Essential Info for Your Stay

Bocas del Toro is a Caribbean archipelago in northern Panama, known for its pristine beaches, clear turquoise water, and raw island scenery. It feels remote, tropical, and very different from mainland Panama.

Where Is Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is located on Panama’s Caribbean coast, near the Costa Rica border.

• Distance from Panama City: ~300 miles / ~480 km (by air route)

There is no practical overland route for visitors. Flying is the most realistic option.

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How to Get to Bocas del Toro

There are no direct international flights to Bocas del Toro.

Step 1: Fly to Panama City Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

Step 2: Enjoy Panama City Visit the Panama Canal. take a stroll in the Old City (Casco Viejo), visit one of the 40 Kosher restaurants in the city, and then head to Albrook Airport (PAC), not far from the Panama Canal.

Step 3: Domestic Flight to Bocas Take a domestic flight from Albrook Airport (PAC) in Panama City to Bocas del Toro (BOC).

• Flight time: ~ 45 minutes
• Carriers: Air Panama
• Multiple daily flights (check their schedule)

Important There is no driving route from Panama City that makes sense for visitors. Flying is the only practical option.

Using Panama City as a Stopover

Catch an early international flight, spending a few hours or one even one night in Panama City before flying to BOC Airport.

Good ideas

• Visit the Panama Canal
• Walk around Casco Viejo (Old City)
• Enjoy a proper meal before heading inland

Recommended Kosher restaurant in Panama City

• Adama Panama
• Aria
• Lula (Casco Viejo)

This breaks up travel and makes the trip feel much easier.

Popular Travel Combos:

Many visitors choose to start in Bocas del Toro and finish in Boquete:

• Bocas del Toro → Boquete
• Beach Islands first, mountains and hiking after
• Travel from Bocas to Boquete by shuttle / car (~3 hours)
• Fly out of David (DAV), the closest airport to Boquete
• Both COPA and AIR PANAMA fly out of DAV airport.

This route is smoother, avoids backtracking, and ends the trip somewhere cooler and calmer before heading home. ~~

Kosher Food in Bocas del Toro

Sababa Restaurant

Sababa is the kosher restaurant in Bocas del Toro, serving Israeli-style classics in a relaxed island setting. It's located inside of Chabad Bocas del Toro.

• Israeli classics, properly made
• LIfesaving take-away options, a must for beach days and boat trips

Sababa is the main kosher food option in Bocas and a key part of making a kosher visit to the islands possible.

View Sababa on Google Maps.

Shabbat in Bocas del Toro

Chabad Bocas del Toro hosts a full Shabbat experience, open to everyone.

What to expect

• Friday night and Shabbat morning prayers
• Fun communal Shabbat meals
• A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere

Shabbat in Bocas regularly brings together:

• Travelers from around the world
• Visitors spending time in Bocas
• Guests coming specifically for Shabbat

Shabbat Box

• Are you staying far from Chabad?
• While we will miss you, we can prepare a delicious Shabbat to go kit
• We can deliver it too... but come say hi at least once!

There is no pressure and no background required — everyone is welcome.

Reservations
Shabbat meals and participation require advance reservation so proper preparations can be made.

Please reserve ahead of time through our Shabbat Reservation page.

Hotels Near Chabad

There are many comfortable and well-located hotels within walking distance or a short drive from Chabad, suitable for couples, families, and longer stays.

Use your preferred booking platform and support Chabad:

We encourage booking accommodations through our hotel page. Booking this way provides a small commission to Chabad at no extra cost to you.

• Hotels.com
• Booking.com
• Priceline.com
• Expedia.com

All prices remain the same for you.

Special Chabad Rates

For La Coralina, (one of the nicest hotels in Panama, and for Nayara we have obtained a special Chabad rate.

To inquire, please contact Kosher Without Borders directly with:

• Travel dates
• Number of guests

They will assist with availability and details.

Activities & Tours

Bocas and the surrounding area offer many excellent activities, tours, and outdoor experiences.

We strongly recommend booking activities through our Chabad site and our official links whenever possible.

Why book via our site:

• In most cases, you pay the same price as booking directly or in person
• Tours are arranged with trusted providers personally recommended by Chabad
• In many cases, Chabad has negotiated preferred or agency pricing
• Chabad receives a small commission, which helps support local Jewish life
• There is no extra cost to you

This system allows travelers to enjoy reliable experiences while directly supporting Chabad Bocas.

Of course, donations are always welcome, but never required.

Rooms for rent at Chabad

Enjoy comfortable and convenient accommodations from Chabad , located just steps away from our activities and services.

Important: The rooms will be available sometime after Pesach.

Rates:

• Weeknights: $75 per night (fixed rate)
• Friday & Saturday night stay: $120 total

Rooms & Amenities:

• 5 rooms available
  • 4 rooms with 4 beds each
  • 1 room with 2 beds
• Baby crib available for $5 extra
• Private bathroom in every room
• Air conditioning included

Book your stay with Chabad Bocas here

Hidden on a platform right above the water, this mikvah is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Indoors and private, yet built directly over the sea, its base opens down into the ocean itself. It’s one of a kind — a blend of halacha, nature, and Caribbean calm — making it truly the world’s coolest mikvah.