Things to do & places to visit in Bocas del Toro Province, Panama

An archipelago off the northwest coast of Panama, Bocas del Toro is an eco-tourism favorite with English-speaking and other tourists traveling to this Central American country. Seven islands (including Isla Colón, Isla Carenero and Isla Bastimentos) comprise the land area, with Bocas Town its regional capital and the “big city” for those looking to shop, dine well, and explore nightlife. Adventure lovers will find plenty to keep them occupied, as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing and hiking are first-rate. And if you’re more of a tour-goer, never fear—Bocas del Toro offers a host of them, ranging from sailing to Nivida Bat Cave tours.

Bocas del Toro Province #2 destination in Panama 2023. The average rating score is 4.61 based on 11.9k traveler reviews, of 87 attractions. Timezone: America/Panama, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 21:55.

Bocas del Toro Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

82°F - 77°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm, humid but cool

Feels like

84%

Chance of rain

630.0 millimeters

Amount

7.6 mph

Wind speed

88%

Humidity

12.5

Daylight length

6:08 AM

Sunrise

6:41 PM

Sunset

18%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (50)

Top destinations in Bocas del Toro Province 24

See more 12 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Bocas Dive Center (1.601 reviews)
- Pure chill professionals!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

Kelly and the team are very welcoming and progessional. I not only did my Open Water certificate but also directly chose to do the Adventure Diver Certificate. Kelly was a wonderful diving teacher and she was really giving her best, to make me learn quickly and efficient. The course was taught to me in my tempo I needed it and Kelly was always happy to help me with anything. I always felt very safe and the price paid felt justified. I will definitely come back one day! See more..
5.0 La Buga Dive Center & Surf School (1.334 reviews)
- A fun and informative experience! Ivan was great.
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

I received my open water dive certification at La Buga in November 2021. Ivan was my instructor and I had a great time. Ivan was a great instructor as he explained every thing clearly and in great detail. The course was both fun and informative. After two days and 5 dives I feel confident in my diving ability and can’t wait to do it again. I would definitely recommend the program at La Buga. As for the the diving locations, they are great. Lots of coral, fish and a rainbow of different colors. Plenty of variety. Shipwrecks we’re very cool to see as well. Good at the restaurant is very good too, I recommend the Yuca fries ! See more..
5.0 Flying Pirates (1.322 reviews)
- The best way to see Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

ATV/Quad Rental Flying Pirates - ride an ATV, with or without a guide, through a private, off-limits-to-everyone-else, 1,500 acre rainforest! Your day begins in the heart of Bocas town, where you will be picked up and shuttled to our secondary location just outside of town. We offer surf racks, for those of you wanting to hit the waves while you are out, and all of our bikes come with lock boxes attached for your cameras and cash. Wind your way out of town until you hit Bluff Road and just keep right on going until you reach our property. The Flying Pirates trails will take you through the jungle, then alongside pristine beaches, all perfect for a pit stop and some swimming. Rock Beach, La Piscina and, the newly accessible Blue Lagoon, are all gorgeous natural water formations perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Explore the caves at the tip of the island, and return through Monkey Trail. If you rev your engines a little bit, the monkeys might just yell back at you. See more..
5.0 Bocas Diving Pirates (419 reviews)
- Perfect experience!
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

I went to Diving Pirates to get my PADI open water. I got very scared on some of the skills I needed to practice underwater. The WHOLE team encouraged me, gave me tips and made me feel at ease to dare try again. When I was finally ready to go back in the water for my second dive a week later, Francesco (my instructor) did everything to make me feel safe and also have some fun. From that point on, I just wanted to keep going back! And yes, I now have my certification! I have no doubt that it’s the only place I could have made it thanks to their professionalism, patience, skills and constant laughter. I also did a night snorkel that was really fun. :) See more..
5.0 Green Acres Chocolate Farm and Nature Preserve (303 reviews)
- Delightful tour!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Farms

The US-born owners are new and have only been there about 3+ months, but show lots of passion for their cocoa business and beautiful gardens. Our group was large, so they sensibly split us into 4 small groups and one person took each group in a different direction, showing us the property and teaching us about the plants, trees, animals AND the process of growing and refining cacao! They gave us samples of it at each stage and after, treated us to squares made with their chocolate, as well as samples of chocolate 'tea' and a liquor made with rum, cocoa and sweetened condensed milk, with, of course, products we could buy. Although a very small and relatively primitive operation, their enthusiasm was infectious and we wish them luck as they get further established. It was also encouraging to hear how they are working with local people and also doing small projects that give back to their new country. A very nice tour! See more..
5.0 Habla Ya Spanish School, Bocas del Toro Campus- Day Classes (246 reviews)
- Amazing school and Aicel is an amazing teacher!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Lessons & Workshops

