Bocas del Toro

The Islands of Bocas

If you are looking for activities in the sea, the Bocas Archipelago is a destination not to be missed. Its nine islands and thousands of islets, its crystal clear waters with a constant temperature of 79 °F (26 ºC) and its types of waves and surf spots have made it famous around the world.

But that's not all. Because of its immense diversity of coral and marine fauna, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute settled in the archipelago. It was also declared a Hope Spot by Mission Blue, for the restoration of coral reefs. This is a great reason to add diving and snorkeling to your travel plans.

The archipelago of Bocas is a reflection of the Afro-Caribbean culture. On the streets you’ll hear calypso and reggae rhythms, you’ll perceive the essence of its cuisine and you’ll even hear guari-guari– a language that is a mixture of English, French and Spanish, very distinctive of its culture.

Bocas has 3 main islands: Isla Colón, Isla Carenero, and Isla Bastimentos. Most surfers and travelers alternate their visit among them.

Isla Colón

It is the main island, home to the provincial capital, Bocas Town. Here is the small international airport. This is the most developed island of the archipelago, it is rustic, very colorful and full of lodgings with docks on the sea. It is also the only one with paved roads, which makes getting around by bike, on foot or cab very easy.

In Bocas Town, you’ll find the largest array of services: luxury hotels, bungalows and hostels, a variety of tours and activities, international food, stores, pharmacies, ATMs, and of course nightlife.

Isla Carenero

Just across the way is Isla Carenero, just 2 minutes away by water taxi. This is a small but full scale island. You can walk around it in an hour following a path that passes by beaches, bars, hotels and renowned surf spots. There are surfing spots for all levels.

Isla Bastimentos

It is one of the largest islands of Bocas. It is home to the authentic Afro community of Old Bank and Panamá's first marine park: Bastimento National Marine Park. This island is also famous for all its wildlife, for its contrast between beaches without human intervention and others with villas and resorts, but above all, for its wild waves: the most sought after by pro and advanced surfers.

The three islands are quite close together, and hopping between them is very easy with tours and water taxis. Depending on where you are staying, many can pick you up and drop you off at the hotel pier.

Getting There

Reach Bocas del Toro in just a 45-minute flight from Panama City. Depart from Marcos A. Gelabert Airport in Albrook to Captain Jose Ezequiel Hall International Airport in Bocas Town, Colon Island.

To travel by land to Bocas del Toro, you have two options. Both will take you to Puerto Almirante, where you will need to take a 35-minute boat to Colon Island. If you have a car, take the Pan-American Highway to Chiriqui, about 6 hours. Find the turn-off to Gualaca on the right and continue for another 3 hours to the port.

If traveling by public transport, from the Gran Terminal de Albrook in Panama City, you will find buses with regular departures to the David Terminal. Take a bus to David, where you will have to take another to the Bocas del Toro port.

If you are visiting Boquete in Chiriqui, you will be much closer to Bocas del Toro. From Bajo Boquete, you are 3.5 hours by car to Puerto Almirante. If you are using public transport, you must first reach David to take another bus to Almirante.