Bocas del Toro, a tropical getaway in a paradise-like setting

Hotels built on stilts, small islands covered in coconut palms and surrounded by mangroves, lush jungle, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters.

Bocas del Toro is an archipelago in Panama made up of various islands, some more populated and lively than others. The Caribbean vibe will immediately put you in a vacation mood.

You can reach the archipelago by land from Costa Rica via the Sixaola border crossing and then take a boat to the island. It’s also possible to reach the main island by plane, as Isla Colón has an airport, so you can take a domestic flight from Panama City. To get around between the islands, you’ll take water taxis, which will immerse you right away in the Caribbean and local atmosphere.

The main island —and Bluff Beach in particular—is an ideal spot for surfers and also for beginners looking to learn this board sport. Don’t hesitate to rent a bike to explore the various nooks and crannies of the main island and lose yourself in the lush jungle.

Bocas del Toro is also an idyllic spot for a peaceful romantic weekend getaway.

Here are a few traveler reviews to make you even more eager to come and discover this unique, multifaceted archipelago!

Bocas del Toro, according to Ilan (31):

A true paradise for both seasoned divers and beginners, as the archipelago offers a wide variety of dive sites. You’ll have the chance to explore plane and shipwrecks on the ocean floor. I recommend the Bocas Dive Center, which has its own dive center at their hotel and organizes socially conscious dives. You’ll go on a dive from the dock at the Bocas del Toro center with the goal of collecting as much trash as possible that has washed up on the seafloor; this trash is then sorted and counted before being sent to Project Aware, which manages a global database of underwater cleanup operations.

Trip in February 2021

What if we asked Juliette (24):

Bocas del Toro was an absolute favorite! Crystal-clear water, starfish, and fine sandy beaches aren’t just a myth there—they’re a reality. What a joy to be able to eat fresh lobster with your feet in the sand and a view of the ocean… The Caribbean atmosphere, the vibrant colors, and the great little restaurants in the town of Bocas del Toro only add to the charm of the surrounding beaches.

Trip in June 2021

Clément (27), what do you think?

If you’re looking for a stopover during your trip to Panama, Bocas del Toro is the perfect spot. White-sand beaches, Caribbean culture, and—best of all—colorful coral reefs beneath the water. Personally, I have absolutely no regrets about my little trip to Panama. Everything here is so relaxing, especially if you choose to stay at a small lodge on one of the remote islands nestled between the jungle and idyllic beaches.

trip in May 2021

Terra Caribea would like to thank these lovers of turquoise waters and lobsters for sharing their recent reviews. We can’t wait to help you discover even more and hopefully see your reviews added to the ones above 😉

Here’s a quick tip to wrap things up: even though it’s hard to predict the weather in the Caribbean, this archipelago gets the most sunshine between August and December.

Eva, travel planner & tropical beach lover