As Panama’s Caribbean destinations continue to attract more eco-minded travelers each year, our Bocas del Toro tour to Dolphin Bay has become one of the top wildlife hotspots in Central America — and it’s home to something truly extraordinary. Dolphin Bay hosts a unique resident population of bottlenose dolphins, a genetically distinct group studied by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute for decades. Their research highlights just how special and rare this population is, making a guided visit to Dolphin Bay an unforgettable wildlife experience.

On this carefully curated full-day boat tour you’ll combine wildlife watching, a hands-on cacao farm experience, snorkeling and beach time at one of Bocas’s most famous shores. Read on for the full itinerary, what’s included, and helpful tips so you can plan the perfect day in the archipelago.

 

TOUR OVERVIEW — Bocas del Toro tour

This full-day Bocas Del Toro tour departs Isla Colón at 9:00 AM. Your day begins with dolphin-watching in Dolphin Bay, followed by a 2-hour guided experience at Green Acres Chocolate Farm, where you’ll learn about cacao cultivation and taste artisanal chocolate. After the farm, enjoy a snorkeling stop at Coral Garden — a shallow reef teeming with colorful fish and healthy coral formations. Finish the day relaxing on Red Frog Beach, with time for swimming, beach walking, and optional lunch at local beachfront restaurants before returning to Isla Colón.

Dolphin Bay — Dolphin Watching in a Unique Mangrove Habitat

Board your comfortable, well-maintained boat and cruise through the scenic mangroves toward Dolphin Bay. Your captain will navigate quietly and responsibly to maximize wildlife viewing while minimizing disturbance. Dolphin Bay is known for its resident bottlenose dolphins; with luck, you’ll see pods swimming, leaping, and socializing in the calm water, an unforgettable wildlife moment and a photographer’s dream.

Green Acres Chocolate Farm — Immersive 2-Hour Cacao Experience

Next our Bocas Del Toro tour explores the lush grounds of Green Acres Chocolate Farm. This 2-hour guided visit walks you through the entire cacao process: from tree to bar. Sample fresh cacao pulp, observe fermentation and drying areas, and taste small-batch chocolate made on site. The farm also showcases tropical plants and medicinal herbs, providing a broader look at Bocas del Toro’s rainforest ecology.

Green Acres is also home to Planet Rehab, a grassroots nonprofit founded by Gary Mitchell and dedicated to protecting and restoring Earth’s ecosystems, species, and natural resources. In 2019, Planet Rehab established an outpost at Green Acres to support its conservation work more closely. Gary remains deeply committed to environmental protection and now shares his passion through daily educational tours of the rainforest he proudly calls home.

Coral Garden — Snorkeling the Reef

After Green Acres we head to Coral Garden for snorkeling. This shallow reef is ideal for guests of all skill levels. Don your mask and snorkel to swim among vibrant corals, schooling fish, and sea fans. The calm waters and excellent visibility make Coral Garden a highlight for underwater photography and family snorkeling.

Red Frog Beach — Afternoon at One of Bocas’s Best Beaches

Finish your Bocas Del Toro tour at Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos. With golden sand, jungle backdrop and beachfront restaurants, it’s the perfect place to relax after a full morning of activity. Choose to swim, hike a short jungle trail, grab a bite at a local beach cantina, or simply sunbathe. At around 4:00 PM your boat will return you to Isla Colón arriving by 4:30 PM.

 

Please note:

Exact sequence/times may vary depending on tide, weather and local conditions. Your captain will optimize the route for the best wildlife viewing and sea conditions.

 

TOUR SUMMARY - Bocas del Toro tour

• Price - $96 per person
• Minimum 4 guests
• Small Group tour
• Duration - 7.5 hours
• Available everyday
• Start time - 9:00 AM
• Bocas Del Toro tour to Dolphin Bay (Bahia de los Delfines)
• Green Acre Chocolate Farm
• Bocas Del Toro tour and snorkeling at Coral Garden (Cayo Coral)
• Bocas Del Toro tour to Red Frog Beach (Isla Bastimentos)
• Return by 4:30 PM

 

TOUR ITINERARY (Approximate times)

