Bocas del Toro is one of Panama’s main attractions, and for good reason. The white beaches, amazing hostels and good parties make it a backpacker’s walhalla. Here are 5 things to do while visiting this extraordinary archipelago on the Panama-Costa Rica border. 

1. Explore Bocas Town 

Bocas Town is a vibrant little place, with many bars to hang out with friends, surf schools, diving schools, and even a party scene on most nights. It is a good base to explore the archipelago from, so we recommend staying here for a few nights. For the real party-lovers, there is a pirate ship in the bay that hosts amazing parties on some days of the week, so check it out! A good and cheap hostel in town is Cataleya Hostel. There is also always going on something in the Selina hostel. 

2. Cycle to Playa Bluff

There are many places in Bocas Town where you can rent a bike for a small price. This is the ultimate way to explore Isla Colon, the main island. Cycle to Playa Bluff, a stunning, undiscovered beach not too far from town and play in the waves! For adventure-seekers, bike further inland to the musuem of plastic, to learn more about the problems Bocas has to deal with. Even further, you will find the caves of Santuario La Gruta. This is a small holy site, do not go too far into the caves, it is full of bats. 

3. Spend your day on the white beaches of Isla Carenero

Isla Carenero is a tiny island next to Bocas Town, to get there just take the ferry over. All you will find here are a few shacks with seafood and beautiful white beaches with crystal clear water. Enjoy and relax!

4. Take the bus to Playa Estrella

Playa Estrella, or Starfish Beach in English is located on the other side of Isla Colon, but a bus will get you there in 45 minutes. As in the name tells us, this beach used to be full of starfish, but due to tourism and pollution, only a few are left. It is still, however, a nice place to go for an afternoon. There are many seafood places with amazing lobster for a good price, and the starfish are adorable, just do not touch them.

5. Treat yourself to a stay in Bambuda lodge 

After a few days of exploring Isla Colon, it is time to treat yourself to a luxury hostel. Bambuda Lodge is located on Isla Solarte, and totally isolated from everywhere else. It has amazing views on the sea, and even a 50 meter-long waterslide right into it. This is a good option for digital nomads, since the WiFi is good and the atmosphere is amazing. If you explore just a bit around the hostel, you will find yourself midst a jungle, and might run into a sloth like we did!

For more information on Panama, check our ultimate itinerary for this amazing country!