Things to Do in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago

Bocas del Toro is an adventure-seeker’s paradise where a multitude of activities await. From our beach bungalows or jungle treehouses on Isla Carenero, you’ll find plenty to enjoy — or you can grab a water taxi to the main island (Isla Colón) and Bocas Town in just three minutes (for about two US dollars!).

Isla Carenero is surrounded by beautiful, crystal-clear waters and magnificent coral reefs — and, of course, the world-class surfing it’s known for. 🌊

🏖️ Beaches

The best, most popular, and closest beach is our very own Playa (Playita) Carenero, right here at Macaw Bungalows! 🌴

(There are plenty of other beautiful, pristine beaches and clear waters nearby — all just a short water ride away — such as Starfish Beach and Isla Zapatilla.)

But here, you’ll be right on the best beach in the Bocas area — clean white sand, calm turquoise water, and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing with your toes in the sand.

Below is a list of various beaches (in no particular order):

🏝️ Playa Carenero (Playita Carenero) – Steps from your treehouse or bungalow. Gentle waves, shaded palms, and perfect for a morning swim or afternoon chill.

🐚 Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella) – On Isla Colón. Famous for its shallow, crystal-clear water and (you guessed it) dozens of bright orange starfish. Great for photos and families.

🌴 Bluff Beach – A long, golden stretch on Isla Colón known for its wild beauty and powerful surf. Not ideal for swimming, but incredible for long walks, beach bars, and turtle spotting in season.

🐠 Red Frog Beach – Located on Bastimentos Island. Easy boat ride from Carenero. Wide sandy beach, surfable waves, and jungle trails with the famous red frogs.

🌺 Wizard Beach – Also on Bastimentos. A short hike through the jungle from Old Bank town opens to a stunning, remote surf beach. Bring water and sandals.

🪸 Isla Zapatilla (Zapatilla Cayes) – Protected marine park and postcard-perfect island. Clear blue water, soft white sand, and vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling. (Accessible by tour boat only.)

Each of these beaches has its own personality — from relaxed and family-friendly to wild and adventurous — and they’re all within easy reach by water taxi.

🏄‍♂️ World-Class Surfing

Bocas del Toro and Isla Carenero are a surfer’s paradise, with world-class surf breaks — and several of them are literally right in front of our own beach. Simply grab your board and paddle a couple hundred meters out to Old Man’s, Black Rock, or Bibi’s Break — or take a short walk up the shore to Carenero Point, the legendary left-hand break that helped put Bocas del Toro on the surfing map.

If you’re looking to explore further, dozens of other famous surf spots are just a quick water-taxi ride away (most within 25 minutes from our beach). Popular breaks include Bluff Beach, Silverbacks, Wizard Beach, Dumpers, Paunch, and Tiger Tails.

Not a pro yet? No problem! 🌊

Bocas del Toro offers ideal conditions for both new and experienced surfers. The warm water, consistent waves, and stunning tropical scenery make for an unbeatable experience. Several local surf schools on Isla Carenero and Isla Colón offer lessons, rentals, and guided sessions — perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to sharpen their skills.

Whether you’re chasing your first wave or your next perfect barrel, this is the place to do it. 🏄‍♀️

🐠 Snorkeling

Isla Carenero offers incredible snorkeling, with a vibrant coral reef just offshore from our pristine beach and bungalows. Slip into the crystal-clear water right from the shore and discover colorful fish, coral gardens, and gentle sea life — all just steps from where you’re staying.

The calm, shallow waters make it perfect for a leisurely swim or an afternoon of exploring the reef at your own pace. 🌴💦

🤿 Scuba Diving

The Bocas del Toro archipelago is a diver’s paradise, offering warm waters, incredible visibility, and a stunning variety of marine life. Often called “The Galápagos of the Caribbean,” this region is home to extraordinary biodiversity both above and below the surface.

You’ll find vibrant soft corals, tropical fish of every color, sea turtles, reef sharks, dolphins, and even a few intriguing shipwrecks and underwater caves. Several excellent dive shops in Bocas Town and Isla Carenero offer guided dives, certification courses, and equipment rentals.

Whether you’re an experienced diver or exploring the underwater world for the first time, Bocas del Toro delivers unforgettable dives surrounded by pristine natural beauty. 🌴🌊

🏄‍♀️ Paddle Boarding & Kayaking

The calm, glassy waters around Isla Carenero are perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking. Glide across turquoise shallows, explore hidden coves, or circle the island at your own pace while soaking in the views of Bocas Town and the surrounding reefs.

Boards and kayaks are available for rent through several local shops and beach spots just minutes away. Whether you’re after a peaceful morning paddle or a sunset cruise on the water, it’s an easy and unforgettable way to experience the islands. 🌴💦

🏝️ Island Hopping

From Macaw Bungalows, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the many islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago — each with its own personality, beaches, and hidden treasures.

Take a water taxi or join a local boat tour to hop between Isla Colón, Isla Bastimentos, Isla Zapatilla, and beyond. Along the way, you’ll discover colorful villages, mangrove lagoons, coral reefs, beach bars, and quiet stretches of sand that feel worlds away.

