Things to Do in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago

Bocas del Toro is an adventure seeker’s paradise where a multitude of activites await. From our overwater bungalows or jungle tree houses on Isla Carenero, you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy, or you can grab a water taxi to get to the main Island (Isla Colon) and Bocas Town in only three minutes! (and at a cost of only two US dollars!)

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

Beaches

THE BEST, most popular and closest beach is our very own 'Playa (Playita) Carenero' at the Macaw Bungalows property! (Of course there are numerous other beautiful pristine beaches and clear waters are all around and a short water ride away - such as 'Starfish Beach' & Isla Zapatilla) BUT you will be right on the best (closest) beach which is the envy of all other places to stay in the entire Bocas area! Clean white sand & Beautiful clear, calming safe waters for the whole family.

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

World Class Surfing

Bocas del Toro / Carenero is 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 out a couple hundred meters to 'Old Mans', 'Black Rock', 'Bibi's Break' or walk up along our beach to 'Carenero Point', the iconic left-hand point break that made Bocas del Toro a surfing hotspot, is just steps up the beach from us! All the many other popular surf spots (within a 25-minute boat ride from our beach). Popular spots include; 'Bluff Beach', 'Silverbacks', 'Wizard Beach', 'Dumpers', 'Paunch' and 'Tiger Tails'.

Not a pro quite yet!? Then this is the perfect place to learn to surf!

Bocas del Toro offers ideal conditions for new and aspiring surfers. The warm water and air temperatures create a comfortable learning environment, while the stunning tropical scenery enhances the overall experience. With a range of beginner-friendly surf breaks, Bocas del Toro caters to individuals of all ages and abilities who are eager to try surfing.

Snorkeling

Isla Carenero boasts incredible snorkeling, thanks to the vibrant reef just off our pristine beach and bungalows. Wade into the crystal-clear water directly from the shore or swim out from your bungalow! You may also grab one of our complimentary kayaks to further explore other areas further out.

{We provide 2 Adult Size Masks & Snorkels in each of our over water bungalows}

Scuba Diving

The Bocas archipelago also offers amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Scuba diving is certainly "a thing" to do in Bocas del Toro! Often referred to as “The Galapagos of the Caribbean,” this region boasts remarkable biodiversity both on land and underwater. Bocas del Toro is home to much of the world's soft coral species, along with a diverse array of tropical fish, several species of sea turtles, Sharks, dolphins, several sunken ships, caves, and deep walls. Truly a huge amount of underwater diversity for you to explore and enjoy.

Kayaking & Paddle Boarding

We offer paddle boards and Kayaks free of charge to our Over Water Bungalow guests.

Discover the crystal-clear azure seas surrounding Isla Carenero aboard one of our kayaks. Alternatively, challenge your equilibrium on our stand-up paddle boards.

Island Hopping

From our Beach & Bungalows, you're just a 40-45-minute boat ride away from over 18+ stunning beaches within the Bocas archipelago.

Sport Fishing

If you love to fish then the Bocas Archipelago is also THE place for you! Our waters are teaming with fish and opportunities of where to fish, be it 'locally' inshore or offshore and deep sea miles out - catch Tuna, Mahi-Mahi or Wahoo and numerous others.

ATV Rentals

ATV Rentals

For an adrenaline-packed 1/2 day of pure adventure speeding along through the jungle/rainforest and beaches, renting an ATV is the ticket!

(self-gilded or with guides)

Stop along the way at beautiful swimming holes such as Rock Beach, La Piscina and, Blue Lagoon, Explore caves and pass through Monkey Trail.

{Information available upon request)

Cycling

CYCLING

Exploring Isla Colón by bicycle is a top recommendation! Relax and enjoy the sights along the coast as you pedal around exploring casually all the island has to offer along the way.

Horseback Riding

Bocas del Toro offers several outstanding horseback riding experiences. You can venture into the rainforest or enjoy a scenic ride along the beach and through jungle trails.

Hiking

Bocas del Toro’s diverse scenery, flora and fauna make it a hiker’s paradise. Each of the main islands in the archipelago offers unique trails, encompassing everything ranging from short walks to challenging full-day excursions.

Restaurants / Bars

We have several bar/restaurants a five minute walk down our beach and our property happens to also be just a three minute ($2) water taxi ride to Bocas Town where you can find all the bars, restaurants, clubs & shops you could need or desire.

Bibi's On The Beach (Carenero - our 'local' place to eat and have drinks - only a few hundred meters down the beach from Macaw Bungalows) www.bibisonthebeach.com
La Buga Gastromarket (use the 'Tripadvisor' link provided below)
El Ultimo Refugio (use the 'Tripadvisor' link provided below)
Merén Pool Club www.merenbocas.com
Leaf Eaters Cafe www.leafeaterscafe.com

Just a very short list here - restaurants, of course, are very subjective and when we find one that we like, we seem to go back to them time and time again (and these above never seem to disappoint!), however there are many, many more place to try out!

(all restaurant information and menus can be found on Tripadvisor via the link below)

Link to Tripadvisor

Clubs (and Partying!)

Bocas Town can be quite the party town come sundown - there are numerous clubs that party until well through the night and into the wee morning hours (like 4am!) - this I great (I guess) if you are a party person - however it can also become THE most annoying and irritating thing if you are not and its 3:00am and you are about to loose your mind (after already the last 5 hours of trying to sleep) with the unbearable sub thumping that is incessant and ANY place could you choose to stay in BocasTown at ANY price (or even straight across the water on our own island of Carenero) will, we can assure you, make you insane! - Fast forward to exactly why we purchased our little piece of paradise on the calm side of Carenero - it is far enough away and around the side of the island to not be bothered by the sounds (yet if it IS your thing you can still take the 2 minute water taxi ride to party-central and come 'home' to peace and quite when you are ready to crash and return to the calm soothing water and jungle sounds. We won't even name places or add links to any here... You WILL find them if it's your thing.