Things to Do in Bocas del Toro: A Local Guide
Bocas del Toro is a nine-island archipelago on Panama's Caribbean coast: orange-sand beaches, reefs made for snorkeling, jungle full of frogs and monkeys, and an island town that never quite sleeps. Here's our list, from La Selva, of what's truly worth it.
Before you come, our guide on how to get to Bocas del Toro may help. Once you're here, this is what not to miss.
Dream beaches
- Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella): on the northwest of Isla Colón, famous for giant starfish in crystal-clear shallows. Golden rule: never lift them out of the water.
- Red Frog Beach (Bastimentos): a 15-minute boat ride away, with tiny red poison-dart frogs on the forest floor. Mind the riptides.
- Bluff Beach: 5 km of golden sand on Isla Colón's east coast, a bike ride from Paunch. Stunning to walk; not for swimming due to currents.
- Wizard Beach (Bastimentos): a postcard jungle beach, perfect for switching off.
Archipelago boat tours
The classic full-day boat tour is the best way to see Bocas. It usually costs ~$25–45 per person and includes several stops:
- Zapatilla Cays: two uninhabited islands inside Bastimentos National Marine Park, with white sand and postcard snorkeling (a park fee may apply).
- Dolphin Bay: a mangrove bay with year-round bottlenose dolphins. Choose operators that respect wildlife and don't chase the dolphins.
- Bird Island (Isla Pájaros): a sea rock with nesting seabirds.
Snorkeling and diving
Bocas' reef is among the Caribbean's best for easy snorkeling. Top spots: Coral Cay (Crawl Cay), with over-water restaurants for lunch; Hospital Point and Coral Garden. For diving, there are trips to The Wreck and Tiger Rock.
Surfing
Bocas is a serious surf destination, and La Selva sits right above one of its breaks. If you're here for the waves, see our Bocas del Toro surf guide with spots by level and the best season.
Nature and adventure
- Nivida Bat Cave (Bastimentos): a cave with bats and an underground pool, deep in the jungle.
- Frogs and monkeys: at La Selva itself and along the island trails you'll spot red frogs, sloths and howler monkeys.
Nightlife in Bocas town
The town, on Isla Colón, comes alive at night: Barco Hundido (the sunken-ship bar), Aqua Lounge on Carenero, and the famous Filthy Fridays party crawl across three islands.
Tips from people who live here
- Carry cash (US dollars): many tours, boats and kiosks don't take cards.
- Protect the reef: use reef-safe sunscreen and don't touch or remove wildlife.
- Book tours a day ahead in high season. We'll help you arrange them from La Selva.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Bocas del Toro?
A boat tour of the archipelago (Zapatilla Cays, Dolphin Bay, snorkeling at Coral Cay), Starfish Beach, Red Frog Beach, surfing, and exploring Bluff Beach.
How much does a boat tour cost?
A full day is about $25–45 per person depending on the route; the Zapatilla Cays may have an extra park fee.
Where can you see starfish?
At Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella) on the northwest of Isla Colón. Never lift them out of the water.
Can you see dolphins?
Yes, Dolphin Bay has bottlenose dolphins year-round. Choose operators that respect wildlife.