Bocas Life

Bocas Del Toro Archipelago

Located on the north coast of the Panamanian Caribbean is the magical destination of Bocas del Toro. The province of Bocas del Toro extends from the mainland to the archipelago. It contains some of the most extensive rainforests in Central America, and has nine main islands, 52 cays and thousands of islets. Home to some of the sites declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the first marine park in Panamá, Bocas del Toro is considered one of the best ecotourism destinations in the country. Known as the “Galapagos of the Caribbean,” Bocas del Toro is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet.

Bocas del Toro has the perfect balance between development, and raw and natural beauty. To enjoy the best vacations, you can choose between luxury resorts, eco-lodges in private islands, and surf-style hostels right on the beach. You can navigate the different islands, fly in the foliage of the jungle in the zip lines, dive among the most diverse reefs in the region, learn to surf in the warm Caribbean Sea, or embark on many other adventures. You can explore deserted beaches, corals full of marine life, swim with manatees, or meet one of the last monarchies of the American continent. It is impossible to see Bocas del Toro in one trip, and after your first trip you will know why so many of our visitors return, or never leave.

Bocas Town

Bocas Town

In addition to its natural beauty, Bocas del Toro is also home to several cultural attractions. The town of Bocas del Toro is filled with colorful buildings and lively streets. 

Isla Colon is the most populated island in the Bocas Del Toro archipelago, and home to some of the area’s top destinations for ecological wonder and beach travel. Isla Colon is also where you’ll find the main city and hub of the province: Bocas Town. If you decide to stay on another island in Bocas, you’ll want to come back to this area for ATMs and access to groceries stores.

In Isla Colon, you can find Playa Estrella, also known as “Starfish Beach,” a protected eco-tourism destination, where you can also experience the area’s Afro-Caribbean culture and food. (Just remember not to touch the starfish, please). Next, head to Playa Bluff, for world-class surfing and a chance to learn about the local sea turtle conservation efforts. On the way to Playa Bluff, it’s common to stop at Paki Point, a laid-back beach where you can grab a beer. You may also want to visit Playa Tortuga, a beach resort with the largest oceanfront pool in the area, or the picture-perfect beaches of Boca del Drago. 

How do I get there?

Tocumen International Airport

How to Get to Bocas del Toro from other countries?

The first step for how to get to Bocas del Toro from other countries is to fly into Panama City’s Tocumen Airport.

This is the main way to arrive in Panama and will be the same whether you are flying in on a direct flight from Miami, New York, or Toronto.

From Panama City, you can take a domestic flight to Bocas del Toro Isla Colón International Airport, ride a bus or travel by shuttle.

PANAMA CITY TO BOCAS DEL TORO

There are 6 ways to get from Panama City to Bocas del Toro:

BY PLANE:

  • Fly to Bocas del Toro with Air Panama. There are 2-4 flights per day and they are around 50 minutes. (starting at $75 with 1 checked bag)
  • FlyTrip offers flights from Thursday to Sunday + Tuesdays with 9-12 person planes which is another option. (starting around $120)

BY BUS AND SHUTTLE:

  • Take a 10-hour bus ride from Panama City to Almirante and a 30-minute water taxi from Almirante to Bocas Town. ($40)
  • Fly to David with Air Panama, and then take a 4-hour shuttle ride and a 30-minute water taxi to Bocas Town.
  • Take the bus from David to Chiriqui Grande and then a 45-minute boat ride to Bocas Town with PanaBocasExpress.

BY CAR RENTAL

  • You can rent a car in Panama City and drive to Almirante, the nearest town on the mainland of the Bocas del Toro Province. Once you arrive in Almirante, you can leave your car at Leiza’s Secure Parking ($3-$4 per night) and take the water shuttle ($6 per person) over to Bocas Town on Isla Colón.
  • You can also bring your car over to Isla Colón on the Ferry that leaves twice per day. Check out FerryBocas.com for more information and schedules.

HELPFUL TIPS:

  • Book your Air Panama flights in advance as they can fill up and get more expensive as the dates get closer.
  • Air Panama officially recommends leaving 1 day in between your domestic and international flights as a buffer for delays and flight cancellations due to weather.
  • It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Tocumen Airport to Albrook Airport, and you can use UBER (cheapest way) or just take an airport taxi (fastest way). The airport taxis cost around $35 total but UBER can be much cheaper.
  • Alternative Domestic Panamanian Airline: FlyTrip is a smaller private airline that also offers flights from Panama City to Bocas del Toro from Thursday to Sunday plus Tuesdays and might be worth checking out for you!