A Digital Nomad Guide to Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro Visa

As you fly into the country and go through customs, most tourists are granted a 90 to 180 day tourist visa. If you intend to stay longer, you’ll need to find a way to extend your visa. Many people do this by crossing the border into a neighboring Central American country before returning to Panama. 

In 2021, the government introduced a new Short Stay Visa specifically aimed at digital nomads. With this visa, you will be able to work remotely and live anywhere in Panama for up to nine months. You also have the possibility of requesting a one-time extension that will provide an additional nine months in the country. 

Digital nomads should meet the following criteria to be considered for this visa: 

• Employed or owning a company registered out of Panama 
• Annual income of minimum $36,000
• No criminal record 

You’ll also need to budget around $75 to apply for this visa. Any document that’s been issued out of Panama should be either legalized or apostilled. If you’re self-employed, you will be asked to prove that you do own a company outside the country.

Culture and Food in Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro offers up a mix of several different cultures, perfectly blended for a unique and unforgettable paradise. Early in the 20th century, the area was best known for its banana plantations and people from all over the continent flooded the area to work in the banana industry. Now, the area is home to a mix of expats, travelers, indigenous, and other local communities. Among the native villages, Ngäbe village of the Salt Creek, the Meri Ngobe village of Popa Dos, the towns on the mainland at Bonyic y Sieyic, and villages around Cristobal Island are still thriving. 

In terms of cuisine, Bocas del Toro has strong Spanish and Caribbean influences that blend harmoniously with the local tropical vibe. Given the bountiful ocean that surrounds it, you can expect plenty of gloriously fresh seafood at just about any restaurant or eatery that you visit. I did notice that Panamanian dishes tend to be less spicy than Caribbean ones. Most local meals include ingredients such as yuca, plantains, wheat flour, fresh corn, rice, and various cuts of meat. 

 Some dishes that I can absolutely recommend include: 

• Guacho

I discovered this lip-smacking delicacy completely by accident while visiting a family-owned, hole-in-the-wall type of eatery in Bocas Town. The menu was in Spanish, and I’ll admit that my Spanish reading skills weren’t exactly up to par, so I decided to be adventurous and point at the most interesting-sounding dish which just so happened to be Guacho. 

When my food arrived, I must say that I wasn’t exactly thrilled by how it looked: not a soup, not a stew, it rather looked like a watery rice meal with boiled vegetables and a haphazard assortment of seafood. But I must say that while it doesn’t look all that appealing, Guacho ended up being my go-to lunch in Bocas del Toro. Fragrant, hearty, and yet light enough so it doesn’t sit in your stomach, this dish is commonly topped by seasonal veggies and either seafood or meat, all on a base of soupy rice and yuca. Some variations include freshly-grated coconut. 

• Empanadas

While I know that Empanadas need no introduction, believe me when I say that you haven’t tasted the real thing until you’ve had an Empanada made by a Spanish grandma. Mine were lovingly prepared by my local friend’s grandmother when I was invited to their place for lunch and while these deep-fried snacks are absolutely bursting with calories, the spectacular, toe-curling burst of flavor that meets your tastebuds right from the first bite immediately cancels out any thought of healthy eating from your mind. 

Even more morish when served piping hot from the fryer, Empanadas basically refer to savory pastries stuffed to the brim with cheese, potatoes, or ground meat. While not all that common, it’s also possible to find the sweet version: the one that I tried was stuffed with sweet cheese, topped with molten chocolate, and a light dusting of icing sugar. 

• Raspao 

Okay, I know this isn’t technically a meal, but it would be unfathomable to talk about Bocas del Toro’s cuisine without mentioning this heavenly dessert. Featuring a local spin on the classic Snow Cone, Raspao consists of thinly shaved ice – most of the time by hand – that’s been generously drizzled with local syrups. But it doesn’t stop here: after the syrup, sellers add a few more drizzles of condensed milk to tie the whole thing together and bring an ice-cream like texture to the cone. Believe me when I say there’s nothing like lying in front of the sparkling ocean to enjoy this exceptionally refreshing treat with the sun blazing overhead. 

