The quickest way to travel to Bocas del Toro is by plane, with the town having a small airport to serve regional flights. From Panama City, the flight time is around 45 minutes with multiple daily flights, but remember to book ahead as they tend to sell out! Alternatively there is a more budget busy and boat option that will take you a full day of travelling (10+ hours), or if you are coming via Costa Rica, there are also less regular direct flights from San Jose. Once you are in Bocas, boat taxis are the most popular way of getting around and to other islands.
There are multiple hotels in the town and dotted around the surrounding islands for you to choose from. In town, Diver paradise offer comfortable rooms for divers and non-divers alike, with a nice pier to relax in the sun and snorkel off. Away from the main town, Tranquilo Bay offers luxury jungle lodges for you to explore the wider archipelago and the wonderful array of nature that inhabits it. Alternatively, Azul Paradise provides Indian Ocean-esque overwater bungalows for that touch of luxury in the sun you’re looking for.
When you are staying on one of the islands, you’ll likely be eating at your hotel, with many offering all meals included in the rates. In Bocas town there are a wide range of different cuisines and styles – head to Raw Fusion for a touch of Japanese whilst overlooking the waters edge. Alternatively, Bocart takes you on a more Caribbean style of fusion or OM Cafe where you can try some of the flavours of India!
One bar definitely not to miss whilst in Bocas town is the Floating Bar, which is literally a boat floating around the town, to which you can catch a water taxi. You can grab a seat over the water with a beer and enjoy some beats with the live music. Alternatively, head to La Buga for great views across the bay, or Munchies for frozen cocktails and darts.
You can’t visit the area without exploring the array of beautiful islands that make up the Bocas del Toro archipelago. You can fly through the jungle at Red Frog on zip lines, explore the paradise island of Zapatilla, learn about local sweet treats at a chocolate farm or simply wander through the jungle watching out for a myriad of birds, frogs and, of course, sloths!
Tranquilo Bay
Escape the stresses of modern life and relax at this luxury jungle eco resort among the beautiful islands of the Bocas Del Toro archipelago in Panama. Explore the surrounding area by kayak, snorkel its stunning reefs and spot sloths whilst wandering back from breakfast!
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