Making the most of Bocas del Toro
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships are unable to dock, so tender service takes passengers ashore.
A printable map is available to take along.
The Bocas del Toro Archipelago has nine islands, 52 keys and around 200 small islets. Colón Island is the largest and most developed, and hosts Bocas del Toro, the provincial capital town. The archipelago’s population is about 9000 people, roughly half of whom live in Bocas del Toro town.
Bocas Town offers the province’s best choice of dining, nightlife and accommodations. It is a classic Caribbean village, with pastel rooftops, fresh seafood in stilted waterfront restaurants, boldly coloured fishing boats and docks crossing patchwork waters. Playa Bluff is its most dazzling beach.
Bocas town is compact enough to explore on foot. Cabs are plentiful when needed and typically cost about 60 cents for trips around town.
Bicycles are another option: basic models rent for $6/day, while bigger hostels rent electric pedal-assist bikes for more.
Getting around
Water taxis provide quick trips from Almirante, the mainland port, to Bocas Town on Isla Colon, and also travel between the islands.
Nearby places
The area is popular for scuba diving and eco tours to Bastimentos Island National Marine Park.
A lagoon a few miles from Bocas Town is home to wild dolphins. Many island day tours stop there, and it can also be reached by water taxi.
Food and shopping
Traditional Panamanian crafts are cheapest at artisan markets. The leading Panama City market is in Balboa, closely followed by Panama Viejo. The mola, Panama’s best-known craft, is intricate reverse-applique work made by the Kuna. Molas are sold at both craft markets and by vendors on the Casco Viejo seawall.
Money
Panama’s currencies are the Balboa and the US Dollar. The balboa has the same value as the US dollar, but in practice Balboas exist only as coins equivalent to US coins.
Staying connected
Spanish is official; English is spoken by 14%, and many Panamanians are bilingual.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours differ, but most stores and shops trade from 9:00 am to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Sunday, with some open as late as 10:00 p.m.