• Panamanian Sancocho 

Arguably one of the most popular dishes in Bocas del Toro, the Panamanian Sancocho also happens to be the country’s national meal. In fact, locals love it so much that they commonly serve it for breakfast. Encompassing all the elements of a hearty comfort meal, Sancocho basically refers to a clear soup made up of whole chicken breasts, corn on the cob, and juicy chunks of root vegetables. It’s commonly drizzled with olive oil right before serving and enjoyed alongside a slice of crusty baguette. Coastal restaurants often substitute the chicken breasts for fish fillets, gambas, or mussels. 

Culture

Having traveled throughout Panama, I was surprised to realize that Bocas del Toro’s culture was quite different from the rest of the country. To begin with, the archipelago has its own local slang known as ‘Guari-Guari’ which borrows dialects from indigenous tribes, Spanish, and West Indian English. 

If there’s one cultural festival that Bocas Del Toro is particularly known for, it’s undoubtedly the Feria del Mar, a four-day event that draws locals from all over Panama. Celebrated in mid-September of each year, this festival aims at honoring the local fishermen and the Caribbean Sea that supplies them with food all year long. Expect plenty of parties all through the archipelago with street dances and live Salsa, Reggae, Bachata, as well as Calypso music pulsating through every corner of Bocas Del Toro. During this festival, you’ll also get to partake in watersports at reduced prices. 

If you’re a fan of carnivals, you will be glad to learn that Bocas Del Toro hosts a carnival at least once a month. In fact, digital nomads who would like to properly soak up the archipelago’s rich culture may wish to head there in November and December, where they’ll get to attend between ten to fifteen festivals and carnivals, most punctuated by firework shows.

Bocas del Toro Nightlife

Bocas has an undeniably great nightlife. There is always live music and dancing late into the night so if you’re looking to party there are plenty of options. You may wish to check out the following spots: 

Loco Dave’s Bar and Books

Yes, I know. A bookstore doesn’t exactly scream nightlife. But trust me when I say that this Loco Dave’s Bar and Books is welcome spot for expats to unite. This bookstore bar is open from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am.

Iguana

Open from 10pm to 4am daily (except Wednesdays and Sundays), Iguana is located on Third Street. This hip pub draws quite a young crowd and is particularly known for its all-night parties. Most of the time, select drinks are complimentary to ladies. With live music and quite an extensive assortment of tapas, this Surf Bar is also known for hosting international DJs. The official closing time is listed as 4am, but on both occasions that I’ve been there, the bar actually stayed open until past 5am – perfect for night owls! 

Barco Hundido Bocas

Barco Hundido Bocas describes itself as an ‘adult wonderland surrounding a sunken boat’ and after checking out the place, I must say that I entirely agree with them. An adult wonderland indeed, this dance club lies on a wooden platform perched right on top of the ocean. As such, you’ll have the perfect vantage point to explore the various fish, starfish, and even the remains of an ancient sunken ship. 

Their parties are known for being loud and raucous, animated by local and international performers alike. Barco Hundido on warmer nights, which is nearly always the case in Bocas del Toro, patrons also like to jump into the ocean right from the diving platform that’s been set up a short distance from the shipwreck. While it does offer an excellent selection of cocktails, I absolutely loved their hand stretched pizzas baked in a classic wood-fired oven. The club is open Wednesday to Sunday, 6pm to 4am.

Things to do in Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is an adventurer’s paradise. Indeed, when you’re not working, rest assured that there’s always plenty that you can do to experience the best of the archipelago. 

A few of my favorite Bocas del Toro activities include: 

• Scuba Diving

  Bocas del Toro is one of the number one dive spots in the world. People come from everywhere to get their diving certifications and it’s easy to see why. There are numerous reputable dive schools in the area and if you’re already certified, there are dozens of places to go diving. Well known spots include:

  • The Wreck – This ship was intentionally sunk over ten years ago and has since become home to local marine life. The old ferry sits about 40 feet (12 meters) below the surface.
  • Mangrove Point – This is a shallow reef that both beginners and experienced divers enjoy. There is plenty of marine life to photograph and you can even go night diving at this spot.
  • Casa Blanca – This spot is one of the deepest in the area and is appealing to people with its Advanced Open Water certification. There are loads of coral reefs and several schools of fish swimming around.
  • Casa Verde – Similar to Casa Blanca, Casa Verde is a shallow reef and great for beginners. You can see loads of marine life as well as coral reefs.

