Kuna Yala vs Boca del Toro?

Hi there -
I'm heading to Panama here in a couple of weeks and trying to finalize plans. I'm already heading into the Darien for a week. After that, I want to get in some relaxing snorkling/beach time (3-4 days). I'm traveling by myself (lady). I have time for either Bocas del Toro or the Comarca de Kuna Yala. I will have already had a decent dose of totally roughing it in the Darien.

My question is... if you wanted a really cool beach experience, that is not too touristy, but at the same time not too terribly rough (like camping)... which would you chose? Bocas del Toro or Kuna Yala? Why?

I definitely want to get in some amazing snorkeling. It'd be nice to be somewhere where I could meet some folks since I am traveling by myself.

Your thoughts are appreciated!

Having been to both I can tell they are completely different. Bocas is similar to many other places in C.A.(even the world). Plenty of bars restaurants etc. Along with picture perfect islands and sandy beaches, Kuna Yala is a place like no other. Its also a cultural experience. You'll stay in a lodge and have meals and go on the snorkeling trips with the people at your lodge so it is very conducive to meeting people. On Bocas , remember if you stay in Bocas town you have take tours or water taxis to go snorkeling or beach bumming.(Unless you stay on Basiamentos where you hike to different beaches). Another place to consider is Isla Boca Brava( my favorite) on the Pacific side close to David. ( Its also good for meeting people as the owner organizes trips out to different islands and you get together with others for the trips).

Hi,

My girlfriend and I just got back from PA last night. We spent 5 days in San Blas and 8 days in Bocas, both are very different experiences.

San Blas is rough, but it's a wonderful, unique, one-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are on a small island with a family, expect a hut, hammock and sand floor. The three meals were simple and yummy consisting of fresh fish and rice usually.

That being said the beaches are like no other in the world. Being on an island the size of a football field with palm trees, white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue water in the middle of the Caribbean is like no other experience in the world.

Like the other poster said, Bocas is the typical town by the water, settled by gringos and packed with backpackers, hostels and restaurants with English speaking wait staff. There are great beaches just a boat ride away and if you’re looking to party—you could have a bit of fun.

I personally wouldn’t pick Bocas over San Blas.

Only go to Bocas for beaches if you're willing to take boat taxis to nearby islands, as that is where the really nice beachs are located (offshore, on islands). The beachs on the main island where to town is are not all that great IMO.

Hi,

I am flying out to Panama/San Blas next week and wanted to stay on Isla Robinson but I have had no luck getting through to make reservations. The number I have been calling is 011-507-299-9058. Does anyone have any recommendations as to how to get through or do you think it would be ok to just show up and hope to get a spot on the island? Thanks!

i just went to isla robinson with my husband about 2 weeks ago. we showed up without a reservation and there was no problem. he was very nice and fun to talk to. (in spanish, of course)
someone tried to post something on here saying that he hated americans, which was completely false. it was $20 a day with 3 meals. take extra snacks though. fishermen will also sell very cheap seafood on the beach that you can have prepared in addition to your meal. (we tipped) all in all, great group, good time. don't worry. just go.

Edited by: gallopinto76

gallopinto76-- What was the process by which you just showed up? Or, rather, where did you just show up in order to meet up with Robinson and arrange to stay there?