands. Located just 10 minute boat ride away from the Bocas del Toro town, Isla Bastimentos is a great place for day trips with plenty of beaches, traditional small villages and wild nature. It also hosts a marine national park.
Bocas del Toro is the capital of the province of the same name in the Caribbean coast of Panama. The town is located on Isla Colón, the largest island on the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, offering a good base for exploring the outer islands. The few Panamanians who live on the islands are both English-speaking West Indian and Spanish-speaking Latino ancestry. Bocas del Toro has become a popular tourism destination in recent years, having an increasing number of hotels, restaurants, tour operators and shopping and nightlife options available.
Sights and activities in Bocas del Toro: beaches, diving, kayaking, hiking & wildlife
Bocas del Toro archipelago is home to some excellent white sand beaches, perfect for sunbathing and various water sports. Some of the best beaches in Bocas del Toro include Boca del Drago on Isla Colón, Red Frog Beach, and Wizard Beach and Playa Larga on Isla Bastimentos. Snorkeling and scuba diving in Bocas del Toro are very good, as the reefs around the islands host plenty of marine life. Surfing, fishing, sailing and sea kayaking in Bocas del Toro are also available. The Bocas del Toro town offers some cafés and nightlife, as well as nice opportunities for shopping in Bocas del Toro. There is also a butterfly park and a cave filled with bats to visit.Activity & nature destination. Biking and trekking in Bocas del Toro are rewarding, as the islands host lush rainforests and beautiful empty beaches. Horseback riding is also available if you stay at a ranch accommodation. Rare Caribbean wildlife can be seen for example on Isla Bastimentos and small Cayos Zapatillas islands. Located just 10 minute boat ride away from the Bocas del Toro town, Isla Bastimentos is a great place for day trips with plenty of beaches, traditional small villages and wild nature. It also hosts a marine national park.
Bocas del Toro travel tips and practical information
The climate in Bocas del Toro is tropical with constant warm temperatures and humidity. The first four months of the year are usually the hottest. There is some rain at all times of the year in the Caribbean coast of Panama. The driest months and the best times to visit Bocas del Toro are February, March, August, September and October.
Photo: Carlos Adampol, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2,0)
Travelling to Bocas del Toro can be done by air or by sea. There is a small international airport on Isla Colón with flights to Bocas del Toro from Panama and Costa Rica. Frequent ferries to Bocas del Toro leave from the mainland towns of Changuinola or Almirante for a short boat trip to Bocas del Toro.
Getting around. The town of Bocas del Toro is small enough to explore by foot, and there are taxis and boats available that can transport you to places outside the town. Always agree about the rate before getting into one, though. You will get a better deal if you speak Spanish. Car rental is not available nor is it very useful on the island, but bicycles and mopeds can be rented.
Accommodation & services. Hotels in Bocas del Toro represent a wide scale from all-inclusive beach resorts to small guesthouses and beach bungalows. There is a surprisingly large amount of restaurants in Bocas del Toro, offering a variety of cuisines. Nightlife options are also available. Some English is spoken in Bocas del Toro, although the local Caribbean accent can be at times hard to understand. Some knowledge of Spanish will surely be helpful.
Safety. Bocas del Toro is generally a safe area to travel to, but as the region is poor, some crime such as theft and occasional robberies occur. Therefore, it is wise to take good care of your belongings and avoid walking alone outside the town.
hint See also these nearby destinations: San Jose, Manuel Antonio