• Surfing

  Bocas del Toro is also a world-famous surfing destination. There are various spots ranging in difficulty. Whether you are learning to surf or come as an expert, Bocas offers something for every type of surfer. The best time of year for waves is from December to April. However, the months of July and December are known to have the biggest waves. Surfing beaches include:

  • Paunch – This spot is known as a reef break. It makes getting into and out of the water a bit tricky but it is said to be the best wave in Bocas. When the surf is small the spot can be pretty user-friendly, however, when there is swell in the water and the waves are big, it is best left to the more experienced surfers.
  • Dumpers – This is a fast wave and mostly surfed by locals. It is also over a reef and pretty inconsistent. But when it’s working, it’s a good wave.
  • Bluff – This is an expert-only wave because it breaks in super shallow water. 
  • Black Rock – This wave is perfect for beginners, however, you can only get to it by boat. 
  • Punta Carenero – Another super famous wave in Bocas Del Toro, this break is just for intermediate to expert surfers. The spot can get super crowded, but the waves break left and right, letting the crowd spread out a bit.

• Bat Caves

  Located on Isla Bastimentos, this cave system is home to thousands of bats. You can take a tour from Old Bank which includes a 30-minute boat ride through the mangroves where you can see some other animals like sloths. The hike in the cave requires sturdy shoes and you’ll be provided helmets with flashlights.

• Plastic Bottle Village

  Located in Bocas Town, this unique attraction was first developed by Robert Bezeau in 2016 to reduce plastic waste. Trust me when I say that this charming little town, complete with its plastic-bottle houses is quite a sight to behold. Be sure to check out the Castle Inspiration which stands at 50 feet and is made of over 40,000 PET bottles. Rest assured that it’s entirely possible to explore the interior which consists of guest rooms spread across the first two stories, a dining room on the third floor, and a viewpoint on the last floor which boasts an excellent vantage point over the town.

• Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos

  Spanning across 132 square kilometers, this marine park was first established to protect Bocas del Toro’s 130 islands. If you have the time to spare, I would absolutely recommend that you get a permit to camp in the park overnight while enjoying the wondrous sights to the fullest. For just $10, you can easily obtain a camping permit from one of the Ministerio de Ambiente offices in Bocas Town. An important nesting sight for turtles, the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos is also home to plenty of crocodiles, caimans, sloths, monkeys, and mangrove forests. You’ll also find over 250 species of marine animals and fish. If you want to explore the park’s various islets, rest assured that it’s quite easy to do so via inexpensive water taxis.

Alternatively, you may also wish to check out some of Bocas del Toro’s local experiences such as: 

• Take Spanish Classes – There are loads of places where you can take Spanish classes, both in private or a group setting.
• Island Hopping – You can take different boat tours to all the islands that make up the Bocas del Toro archipelago. 
• Filthy Friday Island Crawl – If you’re in the party mood, the Filthy Friday Island Crawl is for you. This all-day party has you going from island to island as you dance and drink the day away. 
• Sun Bathing – Whether you are by a pool or on one of the many beautiful beaches, getting a nice golden bronze is easy to do.
• Brewery – If you’re into craft beer, then going to the Bocas Brewery is a must. Located in Isle Colon, the brewery offers Happy Hour from 4-6.
• Cacao Plantation – A fun place to visit and see how chocolate is made. 
• Fishing – You can charter a boat trip and experience the thrill of fishing. 
• Starfish Beach – You can take a bike ride to starfish beach if you’re staying in Bocas Town. There are hundreds of starfish you can see in the clear, shallow water. 
• Visit the Plastic Bottle Village – This museum/hotel has a castle, jail, and several houses. It is made from over 40,000 plastic bottles.

