10 Top-Rated Hostels hotel in Bocas del Toro Province

May 10, 2023 Myesha Cogley

An archipelago off the northwest coast of Panama, Bocas del Toro is an eco-tourism favorite with English-speaking and other tourists traveling to this Central American country. Seven islands (including Isla Colón, Isla Carenero and Isla Bastimentos) comprise the land area, with Bocas Town its regional capital and the “big city” for those looking to shop, dine well, and explore nightlife. Adventure lovers will find plenty to keep them occupied, as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing and hiking are first-rate. And if you’re more of a tour-goer, never fear—Bocas del Toro offers a host of them, ranging from sailing to Nivida Bat Cave tours.
Restaurants in Bocas del Toro Province

1. Bambuda Lodge

Bocas del Toro, Isla Solarte Panama
Excellent
74%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 584 reviews

Bambuda Lodge

Bambuda Lodge is the only place in Bocas with a waterfront location and a massive pool. Only 5 minutes from town, Bambuda offers the perfect blend of good vibrations and chilled out atmosphere. We have a coral reef for snorkeling and acres of lush jungle for exploring. Our on-site bar and restaurant will keep the cold drinks flowing while you relax by the pool. Spend time in one of our many interesting hang out spots where you can enjoy the amazing view and the delicious food with friends. -We have a full tour office and we can arrange countless activities for you around the islands that will keep you busy for weeks. Onward travel to somewhere in Panama or Costa Rica can be arranged for you easily. Within Bambuda's 14-acre property there are hiking trails through the jungle, coral reef snorkeling directly in front, and countless plants, fruits and animals living all around us.

Beautiful lodge and good starting point to discover Bocas del Toro

Reviewed By LukasBMUC

The lodge itself is quite beautiful, has a good location and is very clean. It is not on the main island but very easy to reach by water taxi (~10 USD for a single passenger, ~5 USD p.p. for 2+ passengers). You can do canoeing and a few trips directly from the hostel, for more day trips you need to go to the main island first or just organize a round trip by yourself. You cannot cook yourself on the island but the food is good, with reasonable prices. Every evening the staff is organizing some social games and you can sign up for yoga sessions in the morning. Don't miss: In the bay, just in front of the hotel you can see bioluminescence plankton every night, which is really beautiful. You can see it best if the lights are turned off for a short while and then quickly light with a flashlight into the water. Big thanks to the staff of Bambuda Lodge, it was a pleasure to stay with you!

2. Selina Bocas del Toro

Calle 1 B, Isla Colon 0101 Panama
Excellent
66%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1288 reviews

Selina Bocas del Toro

Colorful, Caribbean Bocas del Toro has always been legendary. Made famous by Afro-Caribbeans who arrived to work on nearby banana plantations, Bocas Town has evolved into a multicultural mecca. Dreamy, surreal and seductive, Bocas Town will capture your heart with its coconut groves and blue-green water. Slow down and soak up the Caribbean vibes: islands, reefs and beaches may draw you in, but it’s the energy that will make you want to linger. Selina Bocas del Toro is at the epicenter of Isla Colon in the heart of Bocas Town. Try local and global delicacies at our bar and restaurant, or cook the catch of the day yourself in our common kitchen. Stay in our dormitories, standard, private, unique or deluxe rooms. You can spend the day island hopping or scuba diving. If you have a board, bring it, if not, you can rent our equipment. At night, enjoy live music at our venue, then head out to Bocas Town for a some beer, rum and reggae. From here, the world is your oyster.

Recommendations - things to do

Reviewed By nicolemcr14

I stopped in at Selina's Bocas del Toro to have a mimosa with my friend. We arrived Saturday night and we're looking for things to do in Sunday Luz was our waitress and was so warm and welcoming. She gave us ribs of great recommendations for beaches, restaurants, discos, night life. She took her time and didn't .Ake us feel rushed or that she was in a hurry. She talked to us and asked us what we liked to do and was so very helpful!!! She definitely was a bright light on our first day in Bocas! Thank you, Luz!

