Bocas del Toro has become an extremely popular destination for tourists looking for a tropical vacation full of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. However, because of its exotic setting many people second guess a trip to Bocas del Toro worrying it may be hard to get to. Also, many worry that once you're in the region, traveling around may be difficult or expensive. Here are some tips on how to find your way to Bocas del Toro, and how to get around the area without too much trouble.
The first thing you need to do to start off your vacation to Bocas del Toro, Panama is to fly into Panama City. There are many different flight options that come in to Panama City, because there is a large international airport. Flying through Miami is often a good way to ensure a connection. Fligths from Miami to Panama City can be as low as $230 roundtrip (American Airlines usually has the best rate).
Once you're in Panama City, there are many options for getting to the Bocas del Toro region of Panama.
Flying to Bocas del Toro is not hard from Panama City. There are daily one hour flights leaving from Panama City from a couple different competing local airlines. On occasion, the flight will make a stop in Changuinola before continuing on to Bocas del Toro. The landing strip in Bocas del Toro is just three blocks from Bocas Town, the main city in Bocas del Toro. It's also within walking distance to hotels and restaurants in Bocas Town as well. There are taxi's available to take you into town from the airport for just a couple dollars. Our company can assist you in the reservation of your flight to Bocas del Toro, please contact us if you need assistance.
Another option is to take a bus from Panama City to Bocas town. You can leave in the evening and arrive early in the morning from Almirante or Changuinola, then take a water taxi to Isla Colon which is where you'll find Bocas Town. Buses also run daily from Changuinola and David, passing Almirante. David's local airport also has daily flights that come to and from Panama City, Changuinola, and Bocas del Toro. Keep in mind the bus ride from Panama City to Almirante can be more than 10 hours long. If you are just going for a couple of day and you can afford the plane ticket, its probably better to fly there.
One of the more unique and fun things about getting around Bocas del Toro is the water taxis. You may find it a little odd, but this is really the main form of transportation around this island paradise. The types of water taxis range from a dugout canoe with a motor, to large multi-seat high speed boats with wonderful covers for shade, providing great comfort. So either you're experiencing a fun and memorable ride aboard a quick little canoe, or a rip-roaring good time on a large speed boat. Either way, each short strip you take around the Bocas del Toro region is memorable. The water taxis are generally very inexpensive and can be used in just about any town in Bocas del Toro.
The main thing you have to do when it comes to traveling to Bocas del Toro is plan ahead for the trip to Bocas del Toro, going through Panama City or David, and deciding whether or not you want to fly or take a bus. Then, go with the flow once you're in Bocas del Toro, and enjoy the fun and convenience of the water taxis.
Check out our Bocas del Toro Vacation packages for 3, 6, and 10 day itineraries.
