Santa Catalina to Bocas del Toro: How the Shuttle and Boat Connection Works
Santa Catalina and Bocas del Toro are two of Panama's favorite stops, and they sit on opposite coasts. One is a surf town on the Pacific and the gateway to Coiba National Park. The other is an island town on the Caribbean. Our shared shuttle links them in a single travel day, so you go from one ocean to the other without changing buses or planning connections yourself.
How the trip works
- Pickup in Santa Catalina. We collect you at your hotel or hostel. Tell us where you are staying and we confirm the pickup time by WhatsApp the day before.
- Departure at 7:30 AM. The van crosses the isthmus and the continental divide, with a rest stop on the way.
- Arrival at the Almirante dock, around 3:00 PM. The road leg ends at the water-taxi dock in Almirante. We time the van so you can make the short boat crossing into Bocas town without a long wait.
It is the longest route we run: about 485 km and roughly seven and a half hours, depending on the road.
Price and how to book
The shared shuttle costs $80 per person. After we confirm your trip, a deposit of $10.85 per person secures your seat, and you pay the rest in cash to your driver. You can see the current price instantly in the route finder on our home page, then book on WhatsApp or by email.
What to pack for a coast-to-coast day
- A light jacket: the road climbs through the mountains of the Fortuna reserve, where it is cooler.
- Snacks and water for a full travel day.
- Swimwear and sunscreen at the top of your bag, so you can head to the water when you arrive.
- A small dry bag for your phone and documents on the boat.
Plan the rest of your trip
Many travelers combine the three classics: Santa Catalina for surf and a day in Coiba National Park, Boquete for coffee and mountains, and Bocas del Toro for the Caribbean. If you prefer to break the journey, take the shuttle from Santa Catalina to Boquete first and continue later from Boquete to Bocas del Toro.
Ready to go? Check your date in the Santa Catalina to Bocas del Toro page or send us a message on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip from Santa Catalina to Bocas del Toro?
About seven and a half hours by road to the Almirante water-taxi dock, leaving at 7:30 AM and arriving around 3:00 PM, plus the short boat crossing into Bocas town.
How much is the shuttle from Santa Catalina to Bocas del Toro?
The shared shuttle costs $80 per person. A deposit of $10.85 per person secures your seat and the rest is paid in cash to the driver.
Do you pick me up at my hotel in Santa Catalina?
Yes. Tell us where you are staying and we confirm the pickup time by WhatsApp the day before.