Things Do To Around Bocas del Toro

The following are just some of the places in the area where you can go and enjoy the finest the Bocas del Toro and Panama has to offer!

Please note that additional info (prices, activities, etc) are found to the right of this pages.

Playa Bluff
This beach is situated just 7-10 kms. north of the town of Bocas del Toro, on Island Colon. The beach is frequently by surfers and sun bathers alike. You can ride your bike there or take a taxi, which costs approximately $6.00 each way.

Playa Drago
This beach is situated on the opposite side of the main island of Isla Colon, approximately 14-17 kms. from the town of Bocas del Toro.

Isla de Los Pajaros (Bird Island)
Situated just off the northern coast of Isla Colon, this island serves as a very important nesting/resting site for several bird species that migrate between North and South America. The island itself is comprised of large rock faces and lush green landscape, with birds often clearly visible from the boat; at certain times of the year it is possible to see offspring. The island contains one large tunnel, which is often used for photographs depicting the island.

Bastimentos Island (National Park)
The western tip of Bastimentos Island lies just east of the town of Bocas del Toro, clearly visible from the waterfront. The island of Bastimentos is approximately the same size as Isla Colon, however, very little of it is accessible. In fact, much of the island has been designated as a National Park. The largest community on the island is located on it's western tip, which has several small pensions and restaurants. You could easily base yourself here, which would place you within walking distance to some of the nearby beaches including Red Frog Beach (see below). The eastern side of the island faces the Caribbean Sea, which tends to be a bit rougher and less accessible by boat; several of the beaches can't be accessed if the sea is too rough. Almost all of the beaches are located on this side of the island. The island's western side is lined with mangroves and enjoys calm water. If you venture to Crawl Key or Zapatillas Island your tour will most likely access these points via the western side of the island. The island itself contains a healthy supply of wildlife, however your exposure to them is somewhat limited. White faced and Titi monkeys are common, as are sloths and the ever so poplar red poison arrow frogs. Bastimentos is by far the areas most popular tourist destination, with most companies offering full day tours to multiple locations, i.e. Crawl Key, Red Frog Beach, Hospital Point.

Red Frog Beach (Second Beach)
This beach got it's name thanks to a small, red poison arrow frog which inhabits the far end of the beach. In fact, these frogs can only found here, and more specifically on a small hill that rests at the far end of the beach. It is almost impossible to miss them, as they are walking all over the place, and well as situated in the underlying brush. Great photographic opportunities. Red Frog Beach is one of many beaches on the far site of Bastimentos Island, and is certainly the islands most accessible beach. The best way to reach the beach is to be dropped off at Magic Bay, which is located on the opposite side of the island, and then walk along a well defined trail for 5-10 minutes in order to arrive at Red Frog Beach. The other beaches, both north and sought, can be reached by hiking, however, they are not as accessible or popular. In order to reach the southern beaches you have to walk along the beach, or on a trail that runs parallel to the beach; often the trail is not marked but you shouldn't have too much of a problem.

Crawl Key
This is one of the most frequently visited destinations in Bocas del Toro, located on the far side of the Bastimentos Island. Most photographs of Bocas del Toro include a photograph of the restaurant that is located there, which extends out over the water. Most full day tours to the Zapatillas Islands and Crawl Key include lunch there. You can also snorkel just in front of the restaurant.

Hospital Point
Just minutes by boat from the town of Bocas, this island point has some of the areas best snorkeling. The ocean floor is predominantly comprised of coral and soft sponges, while the water is normally clean, warm and shallow. Sea urchins, sea cucumbers, Angel fish, Parrot fish and other colorful tropical fish are common sightings. Most tours include Hospital Point as part of their full day tour, usually saved for the end of the day. Tours to Hospital Island can be arranged at the dock.

Mountain Biking
Mountain bikes on Bocas del Toro can be rented either by the hour or by day. There are several companies offering this service, as well as restaurants and hotels. They both charge $1.50 per hour, however, their daily rates vary somewhat, with neither charging more than $10.00 per day. The bikes are quite heavy, but for the dirt roads on the island the bikes are just fine. You can ride to Playa Bluff, which take approximately 45 minutes or to Playa Drago, which requires around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The roads are relatively flat, clean and are dirt/gravel; the road to Playa Drago has some hills but nothing substantial.

Scuba Diving / Snorkeling
There are several companies on Bocas del Toro that offer snorkeling and diving tours, in fact, most tours to the beaches include snorkeling; some tours include fins and mask while others charge additional, ask first. For those interested, dive instruction is also available, as PADI certification is available at all levels. The quality of snorkeling and diving very heavily depends on the weather, with dryer weather much preferred; heavy rains tends to cloud the shallow waters surrounding the islands. Some of the better diving is enjoyed off the Zapatillas Islands, which are part of the National Marine Park, as there are caves there. There is a fee of $10.00 to visit the islands. Also, there are small wrecks and other shallow sites just outside of Bocas town. The diving is relatively shallow and not technical, with the average depth between 40-75 ft. (13-25 meters).