3. Selina Red Frog

Red Frog Beach, Isla Bastimentos Panama
Excellent
69%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 312 reviews

Selina Red Frog

Selina Red Frog is a 10-minute boat ride from Bocas Town on the beautiful Isla Bastimentos. Get the best of both worlds surrounded by rainforest, mangroves and white sand beaches. Want a little energy? Head to colorful Caribbean Bocas del Toro, famous for its Afro-Caribbeans vibes, blend of cultures, and blue-green water. Dreamy, surreal and seductive, stepping into this island destination is like stepping into another world. Its crystal-clear water that will draw you in, and the captivating energy that will make you want stay. Dive into crystal clear waters for world-class snorkeling, fishing, and dolphin watching. Paddle out for a day of surf and sun, or venture into the jungle to see exotic wildlife on foot and from above on thrilling canopy tours. Selina Red Frog is a fresh, open space in which to travel, work, and play come together.

The staff are wonderful!

Reviewed By 1975rachel

Thank Vera for your help? We had a fantastic stay and you made it even better! The rooms and common areas are clean. There is a fun relaxing vibe at Selina Red Frog. Red Frog beach is gorgeous. I can’t wait to come back to visit! The Wilgus Family

4. Skully's House

Playa Paunch, Isla Colon Panama
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 65 reviews

Skully's House

Lots of Fun for Everyone!

Reviewed By jpncpa

We stayed several nights in a private room overlooking the water with a nice patio and swing. Room was clean, functional and great for our purpose-a place to sleep, clean-up and enjoy a good night sleep. Bed was comfortable, etc. The A/C and frig were great features too! Skully and all the staff were friendly, helpful and fun to chat with. Pool, bar, lounge chairs, small beach, games, weights and other games available. Also, entertainment a couple of times a week. They were helpful with any and all plans and I saw the same with other guests. Will return the next time in PAN!

5. Hostal Hansi

Ave. D & 2nd. Street, Bocas Town, Isla Colon Panama
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 279 reviews

Hostal Hansi

Great value in the centre of town

Reviewed By rogerp411

My wife and I stayed in a private room with its own toilet and shower. It was simple, but clean, spacious, and even had a private balcony overlooking the pretty front garden. And half the price of many of the other hostels in town. It also has a kitchen for guests to use and seating areas. The location is very central and convenient for accessing boats, local buses, tour agents, restaurants and bars. The couple running it are extremely friendly and helpful, and speak English very well (and Spanish of course). It does not have a sea view but in the neighborhood there are loads of bars and restaurants that provide that (together with load music). You may be disturbed at night by music from bars and people returning to their hotels or homes very late. But this is a feature of Bocas. It is a noisy place day and night. The hostel itself is quiet. We would certainly stay there again if ever back in Bocas.

6. Spanish by the Sea

Calle 4ta Behind Hotel Bahia, Bocas Town, Isla Colon Panama
Excellent
58%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
3%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 59 reviews

Spanish by the Sea

Located 1 block from the seafront in Bocas del Toro. Part of a little chain of awesome Spanish School in Costa Rica & Panama. Offering multiple hammock lounges, WIFI, delicious coffee, soft music & large tables, an interesting crowd of people from all over the world chose us as their stimulating work and study getaway for extended periods of time. Our peaceful sanctuary is within walking distance of everything that Bocas Town has to offer. The on-site tour desk can arrange activities for you! Supermarkets, tour operators, shuttle services, restaurants, bars & clubs with long happy hours including possibilities to jump in the water. Bike, surfboard, paddle boarding (SUP), ATV, kayak; rental places are all around the corner. The best PADI dive center, Bocas Dive Center, is next door from us. There is a spacious & well equipped communal kitchen with an open air feel. The dorms that we offer are to be shared with 2/3/4 persons or go for a private rooms with shared or private bathroom.

I love this hostel!

Reviewed By 620runav

I would definitely recommend Spanish by the sea hostel. I’ve stayed there a great deal of time in total, for pleasure and for taking the Spanish classes! It’s nothing fancy but the vibes are good and everything there is to expect of an hostel and a little more is provided. There is a big kitchen which is well equipped, the price is good, the rooms are fresh, everyone that works there are super nice, they have a ping-pong table and a lot of hammocks etc in the common room and well yeah the price is good? The location according to me is really perfect, because it’s close to everything but it’s also a little bit away from all the clubs and noises - best of both worlds! Don’t hesitate to book it, Bocas del Toro is an amazing place and Spanish by the Sea is definitely the best hostel in town.

