In reality, the island archipelago of Bocas del Toro in Panama is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. Despite being a well-liked location for eco-tourists, there is still a lot to learn.

Backpackers will be raving about the party scene, nature lovers will have lots of species to see, surfers will be happy with the waves, and divers will appreciate the underwater paradise.

In 2019, I lived in Bocas del Toro for just over a month and took advantage of everything these islands have to offer. Whether you're searching for somewhere to stay, activities to do, or—most importantly—places to eat, our comprehensive guide to Bocas del Toro is full with helpful travel advice.

Things To Do In Bocas Del Toro

A journey to Bocas del Toro, Panama, will keep you occupied because there is so much to discover about this island archipelago.

1. Explore Bocas Town

Exploring Bocas Town, the biggest "city" on the most populous island, Isla Colón, should be your first activity when you get to Bocas del Toro. There are a lot of tropical feelings in the tiny village. Explore on foot or by renting a bike while you stop by stores, have a smoothie on the pier, and take in the relaxed island way of life.

2. Catch Some Waves

You can't expect to see surfers in their natural environment when you travel to an island like this. There's plenty of terrific surfing out there, regardless of your level of experience. Numerous surf shops in Bocas Town provide board rentals for $10 to $20 per day, depending on the board's quality. Additionally, their prices will probably be weekly or monthly.

Visit the water taxi stop located directly across the street from Bocas Brewery to catch the morning surf. Because the water taxi will dump you in the middle of the waves, you should make sure you have your board and $6 for the ride, but leave all other possessions, including your shoes, behind. You are free to surf as many waves as you like after just telling your boat driver what time you would like to be picked up!

3. Go Scuba Diving

Bocas del Toro is not an exception to the Caribbean Sea's reputation for having some of the best scuba diving. Some of the greatest diving locations in the region may be found in Bocas Town thanks to a few dive shops. If the visibility is good, you can even choose to dive among bioluminescent plankton at night!

Bocas is also a fantastic destination to obtain PADI certified because to its warm waters and excellent visibility. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I fell in love with the underwater world while completing my PADI Open Water Divers Certification at La Buga Dive & Surf.

4. Find Your Inner Balance In A Peaceful Yoga Class

Doing some yoga by the ocean is a great way to truly enjoy the relaxed island way of life. Bocas Yoga is the only yoga studio in Bocas Town that provides morning and evening courses every day. But several of the hostels had courses on their over-water decks that I really enjoyed. Find your inner equilibrium while taking in the serene wave lapping and asking about class schedules at Mamallena or Selina.

5. Have A Quad Biking Adventure

Quad riding was by far one of the most exciting (and my personal favorite) things to do in Bocas del Toro. A guided excursion through the forests and along Isla Colón's shore is available from Flying Pirates. As you go up and along the northeastern coast, take a dip at totally empty beaches and cool down in the cenotes.

6. Tour The Bat Cave On Bastimentos

If you like creepy crawlies, you'll love exploring Bastiamentos Island's well-known bat cave. Until you arrive at a nearby settlement, take a water taxi along the Sloth's Trail canal for around fifteen minutes (any water taxi drivers will know where to take you). You can have a guided tour of the caverns, equipped with a headlamp, for $5.

7. Take A Cocoa Plantation Eco-tour

Did you know that one of Panama's top exports is chocolate? On the Oreba Chocolate Tour, see how cocoa is grown and how chocolate is made. You will also get the opportunity to experience life in the native Ngabe village while on the excursion.

8. Zipline On Bastimentos Island

Try a zipline canopy tour of Bastimentos if you want an adrenaline rush. Seven ziplines, a swinging canopy bridge, and an optional treetop obstacle course are all part of this 150-foot-high trip. The sights will make the about $55 cost of the two-hour trip well worth it!

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9. Join The Filthy Friday Bocas Island Party Crawl

The Filthy Friday Island Party Crawl, which takes place every Friday in Bocas del Toro, is arguably the event for which the town is most known. Around 11 a.m., the party begins at a Bocas Town bar (the exact location varies every week). After about an hour, attendees are led to the next destination, a "floating bar" on one of the islands, in water taxis (life jackets are required!).

With a swimming pool, a DJ, and even floaty races, you can spend most of the day here. Around 5 p.m., water taxis will transport everyone to the last stop, Aqua Lounge Bar, which is located across from Bocas Town on Isla Carenero. Here, you can enjoy a night of partying and sunset viewing.

10. Become A Beach Bum

After all, you're on an island! Get outside and visit some of Bocas del Toro's stunning beaches. Red Frog Beach in Bastimentos is the most visited beach and is conveniently accessible from Bocas Town. You can remain all day because there are a few eateries and it costs $6 to take a water taxi there.

Another nice one is Bluff Beach on Isla Colón, which is, from what I've seen, virtually uninhabited. For some entertainment and cuisine, visit Skully's beach bar along the bluff and Paki Point.

For about $5, stop by Old Man Polo on Polo Beach and sip on a refreshing drink as he fries up some of his daily catch. Even if the beach wasn't as spectacular as some of Bocas's others, it was an adventure in and of itself to meet Polo, the guy who lived here for years before the beach was named after him. And even though we had to eat it with our hands since he didn't have any cutlery, his cuisine was delicious!

Where to Eat in Bocas del Toro

The greatest grilled meats this side of the Caribbean may be found at Derek's Caribbean Flavor (Bocas). On one of your days there, ask Derek whether he'll eat lobster. You won't be sorry!

• Bocas Blended (Bocas): This little restaurant sells wraps, salads, and smoothies and is a brightly painted school bus converted into a food truck.

• Bocas Brewery (Bocas): Their artisan beer isn't awful for an island brewery! (Read: It's genuinely excellent.) The relaxed ambiance also complements the pub fare.

• A charming tiny cafe in Bocas, Cafe del Mar is committed to utilizing only local, fresh foods free of preservatives.

• Amaranto (Bocas): This café, which is next door to café del Mar, offers cold-pressed juices, fresh coffee, and breakfast staples.

• Falafel Bocas (Bocas): The greatest real Middle Eastern food in town is served at this vegan-friendly eatery.

• Sweet Love Tea shop (Bocas): This all-encompassing tea shop will make you feel like a hippy and offers a comfortable setting for unwinding and sipping hot tea.