The best hostels in Bocas Del Toro for backpackers on a budget chosen by a backpacking architect.
Once you arrive in Bocas Del Toro, you are going to find it hard to leave. It is the epitome of beach/ island paradise, not overly expensive, and has everything from quiet beaches to water activities, or a bustling party scene. So where are the best hostels in Bocas Del Toro? Well thats what we are going to have a look at today.
These options are all going to set up back around £20 a night but they can fluctuate a bit depending on when you go. have assembled our top five Bocas Del Toro Hostels on the main island for under £20 per night below.
Bocas Del Toro Hostels
No.1
Bambuda Bocas Town
My personal favourite is taking the top spot, Bambuda Bocas Town is clean and tidy with nice beds that have a curtain for privacy (a curtain is always quite important for me I am not sure if this is a consideration for you all? Let us know). The hostel is tucked away on the North side of the Island, you are far enough away from 'the thick of it' to get a good night's sleep. It has a well-equipped kitchen. You will need a kitchen to keep costs down in Bocas, food and drink from establishments are not cheap. The hostel is on the waterfront with a small breakout area. It will set you back around £25 a night which is higher than some of the others on this list but as a 30 year old something who wants to be able to leave the noise and party this is a fantastic option.
No.2
Las Olas Hostel
More basic than some of the newer hostels in the area, Las Olas is also more budget-friendly. What it does have though is a beautiful deck for sunset lovers, at £14 a night it offers value on the waterfront that other hostels do not and is still rated highly by backpackers.
No.3
Socialtel Bocas del Toro
Now the Socialtel Bocas Del Toro this place is right where you want to be to people watch and take an evening dip. It is now under new management so I am going to remove my old comments on the Selina which had its issues and we will see how it adapts and changes now it is a socialtel.
No.4.
Hostal On The Sea
A wild card here and perhaps one for solo travellers trying to see Bocas but tuck themselves away from the wild night scene Hostal On The Sea is a more basic property that will allow you to hear the ocean as you sleep. With a small kitchen and at £16 a night this little retreat is going to offer a different experience to your standard.
No.5
Aqua Lounge Bocas del Toro
If you want a party hostel then this is the one, Aqua Lounge has a big sundeck and female-only dorms which is always good at party hostels. The Hostel is not on Bocas, it is the next island over but just a dollar boat ride away. This is an £11 pound-a-night hostel (2 night stay minimum), but experiences are hit and miss. I would recommend reading the reviews on booking before taking the plunge because the staff could really make a difference here. The other think I would suggest is booking for a short stay (the 2 night minimum) over the party nights (Friday & Saturday) and then heading back to Bocas town or Bastimentos for some comfort and R&R Take this hostel on if you are on a 'non-stop party' vibe.
As always, look after your fellow backpackers, and respect the locals. Check out our blog on Bocas Island hoping to find out more about getting to and staying on other islands.
If you want to know more about backpacking Panama make sure to check out our travel guide below and further if you are a curious explorer and want to know more about the history of Panama then please have a listen to the Where's Next? Panama Episode
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