Know Before You Go: Choosing the Right Place to Call Home in Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is full of different vibes, and finding the right place can sometimes be daunting. Some people come to Bocas in search of a place to enjoy their retirement years, while others come to enjoy the beach and nightlife while still being able to work from a laptop. But if there is one thing for sure, Bocas truly has it all. In this article we are going to try our best to show the pros and cons of each place in Bocas del Toro. We hope that after reading this article you will be able to narrow down your search and allow us to find the perfect Bocas del Toro real estate property for you.

 

 

Bocas Town, Isla Colon: The Hub

The main hub, the place where everything is located. If you really want to be around people and especially events and nightlife this is the place to be. Located in Bocas Town are most of the grocery shops, the only bank we have (Banco Nacional de Panamá) as well as international schools, private and public schools, and other department stores. This also happens to be the place where most tourists stay at when visiting Bocas del Toro and where most of the restaurants and nightclubs are. Being here also means faster internet since its still connected to the main line as opposed to satellite connection (but this will all change soon as fiber optics are being stalled in Bocas del Toro from mainland as this article is being written).

PROS:

1. Close to it all: Bocas Town is an easy location to move around from, you don’t need a car, a bike or even eBike works great and means you can reduce on cost of living without having to worry about expensive gas prices. It also means that buying groceries and going to the ATM and things like this are easy to do. If you love the nightlife you’re only a few minutes from the parties.
2. Fast internet: Being located in Bocas Town means you are connected to internet via telephone line providing the fastest connection as opposed to satellite which can cause issues especially when storms roll in or if foliage around the property interrupt the internet signal. 
3. Great investment area: Bocas Town has the highest demand for tourists, especially when it comes to hospitality industry. If you’re looking at running a hotel or bed and breakfast, Bocas Town is a great place where you would experience higher occupancy rates than most hotels outside of the main strip. Even places just outside Bocas Town are great investments such as Saigon Bay and Playa Istmito area.
4. Nightlife: If you’re love eating out and going partying than Bocas Town is the perfect spot. No need to worry about driving back home after a late night out (taxis can be hard to catch super late and Ubers are non-existent on Isla Colon). Getting back home is easy if you live in Bocas Town and just a short walk (or stumble depending on how much you partied!)

CONS:

1. Noise levels: If you’re looking for peace and quiet than you definitely do not want to move to Bocas Town. With nightclubs and restaurants playing live music this is NOT the place to live for a quiet evening.
2. Mass tourism: Can’t really call this “mass tourism” but there is definitely a lot more tourists here than anymore else in the archipelago. If you rather be away from the people than Bocas Town is not the best choice.
3. Not the best infrastructure: Things like sewage and electric aren’t the best to put softly in Bocas Town. But don’t fret, things like sewage and electric are being upgraded as this article is being written.

 

 

Outside of Bocas Town, Isla Colon: Big Creek, Paunch Area, Bluff Beach, Boca del Drago, etc.

The outer area is our favorite places to recommend people who are interested in living in Bocas del Toro. For one, you don’t have to live too remote or far from everyone and everything is accessible by car (or ebike, ATV, golf carts, etc). There are some downsides but most of those are temporary as upgrades are being made.

PROS:

1. Closer to nature: Some of the best beaches in Bocas del Toro are located around this area. Living at places like Big Creek, Paunch, Bluff and Boca del Drago area mean enjoying beautiful beaches just steps away from your property. Beach life is the best life.
2. Beachside cocktails: Hit the local beach bars and restaurants and enjoy some of the best, more chill nightlife options available in Bocas del Toro. Check out delicious Caribbean fusion meals with your sand in the toes, while live music mixes with the sounds of the waves… seriously! There are so many options to choose from where you can mingle with your neighbors and visiting tourists alike.
3. Surfs up: If your a surfer than you will enjoy the ultimate lifestyle as these areas of Bocas are so close you could walk to the surf, or if you’re lucky enough your front yard will be waves all to yourself. Paunch and the surrounding waves are home to some of the best reef breaks in Bocas del Toro, while Bluff Beach is a beautiful golden sand beach break for kamakazi surfers.

CONS:

1. Gnarly roads: The infrastructure isn’t the great around these parts and roads are pretty gnarly to say the least. When storms roll in and waves pick up some areas just pretty much become inaccessible for a few hours at most. But no worries, as this article is being written construction for a new road around Isla Colon is underway and all these worries will be a memory for us long time residents.
2. Bugs: Yes bugs. We have bugs in Bocas del Toro. It’s part of living in nature and there is really not much you can do about them. If you build here, make sure to plan around this, maybe a screened in area is best if you have little wind. It’s no big deal though, eventually mosquitos and chitras (noseeums) get tired of the taste of your blood and move on to look for new victims. And not all properties are created equally- some have less bug problems than others! 

 

 

Isla Carenero

You don’t have to go too far to find an island lifestyle, and if cars zipping passed you as your walking to the beach aren’t your thing than maybe Isla Carenero is what you are looking for.

PROS:

1. No roads: Leave your eBike and car on Isla Colon! Here everyone goes by foot (or boat). Walking around the island is super easy and its along the most prettiest coastline around. White tiny sand and crystal clear beaches with palm lined walls are just a few things to expect around the Camino de Carenero.
2. Boat life: Lots of Bocas del Toro oceanfront properties for sale on Isla Carenero have private docks for boats, making the ride between Bocas Town and Isla Carenero smooth rides.
3. The most delicious restaurants: Seaside or perched over the sea, lots of the restaurants here offer the island vibe you always thought of when you imagined living in the Caribbean. Take a seat, listen the Bob Marley covers being played by local Calypso Joe with the stars above and lobster on your plate. HEAVEN!
4. Easy to get around: You’re living on another island… but your still super close to Bocas Town! Yes you have to take a boat over, but no fret! Most Bocas del Toro expats own boats and if not water taxis are only a few minutes and a few bucks.

