Home
Panama
PLAN MY VISIT
Panama Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Panama
  3. Destinations
  4. Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro, Panama

With an archipelago that boasts impeccable beaches, turquoise waters, and a distinct Afro-Caribbean culture, it’s easy to see why this region has become a must-see for visitors to Panama. Located along the Caribbean coast in the northwestern part of the country, Bocas del Toro is known for its beautiful islands and laidback vibe, a combination that tends to attract younger backpacker types. Still, the services and amenities offered here are extensive, which makes it possible for travelers of all ages to enjoy the abundance of natural beauty that this region is famous for.

Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
Bocas del Toro Panama
←→

The largest and most developed island in the Bocas archipelago is Isla Colón. It is from here that most visitors will begin their exploration of Bocas. On the southern tip of the island lies Bocas town. The streets of this funky and touristy town overflow with local artisans and tour pushers, trendy bars and international restaurants. Embedded with a medley of cultures – everything from Afro-Caribbean to European is represented – Bocas town is the jumping-off point for trips throughout the archipelago and has the region’s most extensive visitor services. Hotels, hostels, and luxury bungalows are abundant – visitors certainly won’t have difficult finding a place to stay – and the nightlife is some of Panama’s best. Isla Colón’s outdoor areas are attractive and offer visitors a number of white-sand beaches and good surfing spots to choose from.

A ten-minute boat ride away, Isla Bastimentos is the second largest island in the archipelago. Its north shore beaches are some of the best in the region—both Wizard and Red Frog Beach are tranquil and gorgeous spots to spend the day. Their shores are clean, secluded, and backed by dense forests. And although the sea is often too rough for swimming, a bit farther out provides visitors with some wonderful snorkeling opportunities. The area known locally as Cayo Crawl has reefs that attract tropical fish, as does the water surrounding the Cayos Zapatillas. These two small and attractive islands border an area abundant with coral gardens and underwater caves, which makes for good snorkeling and diving.

Additionally, Isla Bastimentos presents an interesting cultural study. It is home to Old Bank, a town whose residents are mostly descendants of West Indian immigrants, and Quebrada de Sal, a small, poverty-stricken community of the Ngöbe-Buglé indigenous group. However, it should be noted that Isla Bastimentos has had problems with theft. If you come, be sure to keep an eye on your possessions.

Several other islands in the archipelago are more remote and less developed, but can nonetheless be visited. These include Isla Carenero, Isla Solarte and Isla Cristóbal. The services offered on these islands are minimal, although there are some secluded hotels and eco-lodges.

And while it is the Bocas archipelago that receives the most attention, the mainland of this region is lovely as well, and far less established—its forests are some of the most biologically diverse in all of Panama and are home to a number of indigenous communities. Adventurous types will enjoy trips up the Río Teribe to the villages of the Naso, an indigenous people who have lived in the region since the 16th century. The Naso are one of the smallest indigenous groups in Panama—a visit to one of their modest, traditional villages is an unforgettable experience.

Whether it’s an all-day snorkeling trip, a week-long surfing expedition, or a short visit to one of the region’s indigenous communities, Bocas del Toro will captivate and thrill all who visit.

Personalized Trips for Bocas del Toro, Panama

An Unforgettable City & Island Escape, Panama
Panama
An Unforgettable City & Island Escape

Customer Reviewed Panama is a lovely country. We thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing pace and the beautiful environment of Isla Bastimentos. This tropical getaway is just what we needed in our busy schedule.

8 days $$View Trip
We Explored All of Panama, Panama
Panama
We Explored All of Panama

Customer Reviewed Still needs some road repair, but overall progress is being made rapidly.

29 days $View Trip
Panama: A Soulmate's Journey, Panama
Panama
Panama: A Soulmate's Journey

Expert Choice Reconnect with the person you love the most when you go on an amazing adventure –– from cosmopolitan cities, to cloud forests, and an island beach, see all of Panama.

9 days $$$View Trip
No Joke. We Did it All!, Panama
Panama
No Joke. We Did it All!

Customer Reviewed We spent almost 23 days exploring all over — from Panama City to Isla Carenero, Boquete, Boca Chica, Santa Catalina...we did it all.

23 days $$$View Trip
We Went from Coast to Highlands, Panama
Panama
We Went from Coast to Highlands

Customer Reviewed I have used Anywhere 3 times now. There is room for improvement but I would recommend.