Habla Ya offers different types of Spanish courses: from group lessons (4 hours per day, maximum 6 students per class) and private classes. See more..
5.0 Bocas Yoga (209 reviews)
- Great and relaxing experience
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Yoga & Pilates

The custom-built Bocas Yoga Studio was designed specifically for the practice of Yoga, with clean hard-wood floors. Nowhere else in Bocas Town is there a space that's devoted entirely to Yoga practice. All classes provide a highly attentive and supportive environment. Appropriate for beginners and ongoing intermediate students. Founder, Laura Kay, who in addition to completing 250 hours of Basic Yoga Teacher Training, has successfully completed 108 hours of Anusara Yoga Immersions & 36 hours of Anusara Yoga Teacher Training. Here you will find a safe, comfortable, noncompetitive, nonjudgmental, lightly air-conditioned, nurturing haven. Classes use principles of alignment to promote safety and empower students to achieve their full potential. Each class interweaves heart-oriented, life-affirming themes to connect students to the deeper purpose of yoga. LGBT haven. See more..
5.0 Scuba 6 ECO Diving (168 reviews)
- Best scuba dive center in Bocas!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

We highly recommend this place! Michelle took care of giving my boyfriend the Open Water Course while Roberto took me diving to other places. Jinette stayed in the center, but before every dive she gave us a talk about all the marine life that we would see in the places that we would visited. If you are looking for the word of the experience and interesting people to dive with go to SCUBA DIVE 6 See more..
5.0 Bocas Ebikes (103 reviews)
- Best Bikes on Bocas!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

Offering electric fat tire bike rentals allowing you to explore all parts of Isla Colon! Easily visit Bluff Beach and all it's offerings, Boca del Drago, La Gruta (Bat Cave) and Starfish Beach. See more..
5.0 Bastimentos Alive (97 reviews)
- Best Hiking Tour ever! Through the jungle at hidden and less/ none touristic places with the local guide Titi.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

we did the hiking tour to the polo beach on bastimentos with Titi. I can only say it was one of the best tours I have ever done! Titi brought fruits from his own farm and showed interesting trees, animals and new paths on the hike. we felt safe in the jungle with Titi. the best tour to get in touch with local people and avoid very touristy places! I would book the tour again in a heartbeat! See more..
5.0 Up In The Hill (89 reviews)
- A MUST in Bocas
Saturday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Farms

Beautiful & secluded cabin on the highest hill of Isla Bastimentos, overlooking Pantai surf break. Fully equipped with kitchen, queen sized bed, bedsofa, living area, deck and hotwater shower. The cabin is solar powered, with a rain water catchment system.The cabin sits a short distance from Up in the Hill Coffee Shop on an organic chocolate and tropical fruit farm. A 15 minute walk, through beautiful tropical jungle, from the Caribbean town of Old Bank, and 20 minutes from the stunning Wizard Beach, an ideal place for surfing or sunning. The cabin is a perfect base for surf trips, hikes or ideal for a quiet retreat away from it all. Delicious breakfast or home-made pizzas, gnocchi, organic salads can be ordered from the Up in the Hill Coffee ShopStaying Up in the Hill is a truly unique experience where you can have luxury, healthy living, and adventure while being away from it all. See more..
5.0 Bocas Tec Diving (53 reviews)
- Great friendly and professional dive shop
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

I am an experienced diver with hundreds of dives around the world. I was in Bocas in December of 2019 with my 2 sons (also cert divers) and we used Boca Tec Diving for two afternoon dives and one night dive. Our dive master was Jacquelyn, who was a real pleasure and very professional dive master. All equipment was new and in great condition. We went with only 3 or 4 people on the boat - very easy and not crowded. The price was very reasonable and all equipment was included in the price (even the wetsuites). Good location too. Eddy ( the owner) was very friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend this place if you want to dive in Bocas del Toro. See more..
5.0 Gypsy Travel Panama (51 reviews)
- Nea made my trip so much better
Multi-day Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling • Shark Diving • Submarine Tours • Surfing & Windsurfing • Boat Tours • Night Tours • Private Tours • Food Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Bar, Club & Pub Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Speed Boats Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing • Day Trips

