As I sat on a small transfer boat to Bocas town on Isla Colon, small colourful buildings came into view. I had such a good time in Costa Rica for one month I knew getting to a new place would be a bit challenging but I was excited for Bocas. Docks filled with Balboa beer, people enjoying the view, and a few dare devil swimmers, I arrived at my new home for the next week.
Where Is Bocas Del Toro?
Bocas del Toro is made up of several islands, Isla Colon being the main and biggest island. There is a laid-back style here where most people spend their time relaxing or at some aquatic activity. Although I’ve decided to not get my PADI, this would be an excellent and affordable place to do it.
Where to Stay
I opted to stay in a homestay through HablaYa, my Spanish school, while I stayed in Bocas Del Toro. A homestay is an opportunity to live with a local family to help you continue to practice your Spanish. I lived with the school principal in a cute blue house right in town. I had my own room and bathroom and it was a very cozy place to stay. It was right in town and was easy to walk to my Spanish classes or meet my friends in town to catch the boats to head to the beach in the afternoons.
If you want to stay in a hostel accommodation, I’d recommend Bambuda Lodge. Owned by Canadians, this hostel is located on a smaller island outside of the main Bocas Island, but offers clean and beautiful rooms, nature hikes, communal dinners with some of the best chefs in Panama, and last but not least, a massive slide that shoots you off into the ocean.
Spanish Lessons at HablaYa
My week here started with Spanish classes every morning at HablaYa. This is an excellent school for all levels of Spanish speakers and I finally started to understand the differences in the multiple past tenses. My class has three people including me and my teacher, Eli, who was awesome! We really focused on speaking in class which helped me get more comfortable speaking to the locals when I went for dinner or for drinks in town.
My experience this week was filled with really nice and friendly people. Javi from 421 guesthouses acted as a fun local guide, always making good recommendations and the occasional free drink.
My friend Franzika and I would frequently go to the local bars and, within a short time, started conversations with other travellers and locals. My favourite places to eat were Sweet Love Bocas for breakfast, Cafe Del Mar for lunch and Captain Caribe for dinner! Definitely check out these restaurants for a good meal and a fun time.
There are so many places to go in Bocas that you can easily spend a couple of weeks here. Here are my favourite beaches: Playa Estrella and Playa Carenero.
Bocas Del Toro has been so much fun this week that I extended my stay and shortened my time in Boquete. My friends Franziska, Bert, and Vera were entertaining to be around and we were constantly laughing! Bocas del Toro is the perfect spot to learn Spanish, get your PADI license, or just enjoy the various beaches across the islands. Until next time… Sweet Love Bocas.
❤️👍😎⛱❤️