One of my favourite Central America memories was walking through the jungle searching for yellow thumbnail-sized poison dart frogs. Another was wading through waters surrounded by giant starfish. And both of these activities were only possible on Colon Island in Bocas del Toro, after I took the bus from Bocas Town.
Bocas del Toro has become one of the hottest stops in Central America… and it’s easy to see why! The archipelago is a sweet escape away from the traditional Caribbean vacation of all-inclusive resorts and crowded beaches. With gorgeous blue waters and laid-back vibes, it’s the perfect destination for eco-travelers and adventurers.
But with so many different islands to choose from (nine to be exact), it can be overwhelming when deciding where to stay in Bocas del Toro. For the most part, people stay on the two main islands: Colon and Isla Bastimentos.
In this guide, I’ve got all the best stays in Bocas del Toro covered regardless of whether you’re a first-timer, or someone who’s trying to make $30 go as far as possible. (Don’t worry – we’ve all been there, you’re in good hands!)
So, let’s dive in and find the best area in Bocas del Toro for you…
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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Bocas del Toro Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay
Bocas del Toro is a rugged group of islands that will capture the heart of any traveler looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation. With crystal clear waters, lush rainforests, and laid-back Caribbean vibes, it’s no wonder this archipelago is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those traveling in Central America.
I wasn’t the only traveler who originally booked 3 nights, and ended up staying a month! Bocas del Toro has that slow, easy-living vibe that transports you away from your worries and into their chilled-out way of living. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo adventure, there are plenty of places to stay in Bocas del Toro that cater to all types of travelers.
If it’s your first time visiting Bocas I recommend staying in Bocas town on Isla Colon. It’s a small center with colorful houses, beachfront restaurants, and easy access to all of the popular tours and activities.
For those traveling on a budget, Bocas del Toro is about to be your jam! The island is full of budget-friendly hostels and hotels. For the cheapest stays, you’ll want to take the $3 water taxi from Isla Colon to Bastimentos Island. There you’ll find hostels for as little as $10 a night and private rooms for around $20.
The islands aren’t very built up, so you can easily escape to a more secluded and quiet spot because trust me, Bocas Town is WILD just about every night. So for families who are looking for a bit more space and comfort, there are plenty of stays a little bit outside of town on Isla Colon that offer a more family-friendly atmosphere.
Bocas town on Isla Colon
Bocas Town is where you’ll find the most action and is also the main arrival point for ferries, water taxis, and flights. It’s located on Isla Colon, which is the main island in Bocas del Toro.
Bastimentos Island
Bocas del Toro is the ultimate destination for budget travelers. The island is only a 10-minute boat ride away from Bocas Town, and the ferry only costs $3. Home to the famous Red Frog Beach.
Outside of Bocas Town on Isla Colon
Isla Colon is the easiest Island to stay on, because you don’t need to take additional ferry rides to get to and from Bocas Town. Great option for families as it offers a variety of activities and amenities.
Bocas del Toro’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now that you’ve got a sneak peek at the top areas to stay in Bocas del Toro, let’s dive into more detail on each location and the epic hotels, hostels, and villas in each.
Here are the three most AWESOME areas to base yourself when visiting this awesome archipelago.
1. Bocas Town on Isla Colon – Where to Stay for First Time Visitors
Bocas Town is where you’ll find the most action and is also the main arrival point for ferries, water taxis, and flights. It’s located on Isla Colon, one of the BEST Caribbean islands to visit, which is the main island in Bocas del Toro. Because a lot of the activities leave from the town or require a boat ride from the port, staying here for your first time in Bocas is a no-brainer.
The little town is your typical paradise island town, with colorful houses lining the streets and plenty of restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops to explore. Staying in Bocas town means easy access to the best food, bars, nightlife, and water activities like snorkeling and some of the world’s best diving. Just about anyone can have a good time here!
