Caranero island in Bocas del Toro

I recently travelled to Panama as part of my journey around the world. I knew Panama would be a short stop as I was sailing to Colombia from Panama City in just 10 days. Along the backpacker trail I was told by fellow travellers that you can’t do Panama without visiting Bocas Del Toro. I was told the island beaches were second to none and something I could not miss. So I decided I would spend six to seven days in Bocas. The Hostel I chose it turns out was on a small Island across from the main island called Caranero Island. I would learn that Caranero Island in Bocas del Toro is the ultimate island experience.

Getting to Caranero Island Was A Journey

Bocas del Toro is on the Costa Rica/Panama border so I decided to take a shuttle from Peurto Viejo for $30. The first leg seemed easy enough arriving at the border in about one and a half hours. Then some chaos set in with some dude taking my bag who I had to chase to immigration across the bridge but that in itself is another blog. Then I had to jump on another bus that looked like it may or not make it to the next stop. Believe me the roads were filled with pot holes the size of small craters.

This dude grabbed my bag at the border and started walking across the bridge with it. I had no choice but to chase him down and I was successful.

We get to the next point and I had to take a speedboat for another hour or so. At this point I am hoping I am going the right way as the direction isn’t really clear. You are just following the other tourists. I get to my destination at least I think I do according to my google maps. I really did think I was staying on the main island but I soon figured out that I needed to take a water taxi to my final destination Caranero Island which is just across the way. So after 2 busses, a speedboat and a water taxi I am ready to see what Caranero Island in Bocas del Toro is all about.

On the speedboat making my way to Bocas del Toro

I finally arrived to my hostel on Caranera island

My First Impression Of The Island

When I was dropped off at the dock I had to double check with the reception to make sure this was actually my hostel Aqua Lounge. It was set right on the water, with an ocean pool set up, killer views of the main island, view of an old pirate ship and an amazing vibe. This was what dreams are made of and honestly the setting was more like a luxury resort then a hostel. I immediately extended my stay here from 3 nights to 6 as I already knew I would not want to leave.

Killer Sunsets

In typical Globedigger fashion my first task was to order a local beer at the waterfront bar on the dock. When the local beer is called Balboa you know it has be good. The first thing the bartender said to me was “wait till you see the sunset from the dock!”. So I settled in nice and early to get a good spot and I was not disappointed. As the sun set over the main island it was spectacular. Watching the boats go by and the image of the water and Bocas in the background was truly amazing. This was easily one of my top 3 sunsets so far. Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua and Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica are the other 2.

Getting the lay of the land over a Balboa

Walking The Island

It was time to walk the Island. I started to make my way around the island and my first observation was it felt like the pirates had just left. This was a region that Captain Morgan had once wreaked havoc. Yes, the guy on the rum bottle! There were palm trees laying in the water, coconuts on the ground everywhere, broken bridges over creeks. Simply put tourists were not being catered to. Another thing I noticed was this island was almost all locals there was only one hostel and 2 very small lodges. There was poverty, kids playing soccer with coconuts, families raising chickens for food and make shift stores out of run-down homes. It was nice to see an Island this beautiful where locals hadn’t been pushed out by the corporate world. In total it took me about 2 hours to walk the whole island.

The Beaches

I came across an amazing beach with almost no one there. It felt like I was on an island beach that very few had discovered. Turquoise waters, no waves, the perfect depth and privacy. I was sure a pirate ship would be coming any second to rob and kidnap me. I had 2 amazing days at this beach.

The Food

One evening I decided to venture off after dark to see what I could find on the tiny island. To my surprise I found a small restaurant/bar that was hopping. It was set right on the beach like something out of a movie. How could I not give this place a try? Well as it turns out I had the best cocktail called a Caranero Colada (Malibu rum, milk, maracuya and banana) from my trip so far. Next I ordered the taco’s at the bartenders recommendation and they did not disappoint. These were by far the best taco’s I haver ever had in my life let alone this trip. All I can say is what a find on this little Island in Bocan del Toro.