If we’re being completely honest here, we weren’t as enchanted by Bocas del Toro, Panama as the guidebooks predicted we would be. The Caribbean archipelago consists primarily of nine islands, two national parks, and a variety of wildlife. By all descriptions, the tropical paradise should have completely lured us in.

We liked it. It’s difficult not to like somewhere with beautiful islands and great food and a chilled out Caribbean vibe. But Bocas del Toro is extremely touristy, and many of the area attractions just didn’t seem worth the hype. Like, a visit to Dolphin Bay consisted of four boats of tourists waiting around for two dolphins that would eventually make a brief appearance. In contrast, our boat ride to Corcovado National Park saw pods of dolphins playfully following our boat.  Bocas del Toro lacked that wild, natural feel to it.

Though we weren’t completely enamored by Bocas del Toro, we did enjoy our time there. And had we not been spoiled from two months of exploring Costa Rica’s best beaches and wildlife, perhaps we would have seen what so many other travelers see.

Here’s a glimpse of our trip. What do you think?

 

A Cruising Couple Bocas Del Toro

Bocas Del Toro Houses_2

Doesn’t get more waterfront than that!

Bocas Del Toro Houses

Bocas del Toro: where the main transport is boat.

 

Wizards Beach

Wizards Beach Bocas Del Toro

Take a water taxi out here for some of Bocas’ best surfing, but be sure to bring your own surfboard!

 

Red Frog Beach

Red Frog Beach Bocas Del Toro

 

Dolphin Bay

Dolphin Bay Bocas Del Toro

 Quick! Grab your camera- this is the only shot you’re getting!

 

Isla Zapatilla

Zapatilla Bocas Del Toro_2

Now THIS is more like it!

Zapatilla Bocas Del Toro_3

So walk around the island 3 times.

Zapatilla Bocas Del Toro

Take the cross island path.

Calling the Mermaid

Grab the magic conch and….

Relax

 There it is! A serene sea of blue just for you.

 

Snorkeling

Octopus

There’s lots to see under the sea…
Parrotfish

Parrotfish

needlefish

Needlefish

Sea Slug

Sea Slug

 

Bird Island

Bird Island_5

And up in the air! One guess as to what you’ll find here…
Bird Island_3

Mother and Baby

Yup, nothing but angry birds.

Bird Island_4

Birds Bocas Del Toro

Preparing for takeoff

Birds Bocas Del Toro_2

Waiting in line

 

Starfish Beach

Starfish Beach Bocas Del Toro_2

We hired a private water taxi to take us out to Starfish Beach before the other tourists woke up. The few extra dollars was definitely worth it!

Starfish Beach Bocas Del Toro_3

Thanks for showing us around beautiful mermaid!

Starfish Beach Bocas Del Toro

 

Arriving in Bocas del Toro

If coming from Costa Rica,  you’ll likely take a shuttle from Puerto Viejo to Almirante, then boat from Almirante to Bocas. Cost is around $25.  The trip takes 2.5 hours +, depending upon time spent at the border.

There are also a variety of buses and shuttles servicing the border of Costa Rica and Panama.

Stay At

Bocas Town is where you’ll find the majority of budget accommodation and guesthouses. We stayed at the Palma Royale, a slightly more expensive option, but easily boasting the best view in all of Bocas Town.

Eat

There’s a fantastic Wine and Tapas Lounge located on the main street. It was the only truly memorable place we dined during our stay.

Do

Other than surfing, the main attraction at Bocas is to take an island tour. It is easy to arrange tours on the main road or at most hotels. Everyone offers the same three packages, so there is no use in really ‘shopping around’. Most tours are around $20-$30 for a half-day of island hopping and snorkeling.

Have you been to Bocas del Toro before? What was your impression?