Bocas Town as a starting point
Most tours, boats, and public transportation to the other islands depart from here. When planning a stay, you can therefore consider whether Bocas Town is a suitable base for the island trips you have in mind, or whether a specific event—such as the Feria del Mar in September—will determine your travel dates.
Accommodation and amenities in town
Bocas Town offers a wide range of options for visitors, including luxury hotels, bungalows, and hostels. There are also various tours and activities, international cuisine, shops, pharmacies, ATMs, and nightlife. When choosing where to stay, you can consider both your preferred type of accommodation and the amenities available in town. If you are considering Bocas Town as a base, it offers a place where accommodations, tours, and other visitor amenities come together.
Arrival and connection to Playa Estrella
Bocas Town has a small international airport. A water taxi runs from the main dock in Bocas Town to Playa Estrella. If this excursion is part of your plans, check locally on the current operating status of the service. This lets you account for the trip from the main dock to Playa Estrella as a separate part of your itinerary, while also factoring the airport into your arrival plans.
Feria del Mar in September
The Feria del Mar takes place every year in September in Bocas del Toro on Isla ColĂłn. Its grounds are between Playa el Istmito and the road to Playa Boca del Drago; the festivities are held by the sea. The Feria began in 1962. This year marks the start of the festival; for travel planning, the confirmed date in the September of your travel year is what matters. Check the specific event dates for your travel year before setting your travel dates.
Among the Feria’s main attractions are traditional dishes, usually based on seafood and fish. Refreshments, handicrafts, fashion jewelry, and leather goods are also available. Alongside its seaside location, the Feria therefore offers a culinary and craft focus. For travelers looking to combine food and cultural events, these festival offerings are another reason to consider the Feria when planning a trip.
Activities in the archipelago and when to travel
Scuba diving and snorkeling are among the main attractions in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. The period from December to the end of March is described as a favorable season for surfing; this is a seasonal guide, not a forecast of specific conditions. You can therefore compare two different timeframes: September is when the Feria takes place each year, while December through the end of March is described as a favorable time for surfing. Diving and snorkeling add to the range of activities elsewhere in the archipelago. The right travel dates also depend on whether you want to include the festival or the described seasonal surfing focus in your plans.
Discover more destinations: La Gruta, Valle De Agua, Salt Creek, Cilico Creek, Rambala, Punte Peña, Crawl Cay, Bastimento
Back to the main travel overview: Bocas Del Toro.
