Bocas del Toro · Things to do

A shallow, calm bay at the far northwest end of Isla Colón named for the starfish in the sand — look, do not lift them out of the water. Reached by the local bus or a taxi across the island from Bocas Town, or by boat; go early, because tour boats arrive mid-morning.

PADI 5 Star dive centre and surf school on Main Street in Bocas Town, open 08:00–20:00. Discover Scuba is $120 and Open Water $340; fun dives run $65–$175 depending on tanks and night diving, and surf lessons and board rental are $60–$95.

A privately funded garden on Isla Colón about ten minutes' drive from Bocas Town, seen on a guided tour covering local plants and wildlife rather than as a drop-in. Tour days and times are limited, so check and book on their site before you go out there.

Family-run organic chocolate and permaculture farm above Old Bank on Isla Bastimentos, running since 2003, with farm tours, a coffee shop using what they grow, and jungle cabins if you want to stay. You take a water taxi to Old Bank and then walk uphill — it is a real climb in the heat.

The best-known beach on Isla Bastimentos, on resort land about a five-minute boat ride from Old Bank, with a zipline canopy tour through the forest behind it. Access is via the resort's property, so check current day-visitor arrangements and fees before committing to the boat.