I came to Bocas by myself as I like to travel alone. Nea made sure that everything I wanted to do was planned out and set up perfectly. From organizing a photo shoot with the super talented Riki for my health and wellness company, booking the ATV your or to setting up a private boat with the coolest guide in Manuel Downer so I could go to Zapatilla Island. Nea set it all up, got me a great price on all my outings and made sure I was looked after 100%. Im planning on going back after Covid/19 is over and will be booking all my excursions with Nea again. Nea isn't a travel agent she's a travel angel who goes so far above and beyond it would be crazy not to use her if you are going to Bocas Del Toro. See more..
5.0 Panama Horseback Adventures (50 reviews)
- Adventure in the djungle!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Panama Horseback Adventures is a small adventure based tour company that works closely with the indigenous people of the San Cristobal Village. We create jobs and tourism for the local village as well as provide top quality horseback adventures for riders of all levels. See more..
5.0 Bluff Beach Retreat Horseback Riding (41 reviews)
- Jungle ride, rain, and monkeys
Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Take a 3 hour guided Horseback Ride along the Bluff Beach Road to the pools of Finca Floras. Your journey will take you to the secluded beautiful ocean pools. They are calm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling - bring your gear if you like. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy on the beach. Stop at one of Bluff Beach's three restaurants at the end of your ride.To reserve please call or email us. All tours begin at Bluff Beach Retreat. See more..
5.0 Random Art (17 reviews)
- eat, pray, love and Paint on an Island
Saturday: Spent More than 3 hours Paint & Pottery Studios • Cooking Classes

Painting was on my bucket list. Christian made it happen in her wonderful "art world" in Bocas Del Toros. A delightful instructor; all levels are welcome. I was a beginner but I left feeling confident and if I could start painting, I could do anything. All supplies are included for just $15 for an 1 and 1/2 hour session. Go into town for a day of shopping, lunch and painting. What else can fill your heart's desire and satisfy your creative drive. I'm hooked and I'll be a return student. See more..
5.0 Starfish Diving Bocas (11 reviews)
- INCREDIBLE DIVE IN BOCAS DEL DRAGO
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

We stopped in Bocas del Drago for a few days without thinking we were going to Dive and out of nowhere we were underwater, learning to get out PADI certificates. Starfish Diving was incredible!Beco took us to beautiful reefs where we saw be super colourful marine life while learning the abilities we needed to learn for our final test. Beco made the whole experience much more fun than expected! If you want to fly underwater don’t hesitate!! It’s a must!!! See more..
5.0 Enigma Bocas (9 reviews)
- Amazing escape
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

First and only Escape Room in Bocas del Toro, Panama! The perfect activity for a rainy day or any evening. See more..
5.0 Shana Travel Panama (9 reviews)
- Shana travels goes the extra mile. Best agent ever!
Multi-day Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Golf Courses • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Day Trips

We have traveled for many times already and we know that a good agent can make or break your holiday. Shana travel definitely made our holiday, Schoshana (who runs the agency) is the best agent we ever had! Our trip was already planned in all the perfect details by her with suggestions to go and do at every location. But then the strikes hit and some of the places we supposed to go to where not possible to reach. She immediately contact us and explained that we should not worry and suggested to make changes with our profile in mind. She did everything she could to make our holiday a succes and was in very close contact with our drivers, lodges and ourselves. And she was right, we had no worries at all and our trip could not have been better. See more..
5.0 Bocas Water Excursions (9 reviews)
- Great tour - clean boat - great day out
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Taxis & Shuttles • Boat Tours

We had this tour set up through the Selina Hostal we were staying at. The tour included snorkel gear and water. They trip started with a run out to dolphin bay where we got to see about a 1/2 dozen dolphins plying. Our guide got one of the dolphins to follow the boat around and ply in the wake. He then took us though some back channels to see starfish and then onto the corral keys where we snorkelled. The reef was really good compared to other places we saw in panama. The Zapatillas island was next - beautiful. The trip included a stop at a restaurant on a remote island. The food cost extra, but was good. The guide then added in a stop at Sloth island where we circled the island and saw over a dozen sloths in the trees. It was a fun and memorable day out for our family. See more..
5.0 Bocas Cart Rental (9 reviews)
- Well maintained carts
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

Tour Bocas Del Toro in style. 2 and 4 person gas powered Club Car golf carts available for rent. "Rain or shine we've got you covered" See more..
5.0 Isla Pajaros (8 reviews)
- One of those places you see in magazines - amazingly beautiful!
Islands