• 09:00 AM — Meet at Isla Colón dock & depart
• 09:15 – 09:50 AM — Dolphin Bay: wildlife watching (timing varies with sightings)
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Green Acres Chocolate Farm: 2-hour guided cacao tour & tasting
• 12:30 – 01:00 PM — Coral Garden: snorkeling stop (time in water ~30–40 min)
• 01:30 – 04:00 PM — Red Frog Beach: free time for swimming, lunch, beach walk
• ~04:30 PM — Return to Isla Colón (arrival time subject to conditions)

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Roundtrip Bocas Del Toro tour from Isla Colón dock (Bocas Town)
• Local guide
• 2-hour guided tour and chocolate tasting at Green Acres Chocolate Farm
• Snorkeling stop at Coral Garden (snorkel equipment available; limited supply)
• Time at Red Frog Beach (access to public beach areas and local restaurants)
• Cool box and water

 

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Lunch and drinks at Red Frog Beach restaurants (available to purchase)
• Entrance Fee to Red Frog Beach $5 per person, paid in cash

 

WHAT TO BRING - Bocas del Toro tour

• Comfortable and adequate clothing to protect yourself from the sun and thus avoid the use of sunscreen. Creams (even biodegradable ones) are polluting and for that reason we do not promote their use
• Comfortable and safe footwear (sandals or water shoes)
• Swimwear
• Sun glasses
• Towel
• Camera
• Cap or hat
• Cash for tips and souvenirs

 

PLEASE NOTE

ATTENTION LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS: Bookings made after 6:00pm for the following day are NOT guaranteed until we respond and explicitly confirm your tour itinerary. If your booking is not confirmed by one of our booking specialists, your tour will be scheduled for the subsequent day.

 

FAQ - Bocas del Toro tour

1. How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, including boat transfers, the chocolate farm visit, snorkel stop at Cayo Coral, time at Red Frog Beach, and dolphin-watching in Dolphin Bay.

2. What time does the tour start?

The tour begins at 9:00 AM, allowing us to reach Dolphin Bay during the best time of day to spot dolphins.

3. Is there a minimum number of participants?

Yes. The tour requires a minimum of 4 guests to operate.

4. Is the Chocolate Farm tour included?

Yes. A guided visit of the cacao plantation and chocolate-making experience is fully included.

5. Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

Dolphin Bay is one of the best spots in Bocas del Toro, and sightings are very common, although not guaranteed as dolphins are wild animals.

6. How much time do we spend at Red Frog Beach?

You’ll enjoy approximately 1.5-2 hours of free time to relax, swim, or explore the beautiful Red Frog Beach.

7. Are entrance fees included?

The entrance fee to Red Frog Beach ($5 per person) is not included and must be paid on arrival.

8. What should I bring?

We recommend bringing swimsuits, sunscreen, a towel, water, insect repellent, and cash for entrance fees or snacks.

9. Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, this tour is family-friendly, and kids especially enjoy both the chocolate experience and the beach.

10. Can I bring my own snacks or drinks?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own beverages or snacks. Some items may also be available for purchase at the chocolate farm and on the beach.

11. Is transportation from my hotel included?

This tour starts from Bocas Town, and transportation is not included. However, we can help arrange it if needed.

12. What happens in case of rain?

The tour operates in light rain, but if weather conditions become unsafe, we will reschedule or cancel with a full refund.

 

OTHER TOUR SUGGESTIONS

Enhance your Panama experience with these additional tours, each designed to complement your visit and offer even more insights into the country's rich history, diverse landscapes, and iconic sites. Check out the links below for more unforgettable adventures! We personally believe that the following adventures should not be missed while travelling to Panama.

San Blas Day Tour – Explore a New and Exclusive Paradise Island - $109
Discover an exclusive and newly opened Paradise Island, only available with our company

Anton Valley Hiking Day Tour - $111
Join us on an active day in Anton Valley, hiking the crater and exploring the town. We offer two tour options for more variety.

Embera Indian Village, Chagres River and Waterfall - $69
Meet the ancient Embera tribe on a 6 hour cultural tour

Bocas Del Toro - Bioluminescence Tour - $39
Dive into another world as you float in a sea of glowing lights

 

CANCELATION POLICY - Bocas del Toro tour

Please read our Tour Cancelation Policy before booking.