Bocas del Toro guide
🇵🇦 Packing List
What to pack for Bocas del Toro
In March, Bocas del Toro is typically hot, expect showers (25 to 32°C). Pick the month you travel and the list changes with it.
Bocas del Toro essentials
- Swimwear (2 sets)
- Beach cover-up or sarong
- Flip-flops
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Very light, breathable cotton or linen clothing
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Compact umbrella
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
- Swimwear (2 sets)
- Beach cover-up or sarong
- Flip-flops
- Reef shoes
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), regular SPF bleaches coral
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS (7 days)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Insect / mosquito repellent
- After-sun lotion
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type A/B plugs (same as USA), 110V.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: Panamanian Balboa / US Dollar (1:1, USD accepted everywhere)
Local know-how
- Local SIM: Cable & Wireless Panama, Claro. Buy SIM in Panama City airport or Bocas Town.
- Water taxis are the main transport — negotiate prices and stick to licensed operators
- Peak season in March: keep bags zipped and don't flash jewellery
Trip gear
- Water shoes for the house reef
- Snorkel mask (or hire at the reef)
- Dry bag for valuables