Tucked away on Panama’s Caribbean coast, Bocas del Toro is where island time takes over, shoes get sandy, and days are spent exploring beaches, spotting dolphins, and swimming through warm turquoise water. It’s a destination bursting with natural beauty—and perfect for families.
Bocas is an archipelago made up of several islands, the most popular being Isla Colón, Isla Bastimentos, and Isla Carenero. We based ourselves on Isla Colón, the largest and most developed of the three. It was the perfect jumping-off point for lazy beach days, boat trips, and adventures to nearby islands.
Here are our top things to do with kids in Bocas del Toro.
Hit the Beaches of Bocas
If your kids are anything like ours, beach time is a must. We visited several beaches during our stay, and each offered something different.
Starfish Beach (Isla Colón)
This stunning white-sand beach with calm, crystal-clear water is exactly what you’d picture on a postcard. Dozens of vibrant orange and yellow starfish dot the shallow shoreline, and the gentle waves make it ideal for little swimmers and sandcastle builders. A small restaurant, a volleyball court, and free lounge chairs are available, making it a great all-day beach spot for families.
La Piscina (Isla Colón)
Tucked into a quiet cove, this beach is harder to reach but worth the effort. True to its name “The Pool”, the water here is calm and inviting. There’s plenty of shade, soft sand, and hardly any people. No services here, though, so bring a picnic and plan to stay a while.
Click here for step-by-step directions to access La Piscina via the hiking trail.
Red Frog Beach (Isla Bastimentos)
Often called the most beautiful beach in Bocas, Red Frog Beach feels like paradise with its wide strip of powdery sand and dramatic turquoise waves. While there’s not much shade, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to walk barefoot along the shoreline. Kids will love splashing in the waves and spotting tiny red frogs on the forest trail that leads in.
Want more beach tips and directions? Read our full post: The Beaches of Bocas del Toro, Panama
Spot Dolphins in Dolphin Bay
Hop on a boat to Dolphin Bay, just off Isla Cristóbal, and watch these playful creatures surface and swim alongside the boat. It’s a quick, easy excursion that kids love—and there’s something magical about seeing dolphins in the wild.
Learn to Surf (Seasonal)
If you’re visiting during surf season (typically November to March), Black Rock Beach on Isla Carenero is a great spot for beginner surf lessons. The waves are gentle, and the sandy bottom is ideal for first-timers.
Tip: Be sure to check the conditions before booking. We visited in May and were told it wasn’t the right season—no waves at all!
Snorkel in Coral Coves
For the best snorkelling in Bocas del Toro, head out on a boat tour to explore the region’s coral reefs. These shallow reef sites burst with colourful fish, sea stars, and even the occasional stingray—perfect for curious kids. But you don’t have to go far to enjoy the water. In calm areas like Starfish Beach or La Piscina, kids may also catch a glimpse of tropical fish or sea stars right from the shore, making it easy to splash, explore, and enjoy at your own pace.
Look for Sea Turtles (Seasonal)
From March to September, Bluff Beach on Isla Colón becomes a nesting ground for leatherback and hawksbill turtles. If your timing is just right, you may witness females emerging at night during low tide to lay their eggs, or even watch tiny hatchlings make their first journey to the sea.
While Bluff Beach looks tempting with its long stretch of white sand, it’s not ideal for swimming due to strong waves and powerful rip currents. Still, it’s worth a visit for the stunning scenery and a chance to watch surfers carving through the waves.
Take a Scenic Walk Around Carenero Island
A 5-minute water taxi from Colón brings you to Isla Carenero, a quieter island with a palm-lined path looping around the perimeter. The walk takes you past hidden beaches and jungle trails—perfect for curious young explorers.
One of our favourite surprises? The friendly “tour dogs” that met us at the dock and seemed to guide us around the island. Ours even barked when we strayed from the trail, steering us back on track!
Tips for Visiting Bocas del Toro with Kids
Sun Protection: The sun in Bocas is intense, and shade can be limited on many beaches. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and rash guards.
Pack snacks and water: Some beaches, like La Piscina, don’t have amenities, so bring a picnic and plenty of water if you plan to stay for a few hours.
Mind the sand: The sand can get scorching by midday, especially at Red Frog Beach. Water shoes or sandals help protect little feet from burns.
Plan for boat rides: Life jackets aren’t always provided for kids, check before booking or bring your own if you can.
Watch for tides and strong currents: Some beaches, such as Bluff Beach, are better for scenic walks than swimming. Always check conditions before letting kids in the water. Many beaches have posted signs.
Check tour schedules in advance, especially for boat trips and snorkelling. Weekdays tend to be less crowded.
Research when booking tours: Don’t assume a private tour is out of budget. We were able to book a private boat tour—customizing stops and maximizing our time in the places we were most interested in—for only a small amount more than the standard group rate. It made a huge difference in flexibility and comfort, especially with kids.
Getting There
As part of a road trip around Panama, we drove from Boquete to the ferry terminal in Puerto Almirante. The four-hour drive felt even longer thanks to the winding mountain roads—scenic, yes, but also a little queasy for all of us.
There are two main options to reach Isla Colón:
• Passenger speedboats: ~$6 per person, ~20-minute ride. Fast, breezy, and frequent.
• Vehicle ferry: ~$25 for a small car, 2-hour crossing with limited sailings.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Arrive early: The vehicle ferry operates only twice daily (7:00 AM and 12:00 PM), and reservations cannot be made in advance. Spots for cars fill quickly.
Beware of ticket scams: There are no official ticket booths at the terminal. You pay onboard. Ignore anyone trying to sell you “tickets” in the lineup—they’re not official.
Know the loading rules: Small cars are loaded before trucks, and the process can be somewhat chaotic. Be assertive if trucks are blocking the way. Go around, or you may lose your spot in line.
Find Shade: The ferry moves slowly and offers little breeze. We felt like we were roasting in the sun until we went to the deck for some airflow.
Where to Eat
We mostly eat at home, but one place worth mentioning is Iguana’s—a family-friendly restaurant serving delicious pizza and ice-cold lemon-mint slushies that quickly became a hit with our crew.
Basking in the Beauty of Bocas
Bocas del Toro was one of our favourite places to unwind as a family. Whether you’re splashing in calm water at Starfish Beach, following a tour dog through the jungle, or snorkelling among coral reefs, it’s a place where the days are simple, the adventures are affordable, and the memories come easily.
Ready to Explore Panama?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• Panama Road Trip Itinerary
• Fun Things to Do with Kids in Boquete, Panama
• Becoming a Chocolatier
• The Beaches of Boca del Toro, Panama
• Hiking to La Piscina: A Secluded Beach Adventure in Bocas del Toro
• Island Hopping in Bocas del Toro with Kids
• Casco City Tour
• Visiting the Panama Canal