We stopped by this amazing little island on our way around Bocas coming from starfish beach via private boat taxi. Upon seeing this place you will be blown away at how pretty it is. The shapes of the rock, the cut-throughs and picture perfect scenery are things you might only see once in a lifetime. We had brought our snorkel gear with us and took about 30 mins to snorkel around close to the rock - it was really pretty - plenty of small fish, corals and awesome green / blue color water. We did not walk on the island - not even sure that you can as it appears it's just a rock island coming out of the water - no beach or anything on any side. So for pictures and snorkeling I'd highly recommend you make the trip here....it's so close to starfish beach so if you're planning a trip there, add this to it! See more..
5.0 Bocas Healing Yoga Heather Rose (5 reviews)
- Yoga in a peaceful open air Yoga studio over the water!
Spent < 1 hour Yoga & Pilates
Vinyasa Yoga Vinyasa yoga is a more active form of yoga where we flow with the breath between poses using sun salutations. This class will give you a great work out while bring harmony and balance to the body and mind. Heather offers public classes, private, and semi-private classes. Private classes at $40, semi-private of 2 or more people $60 (up to 6 people, 7 or more $10 per person). Energy Healing Energy Healing sessions are available by appointment. Heather is an expert at reading the chakras(energy centers of the body that yoga helps to open, clear, and heal and are the basis of all forms of yoga) and works with you to identify blocks in your system while gently using hands on healing to clear and open the chakras and meridians(pathways from the chakras to organs). Heather's sessions have helped hundreds of clients to find relief and heal from debilitating injuries and past experiences leading to a new joy, health, and balance in the body. Sessions are $125 per hour. Therapeutic Massage Heather is trained in various modalities and is gifted at finding and healing injuries. A combination of deep tissue, swedish, trigger point therapy, and neuromuscular skeletal technique will melt away stress and having you feeling blissful. $65 per hour, $90 per 1.5 hours. Herbal Consultations- address health issues using rain forest herbs $50 Tarot Readings- 3 card reading with 2 questions $30, full reading with up to 5 additional questions $60 Akashic Record Reading- Heather is trained to access and read the akashic records, where all lifetimes and events are stored. $200 for 1.5 hour session. See more..
5.0 Finca Montezuma Chocolate Farm (5 reviews)
- Sweet escape
Spent 2-3 hours Farms

We're a tree to bonbon chocolate farm right in Dolphin Bay. Try our award-winning milk chocolate & explore our cacao forest to see howler monkeys, sloths, spectacled caimans, toucans, owls,... Meet our horses, sheep & pigs while you learn about other tropical fruits such as avocado, custard apple, papaya, passionfruit & pineapples. Visit for a treat for all your senses! See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Bocas del Toro Province (600 reviews)
- Tropical dream
Spent More than 3 hours Islands

I almost want to give this a terrible review so the crowds don’t flock to this beautiful, pristine island and ruin it. White sandy beaches, uncrowded, clear, turquoise warm waters... it truly was paradise. See more..
4.5 Playa Bluff (468 reviews)
- Beautiful surf beach
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

A very long and beautiful beach that appears less spoilt than many in the area. Their are a couple bars / restaurants to be found down its 1.5 mile stretch that I found to have welcoming hosts offering good quality food and beverages at reasonable prices. I hear its a great beach for surfing. This said the powerful surf and riptides that make it a winner for surfers unfortunately make it unsafe for casual swimming, but its still beautiful never the less. See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos (357 reviews)
- OUTSTANDING SNORKELING Diving
Parks

Just spent 10 days in the Bocas del Torro area. We found the BEST snorkeling and diving we've seen in 30 years. The water is SO nutrient rich that for the FIRST TIME we saw coral out feeding! We saw HUNDREDS of tube worms; it looked like an underwater flower garden. It was paradise! See more..
4.5 Total Adventures (204 reviews)
- Fantastic tour
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours

Great all day tour. Sighted dolphins in dolphin cove. Great color at the coral caye for snorkeling. For lunch (not included in fee) we had grilled shrimp which was delicious and a melon smoothie. Afternoon was filled with mangroves and starfish and Isla Basamiento National Park where we did amphibia board and relaxed on a pristine beach. Pino was an amazing tour guide. He provided great information. Marcelo was a fantastic driver. A couple of my friends get sea sick and they felt fine on the ride. Highly recommend the tour. See more..
4.5 Escuela del Mar Surf School (173 reviews)
- Great Surf Class
Surfing & Windsurfing

We loved our surf instructions with Luis and Jose. They were knowledgeable and were able to work with the various skill levels of the members of our group very fluently. We were a group of 6, four children and two adults. Two of the kids had not surfed before. Luis was very focused on safety first, which I definitely appreciated. They were very positive and encouraging. We all had a really great time. See more..
4.5 Lil' Spa Shop by the Sea (62 reviews)
- Amazing!
Spas

We are presenting this hidden spa year round, with a beautiful environment to relax and uplift your experience while coasting around Bocas town. See more..