Our most popular tour, and the perfect way to see the highlights of Bocas del Toro in a single day on the water. This full-day boat trip leaves our dock at 9:30 AM and returns around 5:00–5:30 PM, winding through the islands of the archipelago with several stops to swim, snorkel and soak up the Caribbean.

What to expect on the tour

The day usually begins at Dolphin Bay, a sheltered inlet where resident bottlenose dolphins are often seen swimming and playing around the boats. From there we head to Cayo Coral, a shallow reef with over-water restaurants where you can snorkel among colourful fish and place your lunch order for later.

The main event is Cayo Zapatillas (the Zapatilla Cays) — two uninhabited islands ringed by white sand, palm trees and turquoise water, sitting inside Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, Panama’s protected marine reserve. You’ll have plenty of beach time here, with a fringing reef just offshore for easy snorkeling.

After returning to Cayo Coral for lunch, the boat visits Sloth Island in Bahía Honda, where three-toed sloths can be spotted resting in the mangroves, and finishes at Hollywood Reef, a shallow, calm spot for a final snorkel among starfish and reef life.

Good to know

• Price: $35 per person, including pick-up and drop-off at Saigon Bay.
• Departure: 9:30 AM, returning around 5:00–5:30 PM.
• National park fee: a separate $10 per person entrance fee for Cayo Zapatillas, paid on the day (not included in the tour price).
• Lunch: optional at Cayo Coral (around $10–15 per person), or bring your own.
• Bring: reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, water and a dry bag — snorkeling is a big part of the day.

You pay the guide in cash on the day — no prepayment needed. Just let us know at least a day in advance and we’ll arrange everything. The boats and captains we work with have the highest reputation in Bocas del Toro, and almost all of our guests use them and come back delighted.