- Best For: Access to amenities, meeting other travelers, and anyone looking to enjoy Bocas’ wild parties.
- The Vibe: It’s chilled by day with a sleepy island vibe, but by the time the sun sets and it’s time to crack open the bottles, Bocas Town gets maaaaad.
- Proximity to Airport: It’s literally a 15-minute walk from BOC airport. Can’t beat that for convenience!
- Transport Level: The best-connected place across Bocas. You can take boats to other islands here, catch a minibus up to other parts of Isla Colon, or walk down the streets here.
- Budget: Accommodation is pretty affordable here. Food costs a little more, given that this is an island, and transport rarely costs more than $5 to hop between islands.
- Crowds: It’s the busiest place in Bocas, but only really gets crowded at night when the bars open and everyone gets ready to party like there’s no tomorrow.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Things to See and Do around Bocas Town
- Explore Isla Colon by bike or motorscooter. Prices start from just $5 a day for a standard bike, whilst a motorscooter is a little more pricy at around the $45 mark, but you can hire one for just a few hours if you wish. With no Uber here, this is a fun way to get around.
- Party at Filthy Friday, a famous weekly party in Bocas del Toro! If you’ve been backpacking through Central America, you’ll hear all about Filthy Friday. This bar crawl is absolutely WILD and you’ll be taken across several islands, before returning to Bocas Town ahead of a pretty rough morning…
- Join a catamaran day cruise. Live the a-list boat life on a Bocas budget by chilling on a boat, which will take you to some sweet snorkeling spots, and hidden beaches away from the crowds.
- Take a day trip to Starfish Beach, but I recommend avoiding weekends it gets crazy busy. You can swim with starfish the size of your hands here, my favorite Bocas spot for sure! Just be careful where you walk, there are some spiky creatures you could easily step on around the beach.
- Try your hand at snorkeling or diving in the crystal clear waters. Bocas has some real paradise waters, making this one of my fave spots to go for a dip and try to find dolphins, mantas and other cool creatures.
Surfari Bocas | Best Affordable Hotel
A pet-friendly spot in Bocas town offering private rooms on a budget. Surfari has a friendly host, and a big kitchen which guests can use. With two fridges, we never had to battle for space to leave our stuff here!
The vibe is spot on, and this place attracts a lot of guests from across the world. It’s easy to enjoy privacy at night, whilst also meeting other travelers. Plus it’s quiet at night.
Klika Bocas del Toro | Best Hostel
The most popular stay was Selina, a boutique hostel that has made a name for itself all across Latin America. Unfortunately Selina went bust, but Klika picked up the mantle in Bocas, taking over the hostel, and retaining much of its charm.
You can rent a surfboard, enjoy live music, and participate in yoga here by day. After sunset, it is the place to be for late-night parties, and day drinking while chillin’ in the water. If you’re in your party era… this is where you’ll want to stay!
Bambuda Bocas Town | Best Party Hostel
The waterfront decks of Bambuda Bocas Town are one of the most serene stays in Bocas Town. Not only does it have a prime location with beautiful views of the water and sunset, but it also has a social atmosphere that’s perfect for those solo traveling to Central America. With both private rooms and dorms, there’s an option for every budget.
Sun Havens Apartment | Best Budget Airbnb
Bocas’ best Airbnb if you’re trying to save a few bucks is a decent option in the main town. It’s clean, well-located, and quiet after dark. They also have air con here, and trust me, that’s a MUST in Bocas with the sticky and humid climate.
It’s a pretty small spot, but if you want a bit of privacy to give yourself a break from hostel life, you can do a lot worse than this sweet spot.
2. Bastimentos Island – Best Place to Stay on a Budget
Bocas del Toro is the ultimate destination for budget travelers, and Bastimentos Island is the place to be if you want to experience its beauty on the tightest budget possible. The island is only a 10-minute boat ride away from Bocas Town, and the ferry only costs $3. Yep, it’s bloody cheap, my friends!
Bastimentos is also the second most popular place to stay and visit of all the islands, it’s home to the famous Red Frog Beach and some of the best surfing spots in Bocas. But even with its popularity, Bastimentos has managed to maintain its laid-back and low-key vibe. You can still discover spots that make you feel like you’re traveling off the beaten track.
- Best For: Looking to get closer to the beaches and nature rather than the main tourist hub of Bocas Town.
- The Vibe: It’s pretty laid back here, there’s very little manmade infrastructure on the island bar a few hotels and a small number of restaurants.
- Proximity to Airport: It’s a 15-minute walk from the airport to Bocas Town, followed by a 10-minute water taxi over to Bastimentos.
- Transport Level: Water taxis (boats) are basically the main method of transport here. There are very few roads on the island.
- Budget: Above average for Bocas. It’s slightly more remote than Bocas Town, and only has a handful of budget-friendly places to stay.
- Crowds: Pretty quiet in general. Most people on the island gather on or near Red Frog Beach.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
Things to see and do on Bastimentos Island
- Enjoy a beach day at Red Frog Beach. It gets its name for a reason, I found several red frogs in the bushes here. They’re the size of half a thumb, so you do need to look closely to spot them, but the bright red color helps them stand out.
- Zip through the air on the Bastimentos Sky Zipline. Whizz through the trees here and you can get close to the monkeys and birds. It’s super fun to do, and you have some cracking scenery to match. Cowabunga!
- Go Diving with Scuba 6 ECO Diving. Just like Isla Colon, Bastimentos has many top scuba tours available where you can get up close and personal with the archipelago’s marine wildlife.
- Hike through the lush rainforest to reach Wizard Beach. You can spot a ton of wildlife on the way, then reap the rewards of this off-the-beaten-path spot with far fewer tourists than Red Frog and other popular beaches.
- Take a surfing lesson at one of the island’s popular surf spots. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Bocas has some wild waves which you can access from here.
- Learn about the Organic Cacao farm at Up in The Hill. You can stuff your face during a chocolate tour which takes 3 hours, and even gives you the opportunity to spot snakes, sloths, monkeys, frogs, and so much more.
El Jaguar | Best Hotel
Right on the water, El Jaguar offers gorgeous ocean views and waterfront activities. With a 3-hour happy hour every night, the deck is always full of travelers chatting and relaxing in the hammocks.
They have two large kitchens for guests to use and comfortable communal areas, making it easy to meet travel buds.
A&K Island Apartments | Best Apartments
A&K Island Apartments is a great stay for those traveling as a couple and travelers on a budget. The apartments are well-equipped with a kitchen and cozy living area, perfect for cooking your own meals and enjoying the island life.
Enjoy evenings on the balcony swinging from the hammock and taking in the sea breeze. Dreamy.
Bastimentos Hill Guest House | Best Guesthouse
A comfortable escape from the parties and crowds that linger in the main town, Bastimentos Hill Guest House is a top choice for budget travelers looking to relax and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
This guest house offers cozy rooms with a shared terrace, kitchen, and lounge. They also have family rooms making this a good stay for those traveling with children.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short.
3. Outside of Bocas Town on Isla Colon – Best Neighborhood for Families to Stay In
Isla Colon is the easiest island to stay on when you visit Bocas because you don’t need to take additional ferry rides to get to and from Bocas Town. If you’re wondering where to stay with the family, this is a great option as it offers a variety of activities and amenities.
But Bocas Town is typically full of backpackers gone wild, lapping up the island life (and the cheap beer). Yet if you just go a little outside of town, you’ll find amazing stays nestled in the jungle. This will give you quieter nights with privacy without sacrificing convenience.
- Best For: Anyone looking to get away from the busier parts of the island and immerse more with nature, this is where you wanna be.
- The Vibe: It’s chilled, it’s quiet, and it’s away from the party scene of Bocas Town.
- Proximity to Airport: You’ll need to walk to Bocas Town (15 minutes), and take a minibus from there, which leaves every 2 hours. Taxis are another option, but cost $30 or more.
- Transport Level: Not great really. Buses are infrequent here, and there’s no Uber on Bocas. Water taxis are an option in some parts.
- Budget: It’s pretty remote, so most places to stay are expensive, except those we’ve listed for you here. There are virtually no shops or restaurants once you leave Bocas Town.
- Crowds: Super quiet. You may not see anyone else at all outside of your accommodation here.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Things to See and Do on Isla Colon
- Spend a day hanging around Bluff Beach. There’s a ton of interesting stuff on offer here including yoga retreats and snorkeling adventures. It’s also a sweet surf spot, but absolutely NOT one for beginners. Some of the most savage waves I’ve ever experienced can be found here.
- Learn about the nature preserve at Green Acres Chocolate Farm. If you don’t fancy heading to Bastimentos for a choccy farm experience, you can find one here on Isla Colon too. And this one also has its fair share of wild guests including snakes, sloths and monkeys. Now that’s a fun activity!
- Get rowdy on an ATV with Flying Pirates. Isla Colon isn’t the easiest place to get around via public transport. I did take a bus to Starfish Beach, but they’re infrequent and don’t go all over the island. An ATV gives you the ultimate freedom to whizz between the many awesome jungles and beaches.
- Visit Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay. Dolphin Bay has many incredible, well, dolphins, and you can even go snorkeling alongside them. Now that’s what we call bucket list stuff! Coral Cay is also what it says on the tin. You can snorkel here alongside several coral reefs that exist here.
Hostal Camping la Ygriega | Best for Broke Backpackers
If you’re willing to sacrifice some comfort to save cash, then this spot might be right for you. You’ll be staying in a tent here, so don’t expect luxury. We’re broke backpackers here, so we look for the best balance between a sweet spot to stay, and somewhere that will do minimal damage to your wallet.
It does have Wi-Fi, and La Griega Beach is right on your doorstep. So if you’re looking for the cheapest spot to base yourself outside of Bocas Town, then this is the place to be.
RAB Hostal Bocas | Best Budget Hostel
If you’re looking for a cheap spot near the beach during your Panama backpacking adventure, and you don’t want to stay in a tent, then RAB Hostal Bocas is the best place to stay outside of Bocas Town.
There’s a small pool outside, and you’re just around the corner from Paunch Beach. This is a great spot where it’s easy to meet a few backpackers whilst avoiding the mad party vibes of Bocas Town.
Room For Two With Air Conditioning | Best Apartment
This no-frills apartment is located in a campsite, but you get access to a private room for a cheap price, and that’s what you’re looking for, right?
We love this place because it’s clean, it’s cheap, and offers an alternative to the crazy luxury spots outside of Bocas Town which cost hundreds of dollars. A slice of paradise without breaking the bank.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I get about finding suitable accommodation in Bocas del Toro. If you have any questions of your own, drop them in the comments below!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for 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.
Which Part of Bocas del Toro is Best to Base Yourself in?
After spending a month frolicking (more like drinking) across Bocas del Toro, I can tell you that regardless of where you stay, these islands will, without a doubt, give you the island vacation you’re craving.
If you’re like me and want to hit the ground running when you get to Bocas del Toro, then Bocas Town is the place for you. With everything in walking distance, and so many stays along the beach, every day is full of adventure. My favorite place to stay was at Bambuda Bocas Town – I met a ton of cool people here.
However, if you’re after a more chilled-out stay, I’d recommend staying just outside of Bocas Town on Isla Colon. Relax amongst the jungle and rest up at this awesome Airbnb (my favorite stay outside of Bocas Town).
Fall in love with early morning waves, lazy afternoons on deserted beaches, and (if you’re up for it!) get a bit wild in the evenings in Bocas Town!
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Panama.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Bocas Del Toro.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Central America backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
