Everything you need to know before visiting Bocas del Toro, Panama

BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMÁ -- I was lucky enough to experience Bocas del Toro, Panama in one of the best ways that it should be --  drinking, eating and partying on a bachelor party.
I was one of 14 guys that came from all over the United States to celebrate the engagement of my friend Frank in Panama City and then Bocas del Toro. And while it was an incredible experience, the trip was not without its pitfalls.
In an effort to help you avoid our mistakes, here’s everything you need to know about Bocas del Toro:

Basic info: Bocas del Toro Province is an archipelagos -- island chain -- off the coast of Panama. It is made up of islands, small bodies of water, parks and town. The main island is Isla Colon -- which is home to the capital, Bocas del Toro.

Housing accommodations: There are plenty of hotel, hostel and rental options in Bocas del Toro. You can rent some pretty incredible houses that fit 5 people for $150 a night. These sorts of rentals often include beautiful outdoor porches, cabanas and decks that provide the perfect location for catching up with friends.

Getting around: Walking is the prefered method of getting around Bocas del Toro. Some rental units come equipped with bikes. Those are helpful.
But, chances are, you’re going to be hopping around to some of the nearby islands to hit up the bars and clubs. All you have to do is catch a boat ride from the town. They cost $2 a ride and take a couple minutes.
Be prepared to get a little bit wet. These things aren’t ferries. They’re more like 

Food: The best food in my life has been in Bocas del Toro. No joke.
Everything they cooked -- whether it was seafood, steaks, rice or vegetables -- were incredible. I actually find myself thinking about the food I ate there while eating food back in the States. 
Just about any restaurant is going to blow your socks off.

However, we did find it difficult to find good food late at night/early in the morning after staying up. A particular food stall provided the worst cheese burger I’ve ever eaten. So, be mindful that restaurant options decrease the later it goes.

Nightlife: We visited a number of drinking establishments during the week-long bachelor party.
We liked Barco Hundido, the Summer Beach Club and the Aqua Lounge. Prices were reasonable at all the places we went to -- $3 to $6 for drinks.
​I will say, that if you are drinking and staying out late, do it in packs. Bocas del Toro isn’t very safe. It’s not uncommon to see stickup crews or tough-looking guys eyeing people up.
Don’t get intimidated and don’t be rude.

What to do: There is a lot to do in Bocas del Toro. I would definitely spend a day at the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park. It’s a short boat ride from Bocas. There, you can lay on the beach, play beach soccer and have drinks/food at a nearby bar.
Renting ATV at Flying Pirates was awesome. With virtually no oversight, you can tear through the backcountry at breakneck speeds in between stops at ocean-front bars. 
Renting a boat and sailing to local swimming holes is another great option -- albeit expensive. Pick up some tourist girls and head out on the seas. 

Quirks: There’s a few quirks about Bocas del Toro to remember when traveling there.

• Men are not allowed to walk around the streets with their shirts off. I know. Kinda weird.​
• ​Drinking in public spaces -- like walking down the street -- is illegal. The police don’t mess around.
• I was told by our ATV guide that if you get injured in Bocas del Toro, you are screwed. He said that the hospital staff are incompetent. If you’re hurt, you have a better chance at getting fixed up at the vet then this hospital.
• Lights all over the entire island will just turn off every once in a while. I think it’s charming.

Final thoughts: I, and my friends, loved our time in Bocas del Toro. It was the trip the started me on this awesome journey of seeing as much of the world as I can. I highly recommend a trip to Bocas del Toro.

Have you ever been to Bocas del Toro? Where did you stay? What was your favorite restaurant? Comment below!