There is so much to do in Bocas! All photos above are pics from around Bastimentos, the most beautiful island in Bocas. For sightseeing, we work with our favorite local boat drivers and believe in providing for their families instead of large, impersonal tour companies. These tours are catered to you instead of booking tours in town with a boat full of people. We think you should be on your own time here & have a personalized experience. Our local drivers can take you to the best snorkel spots & beautiful secluded beaches.
Yoga & Spa
We have yoga classes (Vinyasa Flow) twice a week during high season in our open air yoga pavilion for $10. Schedule varies on the season. If you would like to host a retreat, please see our “RETREATS” page.
We can arrange massage for guests to enjoy on your private deck or in our yoga space.
Snorkeling
Crystal clear blue waters are endless in Bocas. We can arrange a trip for you to some amazing spots or you can snorkel right in front of The Firefly when the sea is calm! We have spotted many different fish, squid, octopus, rays and turtles! Snorkel equipment is available free for our guests. All of the best spots are close to us including Hospital Point (5 min), ‘Hollywood’ (5 min) & Coral Caye (20min). Private snorkel excursions vary depending on how many people $30-$45pp
Diving
The waters around Bocas have all sorts of amazing wildlife and the diving is spectacular, especially in the low season when the waters are calm. Whether it is your first time diving or you’re a seasoned pro, Bocas has dive spots for all levels. Dive a wreck, dive with nurse sharks…it’s all within reach. We recommend Panama Dive School on Isla Carenero. Dive certification $275 and up. Discover Scuba about $65
SUP
We have SUP boards for rent and you can take them right in front of The Firefly. Sups are a great way to explore our clear waters and go to the neighboring island of Carenero. Rentals $15
Sailing
There are a few awesome companies here in Bocas that do day sails around the islands.
Surf
If you would like a lesson, we can get in touch with Luis at Escuela Del Mar. They will take you out and give ya the skills you need. If you are experienced, we can hire a boat driver for you to take you to whatever breaks are firing. See the surf page for info on breaks and board rentals. All of the major breaks are within minutes of the Firefly. We are in the BEST location for surfing.
Beaches/Island Hopping
There are tons of beaches around the islands. Whether it’s a perfectly secluded white sand beach (Wizard Beach), a beach with a volleyball net and beach bars (Red Frog Beach), or a beach with fresh fish cooked just for you (Polo Beach), we know where to go! Or if you just want to get out and see Bocas, we can recommend places to stop, including The Blue Coconut, an overwater restaurant on stilts with cold beer and a reef to snorkel while you wait for your lunch and the Floating Bar, a two tiered bar on pontoons in pristine calm waters. Get the tacos!
ATV
The Flying Pirates are the BEST atv rental company in town. The only company with amazing jungle trails that will take you to hidden spots you wouldn’t find otherwise. They care for the island and will give you all the info you need on how to enjoy the atvs in a responsible way. In high season we must call ahead for you to reserve. In rainy season, atvs are a fun, muddy excursion even in the rain! Our favorite spot to head to is the hidden Blue Lagoon. $110 for the jungle trail half day (4 hours)
Zipline
The sky canopy tour is located on Bastimentos a short 5 minute boat ride away from us at Red Frog. We can call and schedule your morning or afternoon session. $75/pp
Zapatilla Islands
The Zapatillas are part of the Bastimentos Marine Reserve and are a pair of beautiful uninhabited islands. You can snorkel or go on an island jungle walk. The Zapatillas are also a turtle nesting ground. These islands are a 45-55 min boat ride away and can be hard to reach when the sea is rough and the surf is up. Price $45-$65pp depending on number of people
Hiking
We can point out trails where you can fully explore our island and best of all it’s FREE. Whether you want to end at a beautiful, secluded beach or check out surfers from a scenic viewpoint, ask us to point you in the right direction.
Fishing
For the avid fisherman, we can arrange a tour with Capt. Marcel for a full or half day tour. For those who don’t want anything fancy, we can call a local driver/fisherman to take you out in a panga for the local fishing spots. You can try some local style ‘handlining’. We will cook what you catch! Prices vary.
Spanish Lessons
There are a few schools in the area where you can sign up for group or private lessons including Habla Ya & Spanish by the Sea.
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Visitors can learn about the island, conservation efforts and the local wildlife. Weekly tours
Bastimentos Bat Caves
Perhaps our favorite tour, this combines an amazing jungle boat ride down the Bahia Honda River, a jungle walk and a hike/swim in the cave! Local guides will guide you through the jungle, pointing out sloths and other wildlife, to the mouth of the cave. From there, you will put on your headlamp and explore inside! The caves are wet so wear your swimsuit and water shoes! $55 a person. Check out this video of our day at the caves
Salt Creek/Indigenous Village Tour
The Ngobe village of Salt Creek on Basitmentos is a great way to learn about the local culture here in Panama. Half day tour can be combined with The Bat Caves or done on it’s own. Approximately 45 min boat ride from Old Bank.
Organic Farm/Chocolate Tour
Bocas Del Toro produces amazing chocolate! Come see where and how it’s made. And of course, do some sampling. Up in The Hill demonstrates the chocolate process and is a fifteen minute walk from us. Don’t miss this really fun, unique experience. This is a MUST DO and includes a sampling of food grown on the farm. Come hungry. 2 hour tour $40 pp . Starts 11am most days except Sundays.
Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden
The grounds here have been lovingly developed and cared for by Lyn & Kiwi. They offer garden & birdwatching tours of their 25 acre property. Come spot all sorts of wildlife amongst the beautiful grounds.
Real Estate Tour
Interested in living the dream and seeing what Bocas has to offer? We can schedule a meeting and property tour with Mark at Bocas Paradise Found Realty. His expertise and knowledge of the islands will help you find your piece of paradise. www.bocasparadisefound.com
We can also create custom day trips depending on what you feel like doing, just ask us and we will get you set up with a great day!