Bocas del Toro is a large province located in the westernmost part of Panama. However, the main draw for most visitors is the stunning archipelago of islands off the northern coast. It’s made up of nine inhabited islands and hundreds of other smaller islets, and its tropical colored buildings, turquoise water, and laid-back Caribbean vibe make it feel like a postcard come to life.
The islands are most accessible by either taking a quick flight from Panama City or crossing the Costa Rican border by land, a popular choice for travelers coming from the Puerto Viejo area. But either way, once you arrive on the central hub of Isla Colon, you’ll have to hop aboard a small boat to navigate between each of the islands, though that’s less of a travel pain, and more a part of the local experience.
While still under the radar for many international travelers, Bocas del Toro has been growing in popularity year after year, mainly due to its scuba diving scene, relaxed beach bars, and relatively affordable prices. In fact, if you’re thinking about planning a Costa Rican vacation anytime soon, here are a few reasons why it might be worth considering its cheaper, and arguably more fun Central American neighbor.
Dollarized Panama
Even though there is so much in common between these two nations, when it comes to prices, Panama and Costa Rica feel worlds apart. Since 1904, Panama’s currency has been pegged to the U.S. dollar, which not only offers stability but also makes it easy for American travelers to budget and compare costs.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, consistently ranks among the most expensive countries in Central America, and you’ll feel it before you even arrive, your flight and accommodation could be close to double what you’d paid for the Panamanian equivalent. Costa Rica also relies heavily on importation, and most goods are brought in from abroad. That means a bottle of sunblock might run you the same price it would at a resort gift shop in the U.S., add in Costa Rica’s higher taxes and tourism surcharges, and it’s easy to see why a trip to Tamarindo or Santa Teresa might come with a bit of sticker shock.
Easy Island Hopping
Another common complaint among first-time travelers to Costa Rica is that many of the popular destinations are extremely spread out. An ideal Costa Rican trip might include hiking in Monteverde, relaxing in a thermal spa in La Fortuna, beach time in Jaco, and exploring the Caribbean coast of Cahuita National Park, but if you don’t pick and choose between those options, chances are that you’ll spend most of your trip packed into a shuttle, and transportation around the country is notoriously expensive.
Bocas, on the other hand, makes getting around easy. For just a few bucks, you can hop aboard a water taxi and, in just a few minutes, end up on an entirely different adventure. On Isla Bastimientos, you might hike through the jungle to a secret beach, on Isla Solarte, you might spend the day relaxing in an overwater hammock, and on Isla Carenero, you might opt to take a kayak or surfboard out into the water. The convenience and affordable transportation mean you can island-hop without a plan, and without worrying about your budget.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
For travelers interested in snorkeling and diving, Bocas del Toro is a must-visit destination. Most of the year, the waters are calm and offer excellent visibility, and the coral reefs are close enough that you don’t need a full-day trip to see something worthwhile. There are dozens of shops that rent snorkel gear and several PADI-certified dive shops on Isla Colón.
Diving here not only costs noticeably less than in Costa Rica, sometimes up to half the price, but the Bocas area also offers the opportunity to see caves, coral walls, and old shipwrecks, all within the same day. It’s an excellent spot for beginners or those just looking for a low-stakes, affordable underwater experience.
Laid-Back Nightlife
Bocas del Toro also offers something for all types of travelers who are looking to unwind — everything from fancy beachfront cocktail bars to a famous weekly bar crawl aimed at the younger backpacker crowd. Each island has its own vibe, and while some shut down earlier than others, if you are looking for good music, cheap drinks, and a fun time, you won’t have a problem finding all of the above.
On Isla Colon, dozens of open-air bars line the waterfront, and most offer happy hour deals and drink prices far cheaper than what you’d pay in Costa Rica. It’s the type of place that makes it hard to say no to “just one more.” Fortunately, if you end up staying longer than expected, the island’s unofficial dress code seems to be sandals, bathing suits, and t-shirts. So, if your daytime beach attire unexpectedly turns into evening wear, nobody will notice or mind.
When deciding where to go on your next Central American adventure, the best choice might not be the most famous. Costa Rican destinations like Nosara, La Fortuna, and Santa Teresa are on most international travelers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. But their popularity also means you’ll be facing higher prices in nearly every aspect of your trip. Instead, making a trip to Bocas del Toro means you’ll be able to stretch your budget further or upgrade to a nicer accommodation for the same price, while still getting incredible beaches, tasty Caribbean food, fun nightlife, and world-class diving.