5 Easy Steps to Surviving Bocas del Toro

The smoothie bar at Selinas was the perfect spot to get energy for the day and meet other travelers; Fabio from Italy and Will from Venezuela!

The smoothie bar at Selinas was the perfect spot to get energy for the day and meet other travelers; Fabio from Italy and Will from Venezuela!

Step One.

Check yourself into Selinas Hostel. You’re welcome! You now have an adult playground, free breakfast, swimming 24/7 and a plethora of possible new friends. This place rocks. Between the smoothie bar, the real bar, the pool table, endless areas to lounge, read or smoke your cigarette, plus lots of travellers from around the world, you have the perfect starting point for all of your adventures. Also, its brand new and that is worth its weight in gold. Did I mention they have a $5 plate of the day, everyday. It was delicious.

Breakfast of Champions! Plain yogurt, extraordinary granola and fresh fruit. Egg omelette, veggies, toast and coffee.

Selina’s Breakfast of Champions! Plain yogurt, extraordinary granola and fresh fruit. Egg omelette, veggies, toast and coffee.

Step Two.

Invest in some mosquito spray. This one almost cost me my sanity for the next week. I forgot it, and I ended up looking like I had chicken pox at 26. Not pretty, not fun, and most definitely not comfortable. You’re exploring an archipelago, meaning you are surrounded by water, a mosquito’s heaven. Be prepared.

A favorite spot of mine on Selina's deck. Jump in right in front and then catch some rays, if you want!

A favorite spot of mine on Selina’s deck. Jump in right in front and then catch some rays, if you want!

Step Three.

Get out of your comfort zone! You don’t know how to start a conversation with a stranger? I love asking people where they are from,  a perfect spot to ignite the evening. You might even meet someone who owns their own sailboat, go party on said sailboat, get shitfaced, and be grateful your new friends took care of you and got you back to the mainland. True story.

The Dizzy CaroLizzy! A fun name for a very fun boat sailing the world.

The Dizzy CaroLizzy! A fun name for a very fun boat sailing the world.

Step Four.

Stay longer than one night. A terrific way to do Bocas is to come with no agenda and let the island guide your journey! I came thinking I would stay a night, maybe two, and ended up staying for three. Great decision. I enjoyed a few of the islands, saw the mysterious strawberry frog, snorkeled in a reef with some fishes and met some incredible people with hearts of gold.

Made new friends, took a boat out to Red Frog Island for an hour of relaxing with fresh coconuts while watching the waves pound the beach.

Made new friends, took a boat out to Red Frog Island for an hour of relaxing with fresh coconuts while watching the waves pound the beach.

Step Five.

Did I mention sunscreen? Protect yourself from the elements by packing lots of water for your jungle hikes, AND lots of sunscreen for the endless UV rays. Protect yourself! One in five Americans will have skin cancer in their lifetime (knock on wood) prepare now, you don’t want to be a statistic. 

Comfy new beds at Selinas, for recouping and nursing yourself back to life after a night of party, or too much sun (wear your SPF!).

Comfy new beds at Selinas, for recouping and nursing yourself back to life after a night of party, or too much sun (wear your SPF!).

Have fun! You’re going to Bocas!

A lovely lunch at Leaf Eaters, a vegetarian/vegan restaurant. My favorite was their French Dip!

A lovely lunch at Leaf Eaters, a vegetarian/vegan restaurant. My favorite was their French Dip!