Bocas del toro, Isla Colon, panama
Bocas Del Drago
how to get there
Getting to the island of Bocas Del Toro was a little tricky! I flew into San Jose, Costa Rica and spent an overnight at Stray Cast Hostel (walking distance to the bus station), then took a 6 hour MEPE bus to Panama’s border, Sixaola. The bus drops you off right at the border – once you get off you want to walk one block straight where you will pay your Costa Rican exit fee of $9 then you will walk up to the base of the bridge to get your stamp out and walk across into Panama. Once you’ve crossed, take a left to go through customs and officially enter Panama. FYI: you NEED a bus or plane ticket showing that you are leaving Panama within the next 90 days or you will not be allowed to enter.
Once you’ve passed through, you can take a 30 minute taxi ride to the Bocas Del Toro boats or purchase a combo taxi/boat ride at the border. I was lucky enough to have friends pick me up at the boarder and drive me to Changinola center where I took a microbus to the boats. We walked all the way down to the end of the boats where we found a cheaper, less crowded boat. FYI: pack light since you will need to load and hold your luggage on the boat ride over!
The boat will drop you off right in the center of town!
Alternatively, you can fly into Panama City and take a hopper flight directly to Bocas Del Toro – I opted not to do this route since it was much more costly, but definitely would have been convenient!
MY FAVORITE SPOTS
Isla Zapatilla
We did an island hopping tour which included snorkeling, sloth spotting, dolphin chasing and more for $25. We got caught on a rainy day but it was still a great time!
Bambuda Lodge
We took a free boat taxi from La Buga then paid $8 for to spend the day at this resort – complete with a water slide into the ocean, kayaks, jungle walk and a delicious restaurant (+ wifi!).
Bocas Del Drago
We took a 30 minute microbus ride from the town square to Bocas Del Drago. From the drop off point you follow a path for about 10 minutes which will lead you to a calm beach with Fondas and starfish.
Our go to spot on the island was a little restaurant called La Buga. It’s a colorful little joint with nicely priced drinks and food – plus, a swimming pool right in the middle to cool down at any point! It also is a dive and surf excursion center – so really everything you need!
We stayed at the Selina Hostel which was perfectly located in the center of town and right on the water. The Hostel had a restaurant which turned into a club at the end of the night and was right on the water.
