You're Going to Love Bocas Del Toro
Situated on the breathtaking Isla Colon in the heart of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Bocas del Toro is a lively town with modern comforts.
Travelers from around the world come to this town for its upbeat atmosphere. It also makes for a great launching point for expeditions all around the island.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Bocas Del Toro
1. Stunning Beaches
The lush islands melt into tropical blue waters at Starfish and Red Frog Beach, offering plenty of chances to relax, swim, and enjoy the sun.
2. Amazing Scuba Diving
There are numerous dive companies in town, including Scuba 6, that take divers into shallow waters.
3. Waterside Bars
Many visitors come through to Bocas del Toro to take advantage of the town's many waterside bars, such as Iguana and Buena Vista.
4. Great Eats
As the most developed town on the islands, Bocas del Toro feeds hungry adventurers at restaurants such as Om Cafe and El Ultimo Refugio.
5. Hidden Resorts
The nearby islands abound with secluded resorts like the Dolphin Bay Hideaway.
When to Visit Bocas Del Toro
Estimated hotel price
Bocas del Toro in {1}
The region sees heavy rains throughout the year, but October, January, and March are relatively dry.
How to Get to Bocas Del Toro
Plane
A small airport, Bocas del Toro Isla Colon International Airport (BOC), on the island has daily flights to Panama City and San Jose. It costs about B/. 130 to get to Panama City in 45 minutes. You can walk from the airport into town.
Boat
The town must be reached by boat, and ferries run from Almirante for about B/. 5.
Car
It's possible to get into town on a car ferry, which leaves Almirante at 8 am every day but Sunday. The price is B/. 15 for the car and 1 additional Balboa for each passenger.
Bus
Buses run from Sixaola in Costa Rica as well as David. If you leave from Costa Rica, expect an B/. 8 exit fee and a B/. 4 entrance fee. Buses from David to Changuinola cost B/. 9 and take four hours; ask the driver to stop when you hit Almirante.
Airlines serving Bocas del Toro
Where to stay in popular areas of Bocas del Toro
Most booked hotels in Bocas del Toro
How to Get Around Bocas Del Toro
Public Transportation
There is no public transport in town, as the entire area is quite small.
Taxi
Taxis abound and are quite cheap. Expect to get from one side of the town to another for B/. 0.60.
Car
It is very easy to drive in town. While there are no car rentals, an ATV rental from Flying Pirates costs B/. 140 for the day.
The Cost of Living in Bocas Del Toro
Shopping Streets
There isn't a whole lot of shopping in Bocas del Toro, but there are a few surf shops, such as Aguamala. Prices for consumer goods are a bit higher than elsewhere in Panama.
Groceries and Other
Super Gourmet grocery store is located near the beach. Local food is priced competitively compared to other places in Panama, but imported items can cost a bit more.
Where to Eat in Bocas Del Toro
Travelers looking for local eats can dig in at Bongos Cafe, which serves up Caribbean specialties. La Ballena is a pricey restaurant serving pizza and European wine. Expect to pay around B/. 6 balboas for an quick meal and much more at an upscale establishment.