
Activities
From pristine beaches to vibrant coral reefs and lush tropical jungles, the Bocas del Toro islands offer endless adventures. Discover our favorite activities and hidden gems to make the most of your stay at Pachamama Bay Club.
Explore the best of Bocas del Toro
Here are some postcards from former visitors to inspire your next daytrip from our centrally located resort:
The best beach
Our reccommendation is a full day boat tour to Zapatilla Playa. It costs $25 and includes dolphin, starfish and sloth watching, snorkeling (gear included) and the most beautiful beach in the world. Zapatilla Island has white sand and crystal clear water, you can even buy a fresh coconut for $2 there. You can book the trip at various companies in Bocas Town. It starts around 10am and it finishes around 4:30pm. There is also the opportunity to pre-order lunch (not included) at a small restaurant, so it's ready when you come back from the beach. This tour was an unforgettable experience and it should be at the top of your to-do list in Bocas del Toro.
Hugs, Tanja and Kim
Diving around here
Wheater you are a beginner or an experienced diver you will find a smorgasbord of dive excursions for everyone. The water has an extremely comfortable temperature and the underwater life is spectacular. The options of dive schools and spots are many. My favorites (so far) are the impressive wrecks around Mystic Wind and Pandora. I would highly recommend to book with the team at La Buga.
Love,
Annie from Sweden
Island Carenero
A visit to the charming and cozy island of Carenero is a must for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing beach day. For just $1, a water taxi will take you from the main island to Carenero in just a few minutes. Once there, you can indulge in a delicious lunch at Big Fish - their fresh Big Fish Salad is a standout! Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to the beach, passing by a laid-back beach bar with the friendly owner Daniel who always plays his best playlist! It is the perfect place to get away from the hustel and bustel of the party island and unwind. Right next to this small bar is the popular Bibis restaurant, which often features Happy Hour and sometimes live music. Althrough small and easy to explore, Carenero offers everything you need for a perfect day. In the evening, the Aqua Lounge comes alive with fun events like Beer Pong or the Famous Filthy Friday After Party. A perfect blend of tranquility and vibrant nightlife!
xoxo Greta & Marlene
Activities around the Archipelago
Bocas del Toro is a vibrant and diverse destination, offering a wealth of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover, beach enthusiast, or culture buff, there's something for everyone in this stunning archipelago. Here are some of the best things to do around Panama's Bocas del Toro islands!
Explore the Beaches
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.
Water Sports & Activities
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
Visit the Zapatilla Cayos
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.
Explore Bastimentos Island
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.
Take a Boat Tour
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.
Hike to the Bocas del Toro Hill
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.
Visit the Bocas del Toro Chocolate Factory
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.
Discover the Bocas del Toro National Marine Park
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.
Explore Bocas Town
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.
Visit the Red Frog Beach (Bastimentos Island)
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.
Visit the Finca Los Monos
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.
Summary of Top Activities:
- 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.
Pachamama Bay Club
Avenida F. Norte. between Calle 1st and 2nd (next to the fire station), Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Contact
+1(863) 633-0539
pachamamabayclub@