Things To Do in Bocas Del Toro: The Ultimate Travel Guide (From Our Experience)
If you’re planning a trip through Central America, there’s a good chance Bocas del Toro is already on your list, and trust me, it should be!
We spent a few weeks here while backpacking through Panama and Costa Rica, and it ended up being one of our favourite places on the entire trip.
There’s just something about it, the mix of laid-back island life, incredible beaches, social hostels, and endless things to do. Whether you want to party, relax, explore, or just swim in crystal-clear water all day, Bocas has it all.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in Bocas del Toro, based on our own experience splitting our time between Bocas Town and Isla Bastimentos.
Map of Bocas Del Toro
Best Things To Do in Bocas Del Toro
Go Island Hopping
If you do one thing in Bocas, make it island hopping.
This is easily one of the must-see experiences, and honestly, it’s what makes the area so special. Each island has a completely different vibe, and you can visit multiple in one day.
We did a full-day island-hopping trip, and it ended up being one of our favourite days in Panama.
A great option is this Zapatilla island hopping day tour, which takes you to some of the most beautiful places in the archipelago.
Expect:
- White sand beaches
- Crystal-clear water
- Opportunities to snorkel
- Incredible wildlife
Most tours cost around $30–$50 per person, depending on what’s included. You can book these online or at any of the tourist desks around Bocas Town.
Visit Monkey Island & Cayo Coral
One of the most unique things to do in Bocas del Toro is visiting Monkey Island.
We didn’t expect much, but it was actually a lot of fun! Here you can meet some rescued monkeys, learn about their stories and their rehab journeys.
This Monkey Island and Cayo Coral boat tour is a great option.
You’ll:
- See monkeys up close
- Visit coral areas for snorkelling
- Explore more remote parts of the islands
Relax at Starfish Beach
Starfish Beach is one of the most famous spots in Bocas, and for good reason.
The water here is incredibly calm, warm, and shallow, making it perfect to just relax and swim.
We spent a full afternoon here doing absolutely nothing… and it was perfect! You can get there via water taxi or by road from Bocas Town. We took the bus, just don’t miss the last one back.
If you’re planning to go, we’ve written a full guide to Starfish Beach, but the main thing to remember is that you are NOT allowed to touch or pick up the starfish!
Visit Red Frog Beach
Another must visit is Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos.
This was one of our favourite beaches in the whole area, it feels a bit more wild and less developed.
Things to know:
- There’s a small entrance fee
- You may actually spot red frogs if you’re lucky but they are pretty rare!
- The waves can be stronger here
We stayed on Bastimentos for part of our trip at Palmar Lodge, and it was such a nice contrast to the busy vibe of Bocas Town.
Explore Isla Bastimentos
Speaking of Isla Bastimentos, this is 100% worth staying on for at least a night or two.
Compared to Isla Colon, it’s:
- More relaxed
- More nature-focused
- Less developed
We loved splitting our time between both; you get the best of both worlds.
Chill at Wizard Beach
Wizard Beach is another stunning spot.It’s quieter than Red Frog Beach and feels much more untouched.
Just be prepared:
- It’s a bit of a walk to get there
- Facilities are limited
But if you’re looking for a peaceful place, this is it.
Explore Isla Carenero
Isla Carenero (often called carenero isla) is just a short water taxi ride from town.
It’s one of the easiest day trips and perfect if you don’t want to go far.
You can:
- Walk around the entire island
- Stop at beach bars
- Grab food by the water
It’s small, relaxed, and definitely worth a visit.
Visit a Floating Bar
One of the more fun and unique experiences in Bocas is visiting a floating bar.
Yes… literally a bar in the middle of the ocean, and there are quite a few of them about, just as your water taxi driver to take you to one! The one we visited was open late into the night, serving cocktails and tacos!
It’s a great mix of: Drinks, music and social vibes.
Perfect if you’re looking to combine relaxing with a bit of a party atmosphere.
Experience Bioluminescence
This was one thing we didn’t do, and honestly, we regret it. We were lucky enough to do it some months later in Cambodia.
The bioluminescence tours in Bocas are supposed to be incredible and we heard lots of good things during our trip.
Imagine swimming in water that literally glows at night… definitely one of the most unique things to do here.
Go Scuba Diving or Snorkelling
If you’re into the ocean, scuba diving, and snorkelling are huge here.
The waters around Bocas are full of:
- Coral reefs
- Tropical fish
- Marine life
Even if you’re not diving, there are plenty of spots where you can just snorkel from the beach or on tours. Our favourite places to snorkel were from Starfish Beach and Bibi’s restaurant.
Visit Drago Beach
Drago Beach is another great spot on Isla Colon.
It’s often combined with a trip to Starfish Beach and is easy to reach by road.
Less crowded, super scenic, and perfect for a chilled day.
Try Yoga by the Ocean
There are loads of places offering yoga in Bocas, especially on Bastimentos.
We didn’t do a session ourselves, but it’s definitely popular, especially at Palmar Lodge, and the setting is unreal.
Use Water Taxis to Get Around
One of the most unique parts of Bocas is how you get around.
Instead of buses or Ubers, you’ll mostly be using water taxis.
Alex and Leah Top Tips:
- Agree on a price before getting in
- Most short trips are just a few dollars per person
- They run all day and night
It’s part of the experience and something you’ll quickly get used to!
Where to Eat in Bocas
Food is a big part of the experience here, from cheap local spots to beachfront restaurants. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a full where to eat in Bocas del Toro guide!
Where to Stay
We split our stay between:
- A hostel in Bocas Town
- A more relaxed stay on Isla Bastimentos at Palmar Lodge.
But for some more recommendations, check out our Panama accommodation guide!
Extra Travel Tips for Bocas Del Toro
Whether you are backpacking across central america or just visiting Bocas del Toro for a vacation, both our things to know before visiting Panama and our what to pack for Panama guides are well worth a read!
Quick tips:
- Bring cash (ATMs can be unreliable)
- Expect things to run on “island time”
- Never miss the last bus back
- Book tours a day or two in advance
FAQs for Bocas Del Toro
Most people travel from Panama City or cross the border from Costa Rica.
We’d recommend at least 3–5 days, but honestly, you could easily spend longer (we did!).
Dry seasons are popular, but we visited around February and had great weather.
It can be budget-friendly, especially if you stay in hostels and use local water taxis.
Final Thoughts
Bocas del Toro ended up being one of our favourite stops in Central America.
It’s the kind of place where you plan to stay a few days… and end up staying a few weeks.
From island hopping and beach days to nightlife and hidden spots, there are so many things to do in Bocas del Toro, and it really has something for every type of traveller.
If you’re heading to Panama, don’t skip it!
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