If you are wondering what things to do in Bocas del Toro, I may say, the right question is, where do I start my trip to Bocas del Toro?
In this guide, we will focus on Isla Colon and its surroundings.
Isla Colon has a huge number of other attractions to enjoy such as caves, research centers, Botanical Gardens, and lots of cultures.
Especially if you like animal biodiversity then you can spend hours exploring around.
The world is lucky because Bocas del Toro is a year-round destination!
Read More: Best 6 Resorts in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
1. Swim in Starfish and Boca del Drago beaches!
Bocas del Toro has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
If you are in Isla Colon you can visit Starfish Beach and Boca del Drago.
Definitely, make sure you do light research on the beaches you plan on visiting because some beaches are not for swimming.
Luckily, if you rent a bike you get to these two calm beaches in a beat! They both are 15 minutes apart by foot.
2. Dip in Big Creek with the Family
Big Creek is worth mentioning because it is perfect for families! Crystalline and calmed waters in one piece of earth.
So, if you are lucky, your hotel will be just a few minutes away on foot.
3. Visit the Botanical Garden in Bocas del Toro
An ideal place to visit for nature lovers! Definitely, something you can’t miss to do in Bocas del Toro.
The Botanical Garden is a huge farm, with stunning views surrounded by butterflies and monkeys. Also, you can also find all kinds of birds such as parrots, tanagers, woodpeckers, green ibis, and many more.
And maybe you could spot a Montezuma Oropendola and hummingbirds.
The Finca de los Monos Botanical Garden is a must-visit for bird watchers and wildlife lovers! So, make sure to bring your binoculars and a camera!
They no longer offer regular tours. As a result, tours start at 6.30 am, finishing by 8:30 or 9 am.
The entrance fee is $10 per person or $5 for residents and pensioners. Includes an app, guide book, and binoculars.
For general bird-watching tours contact: Lukas, lukasabell@gmail.com. Tel. +507 6445 8445.
For educational group tours contact: Lin Gillingham, gillinghamdl@yahoo.com, Tel. +507-6729-9943
4. Visit the Plastic Bottle Village in Bocas del Toro
It is a masterpiece representing one of our many environmental problems, PET plastic bottle waste.
Therefore, with the purpose of bringing awareness of this problem, Robert Bezeau, and his friends, built this to bring inspiration to everyone.
The Plastic Bottle Village is a Museum, hotel, and hostel. And interestingly, it was built in 2016 with 40,000 PET bottles. The construction measures 14 meters high!
The castle is four levels. Composed of guest rooms on the first two floors, a dining area on the third, and besides has a gorgeous view on the very last floor!
The developer of the Plastic Bottle Village was awarded the Environmental Excellence Award prize.
The prize was presented by MiAMBIENTE in 2017.
Contact information Email: robertb@plasticbottlevillage.comPhone: +507-6949-3389, WhatsApp: +507-6949-3389
5. Surf Playa Bluff’s wild waves in Bocas del Toro
Visit this secluded and pristine beach to chill around or climb up those wild waves!
World surf professionals have their eyes on their savage and powerful waves!
Yet, if you are not a surfer you can enjoy the golden sand of this untapped beach.
6. Hatching & Nesting of Sea Turtles in Playa Bluff
Playa Bluff is not all wild waves but is also a municipal reserve and is a very important turtle nesting ground!
Just at 6 km from Bocas Town is PLaya Bluff. There you can witness the hatching and nesting of the leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtles between March and October.
The whole spectacle takes around 2 hours. Check out Keteka to book a night tour that starts around 7.30 pm and it takes an estimated time of 2 hours.
7. Learn to Surf in Bocas del Toro
If you come to Bocas del Toro you can avoid being tempted to learn how to surf!
There are several surfing schools with all kinds of convenient packages.
Bocas Surf School is a school and a guest house located on the front of the sea!
They offer oceanfront private rooms, surf lessons, and tours, as well as a restaurant and dive on site. Prices range from $50 per person for a 30-minute theory on land.
The class takes 1.5 hours includes a surfboard rental for the class, transportation, and rash guard for the class. Ask for their surf camps starting from $140.
Their combo includes a private room for 6 nights, breakfasts, yoga, and 5 days of surf lessons for $975.
Just like Bocas Surf School, Mono Loco Surf School offer their First lesson starts from $60, 3 lessons for $140, and $225 for 5 lessons. (Pro tip: Come on over with a few friends and get the first lesson for $45!)
Pump up your surfing skills with private classes and surf guides!
8. Discover secret beaches with Sailing Adventours
Discovering secret and secluded beaches in Bocas del Toro is a must!
Rent private sailboats for a maximum of 4 persons and plan a fishing trip just paying $10 a day.
Book your tour with
Panama Sailing and Adventours. Visit their office next to the restaurant El Ultimo Refugio on North Avenue past the Ferry Dock.
Contact then on Phone: +507 6668-6849 Email: info@panamasailing.com.
