7x extraordinary stays in Bocas del Toro

Did you know that Bocas del Toro has an awful lot of cool accommodations? It is – as far as we are concerned, a real waste to spend the night in noisy Bocas Town. Bocas del Toro has so much beauty! From beautiful eco lodges to trendy hostels to floating bungalows, we list the 7 most extraordinary accommodations for you!

Tip: In Bocas del Toro, it’s fun to sleep on different islands. Each island has a completely different atmosphere. For example, do you have a week? Spread these over two islands!

#1 Nowhere

Island: Isla Colon

Booking.com
Nowhere in Bocas del Toro
Nowhere in Bocas del Toro
Nowhere in Bocas del Toro

We start with the very nicest accommodation EVER. Nowhere has super cute hobbit-like cottages in the jungle. What makes these cottages so special is that you have three see-through hatches. So you have a large window where you can sit, you look from the shower to the jungle AND from your bed. The see-through hatch in the ceiling is raised and open, but screened with mesh. This ensures that you can hear the jungle well and thus wake up to the sound of howler monkeys. And who knows, you might see a howler monkey appear at your window 😍

I had brought earplugs in case I didn’t like those howler monkeys at all, but wow, how magical it was to wake up like that! As soon as we left, I missed the sound.

Nowhere is on the main island of Colon, but you’re not in the busy and noisy center here. Bocas Town is about 3 kilometers from the accommodation. Complete tranquility prevails in this part of the island. For $2 per person, a cab will take you to the center where you can do such things as shopping or going out. There are also restaurants and bars within walking distance and fun things to do nearby. Consider renting an ATV and tearing through the jungle or visiting Bocas del Drago. You are secluded here, yet close to everything.

There is good WiFi in both the cottage and the common area. There is a lovely pool, co-working space, (outdoor) fitness and an extensive, shared kitchen. Bring your own drinks and food from Bocas Town, you can’t buy anything at the accommodation itself. However, you can tap water for free, so a refillable bottle is handy. Do you enjoy meeting other travelers? Even then, this is the ideal place!

Nowhere, Bocas del Toro
Nowhere, Bocas del Toro
Nowhere, Bocas del Toro

#2 El Pelicano

Island: Isla Bastimentos

El Pelicano on Bastimentos
El Pelicano on Bastimentos
El Pelicano on Bastimentos

As you sit eating breakfast on your terrace, you begin to understand why this accommodation is called “El Pelicano. The pelicans constantly fly by, looking for fish. Wonderful to see!

In your own little apartment you have a very extensive kitchen (including oven, toaster, stove, …), UV filtered water, your own hammock, sun beds and chairs. You get beach towels and may use snorkeling gear, SUP board and kayak. Will you be there on a Monday? Then owners Cheryl and Mike also take you to the Floating bar. There is an “honesty bar” in the common area where you can have a pint for only $1. At night, you fall asleep in your four-poster bed to the sound of the sea.

You have a section of terrace where you can sunbathe, but you also have a covered section. That covered terrace is ideal when it rains, which was the case with us. So we spent hours enjoying the pelicans flying by and the view of the jungle. There are worse places to stay when it rains 😉

From El Pelicano you can walk in a few minutes to the cozy Afro-Caribbean village of Old Bank and the beautiful Wizard beach. For $5 per person you will be taken to the main island of Colon. Also, Red Frog beach is only a few dollars by water cab, or accessible via a long hike through the jungle. This accommodation is also highly recommended!

(sorry for the bad pictures!)

#3 CocoVico

Island: Isla San Cristobal

Those who love peace and quiet should definitely go to CocoVico. Here you will enjoy Panama’s wildlife from your idyllic bungalow. Dolphins, sloths, colored frogs, and even sea sparks (bioluminescent plankton – only seen around new moon)!

You are quite secluded here, which means that you can fully enjoy this island. The accommodation offers meals made by a celebrity chef, which we already heard several travelers raving about. The kayaks are free to use!

#4 Bambuda Lodge

Island: Isla Solarte

At Bambuda Lodge, enter the sea via a long slide and take beautiful walks through the jungle. This is a special hostel where the family feeling prevails, thanks in part to the communal dinners.

It is also immediately the most affordable option for budget travelers who want to stay in a special place, as there are cheaper dorms. If you want more privacy, you can choose one of the private rooms or bungalows.

Excursions are almost unnecessary here, as there is plenty to do on the property!

#5 El Toucan Loco floating lodge

You dream of a truly secluded spot, where you immerse yourself completely in nature? Then El Toucan Loco Floating Lodge may be for you. You stay here in a beautiful floating bungalow and sloths and many other wild life are easy to spot here with your kayak.

In the restaurant, accessible by your kayak or SUP board, you can enjoy the best meals.

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#6 La Loma Jungle Lodge and Chocolate Farm

Island: Isla Basimentos

If you want the ultimate jungle experience and have an ample budget, you should stay at La Loma Jungle Lodge! Here you sleep in a luxurious, open “tree house. Wild life is guaranteed to be seen here!

All meals are included and it is only a short water cab ride to get to the village of Old Bank or Red Frog Beach. A visit to the chocolate farm is also included in the price!

#7 Tesoro Escondido Ecolodge Cabinas

Island: Isla Colon

Miles of beautiful beach, that’s Playa Bluff. Sometimes it seems like you are all alone here. Those who enjoy surfing or long walks on the beach are in the perfect place.

Tesoro Escondido is a beautiful ecolodge where you can spot lots of wild life such as sloths and howler monkeys.

Bocas Town is 5 kilometers from this accommodation. It feels secluded here, yet you can quickly get to the hustle bustle by cab.

How long to stay on Bocas del Toro?

We stayed a total of 7 nights in Bocas del Toro, on 2 different islands. But we could have stayed there much longer! If you like a combination of relaxation and activities, 7 nights is perfect.

You also have to deal with a microclimate on Bocas del Toro that differs from the normal seasons in Panama. That means you are more likely to get rain. That is precisely why it is convenient to stay here longer than 3 nights, so you also have a much better chance of beautiful, sunny days. By the way, don’t let this deter you, Bocas del Toro is beautiful even with rain!