City: Bocas del Toro Province
Top Things to do in Bocas del Toro Province
Countries
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Bocas del Toro Province, Panama
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. Isla Pajaros
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By rvrvwmike - Acra, United States
My first bit of advice is to try and get out here when the wind is down, it is a couple miles or so from shore and the ride can be rough if it is very windy. The Island is a very cool place, I enjoy fishing on the ocean side when the weather permits. The water is much clearer than the inshore spots, but the weather is key to having a good experience especially if some of your party members are uncomfortable on the water to start. That said I found the best bet in Bocas for water activities is to hire a boat for the day and plan to visit several places, like Dolphin Bay, Isla Pajaros (AKA Bird Island), Zapatilla cays, Coral Cay, Starfish Beach,The Chocolate farm. You get the Idea. We use the same boatman we hooked up with on our first visit each year we pay him $250 for the very full day and buy him lunch this covers the 25' outboard boat (panga), the very pleasant English speaking gentleman driver and the fuel for the day. This is probably top of the $ scale. Finding a good boat and driver is key, You have to ask around the better hotels and expat hangouts and be sure to get a look at the boat as well as meet your driver in person before making a deal. Our guy takes us pretty much anywhere we want and knows lots of spots for snorkeling and also a few fishing spots. For us this way beats the pants off of the cattle boats that crowd tourists on and just take them to the popular tourist spots.
2. Isla Bastimentos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By 450olivias - London, United Kingdom
We stayed in Bocas town (3 nights) and although it's lovely it's so touristy so we decided to visit both Bastimentos island (2 nights) and solarte (4 nights)island both where so much better the Bocas town. We stayed in seapearl apartments which was great! We Love to have our own kitchen, it had a small balcony with a hammock which meant we could chill and just watch local life go by. It's will absolutely give you a more authentic view into Panamanian life. Each some delicious local fish and drink ice cold beer (the cheapest in panama) We would go back again! Don't miss it
3. Rio San San
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By 352rachaeln
My husband and I were staying in Bocas Town on Colon Island, Bocas Del Toro, and we took a day trip to see the manatees in Rio San San. The people at Aamvecona care about protecting the wildlife in the region, specifically manatees and sea turtles, and are making efforts to reforest the surrounding land. We were the only visitors when we arrived, so they sent us on a private tour which lasted about 4 hours and cost $50/person. Our guide was great at spotting iguanas and sloths along the river and very willing to slow down or even turn around if we spotted something interesting. We really enjoyed seeing the manatees and other wildlife along the river. This tour is pricier than many others in the region, but it was worth every penny! Notes about getting there: The center is located on the Rio San San and is not very visible from the road. It is the last driveway before you cross over the "puente San San." If you go by taxi, your driver will likely know where the "puente San San" is. If you go by bus, you will have to catch the "Changuinola -- Las Tablas" bus from Changuinola. There is a bus stop right in front of the center. Bring bug spray!!
4. Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
Reviewed By Shellys6 - Cleveland, United States
Beautiful and calm waters to snorkel with tons of reef fish around. There are multiple reefs to snorkel along the parque. Go when the water is calm and clear.
5. Isla Zapatillas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 588 reviews
Reviewed By SandraS392 - Prince George, Canada
This would be the perfect place to be stranded on! It’s nice that it has been kept so clean when many other places are littered. We walked around the entire island in about 40 minutes mostly barefoot as the sand was so soft with just enough beach & some shade. We passed other people who were on larger tours, but they didn’t stay long. We went on a private tour so had flexibility and spent over 4 hours here, mostly just splashing in the gentle waves! Other beaches we visited had rough water so enjoyed the calmness and quietness. The ride out included a successful sloth island & dolphin bay stop. I’d go private again!
6. Polo Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Newport35 - San Jose, Costa Rica
It is worth to walk from Red Frog Beach to Polo Beach. We did one way by the forest and one way by the beach. Both are worth every minute. Lots of birds to see. The walk by the beach is also amazing. We were snorkeling at every beach.
7. Crawl Cay (Kraal Cay)
8. La Amistad International Park
9. Dolphin Bay Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 626 reviews
The Dolphin Bay Preserve EcoTour is unlike any other tour in Bocas del Toro!Go beyond dolphin viewing, jungle hiking, and snorkeling and experience nature like never before!This is your chance to taste the fruit of cacao fresh from the pod, get close enough to touch poison dart frogs, caimans and sea urchins, and learn about the rich socioeconomic and cultural history of Bocas del Toro. Itinerary:• 10:00 (flexible): Our guide picks you up at your hotel• 10:30: Arrive at Dolphin Bay for dolphin watching• 11:00: Arrive at Dolphin Bay Preserve and begin hike• 1:30: Locally prepared lunch • 2:00: Snorkeling• 3:00: Return to your hotel
Reviewed By caparkbem - Rogers, United States
The boat tour takes you to sloth island, dolphin bay, Zappitilla, and snorkeling. It is great seeing the dolphins in the bay and if the boat captain circles quickly the dolphins play in the wake. A great tour.
10. Boca del Drago
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 419 reviews
Reviewed By rhonad136
It is a bumpy ride to get here from Bocas Town but worth it. The setting is gorgeous and you can have your own part of the beach with no one nearby or choose to sit at the area with drinks and food. Very relaxing. And the drive there (bus, taxi or quad - don’t try to bike) is lovely too, despite the potholes.
TAGS
