Guest Houses in Bocas del Toro

We visited Panama for the second time, and once again, we absolutely loved it. While looking for a beautiful place to stay, we came across this little hidden gem 💍– and what a find it was! Arrival & Welcome We were picked up by a private boat and warmly welcomed. The boat ride took around 45 minutes and was truly enjoyable. Along the way, we received interesting information about the surrounding islands – and even spotted dolphins! Upon arrival, we were greeted with a delicious welcome cocktail before our first meal. Such a lovely touch!☀️😍 Room The room was spacious and very comfortable. We’ve seen a lot of bathrooms throughout Panama, and many of them lack a proper shower. But here – the shower was fantastic! Great water pressure and lovely hot water – such a treat. :) Breakfast Breakfast was amazing. The host really listened to our preferences, and I was thrilled to have my fried egg every morning – along with fresh fruit and avocado. A perfect start to the day! Lunch Lunch was absolutely delicious – we had shrimp with coconut rice and plantains. A real taste of local cuisine that felt authentic and lovingly prepared. Dinner The highlight of our meals was definitely pizza night on our last evening! It was such a fun, communal experience with homemade pizza in creative and tasty varieties. So cool – and honestly, unforgettable. Surroundings The water around the property was crystal clear – it felt like swimming in a private aquarium. We saw a small shark, a stingray, colorful fish, and more – all right in front of our room. I’m usually a bit hesitant in the water, but here, I felt completely safe and at ease. The trees, the light, the tranquility – I can’t even describe how beautiful it was. Truly one of my personal highlights – such peace and connection with nature. Activities The hosts’ children were incredibly kind and welcoming.

Awesome permaculture farm in the middle of Jungle. A tour was included for the farm where they show us what is the food made from for the dinings.

My family and I stayed in six different hotels across Panama over a two week period and the consensus at the end was that Casa Acuario was the favourite. And by quite a distance. First of all, it’s just a cool place to stay. On stilts, over clear warm water, perfect for the kids (and adults) to snorkel, we got to see shawls of small fish along with a few big ones and the odd ray within seconds of our arrival. We were a two minute boat-taxi away from Bocas town and its modest number of good bars and restaurants, but staying at Casa Acuario meant we got the peace and quiet which the mainland didn’t look like it easily provided. The room we were in (upstairs) was easily big enough for two adults and the kids (aged 13 and 10), nicely decorated and with really comfortable beds and a hammock from which you could overlook the sea. As dog lovers, my children were over the moon that there were three (clean, friendly and well behaved) dogs on site. There were a couple of good places to eat and drink on the small island which we could get to on foot from Casa Acuario, and a nice beach about 15mins walk from the hotel. The fridge full of beer on the decking was also a nice touch! But alongside all of these positives, the main thing that gave Casa Acuario the ‘X Factor’ were the owners, Mandy and JP. We were made to feel welcome from minute one, they could not have been more helpful and they made a real impression on the whole family in our three days with them. And just to provide a little context, after Casa Acuario were went to the nearby, and much more expensive, Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge for two nights which, before arriving, I thought was going to be the highlight of the Bocas itinerary. Take nothing away from The Eclypse which was seriously nice, but I wish I’d stayed at Casa Acuario for the full duration. Definitely in the top 5 favourite hotels I’ve stayed in across six continents.

I had an amazing stay at Tierra Verde! A 3 minute walk from Caranero town and the closest supermarket, it is peaceful, and still only a 1 minute boat ride away from Bocas town, from the hotels own boat deck right out the front! The surf breaks are a 10 minute walk away! The room was homey and clean; and had all amenities one could need, towels, great AC, hot water, a wardrobe, a smart TV and even a key lock box on the door so keys can be stored safely when heading for a surf or swim! There is a beautiful garden with sea view and pool right out the front and a fully equipped kitchen to use for guests! The breakfast included is fresh, filling and delicious! But most of all, the manager Edgar and his whole team are extremely lovely! I felt welcome and well taken care of from the minute I arrived:) Will definitely be staying here again when returning to Caranero!

Great staff! Enrique and his family are great hosts and are actively trying to make Bastimentos island an even better destination for visitors. Atmosphere is the nicest we had in Bocas! Wizard is one of the most beautiful and relaxing beaches in the archipelago (they are building a new track that should make it much easier to reach it). Big room with a nice air conditioner

The garden, the stuff, the dogs

Hostal Hansi is very well situated in Bocas' center, 30 m to water taxis, a lot of restaurants and supermarkets around, 100 m to buses to the beaches. Very practical. There's a new owner since 8 months who strives to improve all the equipments. I had a double deluxe room, good size with new ventilator on the ceiling and air condition, a small terrace with table and 2 chairs, some coat hangers, nightstand. The large double bed is comfortable, also the pillows. The bathroom has a good size with hot shower and shelves. The common kitchen has 2 sinks and 2 gas stoves, so we can be cooking all together at the same time. The fridge is very clean. There is inside a place with a number corresponding to your room. There are 2 tables and chairs near the reception and some tables and chairs outside on a large terrace facing the street. Good vibe. All tourists and owner very friendly. My favourite beach on Bocas del Toro: Bluff beach. To go to Boquete I recommend the trip boat and shuttle via Chiriqui grande better than Almirante. Buy the ticket at Pana Bocas officina next to the police station 50 m from Hansi.

Wonderful meals & helpful hosts.

I was traveling with my toddler, and didn't have high expectations, but this place happily surprised me. A friendly lady welcomed us, helped us to get around. The location is great, rooms are neat and clean. Loved the pineapples everywhere. In addition, there is a little garden where my little one was very happy to run around. Definitely recommend.

Lovely place lovely cabana and Simon is a very nice guy