Caranero island in Bocas del Toro

I recently visited Panama during my journey around the globe. I expected my stay in Panama to be brief, as I was scheduled to sail from Panama City to Colombia in just 10 days. Along the backpacker route, fellow travelers insisted that no trip to Panama is complete without a visit to Bocas del Toro. They praised the island’s beaches as unparalleled and emphasized that I shouldn’t miss out. Consequently, I decided to spend six to seven days in Bocas. My hostel Aqua Lounge was situated on a small island called Caranero Island, just across from the main island. I would soon discover that Caranero Island in Bocas del Toro offers an exceptional island experience.

Getting to Caranero Island Was A Journey

Bocas del Toro is located on the Costa Rica/Panama border, so I decided to take a shuttle from Puerto Viejo for $30. The first leg seemed straightforward, arriving at the border in about an hour and a half. Then, some chaos set in, as a guy took my bag, and I had to chase him to immigration across the bridge, but that’s a story for another blog. Afterward, I had to hop on another bus that appeared to be in questionable condition and might or might not make it to the next stop. Believe me, the roads were riddled with potholes 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.

YouTube player — My Journey to Bocas Del Toro from Peurto Viejo, Costa Rica

Time to Jump on a Speedboat to head to Bocas del Toro

We reached the next point, and I had to take a speedboat for another hour. At this stage, I hope I’m heading in the right direction, as it isn’t clear. You just follow the other tourists. I arrive at my destination, or at least I think I do according to Google Maps. I genuinely thought I was staying on the main island, but soon realized I needed to take a water taxi to my destination, Caranero Island, which is just across the water. After two buses, a speedboat, and a water taxi, I’m eager to see what Caranero Island in Bocas del Toro has to offer.

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 confirm that this was indeed my hostel, Aqua Lounge. It was located right on the water, featuring an ocean pool, stunning views of the main island, a glimpse of an old pirate ship, and a fantastic vibe. This was what dreams are made of, and honestly, the setting felt more like a luxury resort than a hostel. I immediately extended my stay from 3 nights to 6, as I already knew I wouldn’t want to leave.

Killer Sunsets

In true Globe Digger style, 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 must be good. The first thing the bartender said to me was, “Wait until you see the sunset from the dock!” I settled in early to secure a good spot, and I was not disappointed. As the sun dipped below the main island, it was spectacular. Watching the boats go by, with the shimmering water and Bocas in the background, was truly amazing. This was easily one of my top three sunsets thus far. Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua and Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica make up the other two.

Getting the lay of the land over a Balboa

Taking in my first sunset

And the sun has fallen

Walking The Island

It was time to walk the island. I began making my way around it, and my first observation was that it felt as though the pirates had just departed. This was a region where Captain Morgan had once wreaked havoc—yes, the fellow on the rum bottle!

There were palm trees in the water, coconuts scattered all over the ground, and broken bridges crossing the creeks. Simply put, tourists were not being catered to. Another observation I made was that nearly all the people on this island were locals. There was just one hostel and two very small lodges.

I observed poverty, children playing soccer with coconuts, families raising chickens for food, and makeshift stores created from dilapidated homes. It was refreshing to see such a beautiful island where the locals hadn’t been displaced by the corporate world. In total, it took me about two hours to walk around the entire island.

The Beaches

I came across an incredible beach with hardly anyone around. I felt like I was on a remote island beach that few had discovered. The turquoise waters were calm, at the perfect depth, providing just the right amount of privacy. I imagined a pirate ship might appear at any moment to rob and kidnap me. I enjoyed two fantastic days at this beach.

The Food

One evening, I decided to venture out after dark to see what I could discover on the tiny island. To my surprise, I stumbled upon a lively restaurant and bar right on the beach, like something out of a movie. How could I resist trying this place? As it turns out, I enjoyed the best cocktail on the menu—a Caranero Colada (Malibu rum, milk, maracuya, and banana)—from my trip so far. Following the bartender’s recommendation, I ordered the tacos, and they did not disappoint. These were by far the best tacos I have ever had in my life, let alone on this trip. All I can say is, what a find on this little island in Bocas del Toro!

Simply put, for my liking, Caranero Island in Bocas del Toro is the ultimate island experience.

Caranero Island in Bocas del Toro is the Ultimate Island Experience