Bocas del Toro is the capital of the Bocas del Toro Province, which mainly consists of an archipelago of ten main islands, several cays, and islets. A significant portion of the archipelago includes land and waterfalls in protected areas as they are rich in native wilderness and wildlife. Bocas Town is situated on the southern end of Isla Colon, which is one of the main islands in the archipelago.
Bocas del Toro is a tourist magnet as it offers the perfect balance between raw natural beauty and developed sectors; while some of the islands are commercialized with upscale resorts and restaurants, some of them are untouched by human design.
The numerous beaches and scenic views of the perfect Caribbean waters, complete with its exotic marine life and thriving rainforests with unique species of animals and birds make Bocas the perfect spot for a complete experience of the Caribbean. It is regarded as one of the most naturally diverse places on Earth.
Bocas Town serves as the best jumping-off point to explore the Bocas archipelago. Unlike most of the other islands here, which are peaceful and relaxing, the town has parallel streets bustling with activity. However, the vibrant setting of the town with its colorful buildings, street vendors with fresh fruit stalls, and a good number of clubs is an experience you would not want to miss.
Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden
The monkey farm cum botanical garden is one of the most beautiful places in Bocas. It is a short ten-minute drive from the town center. The garden was created from ten hectares of wild rainforest that is teeming with rich flora and fauna. The garden is now home to white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, bright poison-dart frogs, and birds like woodpeckers, flycatchers, parrots, and hummingbirds. Two ponds were also created to display tropical fish and water plants. The guide will show you medicinal plants and explain their properties. Adding to the charm of the rainforest are various species of flowering and fruit trees. You will be allowed to taste the fruits, freshly plucked from the trees. With its scenic views of Caribbean blue, the hilly side of the garden will take your breath away. Here you can also see the slopes covered in orchids, heliconias, and thick foliage.
There are regular tours on Mondays and Fridays; for other days, you have to book in advance.
La Gruta
If you are tired of beaches and water sports, you can visit La Gruta for a completely different experience. La Gruta is a cave situated around 7 km from Bocas in the village of Colonia Santena. The cave is about 300 meters and is inhabited by thousands of bats, which include fruit-eating, insect-eating, and fishing bats. As you wade through the water, you will have to be cautious so not to wake the nocturnal creatures overhead. The experience is thrilling and highly recommended if you are a fan of adventure.
The cave has a small shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary and every year on July 3rd, the locals make a pilgrimage here and take part in the Holy Mass to honor the Virgin.
Surf Schools
Mono Loco Surf School and Bocas Surf School offer surfing courses on an hourly basis as well as a daily basis. You can also rent surfboards from them.
Boat Tours
Bocas Town is located close to several islands of the archipelago, and as such, day boat tours are extremely popular. The most preferred tour is the snorkeling tour where you can visit several islands and also explore the rich marine life. Generally, most tours include trips to Cayo Crawl, Red Frog Beach, and Dolphin Bay. You can spot reef sharks, dolphins, and stingrays. You could either bring your own snorkeling equipment or rent it.
Diving and Snorkeling
Unlike other areas in the Caribbean, the waters near Bocas Town are emerald-green as more than forty rivers join the sea here and deposit silt. However, Hospital Point, San Juan, and Darkwood Reef are good diving sites that are a short boat ride away from the town. Here are some diving tours to consider:
- La Buga: Surfboard, kayaking, and stand-up paddling rentals are available, as well as day trips near Isla Bastimentos for diving.
- Bocas Diving Centre: Multiple diving and snorkeling trips to nearby islands are available in different languages.
- Starfleet Scuba: Advanced diving courses are available and popular among locals and tourists.
Getting There
You can get here by air from Panama City or San Jose in Costa Rica. Otherwise, you have to take a water taxi or ferry from the mainland, Almirante.
A water taxi will cost you around $4 USD (price changes frequently). The boats are faster than the ferry; they are fine if you like adventures. Be aware of luggage limitations…
The more secure and less expensive option is the ferry, and you can take your car with you. The cost is only $2 USD per person or $30 USD for a standard-size car and five passengers (SUV and pick-up prices are different). It takes off at 7:00 am in the morning and comes back at 3:00 pm. The trips last approximately one hour and forty minutes. You can check the Bocas Ferry website here in English and the current prices. It is my favorite form of transportation to Colon Island from Almirante.
Stay
From island-style cottages and cabins to all-inclusive resorts, you will have plenty of options to book your stay.
- Hotel Bocas del Toro: One of the best places in town, it has spacious rooms and seafront balconies. There is a street side bar and seaside restaurant as well.
- Hotel del Parque: A typical Caribbean style house located near the main square that offers basic facilities, along with scenic views of the town.
- Hostel Heike: The beautiful Caribbean building has dorms as well as single rooms. It is located in the heart of the town and has an amazing rooftop with hammocks and breathtaking views.
- Hotel Olas: This vibrant yellow building with wooden rooms offers all basic amenities and also offers guided tours and bike rentals.
- Residencial Dos Palmas: It offers basic rooms with wooden interior and is located above the water. The terrace is one of the best places to watch the sunset from.
- Selina Hostel: This is a chain of hostels with properties in Azuero and Casca Vieja as well. This hostel accommodates around two hundred people and is located on the waterfront.
Food
The town offers a variety of cuisine catering to visitors from across the world including Asian, American, Mediterranean, Indian, and Italian. There are several eateries and you will not have a tough time searching for a good place to eat.
- Raw: A charming Asian restaurant, it is situated above water and serves delicious tapas, salads, and tofu spring rolls. At night, the tables are candlelit and turn into a bar as well; the martinis and cocktails are especially popular.
- El Ultimo Refugio: One of the best Caribbean restaurants in town, it serves absolutely delicious seafood and its secluded, by-the-sea location provides a very romantic setting.
- Sweet Love Bocas: A bohemian café, it is extremely popular among the locals for its tranquility and delicious crepes. It also has a craft shop attached to it.
- Buena Vista Bar and Grill: An American joint, it serves tasty burgers and wraps, and a surf and turf menu.
Nightlife
If you were hoping to party all night till the first rays of the sun shine on the Caribbean, you have chosen the right place. Bocas Town offers one of the best nightlife experiences in all of Panama. You will find the streets filled with clubs and bars that host all-night parties.
- Selina Bar: It is located in the Selina Hostel and has happy hours and amazing party nights.
- Mondu Taitu Bar: A very popular place for themed events that has a unique cocktail and hookah menu.
- La Iguana Surf Bar: Located on the waterfront, it is famous for its crazy parties. Do not miss it!!!
What’s Nearby?
