You may have already realized that you can't visit Bocas without visiting its beaches. Which ones are the best to visit? Here is a selection of our 10 favorite beaches in Bocas del Toro for you to plan your itinerary and relax to the max.
1. Isla Carenero, the Jewel of Bocas del Toro
This small island, the closest to Isla Colon, is easily reachable from Bocas Town by kayak or paddleboard. Its clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and–if you dare–trying your hand at surfing. At the seashore you will find restaurants and bars where you can enjoy good music and good food.
2. Red Frog, Home of the Little Red Frogs
Located on Isla Bastimentos, just 15 minutes by water taxi from Bocas Town. This beach is famous for being the home of the miniature red frogs. If you arrive by water taxi, to get to the beach you will have to use a private path for a fee of about $5. From there you can enjoy the beach freely or pay for a day pass (around $75), which will give you access to first-class facilities with food and drinks. This is a spot where the waters are calm practically all year round, although, from December to March, it is a very cool place to surf.
3.Escondida Beach, Hidden Treasure
Located on Isla Colon, 5.6 miles (9 km) away from Bocas Town, on the coast overlooking the open sea. This beach is famous for its impressive waves, which attract both amateur and professional surfers from all over the world.
Bluff is the longest beach of the archipelago, over 2.5 miles (4 km). Here you will find areas with hotels, restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere while watching surfers ride the waves.
Bluff Beach also has totally natural and isolated sectors where you connect. Visit between April and September to see leatherback, hawksbill and green turtles’ nest at night and lay their eggs.
4. Bluff Beach, Wild Waves
Just 1.24 miles (2 km) from Bluff Beach, following a trail that combines stretches of beach and stretches of forest, you will find this beach in its natural state. It is the perfect place for those looking for a paradise without human intervention and for those who want to alternate with all the activities you can find in Bocas Town. To enter and leave this beach, it is best to pay attention to the surf reports, because at certain times the passage could be closed. If you want to get directly to Escondida Beach, it is also possible to take an 0.3 mile (500 m) path from the road. Remember not to leave trash behind after hitting this beach.
5. La Piscina and Blue Lagoon: Awesome Experience
In the Mimitimbi area are La Piscina and, a little further, Blue Lagoon. These are two paradises not to be missed. La Piscina, with its clear water, will leave you speechless, and in Blue Lagoon you can swim among the mangroves. An experience full of diversity!
These places are made to be desired, because they can only be enjoyed when the waves are calm, so plan well what time to go and when to return. To get there you will have to walk or bike along the Isla Colon beach route. Start at Bluff until you reach the private Jungle Highway, which will take you to the La Piscina sign.
6. Bocas del Drago, Coral and Birds
Find it on Isla Colon, 8.7 miles (14 km) by road from Bocas Town. Legend has it that its name comes from the fact that certain lost pirates heard the sounds of a dragon when the waves crashed on the rocks.
On the beach, there is a hotel with a restaurant serving traditional food from Bocas del Toro. There you can rent kayaks and paddleboards, or hire a boat excursion to Isla Pajaros, home to hundreds of birds and a coral reef perfect for snorkeling.
7. Playa Estrella, Underwater Colors
To get to Playa Estrella, follow the 1.24 mile (2 km) road that starts in Bocas del Drago. Along the way, you will pass wooden bridges over the mangrove swamp and over the beach. The magic of Playa Estrella is in its starfish, although sometimes they hide when there are many people. There are scientists who have counted up to 800 starfish per 2.47 acres (hectare).
You will find restaurants and tourist amenities here. Don't touch the starfish: they get stressed, contaminated and die. Being mindful of this is the only way to continue to enjoy them.
8. Polo Beach, Mr. Polo's Hideout
Located in Bastimentos, Polo Beach is one of the best beaches in the archipelago. Its clear and calm water makes it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It is also protected by a coral reef, which softens the waves and creates a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Polo is named after its only inhabitant: Mr. Polo, who many years ago decided to leave everything behind and get away from civilization. He now lives in a small hut, built by himself.
To get there, you can take a boat from Bocas Town or walk for an hour from Red Frog. Remember to bring good shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water for hydration, insect repellent and something to eat. The heat and humidity are intense, but give life to the entire ecosystem.
9. Wizard Beach, to be Enchanted
Also, on Isla Bastimentos, Wizard Beach is known for its waves, ideal for surfers. You must be careful when bathing due to the strong currents. Because of its remoteness and incredible extension, on Wizard, you will feel as if you were in your own paradise. To get there, you can follow a trail from Bastimentos Town. It will take you about 20 minutes through the forest, which will give you enough time to find some wild animals along the way. For the hike it is important to bring good shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water for hydration and something to eat.
10. Zapatillas Cays 1 and 2
These cays are located in the Bastimentos National Marine Park and are a 40-minute water taxi ride from Isla Colon. These pristine beaches surrounded by coral reefs are incredible for swimming, diving and snorkeling. They are also nesting areas for four of the seven species of sea turtles that exist in the world. Zapatilla Cay 1 is totally protected for the welfare of the turtles and has no human intervention. At Zapatilla Cay 2 you will find a hut to rest and sit and eat, trails, restrooms and the rangers' cabin. Be sure to bring enough water for hydration, sunscreen, hat and insect repellent.
The Secret of Bocas: Escudo de Veraguas
Although by its name, it seems to be in another province, Escudo de Veraguas is actually the best kept secret of Bocas del Toro. This 741 acre (3 km2) island is located 18 miles (32 km) from Isla Colon. This island offers beautiful landscapes and great biodiversity. You will not find any tourist services, except those you have arranged with your tour operator. It is recommended to visit it during the months of less swell: September and October.
Enjoy the wonderful beaches of Bocas del Toro and discover all its hidden treasures!
Where to Stay in
Bocas de Toro
