Bocas Del Toro relax guide

Bocas del Toro: reggae, red frogs & uninhabited islands

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 relax guide, you will read some information about the following islands: reggae island ‘Bastimentos’, relax island ‘Solarte’ and tropical desert island ‘Zapatilla’. Relax a bit on ‘Solarte’ where you will find loads of peaceful accommodations, take the boat taxi to ‘Bastimentos’ and hike to Wizard & Red Frog Beach. Finally, do not miss out on visiting ‘Isla Zapatilla,’ where you will truly feel like you have stepped into a tropical paradise.

If you are interested in the other islands: ‘Colón’ (the main island) & ‘Carenero’, then read up in my main guide.

Topics

Interisland transport

Bastimentos

Zapatilla

Solarte

Good restaurants

Travelling to other destinations

Interisland transport

Boat taxi's

When visiting Bocas del Toro, you have to take the boat taxi to get from island to island. Alas, the prices are quite high. They work with fixed prices per person, so unfortunately bargaining is almost pointless. Even more expensive, they double up the prices by evening and night.

Isla Bastimentos

Reggae, laid back vibes and surf beaches, it describes Isla Bastimentos at its best. This island provides everything you need if you are into a relaxed and adventurous time. Old Bank is the place to be for good restaurants. Enjoy a reggae performance while sipping a delicious cocktail together with a juicy lobster.

Wizard Beach

From the port of Bastimentos (Old Bank), it is possible to make a 25-minute hike to Wizard Beach. Take into account that this path could be muddy and slippery. The last part is quite steep downhill, but then once you arrive, the beach is totally worth it. This is a large stretched beach with lots of high waves, truly a surfers’ paradise and the jungle boarders the edge of the beach. Altogether, there is just a magical feeling.

Tip! Make sure you wear good high shoes (or boots) and do not wear flip-flops, otherwise the best option is hiking the path barefoot.

Red Frog Beach

Additionally, it is possible to hike from Wizard Beach to Red Frog Beach, but do this during the day because in the evening there is no security, it is not recommended by the police to leave then. Thereupon, chances of being robbed are high in the evening. The ‘path’ from Wizard Beach to Red Frog Beach crosses the jungle and partly along the beach, after which you will arrive at Red Frog Beach. This beach is again incredibly wonderful and as you walk through the jungle you could also have the chance of seeing those little red frogs.

Tip! When hiking through the island of Bastimentos, you might come across some monkeys or a sloth, so look around carefully.

Cayo Zapatilla

Book a tour or get a boat taxi

Perhaps, you are looking for real paradise in this Bocas del Toro relax guide, just like I do. In any case, Cayo Zapatilla is the place to be, when you are speaking of those islands you spot on your desktop. Whether you visit this island by direct boat taxi or via a tour, it is totally worth it.

Tip! When you opt for a boat taxi, share one with others and ask for the captain's number. This way, you can easily get to your accommodation at the end of your day.

When booking a tour...

My boyfriend and I chose to book a tour because we could snorkel and spot dolphins in a wonderful place.

Afterwards a tropical rainstorm, we were finally able to start the tour. Through mangrove forests, we reached a large open water, where dolphins were swimming around us, known as the Dolphin Bay Preserve. Here you can also possibly spot different species of sharks, rays and jellyfish. Occasionally, we saw starfish on the bottom as we passed through shallow sections. From this spot, we continued to an island where you can see lots of coral while snorkelling. Besides coral, we also saw many fish, in a lot of colours and sizes. Pay close attention to the coral while snorkelling, it is very sharp and if you touch it (accidentally) it can cause a nasty irritation.

Do not touch the coral and starfish on purpose, that way you will not disturb their natural habitat.

Please note You are on a tropical island and the weather can change at any time, it can suddenly start raining cats and dogs as it happens several times during our visit in 'dry season'.

Arriving at Cayo Zapatilla

Later, in the afternoon, we arrived at Cayo Zapatilla, which looks amazing from upon the boat. It is just a picture, with palm trees on the edge of the beach and a green jungle in the middle of the island. This charming spot has no roads, no buildings, just a dirt path crossing the jungle. The white beaches and clear blue water really make you feel for a moment that you are on a desert island. We made a small hike through the jungle to the other side of the island and ended up at a white sandy beach.

Tip! Keep your eyes peeled, as you might just run into a parrot. That is how we suddenly came across a brightly coloured parrot. They are very curious about you, but can also hurt you with their sharp claws, so be careful!

Isla Solarte

Most people choose to stay on Isla Solarte, because of its perfect vibes, and they truly are amazing. There are many stunning lodgings, which can only be reached by boat. At most accommodations, you can get a nice meal, but you could also go to a little restaurant on the island named ‘The Blue Coconut’.

Tip! Take into account that the lodges over here could be a little pricey for the low budget backpacker. Booking as early as possible is definitely more economical.

Bambuda Lodge

We stayed at Bambuda Lodge. In my opinion, a lovely stay which is remote in the jungle. We had an amazing room with a large hammock, where we had a perfect view above the pineapple plants.

Are you up for some adrenaline? Then take one of the body boards and slide down the big water slide. Bambuda is a lovely place with a soothing atmosphere and what is more, you can eat very well here.

Make a hike to the Hospital Point

From your lodging, you are able to take a nice hike via the jungle to the Hospital Point. When arriving, you will find a little white sand beach, from where you can take a refreshing swim. Most accommodations do not have a beach on Isla Solarte.

Tip! Remember to leave your valuables behind if you go to this spot. Otherwise, you can assume that some things can be nicked.

Good restaurants in this Bocas del Toro relax guide

We ate at a number of restaurants and definitely recommend these:

Old Bank (Bastimentos): Lysset Place for delicious fresh fish
Isla Bastimentos (Red Frog Beach): Palmar Beach Lodge for a delicious dish on the beach
Isla Solarte: The Blue Coconut, for tasty and simple fish and chips
Old Bank (Bastimentos): The Firefly Restaurant & Bar, for a relaxed dinner by the water, the food is amazing

Travelling to Panama City or other destinations

Flight

To get to Panama City, you can take a direct flight from Isla Colón, these are a lot pricier compared to the night bus, the starting price is around $100,- p.p.

Bus

Travelling to Panama City with bus?

Should you opt for the bus, keep in mind that it can gas through. We arrived earlier than planned, at 3:30am, while it normally arrives around 5am. In this case, it is useful to check if your lodging has a 24-hour reception, and otherwise I would advise to book an extra night.

Travelling to Boquete with bus?

How about getting to the lush green hearth of Panama? Should you want to travel to Boquete, you can take the bus towards David from Almirante and change there on the bus to Boquete.

Tip! Avoid the propers at the docking port (Bocas town) and buy a ticket for the night bus at the official pick-up point. A ticket costs around $28 p.p., the boat taxi around $6 p.p and the taxi on the main land around $1 p.p. The propers often charge $40 p.p. for the same ride, promising a taxi that later turns out not to be included.