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Ahh, Bocas del Toro… <3
Panama’s dazzling Caribbean island bursting with color and chilled-out beach vibes. If you love lounging by the sea, this place is for you. Fun fact: did you know it’s the birthplace of the quirky sport called ‘deep boarding’? I’ll let you Google that one…
For all you nature lovers, Bocas is teeming with marine life and jungle critters. It’s a paradise if you want to explore its wild side. Of course, the beaches are stunning, but the party scene here is legendary too.
Home to a plethora of backpacker-friendly spots, it can be tough to figure out where to stay. But don’t worry – I’ve done the legwork and rounded up the best hostels in Bocas del Toro (categorized ’em too!) to make your life easier.
So don’t waste any more time – check out my handy list below and see what this paradise island has to offer 🙂
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Bocas del Toro
- Best Overall Hostel in Bocas del Toro – Palmar Beach Hostel
- Best Hostel in Bocas del Toro for Solo Travelers – Bamuda Lodge
- Best Cheap Hostel in Bocal del Toro – Spanish by the Sea
- Best Party Hostel in Bocas del Toro – Cliff’s Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Bocas del Toro – Socialtel Bocas del Toro
The 5 Best Hostels in Bocas del Toro
Backpacking Panama is definitely a unique experience. You can make this even better by stopping over in Bocas del Toro. Since this island is so backpacker-friendly, you’ll find heaps of affordable hostels. I’ve picked out the best ones for you below.
1. Palmar Beach Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Bocas del Toro
- Dorm (mixed): From $42
- Private Room: From $205
- Address: Red Frog Beach, Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panama
So, this is pretty much right on the beach so you can expect cool beachy shiz like bonfires, lounging in the sun all day, swinging in hammocks. You know the drill. Combined with clean and comfy dorms, it’s my top pick for the best hostel in Bocas del Toro.
Your journey to the hostel will begin with a water taxi across the bay to Isla Bastimentos. From the boat dock, you’ll stroll 10 minutes through the jungle before arriving at Palmar Beach Lodge. Remember, good things don’t always come easy! The scenic journey there is all part of the fun.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Eco-friendly living
- Social activities
- On-site restaurant
There’s a restaurant on site that serves up a load of different reasonably priced, tasty dishes, so you don’t even have to go anywhere to get fed (great for hangovers, eh?). And there’s no rough-around-the-edges beach vibe here: the bunks are sick – stairs instead of ladders, USB sockets, etc – and the staff are amazing. Good stuff. It’s one of the best places to stay in Bocas del Toro.
2. Bamuda Lodge – Best Hostel in Bocas del Toro for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $40
- Private Room: From $156
- Address: Isla Solarte, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Solo travelers (and everyone else)… you have to check out Bambuda Lodge! With its waterfront location and massive pool, it’s an EPIC place to stay during your Bocas del Toro stay.
The highlights? A 150-foot waterslide from the bar to the ocean (!!!!!!!), a coral reef nearby for snorkeling, and acres of lush jungle to explore. Located on one of the coolest Caribbean islands, this place is awesome.
The on-site bar and restaurant keep the drinks flowing while you relax by the pool or hang out in one of the many cool spots with amazing views and delicious food. There is a family dinner every night from 7.30pm which is ideal for solo travelers who are keen to make some new friends. Tip: be sure to order your meal by 5.45pm so you don’t miss out!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Waterfront Location & Massive Pool
- Organised Activities
- Social Vibes (ideal for those solo traveling in Central America)
- Convenient Water Taxis
Getting around is easy with scheduled water taxis leaving every hour from 7am to 11pm. Just remember, due to their location in the jungle, there are no restaurants or stores nearby, but don’t worry about a thang – the lodge has you covered with a full restaurant and bar serving three delicious meals a day 🙂
3. Spanish by the Sea – Best Cheap Hostel in Bocal del Toro
- Dorm (mixed): From $16
- Address: Calle 4ta, Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro, Panama
The hostel is part of an awesome chain of Spanish Schools & Hostels in Costa Rica and Panama. They offer an included breakfast of coffee/tea, pancakes, and fruits between 8 am and 10 am.
The energy here is a vibe – the school setting attracts a crowd that appreciates language and culture. It’s very social (ideal for solo travelers!), and the staff are lovely. The kitchen area has everything you need, and the front desk has tons of local recommendations.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Social vibes
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Free breakfast
With hammock lounges, strong Wi-Fi, world-renowned coffee, and proper chilled vibes, it’s a favorite for digital nomads and travelers alike. It’s close to everything Bocas Town offers, from supermarkets and bars to tour operators and rental places.
The spacious, open-air communal kitchen is a great spot to meet and mingle with fellow travelers. Dorms are shared with 3-4 people, and there are private room options, too.
You’ll love the cozy atmosphere and the interesting mix of people you’ll meet. Whether you’re there for a short stay or a longer period, it’s a great place to call home for your time in Bocas del Toro – especially if you’re traveling on a budget.
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View on Osprey4. Cliff’s Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Bocas del Toro
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Private Room: From $34
- Address: G street, between 5th and 6th, Bocas del Toro, Panama
This is hands down one of the best party hostels in Bocas del Toro AND they throw in breakfast. Absolute steal. Sure, you’ve got to whip up your own pancakes (what do you expect for $5 a night?), but it’s actually a fun way to kick off your day and chat with other guests.