With dozens of beaches and nine main islands scattered across the turquoise Caribbean, every day can be a new adventure — or a lazy drift between paradise and perfection. 🌴🌊

🎣 Sport Fishing

If you love to fish, the Bocas del Toro archipelago is the place to be. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life and offer incredible opportunities for both inshore and offshore fishing.

Local charters can take you out to the reefs for snapper, grouper, and jack, or farther offshore where you’ll find tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and more. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer looking for an adventure, the thrill of reeling in a fresh Caribbean catch is hard to beat. 🌊🐟

🛞 ATV Rentals

For an adrenaline-packed half day of pure adventure through the jungle, rainforest, and beaches, renting an ATV is the way to go! Whether you prefer to explore self-guided or join a local tour, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the wild side of Bocas del Toro.

Along the way, you can stop at beautiful swimming spots like Rock Beach, La Piscina, and Blue Lagoon, explore caves, and pass through scenic trails like Monkey Trail — all surrounded by lush tropical scenery.

Information available upon request.

🚴‍♀️ Cycling

Exploring Isla Colón by bicycle is one of the best ways to experience Bocas del Toro. Cruise along the coast, take in the sea views, and stop at hidden beaches, beach bars, and local cafés along the way.

Bikes can be easily rented in Bocas Town for the day or by the hour — perfect for a relaxed, sun-soaked day of island exploration at your own pace. 🌴☀️

🐎 Horseback Riding

Bocas del Toro offers a few outstanding horseback riding experiences for those who want to explore the islands in a unique way. Venture into the rainforest, follow scenic jungle trails, or enjoy a peaceful ride along the beach with ocean breezes and Caribbean views.

Local guides provide well-cared-for horses and can tailor rides for all skill levels — from first-time riders to experienced equestrians looking for a tropical adventure. 🌴🐴

🥾 Hiking

Bocas del Toro’s diverse scenery, lush flora, and abundant wildlife make it a hiker’s paradise — for those who feel like trading flip-flops for adventure. Each of the main islands offers its own network of trails, ranging from gentle beach walks to jungle treks through rainforests and mangroves.

Popular options include hikes to Wizard Beach and Red Frog Beach on Bastimentos Island, or shorter coastal paths right here on Isla Carenero with views of the turquoise sea. Whether you’re exploring for an hour or the afternoon, you’ll find plenty of natural beauty along the way. 🌴

🍹 Restaurants & Bars

We’re lucky to have several great beach bars and restaurants just a short walk away — and we’re also only a three-minute, $2 water taxi ride from Bocas Town, where you’ll find dozens more spots to eat, drink, and explore.

Here are a few of our personal favorites (plus some local standouts worth checking out):

Bibi’s On The Beach (Isla Carenero) – our local go-to for casual dining and cocktails, just a few hundred meters down the beach from Macaw Bungalows.
La Buga Gastromarket – lively waterfront spot with great food and dive-shop vibes (find it on TripAdvisor).
El Último Refugio – one of Bocas’ most loved restaurants for fresh seafood and sunset views (see TripAdvisor).
Merén Pool Club – chic poolside dining with great music and a relaxed island-luxe feel.
Leaf Eaters Café – bright, vegetarian-friendly café right over the water.
Arboloco – garden-style restaurant offering creative Afro-Caribbean dishes and fresh seafood.
The Blue Coconut – fun over-water bar and restaurant on Isla Solarte, perfect for a sunny afternoon or cocktail stop.
Om’ Café – cozy Indian-inspired spot serving curries, veggie dishes, and island twists.
Octo Caribbean Grill – elevated dining in Bocas Town with Caribbean-fusion flavors and a romantic setting.
Renny Pizza – relaxed local favorite for thin-crust pizza and cold beers.
Up In The Hill Farm & Café – eco-chic café on a cacao farm in Bastimentos; great for brunch and a little adventure.
The Floating Bar – unique over-water hangout for cocktails and light bites; amazing sunset views.
Café del Mar – casual all-day café with breakfast, smoothies, and waterside seating.
Raw Fusion – sushi and seafood with a creative Caribbean twist.
El Pecado del Sabor – local gem known for flavorful plates and friendly atmosphere.

This is just a small sampling of what’s nearby — we tend to return to the ones that never disappoint! There are many more fantastic options waiting to be discovered.

(Full restaurant information and menus can be found on TripAdvisor via the link below.)

Link to Tripadvisor

🎶 Clubs (and Partying!)

Bocas Town definitely knows how to party once the sun goes down — with bars and clubs that stay lively well into the early morning hours (yes, sometimes until 4 a.m.!). That’s great if you’re a night owl… but if you’re not, those same beats can start feeling like a 3:00 a.m. endurance test.

We say this from experience — which is exactly why we built Macaw Bungalows on the calm side of Isla Carenero. It’s just far enough away from the thumping bass and late-night chaos to give you peaceful sleep, yet only a two-minute water taxi ride from Bocas Town if you want to join the fun.

So, if you’re looking to dance until sunrise, you’ll find no shortage of places (we won’t even name them — trust us, you’ll hear them). And when you’re ready to call it a night, you can come “home” to the soothing sounds of the sea and jungle instead of someone else’s playlist. 🌴🎧