HOW TO GET TO THE EXPERIENCE SURF CAMP AT BOCAS DEL TORO
Here’s the step-by-step guide:
FROM PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
Option 1: Direct Flight to Bocas del Toro
From Panama City (Tocumen International Airport – PTY), you can take a 1-hour flight to the Bocas del Toro (José Ezequiel Hall International Airport – Isla Colón BOC). Air Panama and Flytrip offer daily flights. Once you arrive in Bocas, our staff will pick you up to take you to your surf camp accommodation in Carenero Island. We’re ready to welcome you!
Option 2: Bus and Boat Transfer (via Almirante)
Step 1: Overnight Bus from Panama City to Almirante
If you prefer a land-based option, you can take an overnight bus from Panama City to Almirante, which takes about 10 hours. Buses depart from Albrook Bus Terminal. Tickets must be purchased directly at the terminal. We recommend leaving in the evening so that you arrive early in the morning.Step 2: Boat Transfer to Isla Colón
Once you arrive in Almirante, local taxi drivers will offer you a short ride (about 5 minutes) to the port for around $1. From there, you can take a 20-minute boat ride with one of the local companies, such as Taxi 25, to Isla Colón.Upon arrival at Isla Colón, your surf camp host will meet you at our meeting point in Café del Mar (Right in front of the dock) and from there take you directly to your surf camp accommodation.
*Airport pick-up and drop-off
We’ll comfortably take you from Tocumen Airport to Gelabert Airport and vice versa to catch your flights. Or from Tocumen Airport to the bus station for an extra $30.
Our goal is to make your arrival and departure stress-free and relaxed. If you need more details about the transfers or assistance with planning your trip, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!
FROM BOQUETE, PANAMA
TO ISLA COLÓN, BOCAS DEL TORO
How to Get from Boquete to Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro
Traveling from Boquete to Bocas del Toro is a popular route for visitors who want to experience both the mountains and the Caribbean coast of Panama. Here’s how you can make the journey:
Option 1: Shuttle Service (Most Convenient)
Several shuttle companies offer direct transportation from Boquete to Almirante (the port town for boats to Bocas del Toro). This is the easiest and most hassle-free option. We recommend contacting a shuttle company through your accommodation in Boquete to secure your spot and confirm schedules.
Duration: ~4-5 hours (including a boat ride).
Includes: Pick-up in Boquete, comfortable transportation to Almirante, and a boat ticket to Isla Colón.
Cost: ~$30-$35 per person.
Option 2: Public Bus + Boat (Budget-Friendly)
If you prefer a cheaper way, you can travel by bus and boat:
Boquete to David (Bus or Taxi)
Take a local bus from Boquete to David (every 30 minutes).
Duration: ~45 minutes.
Cost: ~$2.50.
David to Almirante (Bus)
From David’s bus terminal, take a bus to Almirante.
Buses leave every 1-2 hours.
Duration: ~3.5 to 4 hours.
Cost: ~$10.
Almirante to Isla Colón (Water Taxi)
Once you arrive in Almirante, take a water taxi to Isla Colón.
Boats run every 30 minutes.
Duration: ~30 minutes.
Cost: ~$6.
Option 3: Private Transfer
For a more comfortable and personalized trip, you can book a private transfer from Boquete to Almirante, then take a boat to Bocas del Toro.
Duration: ~4 hours to Almirante + 30 minutes by boat.
Cost: ~$200 per vehicle.
Travel Tips
Shuttles and boats operate daily, but it's best to book in advance, especially during high season.
If using public transport, start early to avoid delays.
The last boat from Almirante to Bocas leaves around 6:00 PM.
FROM SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
TO ISLA COLÓN, BOCAS DEL TORO
TO ISLA COLÓN, BOCAS DEL TORO
How to Get from Costa Rica to Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro
If you’re traveling from Costa Rica to Bocas del Toro, there are a few routes you can take, depending on your starting location. The most common entry point is via the Sixaola-Guabito border crossing.
Option 1: Shuttle Service (Easiest & Most Popular)
Several shuttle companies offer direct transportation from Costa Rica to Bocas del Toro, including border assistance and boat transfers.
From: San José, Puerto Viejo, or Cahuita.
Includes: Pick-up at your location, transportation to the border, border crossing assistance, transport to Almirante, and a boat ride to Isla Colón.
Duration: ~6-9 hours (depending on your departure point).
Cost: ~$40-$65 per person.
Option 2: Public Transport (Cheapest Way)
If you prefer to travel independently, follow these steps:
Travel to Sixaola (Costa Rica-Panama Border)
From San José: Take a bus to Sixaola (~6 hours, ~$15).
From Puerto Viejo/Cahuita: Take a bus to Sixaola (~1-2 hours, ~$5).
Cross the Border at Sixaola-Guabito
Go through Costa Rican immigration (exit stamp).
Walk across the bridge to Guabito (Panama side).
Pass through Panamanian immigration (entry stamp).
Important:
You may need proof of onward travel (bus/flight ticket out of Panama).
Panama may ask for proof of sufficient funds (~$500 in bank statements or cash).
Guabito to Almirante (Shared Taxi or Bus)
After immigration, take a shared taxi (~45 min, ~$10) or local bus (~1.5 hours, ~$3) to Almirante.
Almirante to Isla Colón (Water Taxi)
Take a water taxi to Isla Colón (~30 minutes, ~$6).
Boats run every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Option 3: Private Transfer
If you prefer a private ride, you can arrange transport from Costa Rica to Bocas del Toro.
Duration: ~5-7 hours from Puerto Viejo / ~8-9 hours from San José.
Cost: ~$250-$350 per vehicle (depending on departure point).
Travel Tips
Border Hours: The Sixaola-Guabito border is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so plan your trip accordingly.
Book in Advance: Shuttles and water taxis fill up quickly, especially in high season.
Check Visa Requirements: Some nationalities require a visa before entering Panama.