Bocas del Toro looks far from Panama City and San Jose on the map, but if you’re willing to devote a lengthy day to travel, this island archipelago greets you with a blissful stay. It’s a place where no itinerary is needed: Plan your day in advance or at the last minute, and you’ll still have time to swim, surf, snorkel, and sail around the islands. The best things to do in Bocas del Toro are to relax, unwind, and allow yourself the time to go with the flow.
Locals will suggest visiting Bocas del Toro at different times of the year, depending on your interest. Like most areas of Central America, the rainier months have fewer crowds and lower prices. Winter has less rain and larger swells for surfing, while autumn is an excellent time for diving in calmer waters. Visit in September for the International Sea Fair to take advantage of warm weather, blue skies, and street festivities.
Getting around Bocas del Toro requires a few different modes of transportation. Water taxis are affordable and reliable for traveling between the islands. You can hire a cab or rent a scooter/all-terrain vehicle in some areas, but so much of Bocas del Toro is walkable that there’s no need to add an extra cost or responsibility to your vacation. Arrive by plane or boat, then take the occasional cab or water taxi when needed.
Bocas del Toro is safe from a crime perspective, but one under-discussed safety element is how easy it is to lose footing. In the rainy season, pools of water collect on the sidewalks, which are dotted with square ceramic tiles at the entrances to homes and shops. Those tiles and the wooden ramps leading into certain bars and accommodations require a slower gate and, ideally, shoes with traction.