Best Time to Visit Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro experiences humid, tropical weather all year round. Bear in mind that the archipelago is known for its high temperatures, so it’s always a good idea to arm yourself with plenty of sunscreen, water bottles, and comfortable clothing. February is known for being the coldest month with lows of around 20-23 degrees Celsius and highs of 28 to 30 degrees. 

It’s important to know that Bocas del Toro does also have a wet season, with September to December being the rainiest months. On the other hand, because these months don’t see a lot of tourists, you’ll be able to benefit from reduced rates, especially in terms of accommodation. 

High season normally runs from March to June since these tend to be the warmest and driest months.

Bocas del Toro for Families

Bocas is probably not the most ideal place for families, especially if you have young kids since most people basically go there to party. There are still a few family-friendly activities such as zip-lining, swimming, snorkeling, and boating that you can indulge in with the kids. 

Examples include: 

• Jellyfish Lagoon: If you ask me, there’s no better way to discover Jellyfish Lagoon than by kayaks. Located just off the coast of Tranquilo Bay, Jellyfish Lagoon is especially known for its calm and clear waters, perfect for spotting the hundreds of jellyfish under the surface. If you would like to kayak across Jellyfish Lagoon, rest assured that it’s entirely possible to rent family-sized ones. 
• Wizard Beach: You’d be hard-pressed to find a kid who’s not going to be thrilled by a visit to Wizard Beach. Boasting a rugged landscape with silky soft sands and a turquoise lagoon, this beach doesn’t receive a lot of visits. As such, you can grab some food and drinks and set up camp for the day on your very own private islet. Getting there is quite easy: you can simply hop on a water taxi to the dock and enjoy a refreshing stroll through the jungle that leads directly to the beach. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot herds of wild horses galloping down the shoreline. 
• Turtle Hatching: Like I mentioned before, there are plenty of turtle nesting spots throughout Bocas del Toro. Digital nomads who visit the archipelago between March and November will be able to witness at least four types of turtles hatch: the Green Sea turtle, the Loggerhead, the Hawksbill, and the Leatherback. Some of the best nesting spots where you can take your kids include Zapatillas Cays, Long Beach (found on Isla Bastimentos), and Bocas del Toro-Bluff Beach. 

In terms of schooling, digital nomads who travel to Bocas del Toro with their children often resort to home schooling since there aren’t any international, English-speaking schools on the archipelago, with the exception of Tangerine International School. This establishment holds classes in both English and Spanish. 

Alternatively, if your kids happen to be proficient in Spanish, you may wish to consider local schools such as Sabi Abrego Becker, Escuela Boca de Drago, Habla Ya Spanish School – Bocas del Toro Campus, and Panama Dive School. It’s good to know that most schools in Bocas del Toro are found in Bocas Town. 

Now, while I did not personally travel to Bocas del Toro with kids, I noticed that drugstores and supermarkets easily catered to the little ones and as such, products such as diapers and baby formula should be quite easy to find. The local cuisine is also child-friendly since most dishes tend to be quite mild, with plenty of scrumptious desserts on the menu.

Living in Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro Transportation

Water Taxi

In my opinion, this is easily the quickest and least expensive way of exploring the many islets in the vicinity. Indeed, these taxis seamlessly connect all the islands and ports which makes it easy for you to travel from the mainland and back. Most round-trip tickets only cost around $1 to $3. 

Bicycle

During my time in Bocas del Toro, I noticed that locals prefer to travel by bicycles. The archipelago has very flat terrain, so it’s quite easy to bike your way around. Most rentals cost between $5 and $8 per day or between $1 and $2 per hour. Now, Bocas del Toro is quite a safe place, but I would still recommend that you lock up your rental bike when not in use, just in case. 

Digital nomads who are planning on staying on the archipelago long term can also consider buying their own second hand bikes. These usually cost around $30-$70. 

Yellow cabs

Public taxis in Bocas del Toro look just like New York’s iconic yellow cabs. Unlike the Big Apple, however, taxis in the archipelago are very affordable with most rides costing between $1 and $2 for short distances or $3-$10 for longer trips. Taxis are rarely metered so be sure to agree on a price beforehand. Unlike elsewhere in Panama, I did notice that most taxi drivers in Bocas del Toro are extremely honest and will rarely overcharge you. 

