Adventure & Sport

If it’s excitement you seek, look no further, Bocas del Toro offers an abundance of thrilling activities.

The islands of Bocas del Toro have private hiking trails worth checking out, offering an abundance of wildlife and flora. Make sure to use a guide though, the forests in Bocas are dense and more significant than you think.

It’s no secret that Bocas del Toro is one of Panama’s major surfing destinations, luring in surfers every year. Bocas del Toro was the home of the bodyboarding world championships in the early 2000s and has been in the spotlight of every major surfing magazine. Within a small area, there is a wide variety of spots to choose from, everything from kamikaze shore breaking barrels to fun long waves perfect to learn on. Bocas del Toro surf caters to all levels of surfers. There are generally two seasons: December to February and a shorter, less crowded season from July to August.

Kayaking and canoeing are also available. Explore the Bocas del Toro islands on a canoe, paddle into the many mangrove channels, and enjoy the colorful reefs below as you explore the Bocas islands on a kayak. Cayuco tours into the Nividia Cave are also available, offering the opportunity to explore this destination as the locals do.

Diving and snorkeling in Bocas del Toro is also a prevalent activity, and there are an abundance of different places to check out. Discover sunken ships, colorful reefs, underwater caves, and much more in Bocas del Toro. Diving schools are located on Isla Colon and Isla Bastimentos, all offering excellent service and, in most cases, discovery courses. The best time for diving is in September and October when the Caribbean Sea is calm, and the skies are bright, offering better visibility.

Sport fishing in Bocas del Toro is not as popular as the Pacific side, but don’t let that fool you, there is still a lot to offer if you’re willing to go out for it. Fish species vary with time of year and local weather, though the common species offshore/nearshore are Tuna, Wahoo, Snapper, Grouper, Cero Mackerel, Kingfish, and Jacks with Marlin further offshore. Inshore species are Tarpon, Jacks, Snook, smaller grouper and snapper, and the fierce Barracuda.

Isla Colon offers a variety of biking spots if you’re looking for a full-day adventure. Ride around the island of Isla Colon from Bocas Town to Bluff Beach to Mimbitimbi River and around Boca del Drago. This full-day trip is a tough one, so make sure you are in shape. If this is too much, there are also bike rides to Bluff Beach and to Boca del Drago. There are many spots to rent bikes; most locals use the typical banana style beach cruisers for rolling around town, but if you want to reach distant places, we recommend a mountain bike.