Bocas Del Toro main guide
Bocas del Toro: beaches, monkeys & island walks
Online Travel Guide
Bocas del Toro is an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, a heaven on earth. During our stay we visited many islets, that is why I made two guides. In this Bocas del Toro main guide, you will read some information about the following islands: the tranquil & lovely ‘Isla Carenero’ and the bustling main island of Bocas: ‘Isla Colón’. The island of Colón is full of gorgeous big beaches where you can go surfing or for example have some parties in the main port. Perhaps you prefer tropical beaches with the typical coconuts on the beach, in this case ‘Isla Carenero’ is a perfect place to stay.
If you are interested in the other islands: ‘Colón’ (the main island) & ‘Carenero’, then read up in my relax guide.
Isla Carenero
The wonderful island ‘Isla Carenero’ portrays the typical picture of coconuts lying for the taking on the beach. It is definitely a wonderful place to stay if you are into some peace & quiet. Moreover, if you are staying on the main island of ‘Colón’, it is just on your doorstep. As a result, you can easily spend a day here if you take the boat taxi. Whether you want to relax on a quiet beach, chill out at a cocktail bar or go for an active hike, it is all possible here.
West side of the island
‘Isla Carenero’ is not huge and is more or less split up a bit. At first, the west side of the island, where the taxi boat from Colón moors. Together with all the locals, you walk through, and you can even get a snack at the small supermarket. On the west side you will find many restaurants.
Hike around the island
Specifically for the hikers among us, it is possible to make a little hike around the island, start at the west side and continue the path past Cosmic Crab (trust me, you will not miss it). This way you walk all the way through, along the beach towards the far end of the island, where you will find a cute, little beach with a lovely tranquillity.
Follow the path, until you reached the northern part of the island. Then cross the jungle to the other side. Check this location on the map:
East side of the island
When reaching the east side of the island, you will spot some cottages and several restaurants, but mostly palm trees, tranquil beaches and jungle. Look around carefully as you will find amazing tropical birds and an abundance of crabs of all colours.
Isla Colón
‘Isla Colón’ is the main island of Bocas del Toro which is really vibrant, in this place lots of parties are celebrated. Explore the island by bike, quad or scooter. Book a nice lodge in the middle of the jungle and be awakened by roaring howler monkeys. Furthermore, you are able to spot several monkey species on this island. Besides monkeys, there is so much fauna to catch sight of, think of bats, sea turtles, lots of pelicans and aside from these: 32 several mammal species in total.
The beaches on Isla Colón
Bluff Beach
Bluff Beach is a huge beach which borders the jungle, which gives a magical touch. The sand is golden yellow and there are lots of high waves here. Surfers can indulge themselves on this beach.
Starfish Beach
‘Isla Colón’ has another special beach and that is Starfish Beach, if you are lucky, you will find starfish here. They do not like to show themselves when there are lots of people, in which case it is better to avoid weekends. Remember not to touch them and let them live in their natural habitat. The sea is wonderfully calm here, making it great for a swim.
Sloths
Maybe you come across a cool sloth somewhere. Keep your eyes open and look especially at the treetops, which is where they often hide. Look carefully, as they hardly move.
Who is better off?
Planning a party on Bocas del Toro?
Pirate Boat & Filthy Friday
In this Bocas del Toro main guide, you will find out that it is also a party destination, check out the Pirate Boat (Black Magic Bocas) that leaves on Saturdays and Wednesdays. During your boat tour, you can drink all day with other travellers. You also have the biggest party, which many travellers come to Bocas for, which is Filthy Friday, this boat departures all day to different islands.
Prices
The Pirate Boat price is around $35,-. Filthy Friday will be between $40,- – $45,-, then you have access to the boat, drinks are on top.
Transport on Isla Colón
4x4 Taxi's
Certainly, you will spot those yellow 4×4 taxi’s. Stop them at the side of the road. Different from what we are used to, sharing a taxi with other people is quite normal here.
Bike, scooter or quad
A lot of people rent a bike over here. This way you can easily explore the area, take into account that the roads are unpaved and often via the beach, but it is doable. Rent a bike in Bocas town, there are lots of shops. Perhaps you prefer a scooter or quad bike, in this case you can take a visit at Flying Pirates.
Good Restaurants in this Bocas del Toro main guide
We ate at a number of restaurants and definitely recommend them:
- Isla Colón (near the docking port for the boat taxis): Toro Loco Sports Bar, where you can have a fun game with a nice bite to eat
- Isla Colón (again at the docking port for the boat taxis): Kinga Sauce for a nice meal among the locals
- Isla Carenero: Cosmic Crab Cafe where you eat the best coconut prawns
- Isla Colón (on the road towards Bluff Beach): Paki Point for a good burger
- Isla Colón (again on the road towards Bluff Beach): La Carolina for a tasty Poke Bowl on the beach
- Isla Caranero: Receta Michila, for a quality dinner
Tattoo on Bocas del Toro?
Next to the Selina hostel in Bocas town (Isla Colón) you will find a tattoo shop. They do cool fine art tattoos here. Of course, we checked the reviews beforehand and based on these we decided to get a tattoo. The price of the tattoo was around $45,- for one of about 8 cm.
Last update: 07-02-2024 © Doris Leone
