Are you planning visit Bocas del Toro anytime soon? If you are, well, you couldn’t have made a better decision. Bocas del Toro is a small province located in the Northwest part of Panama, and it is full of breathtaking gems. The inside of the province will remind you of Venice because houses and buildings are surrounded by water and because the primary means of transport is by boat. Moreover, the outside of the bustling province will remind you of Galapagos because it is full of the most diverse (and protected) flora and fauna.
And, if all of this is not enough to persuade you to come to Bocas del Toro, let us tell you more. Here, you can also have the time of your life by surfing, snorkeling, hiking, trekking, shopping, dining, partying, etc. Moreover, you will be able to do all of this all year round and for a relatively low price! What more could one want out of a vacation? You just buy that ticket and pack your bags, and we will tell you all you have to know when visiting Bocas del Toro.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Bocas del Toro
Before going on a vacation, everybody wants to know about the weather. That is understandable – who wants to go on a vacation just to be trapped inside due to bad weather? Nobody! So, let us begin this travel guide for Panama‘s province, Bocas del Toro, by telling you about the weather conditions here. In general, Panama and all its provinces have a tropical rainforest climate. This means hot weather and occasional rain all year round. But, do not let the rain stop you, with a 1$ raincoat, you can do all the things you planned.
And, even though enjoying Bocas del Toro is possible all year round, some months are better than others. For instance, December, March, and July are best for surfing. January and April are best for scuba-diving. And September and October (the driest months in Bocas del Toro) are best for exploring nature, sightseeing tourist hot spots, and sunbathing at the beach.
Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro
We disagree with the people who say that accommodation doesn’t matter. It does! Where you stay can make or break your vacation. So, don’t look at hotels just as places where you will sleep and keep your belongings. Look at them as the places where you will relax and feel safe. Thus, before visiting Bocas del Toro, be sure to do thorough research on all the accommodations there. Pay special attention to safety, cleanliness, food, Internet availability, proximity to the beach and the center, etc.
Previously, we mentioned that this province is relatively small. Thus, don’t worry if you can’t find accommodation there. Think wider! There are many other provinces and cities next to Bocas del Toro that have highly developed systems of transportation that can take you anywhere you want.
Moreover, do not hesitate to ask for help before you book your trip to Bocas del Toro! If you need help finding accommodation, look for a travel agent. If you need help moving there, hire experts from easymovekw.com. And, if you need help finding a home, hire a local real estate agent.
What to Eat in Bocas del Toro
Eating is a big part of traveling. Some people prefer treating themselves and eating at 5-start restaurants while traveling. Others, though, prefer eating local foods of street markets as they believe that it is the best way to learn about the culture, history, people, and diet of the place they are in. Whether you belong to the first or the second group (or maybe a third one), there is nothing to fear – Bocas Del Toro has got you covered! Here, you can enjoy restaurants and local markets that sell plenty of local food (which usually include fried fish, lobster, ceviches, chicken in salsa, etc), as well as international ones that sell Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Mediterranean, Slavic, etc., cuisines.
Moreover, while you are in Bocas del Toro, we strongly advise you to do some wondering. Visit the beach, the local provinces and cities, and even nearby Panama’s islands, and try out their foods. For instance, check out Receta Michila (Isla Careneo), The View of Oasis (Bluff Beach), The Floating Bar (Bocas Town), El Ultimo Refugio (Bocas Town), etc.
What to Do in Bocas Del Toro
Of course, if you want to visit Bocas del Toro, one of the most important things you want to know is what to do there. It isn’t easy to provide you with just one answer with so many activities here. You can, for example, spend your days at some of the most beautiful beaches. You can also surf or take surfing lessons. Why not tour the Archipelago, ride ATV through the rain forest, or go horseback riding through the city. Join day&night parties, go to the local cacao farm, and learn how to make chocolate. How about learning Spanish in a local school for tourists? Finally, go kayaking or snorkeling, etc.
The list of things you can do once you arrive at Bocas del Toro can go on and on. But, do not worry about that. You will know where to go as soon as you put your beach clothes on. Just allow yourself to get out there, learn new things, and get out of your comfort zone. Trust us; you will fall in love with Bocas Del Toro once you do this. You will fall in love so much and so quickly that you will instantly start looking for Panama homes for sale and for international movers who can prepare you for an easy relocation across the world! And you will see; Panama real estate is a treat. You may have a difficult time choosing among beautiful Panama property options. You can go for Panama rentals until you find what you are looking for.
Safety Tips
Before you visit Bocas del Toro, make sure you know everything regarding entry requirements and visas. Gather your documentation, both your personal and area-specific ones, on time! If you don’t know where and how to start doing that, check out Panama’s website or even the US Embassy of Panama website. You can get all the information about the documents required for entering Panama and Bocas del Toro. Moreover, don’t forget to check the Ministry of Health of Panama for Covid-19 updates!
However, when it comes to safety tips for when you are inside Panama, we suggest the following:
- Leave your valuables at a hotel (in a safe preferably)
- Avoid visiting remote areas at night
- Only hire taxis from registered companies
- Rent real estate or hotels from registered agents
- Do not buy food from suspicious fast food places
- Stay hydrated and wear sun protection
- Disinfect your hands frequently
- Don’t scratch your mosquito bites (they will get infected)
- Swim with caution
You probably knew all the things we mentioned above, but it doesn’t hurt to mention them one more time before you visit Bocas del Toro. This province and the entire state of Panama are safe places to visit, but just like many other places in the world, you should be cautious. Use your common sense when it comes to safety, but don’t worry about it too much. As long as you follow the safety tips mentioned above, you will have a blast in Bocas del Toro.