Bocas del Toro is becoming a mecca for adventure tourism but there are only a few that will have the opportunity to reach resort status in the next few years.  Any Panama Resort is going to be a variation on the “resort” theme.  Why?  Because Bocas del Toro’s quirky, local vibe and adventure travel predisposition doesn’t blend well with the isolated resort experience that one might find on the shores of Waikiki, Maui or the Bahamas.  A Panama resort should have the following characteristics:   be receptive to the public, support local businesses, provide a variety of activities at ALL price points and lastly, be focused on the natural amenities that Bocas del Toro has to offer.   This last point is particularly important in Bocas del Toro and among all the Panama Resorts located here.  Many visitors to Panama and Bocas del Toro want to experience a more authentic vacation experience in which they interact with the unique tropical rainforest environment.   There are so many ways to do this and a Panama resort should accentuate this need.  Rainforest hikes, Beach combing expeditions, canopy tour zipline experiences and snorkeling, swimming and diving in aquamarine Caribbean waters.

The Red Frog Beach Resort is the one of the few Panama resorts which has the size and scale to accommodate many of these activities.   This Bocas del Toro resort has a unique geographic location which provides for access to the regions best and most popular beach (Red Frog Beach), hiking/walking options to four additional beaches and snorkeling, surfing and kayaking.  The Red Frog Beach resort is the only panama resort in this part of Panama with a fully operational zipline canopy tour “Bastimentos Sky”.   This Panama resort is focused on providing a variety of accommodation and activity options at a variety of different price points. Very few Panama Resorts do this.   There is a budget eco hostel with $13.00 rooms as well as suites that sleep 5 in the $70 price range.  There are also luxury villas that sleep from 4-8 people in the $200/night and up range.    All amenities and accommodations are walking distance to the beach.    The beach has a full activity center with boogie boards, snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks and other equipment for rent.

Many vacationers are looking for alternatives to the “pre-packaged, manufactured” resort experience that was so popular when better economic times prevailed.   Bocas del Toro offers a glimpse into unique indigenous cultures, a priceless tropical environment and a healthy supply of unique activities.   A vacation can be a vacation, but it can also be an experience that has the opportunity to learn and create memories that can be life changing in nature.   We hope that if you decide to come to Bocas del Toro, that you take a good look at our unique offering at the Red Frog Beach Resort.   Many of our visitors are repeat visitors and we think that is the greatest compliment.  Please refer to Trip Advisor for independent reviews of this Panama resort.

