WHY BOCAS DEL TORO
Panama's wildest Caribbean
Bocas del Toro is a Caribbean archipelago next to the Costa Rican border: islands where the rainforest meets the sea, beaches with starfish, coral reefs and Afro-Caribbean towns. We show it to you by private boat with a local guide, at your own pace.
Coral reefs
Its waters are home to 95% of the coral species in Panama's Caribbean.
Starfish Beach
Starfish beneath your feet in crystal-clear water. Look, but don't touch.
Rainforest to the shore
On Bastimentos, sloths and red poison dart frogs between the rainforest and beaches like Red Frog.
Community life
Old Bank and the Ngäbe communities show another side of the Caribbean.
BURWA EXPERIENCES
Private experiences in Bocas del Toro
Prices "from", per person unless otherwise stated.
ISLANDS AND BEACHES
RAINFOREST AND COMMUNITIES
ON THE WATER
SIGNATURE JOURNEYS
Several days in Bocas?
Combine Bocas with a signature journey, accommodation and transfers included:
Bocas del Toro Essentials · 3 nights · from USD 1,325 per person
The Three Panamas · city, San Blas and Bocas · 8 nights · from USD 1,995 per person
Prices per person based on double occupancy.
DESTINATION GUIDE
Bocas del Toro, island by island
HISTORY IN FIVE DATES
1502 Columbus reaches the area on his fourth voyage.
1899 The United Fruit Company begins its banana operations.
1903 Bocas del Toro becomes a province in its own right.
1988 Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park is created.
1998 The Smithsonian opens its research station on Isla Colón.
Practical information
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How long. 3 to 4 nights. For islands, rainforest and a bioluminescence night.
When to go. All year round. It can rain at any time; September and October tend to be the driest months, with the calmest sea.
Good to know. US dollar (USD) and Spanish. You'll also hear Bocas Creole, an English-based language.
What to see
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Isla Colón and Bocas Town. The archipelago's main town, at the southern tip of the island.
Starfish Beach and Boca del Drago. Starfish in calm waters and a coastal trail between the two.
Isla Pájaros. An islet off Boca del Drago, the only place in Panama where you can see the red-billed tropicbird.
Bastimentos Island. Old Bank, with its Afro-Caribbean culture, and Red Frog Beach, with red poison dart frogs in the nearby rainforest.
Zapatilla Cays. White sand and reefs inside Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park.
Where to eat
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El Último Refugio (Bocas Town). Fish and seafood.
Bibi's on the Beach (Isla Carenero). Right on the water.
La Buga Gastromarket and Pier 19 (Bocas Town). For something more casual.
Where to stay
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Rather than a specific hotel, choose the right area:
Bocas Town (Isla Colón). Restaurants, atmosphere and everything within walking distance.
Isla Carenero. Quiet and beachy, a short boat ride from Bocas Town.
Bastimentos and Red Frog. The most natural option, among rainforest, beaches and the marine park.
We'll help you choose accommodation to suit your trip.
Getting around
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Getting there. Air Panama flights from Albrook to Isla Colón in under an hour; overland, about 9-10 h (road to Almirante and then boat).
Between islands. By water taxi.
On Isla Colón. By bike, on foot or by taxi: it's the only island with paved roads.
Burwa tips
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Starfish. Admire them without taking them out of the water.
Rain. It can rain at any time of year: bring a light raincoat and protect your phone on the boat.
Transfers. The transfer to the dock or marina isn't always included; we specify it for each experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What people ask us before they come
How many days do I need in Bocas del Toro?
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With 3 or 4 nights you have time for Zapatilla Cays, Starfish Beach, Bastimentos and a bioluminescence night.
How do you get to Bocas del Toro?
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By plane from Albrook (Panama City), in under an hour. By road and boat it takes about 9-10 hours.
When is the best time to go?
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You can go all year round. It can rain at any time, but September and October tend to be the driest months, with the calmest sea.
Can I combine it with other destinations?
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Yes: with Boquete, San Blas or Portobelo on a tailor-made trip, or with The Three Panamas (city, San Blas and Bocas in 8 nights).
What do the experiences include?
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Most include a private boat and a local guide. Meals, entrance fees and transfers depend on each one and are detailed in the catalogue.
KEEP EXPLORING
