Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Caribbean Island Life, Coral Reefs & World-schooling Wins

After hearing glowing recommendations from other travellers — and with Tilly’s love for all things marine life leading the way — we set our sights on Bocas Del Toro, a group of tropical islands on Panama’s Caribbean coast.

We were already in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, so the route made sense. A straightforward 2.5-hour border crossing, a short taxi ride to the port in Almirante, and then a 1-hour boat ride later, we arrived. Gliding over the calm sea, surrounded by mangroves and dotted islands, we could feel the pace of life shifting.

First Impressions – Relaxed and Just Right

Bocas Town instantly gave us that relaxed island vibe — colourful, warm, and easy to navigate. More importantly, it felt safe. Travelling full-time as a family means tuning in to gut instinct, especially when arriving somewhere new with kids. My intuition was at ease the moment we stepped off the boat.

The town had all the basics we needed — local shops, fruit stalls, and well-stocked supermarkets (a rare win in parts of Central America). Simple things like being able to find pasta, vegetables, and the ingredients for an actual meal can feel like a big deal after a few weeks of cobbled-together dinners.

A House Over the Sea – Our Caribbean Home

We stayed at Over The Water Rentals, a dreamy wooden house built on stilts above the ocean. I found it on Airbnb, then messaged the owners directly after spotting their website. We introduced ourselves as Smiths On Tour, shared a little about our travels and content creation, and they kindly offered us a great deal in exchange for photos and videos.

It turned out to be one of the best swaps we’ve done so far (with the kindest hosts we’ve met) — they received more bookings, and we were welcomed into a calm, beautiful space where every sunrise felt like a fresh start.

This wasn’t just accommodation. It was an experience. We had paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkelling gear at our fingertips, and the water was so clear we could spot starfish from the deck.

Ocean Explorers in Our Element

Every day we were in the water. We kayaked to nearby mangroves, floated near the end of a tiny airport runway (yes, you can watch planes land while drifting in a kayak!), and discovered a floating bar in the middle of the sea — equal parts surreal and magical.

The snorkelling was unforgettable. We saw colourful reefs, schools of fish, and our absolute favourites — starfish, everywhere. Seeing Tilly light up as she spotted each new creature was one of the most rewarding parts of the trip. Back at the cabin, she would excitedly pull out her notebook, draw the fish she saw, and write little facts about each one. We were also lucky enough to spot a nurse shark and a spotted eagle ray right from the jetty we were staying at- unforgettable moments and a must watch on our YouTube Channel (links at the bottom of this page).

Bocos Del Toro really hit us — this is why we chose world-schooling. Tilly’s not just learning. She’s living it!

The Other Side of Travel – The Not-So-Instagram Moments

Of course, full-time travel isn’t all glowing sunsets and snorkelling adventures. There are ups and downs — and on this trip, I hit a definite “down.”

Early into our stay, what we thought was a small coldsore turned into a full-blown skin infection. It spread quickly, got painful, and left me feeling drained. After a visit to a local clinic, I started a two-week course of antibiotics. Thankfully, it cleared up — but I still wear a small scar from it now. Just one of those things that becomes part of the journey… and the memories.

While I was recovering and resting up, Joe and Tilly took off to explore the island by scooter. They returned absolutely glowing, raving about what they described as the most beautiful beach they’ve ever been to — white sand, palm trees, clear water, and barely anyone there. I missed that moment… but I love that they shared it together!

Now I just have another reason to come back someday.

A shell Tilly found!

More Than Travel – A Way of Life

Sitting on that deck, wrapped in a towel with salty hair and a coconut in hand, I remember thinking: this is it. Not just the highs, not just the dream locations — but the real, messy, beautiful life we’re building together as a family.

Yes, we’ve had bumps in the road. But we’re also growing in ways we never could have imagined when we first set out. Tilly’s confidence, curiosity, and creativity shine in places like this. And we’re learning just as much — about ourselves, about her, about the world, and about what really matters.

Would We Go Back to Bocas?

A thousand times YES!

Bocas Del Toro gave us calm waters, wild snorkelling adventures, jungle mangroves, tropical sunsets, unexpected challenges, and the kind of memories that stay with you long after you leave. It’s a special kind of place — and for travelling families, it’s got everything you could want and more.

🌴 Top Tips for Families Visiting Bocas Del Toro

🛥️ Getting There: From Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, it’s about 2.5 hours to the Panama border. Then a taxi to Almirante and a boat across to Bocas Town.

🏡 Where to Stay: Over The Water Rentals was peaceful, practical, and magical. Book direct if you can — and if you're a creator or blogger, don’t be afraid to reach out.

🛶 Don’t Miss:

• Snorkelling at Starfish Beach & Coral Cay

• Kayaking to the mangroves and floating bar

• Watching the airport runway from the water (surprisingly cool)

🍍 Food Tip: Stock up in Bocas Town — great variety of fresh fruit and groceries. Easier than many other Central American towns for family-friendly meal prep.

📚 Worldschooling Idea: Bring sketchbooks or nature journals. Tilly turned her snorkelling experiences into an ocean-themed learning project, and it brought us all closer.

💛 Reality Check: Not every moment will be perfect — and that’s okay. Illness, off days, and setbacks are part of the lifestyle too. But they don’t take away from the magic. If anything, they make it more meaningful.

Until next time, Bocas — thank you for the adventure, the lessons, and the reminder that this life is as real as it is rewarding!