What’s a typical trip like?
Upon arrival at Red Frog Resort’s public dock a shuttle will transport you to Kayukos
Lodge. Guides and friendly guest service staff will then greet you and help you register
for the tour. You will be asked to sign a release of liability and disclose any relevant
medical conditions. Guides will be checking to ensure that you have proper footwear and
clothing, aren’t wearing any dangling jewelry, and wearing your hair in a way that keeps
it from being an entanglement hazard. This is the time to ask any last minute questions,
use the restroom, or address any concerns. The tour will leave promptly at the scheduled
departure times.
A 5 min 4×4 ride will take us to the Canopy Tour entrance. There, we will take a very
short, scenic hike to the staging area and give an in-depth safety talk, gear everyone up,
give skill instruction, and do a guide demonstration on a sample “mini practice zip line &
Platform”.
A suspended sky-staircase leads you to the first zip platform to the first platform, you will
be clipped into a safety line. You will remain clipped to a safety line at all times while at
great heights from this point on. You will then travel from platform to platform via one
small hike, ziplines, and/or optional ropes course, the journey also includes a high to low
platform self or guided suspended-air rappel, tarzan swing. At the end of the tour, you
will take a small hike to the 4×4 transport that will take you back to Kayukos lodge where
you can share stories, memories of the trip, look at photos/videos of yourself zipping just
moments before, depart for you next adventure, order lunch or dinner, or just sip on a
cold fruit smoothie or cerveza!
Can I go if I have medical conditions?
It is your decision to determine whether or not you are capable or fit to participate,
Bastimentos Sky reserves the right to exclude any applicant from participation for
medical, safety or other reasons. The canopy tour is designed for participants of average
mobility and strength who are in reasonably good health.
Obesity, high blood pressure, cardiac and coronary artery disease, pulmonary problems,
pregnancy, arthritis, tendonitis or other joint and muscular-skeletal problems may impair
the safety and well-being of participants on the course; as may other medical, physical,
psychological and psychiatric problems. All such conditions may increase the inherent
risks of the experience and cause the participant to be a danger to themselves or others.
Participants with underlying medical problems that put them at greater risk of injury or
illness during a canopy tour must carefully consider those risks before choosing to
participate and they must fully inform tour staff in writing prior to the beginning of the
tour.
Can I bring a camera with me?
Yes, however, it will be very difficult to use during the tour because you will be wearing
gloves and the tour is very “hands on”. If you choose to bring a camera please know there
is a possibility that it will be damaged. If you choose to bring it, it’s at your own risk and
essential that it is secured to your body while zipping, rappelling or any other element of
the course that requires your undivided attention. We sell mini carabiners for this
purpose.
If feasible, a photographer will accompany us on the trip and photos are made available
to buy afterwards. An HD helmet-mounted camera is also available for rent.
What happens if I start the tour and don’t want to finish?
Guides are trained to be encouraging but will not pressure you or make you feel obligated
to continue. The course is “challenge by choice” so if you feel that you cannot continue,
you have the option to quit. Please know that after the first zip, the tour takes place on
elevated platforms high above the jungle and will require a rappel down and will not be
an easy hike back to the beginning or end of the tour (whichever is closer). In this
situation, you are not allowed a refund as a guide must accompany you during this time.
Do you go in any weather?
We go rain or shine! Rainy conditions actually bring out many Red Frogs and other
animal life not normally seen. The two weather conditions that cause us to cancel tours
are excessive wind and lightning. In any case, you should show up for your tour. Due to
the varying weather patterns here, we might cancel minutes before a tour begins or
anytime during the tour. In the event of cancellation we will try to get you on another
tour, give you a rain-check, or will offer a full refund. If the tour is cancelled anytime
touring the tour we will offer a re-schedule or partial refund upon our discretion.
How safe is this activity?
Overall, very safe. Please be aware that their are inherent risks taken on any canopy tour.
We, however, carefully manage those risks by extensive planning, training, and attention
to detail in both the construction of the course and the ongoing development and
management of our guides. Generally speaking, this canopy tour is safer than your last
taxi ride.
How long does a zip line canopy tour take?
The average tour takes approximately 2.5 hours including transportation, registration,
safety orientation and the tour itself.
Who can go on a zip line canopy tour?
Our minimum age allowed is 8 years (anyone lighter than 70lbs. will be escorted by a
guide during the tour) and maximum weight allowed is 300lbs. Participants should be
able to hike a short distances (less than a ¼ mile) and should be in reasonable physical
shape. An adult must accompany children under 16. We cannot allow pregnant women to
zip. We reserve the right to deny any one individual in order to uphold our safety
standards. Communication with Bastimentos Sky beforehand is highly recommended in
order to assure your participation in the tour.
Should I do the ropes course?
The ropes course offers a unique and incredible experience because you are the one
traversing yourself through the canopy via cable tightrope, floating logs, a cargo net and a
sky-bridge. If you are hesitant about the idea of flying above the canopy in the first place,
and like the idea of the zip lines transporting you almost effortlessly, the ropes course
might not be for you. Our suggestion… Give it a try! If you decide it is too much for you,
we have the ability to trolley or “zip” you across this section.
How many people go on each tour?
Our max capacity per tour is 20 guests. Special arrangements for a larger group may be
possible, but will require prior communication.
How high in the trees is the course?
Elevated tree platforms range from 15ft to 100ft from the canopy floor. Zip lines cross
valleys that are up to 150 ft below.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for humid or wet conditions; avoid loose clothing
that could tangle in ropes or other gear. Skirts should be avoided. We go in the rain, so
come prepared with rain gear and shoes that have good traction and do well in muddy
conditions. No sandals or flip flops will be allowed. You should remove any dangling
jewelry and tie long hair back. Our advice is to remove all items from your pockets
before going on the tour.
Where can I store valuables during the tour?
We will provide a secure and locked storage area. We are however, not responsible for
the theft, misplacement, or loss of any items.

La selección  del hotel perfecto en Bocas del Toro durante su visita a Panamá no es una tarea fácil. Muchas turistas de Bocas del Toro se enfrentan a la tarea complicada de entender la geografía de las islas del Caribe. La turista tiene que entender que la ubicación de Bocas del Toro puede significar tres cosas: 1) Bocas del Toro es una provincia y incluye una gran parte de la tierra continental de Panama. Esto es importante porque la gente va a leer sobre un deslizamiento de tierras en “Bocas del Toro” que ocurrió en las montañas de la parte continental de Panamá 100s kilómetros de distancia. 2) Bocas del Toro el área de la isla formada por más de 60 islas y los hoteles de Bocas del Toro se propagan a través de estas islas con la mayor concentración de hoteles están situados en la ciudad de Bocas ubicada en Isla Colón. 3) Isla Colón en Bocas del Toro no es la misma que la ciudad de Colón situada en el extremo Atlántico del Canal.  La ciudad de Colón no es una ciudad segura ni turística.  De vez en cuando, las turistas se confunden y piensan que Isla Colón es un crimen de la ciudad montado ( no lo es).

