Bocas del Toro in Panama comprises multiple islands which stand out because of their amazing diverse wildlife. Nature-minded tourists visit this area frequently yet the region reveals numerous possibilities for visitors.

Surfers will find endless waves for riding but scuba divers will love marine life while nature enthusiasts will have plenty of wildlife to view and travellers seeking nightlife will delight in the nightlife experiences.

During my stay of more than thirty days in 2019 I fully explored every corner of Bocas del Toro. The complete Bocas del Toro travel guide provides essential touring information to assist anyone preparing their itinerary and selecting dining options and accommodation preferences.

What Activities Exist in Bocas Del Toro

The Bocas del Toro island range offers visitors extensive sightseeing opportunities for their nightly stay in Panama.

1. Explore Bocas Town

Düzce your sightseeing starts by visiting Bocas Town the main urban epicentre on Isla Colón the most populated island. The modest little village is brimming with tropical feelings. Rent a bike or explore on foot while you poke your head into stores, sip a smoothie on a dock and enjoy the relaxed back island lifestyle.

2. Catch Some Waves

You don’t travel to an island place like this without the anticipation of seeing surfers in their natural home. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or simply a beginner, there is plenty of fantastic surfing to go around. You may rent a board at several surf shops in Bocas Town for $10 – $20 per day (depending on the quality of board). And they will certainly offer weekly or monthly fees as well.

Catch the early surf by traveling to the water taxi stop just down the street from Bocas Brewery. You’ll want to make sure you have your board and $6 for the water taxi, but leave all your other belongings and even your shoes behind since the taxi will dump you right in the heart of the waves. All you need to do is let your boat driver know what time you want to be picked up and you’re free to catch as many waves as you can!

3. Go Scuba Diving

The Caribbean Sea is recognized for having some amazing scuba Diving and Bocas del Toro is no exception. There are a few dive businesses surrounding Bocas Town that’ll transport you to some of the greatest diving areas in the region. You can even elect to conduct a night dive with bioluminescent plankton if the visibility is right!

With warm waters and superb visibility, Bocas makes a fantastic spot to get PADI certified as well. I completed my PADI Open Water Divers Certification at La Buga Dive & Surf and was pleasantly surprised by how soon I fell in love with the underwater world.

The training comprised 3 days and included a full day of theory plus 4 open water dives. The teachers were knowledgable and engaging and made me feel extremely comfortable as we worked our way into the sport.

4. Find Your Inner Balance In A Quiet Yoga Class

What better way to fully appreciate the laid back island lifestyle than to perform a little yoga by the water? There is one yoga studio in Bocas Town named Bocas Yoga, which provides daily courses both morning and nights. However, my favorite lessons were conducted by some of the hostels on their over-water decks. Ask about class schedules at Selina or Mamallena and enjoy the tranquil lapping of the waves while you achieve your inner balance.

5. Have A Quad Biking Excursion

By far one of the most spectacular (and my personal favorite) excursions to be experienced in Bocas del Toro was a quad bike expedition. Flying Pirates provides a guided trip through the woods and along the shore of Isla Colón. Stop for a swim at entirely empty beaches and cool off in the cenotes as you make your way up and along the northeastern coast.

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6. Tour the Bat Cave on Bastimentos

If creepy crawlies are your thing, you’ll appreciate seeing the famed bat cave on Bastiamentos Island. Take a water taxi down the Sloth’s Trail canal for around 15 minutes until you reach a small community (any water taxi drivers will know where to take you). A $5 admission charge will bring you a guided tour of the caverns, replete with a headlamp.

7. Take a Cocoa Plantation Eco-Tour

Did you know that cocoa is one of Panama’s greatest exports? Learn about the cocoa farming and how chocolate is manufactured on the Oreba Chocolate Tour. During the journey, you’ll also get the chance to experience life in the indigenous Ngabe village.

8. Zipline on Bastimentos Island

If you’re looking for a surge in adrenaline, take a zipline canopy tour of Bastimentos. This 150 ft. high trip includes 7 ziplines, a swinging canopy bridge, and an optional treetop obstacle course. The 2-hour excursion will cost you back roughly $55, but the vistas will make it absolutely worth it!

9. Join The Filthy Friday Bocas Island Party Crawl

Perhaps what Bocas del Toro is best renowned for, the Filthy Friday Island Party Crawl happens every Friday in Bocas. The celebration starts about 11 a.m. at a bar in Bocas Town (the place changes by the week). After an hour or two, attendees are pushed into water taxis (with required life jackets!) and taxied to the next location, a “floating bar” on one of the islands.

Spend the remainder of the day here with a swimming area, DJ, and even floaty races. Water taxis will carry everyone to the last site, Aqua Lounge Bar, across from Bocas Town on Isla Carenero, approximately 5 p.m. where you can watch the sunset and dance the night away.

The $40 ticket may be purchased at the Filthy Friday shop in Bocas Town and includes a tank top, wristband for admittance, and transportation between the first, second and final bar. All your beverages, food and water cab home will be on your own expense.

Wear your swimwear, carry lots of sunscreen and try to leave valuables at home. I recommend having a full dinner before starting the party crawl to prepare your stomach as the food at the second bar is modest.