Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro, Panama is an archipelagic province and has a town by the same name, known locally as Bocas Town. On Panama’s Caribbean side, the area is culturally Afro-Caribe with a memorable atmosphere. Few places in the world have such a mix of indescribable vegetation, biodiversity, and age-old customs.
Bocas del Toro’s islands reflect the essential Panamanian Caribbean, a paradise of coral reefs, multicultural diversity, and natural beauty that define the archipelago.
Bocas Town, on Isla Colon, is the central hub of activity. For as little as $3, water taxis make the trip to the other islands. The two most popular islands are Isla Colón, a bustling hub, and Isla Bastimentos, more relaxed compared to the Bocas del Toro District.
Fly into the airport at Isla Colon International.
From Costa Rica you can take a 45-minute flight to land directly on the island and there is also the option for tourists who are in Panama City, to take a 40-minute flight to the island.
Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge is a collection of 9 spacious bungalows perched over the turquoise shallows on pilings off Isla Colón’s western coast. The bungalows’ living areas access the water, while the bedroom is in the loft. Interconnected by wooden walkways, the all-inclusive hotel is isolated, 15 minutes by water taxi from Bocas Town.
Also built on pilings, Eclypse de Mar, a luxurious eco-lodge, defines luxurious pampering. The flooring in each of the 7 thatch-roof bungalows features glass inserts to watch the marine life. The hotel also has a private garden and 6.5 acres of rainforest, with plenty of wildlife.
With only 10 rooms and a suite, Island Plantation is a high-end rainforest hotel for the sophisticated traveler. The on-site bars and restaurants include the Beach Club for lunch, The Terrace for gourmet dinner, and La Pizzeria for pizza and homemade pasta. A television-free zone, the Island Plantation does offer complimentary Wi-F
Azul Paradise Hotel & Resort is more than mere accommodation, with luxury rooms, amazing service, and fine dining in a totally relaxing atmosphere of free-wheeling adventure. Located on Isla Bastimentos’ protected southern bay, its white-sand beaches and aquiline waters are perfect for a romantic getaway-from-it-all.
From street eats to fine dining, there are restaurants aplenty in Bocas Town. Restaurante Buena Vista, open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails, offers the flavors of Panama. From fresh seafood, to enchiladas, to burgers, the Buena Vista is a long-standing Bocas Town tradition.
Coco Fastronomy’s innovative sandwiches earn rave reviews. At the same time, Octo, offering a fresh, locally-sourced seafood menu, is decidedly more up-market.
Azul Restaurant serves Caribbean fusion cuisine, has plenty of vegetarian options, and comes very highly recommended by all who dine there. While it may not look like much from the outside, it’s quaint and pretty on the inside and the food is, according to many, divine.
Laylow Bocas, the only rooftop bar with a sea view has a Belgian flair. The menu includes tapas, planks, and other classic dishes, alongside classic cocktails. Other well-rated choices include Skully’s and Rum Runner’s.
The Ngöbe-Buglé village of Quebrada Sal is on the southeastern side of Isla Bastimentos, reached by boat through a long canal through the mangrove forest. With its dependence on fishing and subsistence farming, the tiny community is a throwback to earlier times. The community’s livelihood is fishing and subsistence farming. The village charges a $2 entry fee at the concrete pier.
Take a combo day trip to Playa de las Estrellas (Starfish Beach) and Isla Pájaros, a tropical bird sanctuary. Playa de las Estrellas is one of the most popular beaches in Bocas del Toro, with soft white sand and fabulous views, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Leaving the beach, travel to the tiny island sanctuary for native and migratory birds: pelicans, frigates, gannets, and even red-billed tropicbirds, famous for their long tail feathers.
Bocas Dive Center, Bocas Pirates, and La Buga Dive & Surf in Bocas Town, and Panama Dive School on nearby Isla Carenero have PADI-certified courses for all levels—a perfect way to explore the Caribbean seafloor.
We recommend visiting both Costa Rica and Panama for a well-rounded experience in Central and South America.
At Adventure Air, we can help you arrange for your accommodations in a beautiful hotel or vacation rental property, as well as help you schedule the right adventures and tours for you and the gang.
Wondering where to go for dinner or how to book a couple’s massage? Just ask! Our concierge is available to assist in any way you need.
