It is early in Bocas Del Toro, the sun has just barely started peaking its head out of the East. We wake up early and the Bocas del Toro hostel we are staying at is dead, everyone partying the night before, only three of us have made the alarm clock and still had enough intestinal fortitude to go for an epic all day Bocas del Toro surf trip. We go down to the restaurant, eat a couple of pieces of fried bread called holadra and head down to the marina to leave. The boat we are riding in is small, but perfect for the three of us. We strap down our boards and even take along Marty the trusty Bocas del Tor surf dog as a companion. Leaving the marina, I knew we were all wondering what the surf in Bocas del Toro had in store for us; little did we know that we would be surfing our pants off in no time.

After a 45 minute drive to Playa Larga, we have finally reached our destination in Bocas del Toro. This is really when surfing in Bocas del Toro can shine. As we pull up to the wave and no one is around I feel that the wind is almost not existent. Better yet, offshore. We anchor the boat, strap on leashes and off we go. Heading towards the break at a paddle’s speed,  I say to myself, “Hola ola”.  This is what Bocas del Toro surfing is all about.

We get to the lineup, and the glassy gnarly set we see on the horizon looks promising. This is the moment when your adrenaline begins to pump…slowly, but then as the swell gets closer and closer your adrenaline begins surging through your veins as if you had a floating IV setup sitting next to you. The wave finally gets close, beginning to form and take peak, curling and heaving like the freak of nature that it is, and putting an ear to ear smile on all three of our faces.

We surfed until our arms would no longer work. As we finished, we sat in the boat eating avocado talking about how lucky we were to surf Bocas del Toro. Great waves, small crowds, palm tree lining, and even some pretty tasty avocados. You are going to try hard to get it better than that.

Another plus point to Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving is that there are so few tourists around so you get a real sense of being off the beaten track and adventuring and exploring out on your own. Like discovering a hidden gem that nobody else knows about yet. You will never get bored of Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving as there are so many islands to conquer each with their own natural beauty and individuality to offer.

Zapatilla is another incredible Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving spot which sometimes may go unnoticed, but is well well worth a visit as it was truly breathtaking. The 6 of us had such an enjoyable time island hopping and snorkeling in the sunshine, although we were not experienced snorkelers, we still plunged in and had a great day. However, the sun is really strong and one member of the group got sunburned after just an hour, so sun cream is a must!

We stayed in the hostel Bocas Bound in Isla Bastimentos which was a great base for our Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving escapades. The staff were really helpful and arranged our boat and guide for us. They also gave us loads of tips and advice on where to go around the islands and information on exactly the best places for Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving. However, staying at any of the islands around Bocas allows you to have easy accessibility to boats. Just check that they have good equipment as this can certainly ruin your day! Our guide was really flexible and accommodating to our needs and gave us loads of information about the local eco system.

Though it may not be the first place you would think of for a snorkeling and scuba diving destination, Bocas del toro snorkeling was without a doubt a real highlight of our whole holiday in Panama. I would definitely recommend Bocas del toro snorkeling and scuba diving to anyone and everyone, and I have already advised all my friends and family back home to spread the word of its highlights and book a flight and go!

Snuba is safe and easy and does not require certification. Even if you have never snorkeled or have only basic swimming skills, Snuba diving is available for you. Snuba is easily accessible to couples, families, children eight years and older, and seniors. It is a great way for a certified diver to introduce non-certified partners to the underwater breathing experience.

Snuba divers breathe underwater by means of a 20 foot air line which is connected to a standard scuba tank. The tank is mounted on a raft on the surface that follows your every movement. The airline allows you to tour underwater near the bottom, at mid-water or on the surface depending on your level of comfort. There is no heavy diving gear. Every Snuba tour is guided by a diving professional. Your guide will familiarize you with the Snuba equipment you will be using and briefly describe what you can expect in the water.

You will start in shallow water and take whatever time necessary to get comfortable breathing underwater. During the dive you are never more than 20 feet from the security of the raft floating on the surface.