CONS:

1. Chitranero: We are not going to lie. This island is know for having chitras, those tiny bugs that come out dusk and dawn and bite the hell out of you and cause a ton of itching… but with the right planning and guidance you can still find properties that make life a lot easier. Building a home here means adapting to the surroundings and there are some Isla Carenero real estate properties available that take this into consideration, we well as builders who can construct the home of your dreams keeping this in mind. Most people who live here just apply some coconut oil and live on, it isn’t a big deal.
2. You can hear the party: Being close to Bocas Town means that the music can travel over the water and into your homes. Not all homes experience it the same, some more than others. The closer you are to Bocas Town, the most likely you’re going to hear the party.

 

 

Isla Bastimentos

Isla Bastimentos is one of the biggest islands with another vibe even amongst different parts of the island. Home to the sleepy town of Old Bank and the luxurious gated community of Red Frog Beach Villas and the indigenous community and beaches of Salt Creek and Punta Vieja there are different vibes all around this island.

PROS:

1. Water Life: The only way to get here is by boat. That means you either own one, or you’re taking water taxis. This can obviously be a con as well but the glass is half full in this section so its go with something great- you get to enjoy the most beautiful boat ride ever. See the coasts of Isla Solarte and Isla Carenero, watch for dolphins and local fisherman in their cayucos. Be dazzled by the colors of an early morning commutes as the sun rises over Isla Bastimentos or marvel at the sunset over Isla Colon. Boat life is pretty cool, and you’re going to have to used to it.
2. The BEST Beaches: Bastimentos is home to some of the most raw, wildest, beautiful beaches in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Take hikes to Wizard (First Beach), hang out and watch people at Red Frog Beach, take a hike and have a picnic at Polo Beach or take a wild adventure to Long Beach. On the other side places like Salt Creek and Punta Vieja have the most whitest of sand in the Bocas islands and right in front is the world famous Cayos Zapatillas. Watch for this place, especially Punta Vieja.

CONS:

1. Its pretty remote: This doesn’t really apply to places like Old Bank and Red Frog Beach Villas and Residence, but for the rest, its pretty true. Lots of communities out here are super small and neighbors are far apart. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, then this is it.

 

 

Isla Solarte

Facing both Isla Bastimentos and Isla Colon, the beautiful and growing in popularity amongst buyers is Isla Solarte, home to some great options for investors and retirees alike. Perched out along its shores are some overwater bungalows, thatched roof over-the-sea restaurants and some of the best snorkeling around these parts of Bocas.

PROS:

1. Close to Bocas Town, but far enough: The side facing Bocas Town is around 5 minutes from the closest point near Solarte Town to around 20 minutes by boat to communities further out towards Cristobal. On the other side you have Old Bank and Red Frog super close with just a quick boat ride across Bahia Honda.
2. Great snorkeling: The shores of Isla Solarte are home to some great snorkeling and diving spots. Most of the dive schools come here for dives, its super common to see their boats tied up to buoys as their divers are below exploring reef gardens and sunken ships.
3. Amazing nature: Lush tropical forests with parrots and wildlife, isla Solarte is a great investment opportunity for ecolodges and eco-resorts. The island is great for hiking as well as snorkeling just out front most of the island’s shoreline. 

CONS:

1. No electric: Living out here means living off the grid. This is actually more of a pro than a con since in the long run, you will end up saving on expensive electric bills

 

 

Isla Cristobal, Isla Pastores, Tierra Oscura

Ocean breezes, great snorkeling, fertile land and located strategically between Almirante port town and Bocas Town, Isla Colon are some reasons why expats are moving to these parts of Bocas. Isla Cristobal has a few small communities such as San Cristobal and Bocatorito but for the most part things here are super tranquilo. Isla Pastores is a lot smaller and a great place to consider a hospitality investment such as an all inclusive eco-resort. Tierra Oscura, known as the Darklands by the expats who live here, is home to as the name suggests very fertile land making it the home to cacao farms and other agriculture ventures.

PROS:

1. Great community: Lots of the expats who have moved around these parts live quite far apart but are actually a lot closer than other communities are, maybe it has something to do with the great lifestyle as many of them are from the boating community with sailboats and catamarans parked just outside their properties.

CONS:

1. Remote: You’re a lot farther from towns and that means you have to shop intelligently to avoid making so many trips out. They are long and expensive.

 

 

Isla Popa, Punta Laurel, Isla Tigre

If remote is your thing than maybe this is where you should consider. Located amongst local indigenous fishing communities and few expats, this area of Bocas is growing and more expats are starting to consider it as a place to retire. Land here is cheaper than other locations and the views and surroundings are fantastic.

PROS

1. Close to Chiriqui Grande: Chiriqui Grande is so strategic, it makes getting to David that much faster. You can boat there yourself or take the new boat Isla Colon – Chiriqui Grande boat route from Punta Laurel, making the entire trip to David, Chiriqui and mainland super easy. Shopping in Chiriqui Grande is also great in case you need things. 

CONS

1. Pretty much on your own: Neighbors are usually pretty far from each other, unless you’re living near a village. Make sure your knowledgeable of solar power, generators, water systems and living off grid in general. Be prepared, its a bit more work to live out here, but the reward is worth it.