White-sand beaches, jungle-filled coastlines, light-blue waves, and rainbow-colored coral reefs draw hordes of tourists to the Bocas del Toro archipelago in northeastern Panama. Just a couple hours from the Costa Rican border, Bocas is just now starting to become a major tourist destination. However, while the streets of Bocas Town are now paved and lined with expat-owned hotels and restaurants, Isla Bastimentos retains its authentic, small-town feel alongside its diversity of natural attractions. Boats speed between the islands throughout the day, enabling tourists to island-hop between beaches, diving spots, and nightlife options. However, despite the influx of tourists, the long, picturesque beaches remain relatively empty, creating the illusion of a secluded paradise while only minutes away from the amenities of a relatively large town.
Getting to Bocas del Toro from Costa Rica is simple. After crossing the border into Guabito, take a bus to Changuinola and, from there, a boat to Bocas.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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