Shuttles

To explore provinces outside Bocas del Toro, you can easily grab a shuttle from Bocas Town. Popular companies include: 

• Caribe Shuttle-Bocas del Toro
• Hello Travel Panama
• Turbo Express
• Bocas Island Express

Fitness and Health

People are generally happy and healthy here. There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you in shape. You can go swimming, hiking, surfing, SUPing, etc, all of which will keep you in great shape. Fresh fish and other seafood are popular here and you can find vegan and vegetarian options too.

The archipelago also has a distinct yoga culture so it’s not uncommon to see groups of foreigners and locals alike indulging in some early morning stretches on the beach. Despite its diminutive size, Bocas del Toro also has quite a few fitness centers that you can choose from, namely: 

Bocas Fight Gym

Despite what the name suggests, this is not an underground fight club. Specializing in martial arts, the Bocas Fight Gym is found on Isla Colon and is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm. The only martial arts academy in Bocas del Toro, this establishment offers Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. It also regularly holds retreats by former champions. 

Mono Loco Surf School

Like I previously mentioned, surfing is practically ingrained in the local culture. As such, locals and digital nomads alike like to keep fit by taking surfing lessons. Located in Bocas Town, Mono Loco school boasts group and private lessons alike. You can either book a lesson for $60, three lessons for $140 or five for $225. If your group includes 4 to 5 people, the price goes down to $45 per person for one lesson.

Bocas del Toro People

The people in Bocas are a mix of expats, locals, indigenous, and travelers from all over the world. Most people you come across are super friendly and full of information. The islands all have the quintessential laid-back, beach vibe which is only punctuated by the locals’ carefree attitude and determination to stay positive, no matter what. 

It didn’t take me long to realize that in true Panamanian fashion, there’s a very strong sense of community in Bocas del Toro. Locals are always watching out for each other: indeed, as a foreigner, I was absolutely astonished by the lengths they would go to help one another and by the trust that exists between them. For example, if you visit one of the markets during lunchtime, it’s not uncommon to see one vendor keeping an eye on his or her colleague’s empty stall – money box and everything – while the latter goes out to lunch. 

There’s no denying that family lies at the very core of Panamanian society, with multiple generations living under the same roof. Surprisingly enough, for an archipelago that’s so centered around family, it’s rare to see everyone at the table at the same time. Instead, when I was invited to a local friend’s house for dinner, I noticed that the grandparents eat early while the kids carry their dishes upstairs to eat in their respective rooms. After feeding the kids, parents usually balance their plates on their laps in front of the television. 

While I’ve been subjected to my fair share of scams and touts elsewhere in Panama, I didn’t encounter any such issues during my stay in Bocas del Toro. Locals rarely take advantage of tourists, and they’ll never hesitate to go the extra mile to help you out, even if it means giving you a free ride to your destination.

Bocas del Toro Insurance and Medical Care

There are no insurance or major hospitals around Bocas del Toro. There are some clinics around but it’s a good idea to be traveling with travelers’ insurance. The small clinics – or dispensaries as they’re called in the archipelago – offer limited services and it’s quite rare to come across English-speaking nurses, although most doctors are fluent. 

Major injuries or situations are usually transferred to a nearby city called Changuinola which is found nearly two hours away. While there are plenty of drugstores around Bocas del Toro, prescription drugs are often out of stock so you may want to take any important medication along.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Bocas del Toro

Your best bet of landing a job in Bocas del Toro is to apply for a position in the hospitality industry, especially if you’re bilingual or proficient in two or more languages. Given the lack of big-name, international hotels on the archipelago, you probably won’t be paid a lot though. Like I mentioned earlier, you may also find a job through work placement programs where you will be required to work for a few hours per day in exchange for rent or food.

If you would like to work in Bocas del Toro – or anywhere in Panama for that matter – it’s crucial that you get the proper permits, otherwise your visa may be permanently revoked. It’s also recommended that you brush up on your Spanish, unless you’re specifically applying for an English-speaking position. 

Digital nomads who plan on working in Bocas del Toro may wish to check out job hunting sites such as Glassdoor, Jobzella, and Tiptopjobs.