La cosa siguiente a entender al elegir un hoteles Bocas del Toro es que el pueblo de Bocas no tiene una playa cercana. La línea de costa en toda la ciudad de Bocas se ha desarrollado con los hoteles y restaurantes. Hay una calle principal, justo detrás de los edificios frente al mar con más hoteles, restaurantes y tiendas de comestibles una pocas a lo largo de ese camino. Estos Bocas del Toro Hoteles varían en precio de alrededor de $ 40 a $ 180/noche. Los mejores hoteles son probablemente Tropical Suites y El Limbo. También hay varios Bocas del Toro hoteles en la ciudad como Bocas tiene una reputación de ser un lugar de fiesta con bares como la cubierta de restos “que incluye una barra flotante en un barco sumergido bajo el agua iluminada (observe que en Bocas no hay rejas en los muelles flotantes … ándate con cuidado).

Hay otros Bocas del Toro Hoteles en Isla Colón 10 a 40 minutos de la ciudad. El más famoso es Punta Carocol que se parace como un hotel Tahitian.  Es un aqua lodge alojamiento que con frecuencia se muestra en los medios de comunicación de turismo de Panamá. No hay playa aquí y es un poco caro debido a la experiencia sobre el agua. No es un complejo de más reciente a 15 minutos del pueblo de Bocas llamada Playa Tortuga. Se anuncia como el 5-estrellas y no está seguro de cómo ellos se van con eso? Tiene una playa muy pequeña y una bonita piscina.

La mayoría de los otros Bocas del Toro Hoteles en Isla Colón se lo llama Trip Advisor alojamiento especialidad o B & B lugares tipo que puede acomodar a la gente típicamente 4-15. Usted tendrá que conseguir un taxi acuático para llegar a esos otros lugares y es típicamente muy fácil de hacer y el precio depende de qué tan lejos se encuentra el hotel de la ciudad de Bocas. Popa Paradise Resort (en la Isla Popa) es un viaje de 30 minutos en barco desde Bocas ciudad y este hotel es nuevo y ha recibido algunas buenas críticas y tiene una zona de la piscina y la playa hermosa algunos.

Isla Bastimentos se encuentra a 10 minutos del pueblo de Bocas y esta isla es conocida por las playas y el parque nacional marino que abarca aproximadamente la mitad de la isla. La mayoría de los hoteles de Bocas del Toro en esta isla están en la parte trasera (lado del manglar) de la isla así que no hay una enorme cantidad de playas en este lado de la isla. Al Natural y la Bahía de Tranquilo son grandes Bocas del Toro Hoteles en esta isla. Hay un nuevo complejo llamado Red Frog Beach y Bocas consolidado que está en el lado de la playa al norte de Bastimentos que tiene un buen acceso a las playas (llamado Red Frog Beach y playa de la tortuga).

Uno puede mirar el asesor de viaje y ver que hay probablemente 30 + Bocas del Toro hoteles para elegir. Cada viajero es diferente y hay un montón de buenas opciones de dónde alojarse durante su viaje a Panamá. Muchos turistas inicio de decidir lo que quieren hacer durante su estadía en Bocas del Toro (tirolina, sitio de su hallazgo, tour de delfines, yoga, surf, observación de aves, etc … ..); una vez que determinar las actividades, la elección de uno de Bocas del Hotel Toro vuelve más fácil.

Vacation time in Panama means one thing, let’s hit the beach!  If world class beaches are on your itinerary, than a stop in Bocas del Toro is a must.  The first time I came to Bocas del Toro, I was under the assumption that there were beautiful Panamanian beaches on every corner of every island.  I figured that Bocas was an archipelago of numerous islands, so therefore every island had to have a beach.  As it turns out, not every island in Bocas del Toro does have a beach.  Since some Bocas del Toro islands are sheltered from the ocean by other islands, many of the smaller inland island are surrounded by mangroves (i.e. no sand).

While the lack of beaches in Bocas del Toro was a bit of a surprise to me, it ended up not being an issue.  Instead, most of the beaches in Bocas del Toro are concentrated on a couple select islands.  Isla Colon is the main island of Bocas del Toro and there are a couple great beaches on various parts of the island.  Starfish Beach is located near Boca del Drago, and as the name might suggest, is famous for the large starfish that congregate on the sandy beaches.  Another option is Bluff Beach.  Located about 20 minutes outside of town, this is a great option for the people that don’t want to hire a boat to get to the other beaches in Bocas del Toro.

However, in order to experience the most beautiful beaches in Bocas del Toro, make your way over to Isla Bastimentos.  This island is uniquely positioned in the sense that the southern side is protected from the ocean and is surrounded by mangroves.  Conversely, the northern side meets the Caribbean Sea and gives way to five stunning beaches (one of which is called Red Frog Beach which is the most famous beach in Panama).