7. Twin Fin Hostel

Avenida Norte entre la Calle 4ta y la Calle 5ta, Bocas Town, Isla Colon Panama
Excellent
58%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
5%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 43 reviews

Twin Fin Hostel

Twin Fin Hostel is a brand new hostel located in the town of Isla Colon, in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama. We offer spacious dorm rooms, fast and reliable Wi-Fi, a daily pancake and coffee breakfast included in your stay, laundry service, a fully equipped kitchen and nighttime security surveillance.

A great place to stay

Reviewed By lovelyd561

I found this place because someone had recommended it to me a while back. Is very confortable place and rather cozy, the place has good vibes and a nice location close to everything in town. the staff its friendly and make you feel at home, Breakfast is delicious... I really enjoy my stay and hope to come back.

8. El Jaguar

Sector Central, Calle 100MTS Del Parque, Isla Bastimentos Panama
Excellent
20%
Good
80%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 5 reviews

El Jaguar

Einfach aber wunderbar

Reviewed By MaevaH34

Wir buchten 2 nächte im el jaguar, verlängerten dies aber um 4 nächte, es ist alles sehr einfach gehalten, reicht aber vorig! Die küche ist einigermassen sauber (kommt sehr darauf was für mit-gäste man hat, kann also von tag zu tag ändern). Die mitarbeiter sind sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend, die badezimmer sind sehr sauber, kommt jedoch nur kaltes wasser, gewöhnt man sich aber seeehr schnell daran :) Im dorf an sich kann man nicht seehr viel machen aber man ist sehr schnell für 3dollar in bocas oder sonst auf einer insel. Perfektes hostel wenn man es unkompliziert und einfach mag :)

9. Hostal El Jaguar

Old Bank 50m East From The Main Plaza, Isla Bastimentos 0101 Panama
Excellent
37%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 82 reviews

Hostal El Jaguar

The Jaguar Hostel is a comfortable, clean and affordable choice for those who want to stay in Bastimentos, at a suitable distance from the noise and movement of the capital of the province, Bocas del Toro, but without ignoring valid options for your holiday such as excellent places to visit, typical restaurants and the most beautiful views of the archipelago. At short distance of the village are some of the best beaches, surfing spots, trails and more attractions that you will discover as your days are spent in the kind attention of our hostel.

Nice accommodation

Reviewed By chrismE5291OE

Bastimentos itself is a horrible filthy litter strewn hovel with everything way overpriced and totally not worth visiting the only thing that made it bearable was the accommodation. After reading great reviews about the island we booked 4 nights (3 too many) the hostal has a great communal area, wifi was good and 2 well equipped kitchens and your right on the sea front. We thought we could walk everywhere but, most trails are unsafe to do because of crime (so all the locals tell you) so every trip involves overpriced water taxis, I would recommend the hostal, its great, not the island its awful

10. Hostal Green Coast

Old Bank, Isla Bastimentos Panama
Excellent
91%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 11 reviews

Hostal Green Coast

Enjoy the peaceful paradise of authentic island life! Hostal Green Coast is located right on the carribean sea in Isla Bastimentos, Bocas Del Toro. The water taxi will drop you off on the hostels pier from where you will be greeted by the staff. Rooms are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Towels and soap are provided and we offer laundry service for a small fee. The hostel has a bar, daily happy hour and offers national and International cuisine. In the town you will find 3 small supermarkets, local bars, restaurants island hopping tours and hiking to organic farms. Far enough away from the noise of Bocas Town, yet easily accessible by a 10 minute water taxi. We offer a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, great choice for scuba divers, surfers and nature-lovers.

Nice location on the waterfront

Reviewed By Avigilator

I stayed for two nights. Rooms were basic but had air con. The beds however were extremely uncomfortable with springs that poked through the mattress and the fitted sheets kept coming off to expose the mattress. Sleep was greatly disturbed by very loud music coming from a neighbouring bar and other guests walking along the wooden corridor. On the plus side, the communal deck has great views and offers a relaxed area to chill out. Drinks are reasonably priced and boat rides can be arranged via the friendly staff.

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