Sue, it’s a little old inside but it’s cleaned regularly and has vibey decor going on. There is a seating area with a big projector where you can watch movies. Cliff’s Hostel is clean, funky, and social – exactly the kind of spot you want when diving into the city’s vibe.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- It’s cheap asss
- Social vibes
- Great location
It’s a top choice if you’re hitting up Filthy Friday, with great pre-drink areas, a pool table, and it’s close to other big hostels if you’re craving an even bigger social scene. For the price, you’re getting serious bang for your buck here!
It’s also in a great location just 5 minutes from Main Street but has no noise at night. #winning
5. Socialtel Bocas del Toro – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Bocas del Toro
- Dorm (mixed): From $17
- Private Room: From $48
- Address: Calle 1ra, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Another top hostel place to stay in Bocas del Toro is Socialtel. It is the ideal place for digital nomads in Bocas del Toro. The hostel is a beachfront property on Isla Colon and is only 500 meters from the airport, making it super convenient to get to and from.
You can dive straight into the Caribbean from their water deck… the ultimate way to start or end your workday! They have a co-working space with reliable Wi-Fi, so you can stay productive while enjoying the island vibes.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Ideal location
- Co-working space
- Organised social activities
- Private and dorm rooms are available
When it’s time to unwind, Socialtel has a ton of activities including salsa lessons, live music, yoga classes, and amazing local food at the on-site restaurant.
The rooms are comfy, with dorms, private rooms, and deluxe suites, all equipped with air-conditioning and high-quality mattresses. You won’t be short of beauty sleep here!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Bocas del Toro Hostels & Budget Stays
Thought I’d leave you with just five options? Naaaaah, I’ve got you covered with even more backpacker-friendly options in Bocas del Toro, so buckle up. Here we go again…
Socialtel Red Frog
- Dorm (mixed): From $26
- Private Room: From $48
- Address: Red Frog Beach, Isla Bastimento, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Well, this really is the best hostel for solo travelers in Bocas del Toro. The staff are really helpful, which is great if you’re on your own and unsure about stuff – nothing worse than that sometimes. It’s got a friendly atmosphere, too.
Again, it’s got a great location right next to the beach, a restaurant that serves up great food, and this top hostel in Bocas del Toro keeps a great balance between decent social events and chill-out time in the pool area. Yes, POOL AREA. Suits us just fine.
Skully’s House
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $140
- Address: Big Creek, Playa Paunch, Bocas del Toro, Panama
It’s a newly built place and if you don’t wanna party and you wanna get away from the crowds, here is your little slice of solace. Located on a white sandy beach with its own pool, this top hostel in Bocas del Toro does have quite rustic dorms but then again, you’re on the beach, so…
The shared kitchen means you won’t get stung at local restaurant prices. And a perk is free eggs, fresh bread, coffee, and pancakes, meaning it’s a pretty good shout for anyone looking for a budget hostel in Bocas del Toro, too. At the time of writing, they have a cat (with kittens) and a dog.
Aqua Lounge
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $45
- Address: Isla Carenero, Bocas del Toro, Panamá, Archipielago Bocas del Toro, Panamá, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Think massive sunloungers, a big sundeck, crazy good sunsets, it’s a bit of a kooky old place, but it’s definitely a cool hostel in Bocas del Toro. It’s sorta… like a party boat (swings over the water and all that kinda stuff) except it’s a hostel on dry land. Neat.
This budget hostel in Bocas del Toro is a great place to chill out in the daytime, as much as it is a decent place to have crazy party times with backpacking peeps like yourself. The local bar crawl – Filthy Friday – officially ends at this hostel, so, well… I hope you like partying.
Cataleya Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $12
- Private Room: From $31
- Address: Av. E norte vía Aeropuerto, Colon Island, Entran por el pasillo de la virgencita, Bocas del Toro, Panama
A chill atmosphere, so it’s not gonna be a party place, this is a highly recommended hostel in Bocas del Toro if you’re looking for value for money. You get a lot: powerful air con in the dorms, UNLIMITED pancake mix for breakfast (plus tea/coffee), plus the room rates themselves are decent.
Further cementing it as one of the best cheap hostels in Bocas del Toro is the communal kitchen to save you money on eating out. Plus it may be a little far from town, but staying somewhere at this budget Bocas del Toro hostel more than makes up for that.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Bocas del Toro
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Bocas del Toro.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Bocas del Toro
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Bocas del Toro.
What to Pack for your Bocas del Toro Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Bocas del Toro?
Depending on the location and type of room, on average, the price starts at $15 – $19+ per night.
Where can I book a hostel for Bocas del Toro?
If you’ve read any of our other guides, you know we’re fans of Hostelworld. It’s the easiest platform to find and book a sick hostel.
What are the best hostels in Bocas del Toro near the airport?
If you need to stay near the airport, Socialtel Bocas del Toro is just 500 meters from Bocas del Toro Isla Colon International Airport.
Final Thoughts on Bocas del Toro’s Hostels
By now I hope this epic guide to the best hostels in Bocas del Toro has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! There is so much to see and do in Bocas del Toro, I know you’ll have an amazing time.
Finding the perfect place to stay is such a crucial part of making or breaking a trip. If you’re still stuck as to which hostel to choose in Bocas del Toro, I’d recommend going with my overall top pick Palmar Beach Hostel. It’s one you just can’t really go wrong with.
Whichever hostel you decide to stay, I hope you have a wonderful time. If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Panama for a wealth of info!
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Central America backpacking guide.
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