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Bocas del Toro is a province in northern Panama consisting of 9 main islands and thousands of smaller islands. Due to the diversity of plants and animals located here, this archipelago is one of the most popular ecotourist destinations in Central America.
Bocas del Toro contains rainforests, cloud forests, mangrove forests, and numerous parks and reserves. There are also plenty of beaches with crystal-clear water and activities to keep you busy. The best part is that you can visit Bocas del Toro on a budget!
Table of Contents
What Does Bocas del Toro Mean?
Bocas del Toro means “Mouths of the bull” in Spanish. There is no clear consensus on the origin of this name. Some say that the last Taíno chief in the region was named “Boca Toro”, while others claim that the name originated from the loud sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks on Bastimentos Island, which resembled a bellowing bull.
What Language is Spoken in Bocas del Toro?
The main language in Bocas del Toro is Spanish, but there are plenty of English speakers to cater to travelers.
As in the rest of Latin America, you will often be able to negotiate lower prices for tours, souvenirs, and street food if you can speak at least a little bit of Spanish.
What Currency is Used in Bocas del Toro?
The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Panama (along with the Balboa). I rarely encountered Balboas, but when I did, it was usually when I received changed from purchasing something at a local store.
When I visited Bocas del Toro, I did not see many ATMs, and most vendors preferred cash transactions. Make sure to stock up on cash before going there!
Where is Bocas del Toro?
Bocas del Toro is a province located in northern Panama, situated along the Caribbean coast. It is composed of nine main islands and numerous smaller islands, forming an archipelago of natural beauty and tropical charm.
Bocas del Toro’s unique topography offers a mix of diverse marine life, lush rainforests, and white-sand beaches.
What to Do in Bocas del Toro on a Budget
While there is plenty to see and do in Bocas del Toro, here are our recommended top 5!
Visit Islas Zapatillas
There are plenty of incredible beaches and activities to do on the islands of Bocas del Toro. Isla Zapatillas has white sandy beaches and is a great destination for snorkeling and diving. You may even see the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle around this island!
Check out Starfish Beach
Starfish Beach, located on Colón Island, is another popular destination where you can see hundreds of starfish in the clear waters. It is a surreal experience to witness these starfish in their natural environment. You can swim in the water with the starfish, but just be sure to respect their space!
Snorkel at Dolphin Bay Preserve
One of my favorite things to do at Bocas del Toro was snorkel at the Dolphin Bay Preserve. This area, located near Cristóbal Island, is a great place to spot dolphins due to the nutrient-rich waters that attract them. Snorkeling in these waters is a great opportunity to see different types of corals and fish.
Nightlife on Colón Island
Each night, once the sun goes down, Colón Island comes to life. There are all kinds of nighttime activities available on this tropical island. The main town of Bocas del Toro is brimming with a diverse array of bars and nightclubs, offering experiences that cater to every individual’s preferences and interests.
Rent a bicycle
Traveling by bicycle is the most common form of transportation on Bocas del Toro. This is a cheap way to travel, with bike rentals costing only about $1/hour. Renting a bike on Colón Island will allow you to explore different parts of the island, including indigenous communities.
Best Time to Visit Bocas del Toro
When deciding on when to visit Bocas del Toro, there are a few important factors to take into account. The typical climate, ocean conditions, and tourist season will all impact the kind of experience you will have.
In general, the dry months from February to May and September to November offer the calmest ocean conditions. If you plan on snorkeling or scuba diving, these months will provide the best visibility. If you would rather surf, there will be better waves during the rainy months from December to January and June to August.
Most tourists visit Bocas del Toro from December to March, with large numbers also visiting from June to August. If you want to avoid crowds and the higher price tag that comes with them, you should plan on visiting during the low seasons.
If you want to visit Bocas del Toro on a budget, you should visit from April to May or October to November.
Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro
There are many different islands that offer lodging options, and each island has its advantages and disadvantages. Colón Island is the best option for most travelers, as it is large and has plenty of accommodation options (the province capital is located here), has the most variety of restaurants and nightlife, and is close to most of the popular attractions in Bocas del Toro.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of which island to stay on, click here.
For visiting Bocas del Toro on a budget, Surfari Bocas is a great option. This highly-rated hotel has air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and only costs about $20 USD/night! This is located on Colón Island, so you will be close to popular attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.
If you want a little more privacy, check out Finca Coco Nuts. This is located on Cristóbal Island, so you will be further away from much of the crowds. This island is inhabited by different indigenous groups, so you will be able to experience a unique culture as well. Rooms go for about $70 USD/night.
For a more luxurious experience, check out Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge. These cabins are built on stilts directly on the water off the coast of Colón Island. This destination is great for a romantic getaway with your partner.
Check out the map below for more accommodation options.
How to Get to Bocas del Toro
Depending on where you are coming from and your budget, there are a few different options for coming to Bocas del Toro.
Fly to Bocas del Toro
The easiest way to get to Bocas del Toro is to either fly into Panama or neighboring Costa Rica. Once there, you can get a flight into the small airport located on Colón Island. This is the most convenient way, as a flight from the capital city of either country to Bocas del Toro will only last 1 hour or less.
It is much more expensive however, because only a limited number of flights go to Bocas del Toro each day. You can expect to pay at least a couple hundred USD.
Bus from Panama City to Bocas del Toro
If you are looking for a way to visit Bocas del Toro on a budget, you can take a bus. From Panama City, take a 10-hour bus ride to Almirante, Panama. Once you are there, take a 30 minute water taxi to Bocas del Toro. Most water taxis will take you to Colón Island.
From there, you can go to whichever island you want. The bus ride will cost around $30 USD and the water taxi will be between $5-$10. You can also take a private shuttle to shorten the trip, it will just cost more money.
Bus from San José to Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is actually closer to San José, Costa Rica than Panama City. From San José, the bus ride is about 8 hours, but you will also have to cross the border into Panama.
At the Changuinola border crossing, you will have to exit the bus and walk across a bridge into Panama. The immigration process can take a while, so add at least an hour or two into your itinerary. In addition, you will lose an hour due to changing time zones.
The bus ride will cost $15-20 USD to arrive to Almirante, where you will then take a water taxi to Colón Island. You will also have to pay around $10 when you cross the border into Panama.
