Bocas del Toro – the best hotels and restaurants

From the ecolodge to the charming hotel, bed and breakfast to the bungalows on stilts. There are many places to stay in Bocas del Toro.

Indeed, the archipelago of Bocas del Toro is a small corner of paradise in Panama. Nestled on the border with neighboring Costa Rica, these islands are home to many species of fauna and flora. These islands attract many travelers every year. There is so much to discover in Bocas del Toro! When you stay there, you have plenty of choices between small bed and breakfast places to luxurious bungalows on stilts. There is something for everyone.

Many foreigners (mainly Europeans and Americans) have invested in these islands. They offer a wide choice during your trip.

Bocas del Toro hotels over water

Many people dream of this type of accommodation. The little wooden hut perched in the middle of the turquoise water. With the paradise beach and mangroves in the background! So, hotels on the water are a significant part of the landscape in Bocas del Toro.

Indeed, dreams come true, and you will find many hotels in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro offering this type of rental. 

They are often quite expensive (more than 120 USD per night minimum) and located in sometimes exclusive corners of the islands with lush nature. So you can spend unforgettable moments there. Significantly, for a special event, a honeymoon, or simply to indulge yourself during your stay.

Booking.com

Best hotels in Bocas del Toro

Palma Royale 

This modern hotel has 15 rooms and suites on four levels. It is conveniently located on Calle 3 just steps away from the ferry pier. You can book rooms like Economy Studio, Studio, Double Suite, Deluxe Suite, and Penthouse Suite (2 double rooms and two bathrooms. There is air conditioning, a mini-fridge, Wifi, and coffee.) Moreover, there is no restaurant except for breakfast.

Gran Hotel Bahia 

The Gran Hotel Bahia is located on Calle 3 a seaside shopping street in a historic building (a beautiful wooden building built in 1905). It is the regional headquarters of the United Fruit Company. The 18 rooms in the “standard” or “deluxe” category have a simple and somewhat old-fashioned decor. They all have air conditioning, cable television, a bathroom (shower), and hot water. As well as a large shared balcony on the first-floor restaurant’s terrace overlooking the street.

El Limbo on the Sea

This 18-room establishment is set in a charming traditional wooden Caribbean house on stilts overlooking the sea. The three types of rooms (Standard, Island Town View, and Ocean View). All tastefully decorated and equipped with a private bathroom (shower) with hot water, air conditioning, plasma cable TV, Wifi, a mini-fridge, and a safe.

Bocas Inn

A small wooden establishment with a Caribbean feel is simple but well kept. Owned by the Panamanian agency Ancon Expeditions. The garden, direct sea views, solarium deck, family atmosphere, and waterside restaurant all contribute to a pleasant stay. They provide air conditioning, a private bathroom (shower) with hot water, and Wifi in each of the seven rooms.

Punta Caracol

This lodge consists of eight bungalows. Each on stilts and inspired by the traditional indigenous habitat on the west coast of Isla Colon. These buildings are accessible by boat. However, a footbridge connects these brightly painted wooden buildings. On the first floor, there is a small living room with a bathroom (shower) and a balcony with a view of the Caribbean Sea. There is also a bedroom (queen-size bed) on the first floor beneath the roof. The restaurant and terrace offer views of the sea; excursions can be arranged as add-ons to airport transfers from Bocas del Toro.

Eclypse de Mar

This Eclypse de Mar lodge consists of four standard bungalows and two superior honeymoon bungalows. However, the decoration is tastefully done with lovely materials, and the entire space (inspired by indigenous structures) is welcoming. It has a pleasant restaurant where additional costs apply to excursions and activities.

Al natural resort 

The natural resort lies on the west coast of Isla Bastimentos. Furthermore, this waterfront resort is in perfect harmony with nature. The five bungalows are of good quality and have comfort–albeit rudimentary but adequate (for those who know how to appreciate it): good beds with mosquito nets, bathroom (shower) and private toilets, terrace with sea view. These bungalows serve high-quality meals with fresh ingredients (Wine is included at dinner).

Sea kayaks and snorkeling gear are available. Angling gear can be rented. Transportation from the Bocas airport to the resort is provided (about 40 minutes by boat). Additional charges apply to excursions to the National Park and other islands by boat or plane. All-inclusive packages are available for excursions by boat or plane. There are no additional charges for excursions in this area.

Popa Paradise 

Isla Popa is the setting for a contemporary hotel with eight different types of accommodations. Furthermore, they are ranging from double casitas to penthouses. Each room has a terrace and modern amenities. There is beach, large pool with a view of the sea, bar, and restaurant. Moreover, you can use rent sea kayaks, masks, and snorkels for rent. There is coffee ready for serving. For stays of at least three nights, transportation from and to the airport is complimentary. Many optional activities are available for an additional fee.

