Flying from
Travel Time by Air
60 minutes
141 mi / 226 km
Travel Time by Ground
7.5 to 11 hours
193 mi / 311 km
Bocas del Toro, Panama Highlights
Crystal-Clear Caribbean Playground
The archipelago's warm 79°F waters create perfect conditions for snorkeling and diving year-round. Starfish Beach on Isla Colón lives up to its name with hundreds of orange cushion sea stars visible in the shallow, wave-free waters. The protected Cayos Zapatillas, two pristine uninhabited islands within the marine park, offer some of the Caribbean's most spectacular coral reefs teeming with parrotfish, eagle rays, and nurse sharks.
Surf Breaks & Secret Beaches
From the powerful barrels at Bluff Beach to the beginner-friendly waves at Wizard Beach, Bocas del Toro has earned its reputation as Central America's premier Caribbean surf destination. Beyond the breaks, discover hidden coves accessible only by boat where you can claim an entire stretch of palm-fringed sand as your private paradise. The archipelago's unique geography creates surf spots for every skill level, with December through March bringing the most consistent swells.
Sloth Paradise & Tropical Wildlife Wonderland
Red Frog Beach and the surrounding rainforests of Isla Bastimentos offer some of Central America's most accessible wildlife viewing. Three-fingered sloths hang lazily from cecropia trees just meters from walking trails, while tiny strawberry poison dart frogs (the island's namesake red frogs) hop through the leaf litter. White-faced capuchin monkeys swing through the canopy, and if you're lucky, you might spot the elusive tamandua anteater or a stunning blue morpho butterfly.
Bocas del Toro, Panama Quick Snapshots
Ideal Destinations to Combine On Your Trip
Transfer Details
| Destination | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|
Quick Facts
Landing Type: International Airport
- Landing Type: Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport (BOC) – José Ezequiel Hall International Airport
- Special Transfer Requirements: Short taxi ride (5-10 minutes) from airport to Bocas Town; water taxis required to reach other islands in the archipelago
Recommended Arrival Times
Morning: 7 to 10 am
Perfect timing for a full-day Cayos Zapatillas tour before standard 3 PM check-in
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Most hotels offer luggage storage; early check-in sometimes available
Layover Recommendations
If you don’t intend to stay long in Bocas, head out early from Costa Rica and make most of your first day in Panama
Mid Day: 11 am to 2 pm
Arrive in time for a leisurely lunch at waterfront restaurants in Bocas Town
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Ideal for immediate check-in at most properties
Layover Recommendations
Explore colorful Bocas Town
Afternoon: 3 to 5 pm
Catch the golden hour light perfect for photography at Starfish Beach
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Sunset cocktails at iconic overwater bars
Layover Recommendations
Make most of your day in your Costa Rica destination and head out to Bocas for dinner time
Treat Yourself with Something Special
Practical Information
What You Need to Know
✔ Bring valid passport!
✔ Children of all ages welcome
Luggage allowances are customized for each flight based on:
✔ Aircraft type
✔ Number of passengers
✔Total weight distribution
✔Flight conditions
Please contact our team for specific luggage allowances for your itinerary. Soft-sided bags are recommended for easier storage.
Accessibility Information
Our air transfers can accommodate passengers with mobility considerations with advance notice.
Is Bocas del Toro, Panama Worth The Visit?
Skip the exhausting 8-hour journey through winding mountain roads and border crossings – arrive refreshed and ready to explore this extraordinary archipelago in just over an hour. Our private air service offers complete schedule flexibility, allowing you to island-hop between Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches and Panama’s Caribbean jewels on your own timeline. Create the ultimate Central American adventure with departure times that work around your plans, not the other way around. Ideal for: Surfers, wildlife enthusiasts, beach lovers, and anyone seeking authentic Caribbean island culture with modern comforts.
Available From International Airports
Bocas del Toro, Panama Transfer Details
| Airport Name | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Santamaría International Airport | by Plane: 60 minutes by Helicopter: 60 minutes + | Direct flight over Talamanca Mountains and Caribbean coastline |
| Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport | by Plane: 60 minutes by Helicopter: 60 minutes + | Scenic flight across Costa Rica and along Caribbean coast |
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Fly Adventure Air Destinations
Safety Is Our Number One Priority
Safety Information
Flexible Policies
Refund and Cancellation Policy
We operate under strict aviation regulations and our pilots are highly trained professionals. Our helicopters are maintained to the highest safety standards.
✔ Free cancelation: Full refund for cancellations made 48 hours in advance.
✔ 100% refund for weather-related reschedules.