Complete Guide for a Bocas Town Girls Trip
In October 2022, the first day I landed in Buenos Aires, I met Raina. She was a friend of a friend who just happened to be at dinner. Since then, we’ve gone on a road trip, seen Bizarrap live, and celebrated Argentina’s world cup win with a sea of people while singing along to their national songs …
“Soyyy Argentinaaa … es un sentimiento … no puedo parar … Ole ole ole …” You get the idea …
One month ago, Raina texted me: “What is your next trip? I need to flee the country.” That same day, she booked her flight and stay. Now, we’ve reunited in the Caribbean to sip tropical drinks and sunbathe all afternoon. The kind of love story we’ve always dreamed about (insert gorgeous Argentinian men).
Inspired by our mini girls trip, I’ve made a list of info and activities if you decide to come to Bocas del Toro with your friends:
Basics
Cash – Everyone accepts American dollars. Most things can be paid with card but taxi boats, street food vendors, and some small shops are cash ONLY. Come prepared, there is ONE ATM in town.
Outlets – Same outlets as the U.S.
Travel Towel – There is a lot of traveling to get to beaches so I’d pack light with a travel towel instead of a beach towel.
Underwater Phone Case – Just in case. (see what I did there)
Water – You can have FILTERED tap
To wear
Sunscreen & Bug Spray – They are expensive here so bring from home.
Shoes – Everything is muddy. DO NOT bring shoes you care about.
Outfits – Most people wear bikinis as clothes. I wouldn’t stress anything fancy.
Not White – Avoid white clothes especially pants due to aforementioned mud.
Activities
Park – Souvenir shops & street food.
Gym – Across from the park.
Bocas E-bikes or Flying Pirates – For bike, e-bikes, scooters, and 4-wheelers rentals. Keep in mind the roads are rocky.
Taxis & Taxi boats – You can probably catch one at your hotel dock. Otherwise, there are always boats by Selina. Ask around for accurate prices to locations and agree on the prices before getting on!
Beaches
Starfish Beach – Catch a shuttle bus from the park to Bocas del Drago. Then, walk 15-20 min to Starfish beach. Great food, but not a lot of sand to lay on.
Paunch & Bluff Beaches – to surf or if you want to stalk surfers
Carenero – Take a taxi boat to either hike, surf, or hang on the beach.
Red Frog Beach – Take a 10 min taxi boat, walk 5-10 min, and you’ll find a gorgeous, wide beach great for resting and tanning.
Food
La Ranita – Best baked goods
El Patio – Cute cafe aesthetics
Cafe del Mar – Always great quality
Restaurante al Forno a legna – Surpisingly great pizza
Restaurant Tom – Cheap local food
Pepe Chupete – Peruvian. Enough said.
Bars & Clubs
Floating Bar – Only reachable by taxi boat. They are constantly passing by, so it should be easy to catch one back home.
Boya de Vida – New Floating Bar. Same concept.
Tequila Bar – There’s a happy hour almost every hour, featuring a different drink. Nice place to chat and pre-game for the night.
Selina Hostel Bar – To make new friends. Great party Fridays after 10.
Rush – Ladies night on Wednesdays.
Barco Hundido – Reggae night on Thursdays. Very fun on Saturdays.
Malamore – Karaoke on Tuesday & Live Rock on Saturdays.
Iguana – Techno House every day(?) Not sure and I refuse to find out.
Filthy Friday – 3 bars on 3 islands ft. 3 welcome drinks. It starts at 1PM. OR you can go to the last party at Aqua around 6PM. OR just the after party at Selina around 10PM. If you don’t intend to do the entire party, DON’T buy the full ticket in advance.
This list also applies to SOLO travelers. I had an incredible time taking the bus, hiking, eating, and partying alone. The partying was actually the BEST. I met so many people, including 3 local kids who taught me about Panamanian music, bought me fried chicken and water at 3AM, and walked me home.
I have actually met more solo female travelers here than men. So, ladies, if any of you want to come but no one else is available, come! I promise you will be safe, find similar women, and have so much fun. Maybe, in a year, you’ll spontaneously meet up with one of them half way across the world.
