Itineraries
Where to stay
Bocas Town for restaurants, tours and nightlife; Isla Carenero for a quieter base two minutes by water taxi; Isla Bastimentos for Old Bank and the wilder beaches.
The areas: Bocas Town, Isla Carenero, Isla Bastimentos.
Where to stay in Bocas del Toro: areas and adviceHotels in Bocas del ToroPlaces to see
All things to do in PanamaBeachBluff BeachThe longest beach in the archipelago, about 9 km from Bocas Town, with strong waves and turtle nesting.Entry: Free to visit
BeachBoca del DragoA beach about 14 km by road from Bocas Town, with kayak rentals and boat trips to a bird island.Entry: Free to visit
TransportBocas del Toro AirportCaptain José Ezequiel Hall International Airport on Isla Colón, the archipelago's air link to Panama City.Entry: Free to visit
NeighborhoodBocas TownThe main town of Isla Colón, with the largest range of hotels, tours, shops, ATMs and nightlife in the archipelago.Entry: Free to visit
FoodBocas Town waterfront restaurantsWaterfront restaurants in Bocas Town serving patties, coconut rice and seafood.Entry: Pay as you go
NatureCayo CoralA reef about 20 minutes by boat from Isla Bastimentos, suited to beginner snorkelers and divers.Entry: Boat tour, $[fee]
NeighborhoodIsla CareneroA small island two minutes by water taxi from Bocas Town, with beaches, bars and surf breaks.Entry: Free to visit
FoodOld BankAn Afro-Antillean community on Isla Bastimentos known for rondón, coconut rice and the sweet fruit bread Pan Bon.Entry: Pay as you go
BeachPlaya EstrellaA calm beach known for its starfish, reached by a 2 km road or trail from Boca del Drago.Entry: Ask your boat operator, $[fee]
BeachPolo BeachA calm Bastimentos beach protected by a reef, good for swimming and snorkeling.Entry: Free to visit
BeachRed Frog BeachA Bastimentos beach about 15 minutes by water taxi from Bocas Town, named for its tiny red frogs.Entry: Private path, $[fee]
NatureSan San Pond Sak WetlandA protected wetland on the mainland where kayakers look for manatees, turtles and birds.Entry: Guided tour, $[fee]
BeachWizard BeachA long Bastimentos beach for surfers, reached by a forest trail, with strong currents for swimmers.Entry: Free to visit
BeachZapatilla CaysTwo cays in Bastimentos National Marine Park with white beaches, reefs and nesting hawksbill turtles.Entry: Boat tour, $[fee]