9. Board on a Catamaran and watch dolphins in Dolphin Bay
Who would love to watch dolphins in a catamaran in Bocas del Toro!
Bocas del Toro Catamaran offers various experiences. They sail slowly around the calm waters of Dolphin Bay looking for bottlenose dolphins!
Then, there is an opportunity for snorkeling in the Coral Garden. Perfect for snapping so pictures and having an unforgettable time with friends.
The trip includes lunch and snacks. It starts from 10 am until 4 pm for $59 per person.
The meeting point is at Boteros Bocatoreños Unidos dock at 9:30 am on a sailing day! The dock is located at the end of the main street, diagonal of Bahia Hotel, beside the Fruit Store.
They offer a light and then you can have a relaxing and wonderful sail back to town, returning around 4 pm.
10. Discover Scuba Diving in Bocas del Toro
If you are a certified scuba diver, this is heaven! But if you have no experience, don’t worry, schools like the Panama Dive School got you covered!
They offer a very comprehensive introductory course. Including pre-diving introductory theory, basic skills session, and 2 open water dives.
The course price is $100 per person for a half-day excursion.
11. Horseback Riding in Bluff Beach
A horse ride in the golden sand of Playa Bluff is the least we can do!
Bluff Beach Retreat offers a 2-3 hour guided horseback ride all along Bluff Beach. (Pro tip: Take lunch or a snack to enjoy on the beach).
You can also stop at one of the three restaurants the Bluff Beach hosts.
Departures are from Bluff Beach Beach Retreat at 9.30 am and 1.30 pm. Reservations are required, at least the day before the wanted date.
The price is $45 and they ask for $5 for the guide in cash prior to the ride. Helmets and rubber boots are available for use.
Important information: The horses are suitable for 12 years old and older with all experience levels. However, horses can only hold a maximum weight of 220 lbs.
(Pro tip: wear long pants for your comfort and bring dry clothing if you plan to swim.)
Contact them on email ron@bluffbeachretreat.com to book or Whatsapp +507-6677-8867.
12. Discover Bocas del Toro by bike
There are several bike rentals allowing you to explore all parts of Isla Colon! And let me tell you this is the most preferred way for getting around Bocas del Toro.
You can get anywhere from Bluff Beach, Boca del Drago, La Gruta (Bat Cave), and Starfish Beach. The sky is the limit! (well, the island is the limit, but you get it!)
In Bocas Ebikes, prices range from $10 for a 1-hour rental, $27 for a 4-hour rental, and $40 for 9 hours. (Pro tip: If you want to rent for a full day, rent it before 11 am! ).
The prices include a rear rack for gear, bike lock, helmet (optional), Custom Map, and headlight.
They are located at 2nd St behind Simon Bolivar Park in Isla Colon. Contact them on Whatsapp +507 6958-3475.
13. Experience Bioluminescence Night tours in Bocas del Toro
The tour is only offered around a New Moon when the darker skies allow the bioluminescence to shine underwater.
Yes, everything happens underwater! From the swirl of a paddle to every movement underwater, the movement will leave a trail of light!
This one of a kind experience is offered by Hello Travel Panama.
Bioluminescence is the creation of light through a biological process by living organisms. In Bocas del Toro, there are thousands of micro-organisms that can bring us this amazing starry underwater experience.
The tour includes information about bioluminescence, a night time snorkeling experience, and cocktails! The price is $30 per person.
The tour’s duration is 2 hours, starting at 7.30 pm. Departure is at the Hello Travel office.
You can book this magical trip calling at (+507) 757-7004 or email info@hellotravelpanama.com.
14. Visit la Gruta de la Virgen
If you are on your way to Boca del Drago from bocas town, La gruta de la Virgen is a must go!
Departing from Bocas Town direction Boca del Drago you’ll reach the Colonia Santeña.
From Colonia Santeña a small trail leads to the entrance of La Gruta Cave marked by a small chapel and a statue of the Virgin Mary.
There is an entrance for $2. The trip is short, it won’t take you longer than 5 minutes. But if you happen to be biking close by is definitely a must stop that will give you a taste of a bat cave!
The water isn’t that high and the cave isn’t that long but it is definitely a must go.
In short, whatever you want to do, you will probably find it in Bocas del Toro and you can easily spend a month there! The hardest part of a holiday here is choosing where to go first and what you want to see.
Extra Activity – Water Sport and Kayak Rentals
Bocas crystal clear water and colorful coral reefs makes it perfect to practice any kind of water sports. At Bocas Buccaneer Resort, located in Carenero Island, you can rent out their Kayaks for an affordable daily price.
Watersport rentals at Bocas Buccaneer Resort
Body board: $5 half day, $10 whole day
Snorkel gear: $4 whole day
Single Kayak: $5 per hour, $10 for 4 hours, $15 whole day
Double Kayak: $7 per hour, $15 for 4 hours, $20 whole day
Paddle boat: $5 per hour, $10 for 4Hs, $15 whole day
