Why Go to Bocas del Toro
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Bocas del Toro is barefoot Caribbean living at its best. This island chain off Panama's northern coast is known for its vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, colorful stilt houses over the water, great surf and an easy, slow-down pace.
Bocas Town, on Isla Colon, is the lively hub, with waterfront restaurants, bars and water taxis zipping between the islands. Hop over to Bastimentos National Marine Park to snorkel over coral reefs and explore quiet mangroves, look for tiny red poison dart frogs and sloths, and relax on beaches like Starfish Beach, where sea stars rest in the shallow water. After dark, take a boat out to see the bays light up with glowing bioluminescence.
To get there, fly into Panama City and take a quick domestic flight of about 45 minutes. From the window, watch the bright reefs fade into deep blue water. I'll match you with the right eco-lodge or overwater stay and plan your island-hopping and snorkel days.
BEST FOR
Backpackers, couples, surfers, snorkelers and eco-travelers
BEST MONTHS
February to April or September to October
EXPLORE
- Bocas Town: The colorful hub on Isla Colón.
- Isla Carenero: A short water taxi ride away, with quiet hotels and restaurants.
- Isla Bastimentos: Home to Red Frog Beach and the village of Old Bank.
- Isla Solarte & Popa: Quiet islands with eco-lodges and resorts.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Bocas del Toro
North America › Central America › Panama › Bocas del Toro
Starfish beaches, overwater bungalows and island-hopping in Panama's Caribbean.
Beach & Resort
Surfing
Jungle
Eco-tourism
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Book a full-day island tour from Bocas Town that includes Dolphin Bay, Crawl Cay and the Zapatilla Cays to see the best of the archipelago in one day.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Look but don't touch; lifting starfish out of the water harms them.
Starfish Beach
On Isla Colón, this calm, shallow beach is famous for the orange starfish resting on the sandy seafloor.
Bring snacks and water, as there are no facilities.
Zapatilla Cays
Two uninhabited islands in Bastimentos National Marine Park with white sand, palms and great snorkeling.
Watch the surf; currents can be strong, so swim only in calm conditions.
Red Frog Beach
On Isla Bastimentos, this beach is named after the tiny red poison dart frogs found in the surrounding forest.
Choose a responsible tour that keeps a respectful distance.
Dolphin Bay
A calm bay where bottlenose dolphins are often seen swimming and feeding.
Rent a bike to explore the town and nearby beaches.
Bocas Town
The colorful capital of the archipelago, with waterfront restaurants, bars and shops on Isla Colón.
An all-inclusive eco-lodge in the rainforest with guided adventures, snorkeling and wildlife tours.
Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge
Isla Bastimentos
Hotel Tags
A resort community with villas, a marina and easy access to Red Frog Beach.
Red Frog Beach Island Resort
Isla Bastimentos
Hotel Tags
Overwater bungalows with glass floors and private decks, just a short boat ride from town.
Sol Bungalows Bocas
Near Bocas Town
Hotel Tags
A boutique resort with suites, a beach and an infinity pool overlooking the bay.
Popa Paradise Beach Resort
Isla Popa
Hotel Tags
A charming waterfront hotel in town with wooden rooms and a restaurant over the water.
Hotel Bocas del Toro
Bocas Town
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Bocas del Toro
High 87°F · Low 74°F · Rain 11.5 in
Panama's national holidays fill the month, and Bocas celebrates its provincial founding day on November 16.
The best times to visit Bocas del Toro are February through April and September through October, when the weather is driest and the sea is calm. The archipelago's microclimate means rain can fall at any time, so plan for occasional showers.
Best Times to Visit Bocas del Toro
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Bocas del Toro's dining combines Caribbean seafood, Panamanian dishes and international flavors.
- Over the water: Many restaurants sit on stilts over the sea, perfect for sunset dinners.
- Local favorites: Try patacones (fried green plantains), rice and beans with coconut and fresh fish.
- Must-try: Caribbean rondón (coconut seafood stew), lobster and Bocas-grown chocolate.
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Walking
Bocas Town is small and easy to explore on foot.
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Taxis & Buses
Taxis and small buses run between Bocas Town and Starfish Beach.
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Bikes
Bikes are the easiest way to get around Isla Colón and reach Bluff Beach and Starfish Beach.
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Water Taxis
Water taxis connect Bocas Town with the other islands and the mainland port of Almirante.
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Overland from Costa Rica
Many travelers cross from Costa Rica at Sixaola and continue by shuttle and water taxi to Bocas Town.
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Flying In
Fly into Bocas del Toro Isla Colón International (BOC) from Panama City's Albrook Airport (PAC), a flight of about one hour.
Most travelers fly into Bocas del Toro from Panama City or arrive overland from Costa Rica. Water taxis are the main way to get between islands, while bikes, taxis and walking cover Isla Colón.
Getting Around Bocas del Toro