Bocas del Toro luxury resorts

Viceroy Bocas del Toro Panamá

A resort that will include 42 private overwater villas and 186 guest rooms and residences. As well as eight restaurants and lounges, a cinema lounge, a library, numerous pools, a spa.

Viceroy Bocas del Toro’s eco-friendly resort offers adventures like sailing, surfing and hiking, as well as rainforest zip-lining, snorkeling and paddle boarding. Only electric cars and environmentally friendly technologies are permitted. Its outdoor design incorporates native plants as well as tropical specialties. This will be used to prepare traditional local cuisine.

There are 8 restaurants and lounges at the resort, ranging from an upscale fine-dining establishment to a casual beach grill. A meeting space, a fitness center, a cinema lounge, a library, and a spa with private rejuvenation pools will also be available. Everything is tucked away in thriving rainforest pockets.

Playa Tortuga 

Playa Tortuga is a beachfront hotel located 10 minutes by car from downtown Bocas. It has 117 rooms and suites. All of the rooms are non-smoking and each type of room is divided into three levels of luxury: Standard, Junior Suite, and Grand Suite Admiral. All rooms have a sea view, international decoration, Wifi access, plasma TV screen by cable, telephone access, safe access, air conditioning, balcony overlooking the sea and bathroom (shower) with hot water. There are two restaurants on site for dining pleasure.

La Bodeguita del Medio and La Panga Meca. Both serve local as well as international cuisine. The four categories of rooms are also further divided into a log building on three levels and all have a sea view, international decoration and all the modern comforts. In my room, you will find Wifi, a plasma TV screen via cable, a telephone, a safe, air conditioning, a balcony overlooking the sea, a bathroom (shower) with hot water, and a hairdryer. There is also a fitness center on site that offers massage services, along with meeting rooms for business needs.

Bocas del Toro restaurants

Come sit with me at the restaurant and eat a delicious meal while taking in the breathtaking views of Isla Colon. Yes, many restaurants provide Caribbean views in addition to delicious meals. There are numerous restaurants to choose from in Bocas del Toro. I recommend the following restaurants because I ate there and found them all to be excellent, but please choose one that best fits your needs: My entire menu will be vegetarian.

It was easy to find vegan restaurants in Bocas del Toro. I used the Happy Cow app every day, which provided information about vegan restaurants in the country or city where I was travelling. The app met my expectations. It allowed me to sample the delicious cuisine of my Caribbean paradise.

Bocas Veggies 

Bocas Veggies in Bocas del Toro was the first restaurant I visited after arriving on Isla Colon. This is your typical vegan restaurant. Aside from the fact that the food is delicious and the experience is like a feast, you can also expect a family atmosphere. In addition to those positive aspects, Avenue F Nte is where the restaurant is located. It will take you a few minutes to walk from the center of Bocas del Toro.

Bocas Veggies is a vegan restaurant that serves soy meats, salads, and traditional vegan alternatives. The owner of the restaurant works hard to prepare foods from scratch, and it shows. I particularly enjoyed the soy meats and traditional vegan alternatives at this amazing place. I’ve been to many vegan restaurants around the world, but this one stands out. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, and prices are not prohibitively expensive. The restaurant is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. I highly recommend this place!

Avenida F, between Calle 6ta and C. 5ta, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama.

Cafe del Mar

I visited the Cafe del Mar restaurant in Bocas del Toro once and it stole my heart. After that, I visited almost every day while sipping amazing coffee. The restaurant is famous for its delicious coffee. You can also find vegan food there. I especially recommend the freshly squeezed juices. There are 5 kinds available; each one is unique and made with incredible passion! It is a great choice. Prepared juices are ideal for health; they are nutritious and rich in antioxidants.

Address: Bocas del Toro, Panama (C. 1a).

Coco Fastronomy 

At Coco Fastronomy restaurant, you will find a wide variety of Caribbean cuisine. What sets this restaurant apart is its waterfront location. You can also see Carenero Island from the restaurant’s terrace. The waterfront location is a strong advantage of this place. A Vegetarian Bape, a type of sandwich, will guarantee you an amazing Caribbean taste. Their large cold drinks are delicious. I especially recommend the passion fruit juice. After a few days, I went back there again. I tried the vegan bowl and will remember the taste for a long time. There is something for everyone on this menu. I also suggest Bape Mama. The unique food and views made me feel extremely relaxed there.

I recommend it if you are looking for a French-Caribbean style lunch or dinner in Bocas del Toro.

Address: Calle 1ra, Bocas del Toro, Panamá.

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