About a twenty minute walk from Old Bank (Bastimentos Town) on Isla Bastimentos is Wizard Beach.  This enormous expanse of beach is popular among day trippers from Old Bank and also has a great beach break for surfing.  If one is feeling adventurous, there is a trail through the jungle (careful, its muddy!) that will take you to Red Frog Beach.  Red Frog Beach is probably the most popular beach in Bocas del Toro (if not Panama) to visit amongst tourists.  Many of the local tour operators make stops here throughout the day.  Guests love this beach for the pristine views and the ability to grab a drink and lunch at the beach bar, Punta Lava.  Just over the point at the end of Red Frog Beach, is Turtle Beach.  A quick five minute walk here will make you feel like you are on another island entirely because this beach is so secluded and private.  Most likely you’ll be the only people wandering here on any given day. The fallen palm trees that extend into the ocean on this Bocas Beach provide a Robinson Crusoe feel.  Walk a little bit further and you will find yourself on North Beach. Here the waves don’t crash as hard on shore due to a reef that provides protection.  North BEach is great for snorkeling and the jungle extends right up the water.  It’s a picturesque location in Bocas del Toro that includes a couple small islands right off shore. If you haven’t gotten your fix of sand by now, the last beach on Bastimentos is the crown jewel of them all, Playa Larga.  Playa Larga is pretty isolated so there are rarely many people on the beach.  When the swell is right, there are a couple great surf spots and it is also home to sea turtle season during the summer months.

All in all, Isla Bastimentos is the place to go in Bocas del Toro to see the wide array of beaches that the region has to offer.  If you’re looking for a good jumping off point to take advantage of these attractions, the Bocas Bound Hostel located on Bastimentos, a short five minute walk to Red Frog Beach.   It’s a great place to stay and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of Bocas del Toro Town.  It can also serve as a hub for all your needs when experiencing Bastimentos.  Bocas Bound rents snorkel gear, surf and boogie boards and kayaks.  It’s the place in Bocas del Toro to experience the famous beaches of the region.

There are many Bocas del Toro Hostels to choose from. Bocas del Toro is a mecca for hostels in Central America and Panama. Every year more and more people are discovering what a great atmosphere hostels in Bocas del Toro have to offer. There are a wide variety of Bocas del Toro Hostels which will give you everything you could want and more from your vacation. If you want to party until 5 AM and watch the sun come up on a dock then you have looked in the right place. Want to be so far out of society that you see Tom Hanks talking to a coconut? You got it. Want sandy beaches, good vibes, and stiff cocktails? Well as you may have guessed hostels in Bocas de Toro can offer you that as well. Bocas town is blessed with an afro-panamanian vibe, with bustling streets, and a city based the water. Most restaurants have docks you can pull right up to, and you can overlook and watch as water taxis zip back and forth endlessly through the Bocas del Toro channel. However, this hustle and bustle comes with a price so think wisely when choosing your accommodations.

First we start with the basics…what are you looking for? Isla Colon has the majority of the Bocas del Toro hostels (as well as hotels, stores, restaurants, and bars) Some of the better hostels there include Gran Kahuna, a laid back surfing hostel with good accommodations and a staff that is eager to take you out for some waves. Some of the more popular Bocas del Toro hostels are run down and can be uncomfortable unless you are looking for constant binge drinking. There are plenty of spots to pick from, all offering a similar atmosphere in Bocas Town.

If you are trying to add a bit of adventure to your trip to Bocas del Toro there is one hostel on Bastimentos Island that has been creating a buzz throughout the Bocas del Toro community. Bocas Bound is one of the newest and fastest rising hostels in Bocas del Toro and Central America. With a trail leading straight to Red Frog Beach (the number #1 beach in Panama), Bocas Bound has access to what many places in Bocas town do not: BEACH! That’s right, despite the postcard preview that most people have, the beauty of Bocas is much hard to access than people realize. Sure boat taxis can be hired from your hostel in Bocas del Toro’s main town, but it can be expensive, and downright “touristy.” This Bocas del Toro hostel, Bocas Bound will give you access to not one but 6 different beaches! There are walking trails leading for miles throughout the national park, and right along some of the most deserted and lush beaches in Bocas.  Snorkeling, hiking, surfing, exploring, and the beach! It makes for one of the best hostels in Bocas del Toro. Competition is slim especially when you account for the air conditioning in the rooms, and the huge lounge area connected to their restaurant.

If you are looking for a hostel in Bocas del Toro, one of my recommendations would have to be Bocas Bound because they really have the access that Bocas town lacks. You have everything you could want with a short walk, the bar and restaurant on the beach will be sure to quench a hot day’s thirst, and the Caribbean water will take care of the rest.

No matter where you choose in the area of hostels in Bocas del Toro, know that Bastimentos has some of the most beautiful beaches in Panama, undiscovered jungle, unridden waves, and much much more.