Traveling Cheap in Bocas Del Toro, Panama: It's Better Than Tahiti Bungalows!!

Everyone has heard of Tahiti. If you have ever seen the gorgeous photos of crystal clear water, pearl white sand, and a charming bungalow on stilts over the water and wondered how many years of work and hours of overtime it might take you to get to vacation in such a place, you are aware of Tahiti's beauty and allure. However, the answer to your financial question is that it will take a lot of money to travel there. However, there is another, lesser-known option in Central America that is just as beautiful, offers similar accomodations, and for half the price: Bocas del Toro, Panama. Visit this place soon, before everyone else discovers its beauty!

Bocas del Toro is an archipelago (group of islands) off the coast of Panama. Each island offers the wandering traveler something different. The most populated and developed island is Isla Colon, the capital of which is conveniently titled Bocas del Toro, and it offers great food, local markets/shopping, diving, and some exciting nightlife. Personally, I stayed on Isla Bastimentos and was walking distance (muddy, muddy walking) from Wizard Beach, a stunning white sand beach that is nearly secluded. I felt like I was in paradise. Water taxis were always available from Bastimentos to Colon for $2-3 dollars if I wanted a more lively scene.

Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro

The reason I compare Bocas to Tahiti is because when I think of bungalows over the water, I think of Tahiti; however, Bocas offers the same type of accomodations and for much, much cheaper. Not only are flights from the U.S. much cheaper to Bocas than the Pacific, so is the lodging.

I stayed at Eclypse de Mar, and my bungalow over the water comfortably fit four people (one queen bed, two twin beds). The wooden bungalow had windows on the floor that were made of class so you could see through to the water. Within my first five minutes there, I saw a gorgeous starfish and walked down the stairs of my private dock to pick it up. (Don't worry, I put it back!) The total cost ended up being $70 per person per night, and this was really on the high-end range of lodging in Bocas. Check out sites like VRBO.com for rental houses in Bocas going for under $50 per night. In addition, there's Hotel Olas at $30 a night, the Bahia Hotel for $42 a night, and clean hotels such as the Gran Kahuna at $11 per night.

If you do have the money to spend in Bocas, the Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge is world-renowned. It's pricey, but do remember that it is all-inclusive, including food and tours.

How to Eat Cheap in Bocas

The key to eating cheap in Bocas (and most anywhere else you travel) is to find little hole-in-the-wall locations that are not made to cater to tourists. Ask the locals, as they can point you in the right direction. However, your water taxi drivers may not be the best bet, because they could be getting commission from certain restaurants to drop you off there.

I recommend trying out El Chitre. It's in the center of Bocas town--ask around and you will easily find it. Food is served cafeteria-style, and you will be full after spending around $3-4 dollars! Also, in Bastimentos, check out The Rooster. It was a canoe ride away from Eclypse de Mar, and you can get the most amazing seafood for about as cheap as it gets!

A Final Hint

As far as activities and transportation go, the best idea is to bargain. Water taxis can be talked down on price, and you can usually convince them to take you on a tour to Starfish Beach, Red Frog Beach, Wizard Beach, etc. for a reasonable twice (around $20 per person for the farthest location). Also, Bocas del Toro is a sleepy place to relax and enjoy. Spend hours on the beach, bring your own snorkel gear and jump off your private dock, or walk around town exploring. You won't be spending money, and you won't be disappointed!

Reference:

LonelyPlanet.com, "Bocas del Toro." (accessed April 5, 2010).