How do I get to Bocas del Toro?

You will need to take an international flight from your country to Panamá City. You will arrive at Tocumen Airport (PTY). You will then take a national flight from Albrook Airport to Bocas del Toro (BOC) vía the airline Air Panamá or FlyTrip.

How do I get from Tocumen Airport to Albrook Airport?

Panama City has Uber available if you are planning to have data coverage and has the fairest rates. Another option are the official taxi services at the airport.

Do I need any vaccines?

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What do I need to bring?

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My onward travel is to Boquete/David by land or I take a plane elsewhere. Can I dive the same day or day before?

The mountain route from Chiriquí Grande to David via the Ruta 11 (Camino a Chiriquí Grande) crosses the Cordillera de Talamanca, reaching an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) at its highest point. 

The typical cruising altitude of Flytrip and Air Panama flights from Bocas del Toro to Panama City depends on the aircraft used:

• Cessna 208 Caravan (Flytrip, some Air Panama flights) → ~3,000–4,000 meters (10,000–13,000 feet)
• Fokker 50 (Air Panama, when in service) → ~5,000–7,000 meters (16,000–23,000 feet)

This is not recommended immediately after diving due to the risk of decompression sickness (DCS). Driving to altitudes above 300 meters (1,000 feet) or flying to altitudes above 2,400 meters (8,000 ft) after diving can lead to bubble formation in the blood due to reduced ambient pressure.

Recommended Surface Intervals:

• For a single no-decompression dive → Wait at least 12 hours before ascending.
• For multiple dives or decompression dives → Wait at least 18–24 hours before ascending.

What is the temperature of the water?

28-30 degrees Celsius; 83-86 Fahrenheit.

What equipment is included?

BCD, regulator, tanks, weights, fins, mask and wetsuit/rashguard.

What tanks do you use?

We use 11 liter aluminum 80 tanks with a yoke valve that can be adapted for DIN.

What additional gear can I rent out?

Dive Computer: $10 USD per day; $30 per week

Go Pro 7: $15 USD per day

Kraken Underwater Phone Case: $20 USD per day

Dive Torch: $5 USD per day

Should I get dive insurance?

Though we have very safe diving here, we always strongly recommend you are prepared for any emergency. Reach out to us if you would like to get it with us. We have special rates with our partners, DAN (Diver’s Alert Network).

What currency do I need in Panama?

Panama has the U.S. dollar as its official currency. The national currency, however, is the Balboa, which exists alongside the Dollar in coin format only.

What language is spoken in Panama?

Panama’s official language is Spanish but you’ll hear a lot of English in Bocas del Toro. The indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé also speak their own native tongue.

What time zone is Panama in?

Panama is in Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)

Is Bocas del Toro safe?

Like anywhere, you should keep your wits about you in Bocas del Toro. As Panama’s main tourist destination, it is quite safe particularly if you are on Isla Colon in central areas. At night, walk in a group and take well-lit streets. At Ankay, in Solarte, it is very tranquil and safe.

Do I need cash?

Though most restaurants and supermarkets accept credit cards, we recommend having some cash for taxi boats which will be your main form of getting around. Keep in mind you will need small bills, they never have change.

Where are the ATMs?

All are on Isla Colón. The main two are at the bank and inside the Duo Market Supermarket.

How do I get around from Ankay in Solarte to other islands?

We have Ventus, our in-house taxi boat, as well as a list of other trusted drivers . The rate is $5 per person per way.