Bocas del Toro

We arrived in Bocas via boat taxi during Semana Santa which is the busiest time for Central America. All the hostels were full and prices inflated. I sat at a café guarding our bags while Nicolas walked around looking for a hostel. The café was super cute and I ordered this amazing veggie wrap that had olive oil and vinegar as dressing, super fresh. Nicolas came back saying that he found a room but it was going to cost us $20 each. This is probably the most we have ever paid for a hostel but there weren’t many options.

Boat ride, being careful not to loose my life out the side of the boat.

First meal in Bocas. 

You walk through a bar that has fun drinking games and a ton of fans in order to get to the hostel. It definitely had a chill vibe with murals on the walls, hammocks hanging in random spots and nice little garden area for sitting. Our room was very basic but there was a lockbox and a fan which are two of the most important things for us. There was also a kitchen which was good because the majority of the spots to eat are very expensive.  

After unpacking our stuff we asked where the closest beach was and took off in that direction. Although the beach itself was pretty dirty with garbage and seaweed I was so excited to see and feel the Caribbean that I didn’t care. We swam and had a good time watching someone take a surf lesson then headed back to the hostel. Later we found out that they call that beach shitty beach because it’s the nastiest one in the area. 

Bocas del Toro is a party town, with the island vibe and travelers from all over the world that creates an amazing feel while walking around town. I loved seeing the bicyclist and it made me miss my bike but we never had a chance to rent them for the day. I would say it’s a bit gringoey and I don’t normally like the spots where everyone flocks to, but it was just so beautiful you couldn’t help but love the town.

We spent about a week in total on the island and ended up switching spots to Hostel las Brisas which was right on the water. It was $25 for both of us with AC and amazing WIFI. A few of the nights we went out and had a good time dancing but after one long night we called it quits. We also went to a few of other spots like Red Frog Beach and Starfish Beach. Normally while we travel in Latin America we constantly drink coconut water but it wasn’t till we visited Red Frog Beach that we found our first coconuts. It was perfect with our Easter lunch of egg salad sandwiches.

Another spot that requires special recognition was Bocas Yoga in the Purple House with Laura Kay. I took as many classes as I could with her for only $5.50 a class. I felt very welcomed at each class and learned something new each time. The studio is beautiful with light air conditioning, wood flooring and nice floor to ceiling mirrors. Laura custom made her home/studio and you can feel the love she put into it right as you walk in. She also has incenses for sell which was a nice grab for later travels when we had to deal with stinky rooms.

Another thing both Nicolas and I got out of Bocas was $100 boards. It’s so expensive to ship boards anymore so we decided before we left to buy them when we arrived, but sometimes finding the right board for the right price can be quiet a chore. I told Nicolas to believe that the right board would come and not worry and sure enough someone came to our first hostel to watch the surf contest and he happened to be selling a few boards. One of the boards was in a shop that we saw earlier for $125 but the guy said he could have it for $100 if Nicolas kept the artwork of colorful hearts on the front of the board; of course Nicolas had no problem with this. A few days later a couple from España happened to be leaving soon and they didn’t want to pay to ship the board home so they sold it to me with fins and leash for $100. The next day Nicolas took me to Black Rock which is supposed to be a beginners spot but it was a bit big for me and breaking over reef. Nicolas surfed a ton at the spot around the corner from Black Rock. I would watch sometimes but the tiny little mosquitoes were too much.

Nico going for a surf. 

We both enjoyed our time in Bocas and would definitely go back if the opportunity were to arise again.After leaving Bocas we experienced the beginning of the “surfer tax” which is where they charge you a $1/$2 extra for the boards. Sometimes you understand because they have to climb up onto the roof of the bus or van and tie it down. Sometimes it can take a bit of time so I see it as a mandatory tip to the drivers but sometimes all they do is throw the boards under the bus with everything else and don’t even help you, which is when I get frustrated. Luckily we got a free board bag and we were able to smash both our boards into it making it look like one board, so we only have to pay the surfer tax one time rather than for both boards.

Next up Santa Catalina…