20 days $$View Trip
See More Trips

Where to go in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Isla Bastimentos, PanamaIsla Bastimentos, Panama
Isla Colón, PanamaIsla Colón, Panama
Bocas Town, PanamaBocas Town, Panama
Isla Popa, PanamaIsla Popa, Panama
Isla Carenero, PanamaIsla Carenero, Panama
Almirante, PanamaAlmirante, Panama
Solarte Island, PanamaSolarte Island, Panama
San Cristobal Island, PanamaSan Cristobal Island, Panama
Changuinola , PanamaChanguinola , Panama
Dolphin Bay, PanamaDolphin Bay, Panama
Red Frog Beach, PanamaRed Frog Beach, Panama
Playa Paunch Attraction, PanamaPlaya Paunch Attraction, Panama
←→

Key Attractions

Red Frog Beach

Key Destinations

Bocas TownIsla Bastimentos
Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 705 reviews
Trustpilot
The agent worked with me every step of…
The agent worked with me every step of the way and I had a lot of changes to plan the perfect trip. I definitely would ...
Jul 19, 2019
– Katherine
Trustpilot Rating
Book with Anywhere! Easiest decision you'll have to make
Booking with Anywhere was the best decision we made. Our trip was absolutely amazing, everything we wanted, plus everyth...
Apr 26, 2019
– Stephanie
Trustpilot Rating
Great company
Great company! They’re more than helpful and they make your trip a time to remember. The customer service is in a class ...
Apr 26, 2019
– Johnny
Trustpilot Rating
Exceeded our expectations
Exceeded our expectations! The entire trip went smoothly, no worries! Every tour was exceptional! Every accommodation be...
Apr 11, 2019
– Judy
Trustpilot Rating
This service is outstanding
This service is outstanding. We had changes to be made, and they were done so with ease. All of the excursions and dri...
Mar 23, 2019
– Linda A
Trustpilot Rating
Wonderful staff, amazing service.
I highly recommend this company! Everyone throughout the whole process was friendly, professional and so understanding a...
Mar 08, 2019
– Luanne
Trustpilot Rating
Best vacation of my life
Best vacation of my life! I told them the type of vacation and experiences I wanted and they somehow found the most perf...
Feb 08, 2019
– Lisa
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere.com is the best.
I would recommend Anywhere.com to anyone who is looking to travel to the destinations that they coordinate. I have been ...
Dec 17, 2018
– Robert
Trustpilot Rating
Excellent service from start to finish
Excellent service from start to finish. I have already recommended them to all my friends, so do not hesitate.
Nov 05, 2018
– Shevanne
Trustpilot Rating
The easiest team to work with
The easiest team to work with! They were personable, accommodating and very knowledgeable.
Oct 19, 2018
– Kristin
Trustpilot Rating
My whole experience with anywhere was…
My whole experience with anywhere was fantastic and I would highly recommend them. Yahaira was amazing and so helpful wi...
Sep 01, 2018
– Heather
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere essentially handled all the…
Anywhere essentially handled all the potentially frustrating aspects of trip-planning AND executed seamlessly. They were...
Aug 29, 2018
– Helen
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere is fantastic
Anywhere is fantastic! Their team is easily accessible, their response time was quick, and they planned everything for m...
Aug 23, 2018
– Tiffany
Trustpilot Rating
Take any worry out of travel by using this trusted company
Anywhere is a trusted company with staff such as Eric who goes above beyond to ensure every detail of your trip is secur...
Aug 16, 2018
– Wendy
Trustpilot Rating
XLNT Trip Thanks Anywhere!
Being in my 60’s, traveling alone, and not wanting the hassle and stress of driving, I feel blessed to have found Anywhe...
Jun 22, 2018
– Michael B.
Trustpilot Rating

Let's Dream Together

Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.

Panama Vacations
  • Adventure
  • All-inclusive
  • Beach
  • Budget
  • Family
  • Luxury
  • Nature
  • Romantic
Panama Travel
  • Places to go
  • Things to do
  • Hotels
  • Maps
  • Getting around
  • Safety
ANYWHERE'S TOP SPOTS
  • Costa Rica
  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
  • Costa Rica Beaches
  • Machu Picchu, Peru
  • Cusco, Peru
  • Galapgos, Ecuador
  • Quito, Ecuador
  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Ambergris Caye, Belize
  • Gladden Spit and Silk Caye, Belize
GET INSPIRED!
  • Our Safest Pick!
  • Family Vacations Made Easy
  • Best Tropical Beaches
  • Best Islands
  • Best Hot Springs
  • Cloudforests & Rainforests
  • Get into Nature
  • Mystical Destinations
  • Best Swimming Holes
  • Best Ruins
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy