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Living In Bocas del Toro

July 20th, 2022

Bocas del Toro, Panamá

Sasha & Eric Hathaway

Bocas del Toro is a quaint group of islands on the Caribbean side of Panama.

The archipelago consists of 6 islands, each with their own charm, hidden secrets, and culture.

Isla Bastimentos is the largest of them all and home to one of the last native Afro-Caribbean cultures, followed by Isla Colon which houses most of the bars, hostels, restaurants, and the famous Bluff Beach.

The other island you’ll most likely hear of is Isla Carenero, which is where you’ll head for the last stop of Filthy Fridays (a giant, epic all- day island party) and where some great restaurants, surf spots, and Airbnb’s.

We ended up staying on Isla Colon for the whole 2-months, renting an Airbnb right downtown the first month, and a remote house on Bluff beach for the second month. If you’re only in Bocas for a week, I would highly recommend staying downtown on Isla Colon as it’s the most central location and you can grab a water taxi on almost every corner. You’ll also find some of the best nightlife and restaurants just a quick walk from your stay. 

  • Divers Paradise Boutique Hotel – right downtown, super friendly staff, decent food, amazing views, and very clean! 

  • Red Frog Beach Island Resort – Much more remote but if you’re looking for a slice of Bali paradise and to feel like you’re in a private Hawaiian beach resort this is the place for you. 

Best Places to Stay

Higher End

  • Downtown Isla Colon

  • Saigon Bay

  • Bluff Beach 





On a Budget

  •  Selina Bocas del Toro 

  • Bambuda Lodge – not on Isla Colon but if you can slip away for a night or 2 here, it’s amazing

  • Aqua Lounge Bocas del Toro 





Airbnb's

Packing Guide

  • Bathing suits of course 

  • Raincoat

  • Hat & Sunglasses 

  • Sunscreen

  • Shorts & Shirts you don’t mind getting muddy/dirty

  • Casual but cute outfit for going out

  • Flip-flops or shoes you can wear to the beach (ones you don’t want to get ruined by ocean water)

  • Bug Spray – you can bring your own, but I highly recommend buying essential oil spray from the local shop Bocas Essential Oils! They have the best smelling bug spray that keeps the Chitra’s away! You can also get anti-itch oil and bug repellent lotion from Super Gourmet!





Grocery Shopping

  • Todo’s has everything you can imagine from food to house supplies! Just remember there’s 3 levels – took us a month in to realize that

  • Super-Gourmet – Fresh vegetables, organic foods, amazing dips, and plenty of vegan/GF options!

  • Essential Bocas – Spices and essential oils

  • Fresh Fruit – There’s a local fruit stand right past the e-bike rental truck called

  • Flying Pirates. They always get fresh shipments, and the owner is probably the sweetest man you will ever meet! You can get an insane amount of fruit and it almost always adds up to $20.