Activities

The islands around Bocas del Toro are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Panama, each with its own unique vibe. Here are some of the top spots:

Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella): Famous for its calm, shallow waters and abundance of colorful starfish, this beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and taking photos.

Red Frog Beach: A beautiful stretch of white sand, crystal-clear waters, and great surf. Accessible by boat or a hike through the jungle, this beach is a must-visit for beach lovers and surfers.

Wizard Beach: A quieter, less developed beach, known for its lush surroundings and great surf breaks.

Bastimentos Island: Beyond Red Frog Beach, Bastimentos offers many secluded beaches like Tortuga Beach, known for its pristine beauty and crystal-clear water.

Bocas del Toro is a paradise for water enthusiasts. The clear, warm Caribbean waters offer endless opportunities for fun and adventure:

Snorkeling: The coral reefs around Bocas del Toro are perfect for snorkeling. Top spots include Coral Cay, Zapatilla Cays, and Hospital Point, where you can see a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles.

Scuba Diving: For more experienced divers, Bocas is home to several excellent dive sites, including Bocas Dive Center and Scuba Bocas. Popular dives include The Dungeons and The Coral Gardens, where you can explore healthy reefs and submerged caves.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or borrow one of Pachamamas paddleboard's to explore the coastlines and small islands around Bocas Town or Bastimentos Island.

Surfing: The area is known for great surf spots. Playa Bluff and Wizard Beach offer excellent breaks for both beginners and advanced surfers

The Zapatilla Islands (Cayos Zapatilla) are part of the Bocas del Toro National Marine Park and are a must-see for nature lovers. These uninhabited islands are accessible by boat and feature white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Spend a day swimming, snorkeling, and walking along the secluded beaches. A popular activity is to take a guided boat tour that includes a stop at the Cayos Zapatilla and other smaller islands in the region.

Bastimentos is one of the most diverse islands in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, and there’s plenty to see and do:

Bastimentos National Marine Park: Hike through the lush rainforests of Bastimentos Island, which is part of the national park. The park features trails, wildlife watching, and access to the beautiful beaches mentioned above.

Bird Watching: The island is home to an array of bird species, including toucans, parrots, and hummingbirds, making it a great spot for bird watchers.

Indigenous Culture: Bastimentos is home to the Ngäbe-Buglé indigenous community. You can visit the village and learn about their traditional way of life, though it's important to be respectful and mindful of local customs.

A boat tour is one of the best ways to explore the islands and waterways of Bocas del Toro. There are many options, including:

Dolphin Watching: Take a boat tour to see the local bottlenose dolphins that frequently visit the area. These tours often also include a trip to nearby islands and secluded beaches. 

Island Hopping: Hop between the small islands around Bocas Town, visiting places like Bird Island (a bird sanctuary), Cayo Coral, and Cayo de los Cocos.

Fishing Tours: Bocas del Toro is an excellent spot for both sport fishing and traditional fishing. Charter a boat for a day of deep-sea fishing, or join a more relaxed inshore tour.

For panoramic views of the archipelago, take a hike up to Bocas del Toro Hill (also called Cayo Zapatilla Lookout). It offers a spectacular vista of the surrounding islands, the Caribbean Sea, and the lush landscape of the mainland. The trail is relatively short and can be easily done in a couple of hours.

If you're a fan of chocolate, don't miss a visit to the Bocas del Toro Chocolate Factory. Located on Isla Colón, the factory offers tours that explain how organic cacao is grown and turned into delicious chocolate products. You can sample their handmade chocolates and learn about the traditional chocolate-making process used by local farmers.

The Bocas del Toro National Marine Park is one of Panama’s most beautiful protected areas, and it’s a haven for wildlife and marine enthusiasts. The park includes coral reefs, mangroves, and lush jungle, and it’s home to a wide variety of fish, marine life, and bird species. You can visit the park by boat or hike through it to explore the diverse ecosystems.

Bocas Town, the main town on Isla Colón, is a charming, laid-back place with colorful buildings, lively streets, and plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops. Spend time exploring the town, enjoying local seafood, and chatting with the friendly locals. Some highlights include:

The Bocas Town Main Street: Lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, this vibrant street is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Local Markets: Visit the local markets for fresh fruits, handmade goods, and souvenirs.

Nightlife: Bocas Town offers a fun nightlife scene with beach bars, dance clubs, and live music, especially along Avenida G.

Red Frog Beach on Bastimentos Island is known for its beautiful sand, clear waters, and the small red frogs that give the beach its name. A fun way to reach this beach is by hiking through the jungle or by boat. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and spotting wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds.

Finca Los Monos is a small animal sanctuary located on Bastimentos Island. It’s home to a variety of animals, including sloths, monkeys, and birds. You can take a guided tour of the sanctuary to learn more about the local wildlife and conservation efforts in the region.

• Beaches: Starfish Beach, Red Frog Beach, Wizard Beach, and Bastimentos.
• Water Sports: Snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, surfing and kayaking.
• Nature: Zapatilla Cays, Bastimentos National Park, and hiking.
• Wildlife: Dolphin watching, bird watching, and visiting animal sanctuaries.
• Cultural: Indigenous community visits and the Bocas Chocolate Factory.
• Boat Tours: Dolphin tours, island hopping, and fishing trips.
• Bocas Town: Explore local markets, enjoy the nightlife, and savor delicious seafood.

With its pristine beaches, clear waters, and diverse activities, Bocas del Toro is a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring the islands, diving into the vibrant marine life, or simply soaking in the laid-back atmosphere, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.