You can get from Bocas del Toro to Manzanillo by ferry + bus, or ferry + public transport.
The cheapest option is by ferry and public transport, which typically costs about USD 20 and takes about 4.5 hours.
The most popular option is the ferry + shared shuttle combo, offering both transportation modes for the price of one ticket!
The fastest way is also by ferry + shared shuttle, which takes about 3.5 hours!
In this guide, we’ll dive into all the best ways to get from Bocas del Toro to Manzanillo Limon Province!
Transportation Options
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + Shared Shuttle | 3.5-4.5 hrs | $30 to 33 |
| Ferry + Public Transport | ~4.5 hrs | ~$20 |
1. Ferry + Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 3.5-4.5 hours
This option combines both transportation modes for your trip, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey across borders. You just have to book one ticket for USD 22-USD 33 and enjoy a hassle-free travel!
You will begin your adventure with a scenic boat ride departing from Bocas del Toro, where you’ll witness the azure waters embracing the captivating coastline. The water taxi will then deliver you to the charming port town of Almirante, Panama.
From Almirante, you will board a comfortable shuttle and make your way toward the Costa Rican border. With air-conditioning and ample luggage space, the shared shuttle ensures a relaxed and hassle-free experience.
After easily crossing the border, you’ll continue your journey through the picturesque Limon Province before arriving at your final destination: the magical Manzanillo!
The Water Taxi + Standard Bus option offers an affordable way to traverse between Bocas del Toro and Manzanillo. It provides a unique opportunity to soak in the stunning vistas and cultural highlights of Panama and Costa Rica.
Depending on your departure and shuttle provider, the journey lasts about 3.5-4.5 hours.
Ferry + Shared Shuttle Schedule:
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:50am | 11:20am | 3h 30m | $30 |  |
| 11:50am | 03:20pm | 3h 30m | $30 | |
| 07:30am | 11:00am | 3h 30m | $32 | |
| 11:30am | 03:05pm | 3h 35m | $32 | |
| 07:30am | 12:00pm | 4h 30m | $33 | |
| 11:30am | 03:50pm | 4h 20m | $33 | |
2. Ferry + Public Transport
Journey Duration: ~4 hours
This option requires a bit more effort and planning, but the cost and experience are well worth it, especially for all the adventurous types.
Your journey commences with a picturesque water taxi ride from Bocas del Toro, offering a chance to admire the tranquil seascape and the vibrant marine life that call these waters home.
Upon arrival at the bustling port of Almirante, you’ll disembark and continue your trip by hopping into a taxi that will take you to the Costa Rican border.
You can also board multiple buses instead of a taxi for this part of your trip, but a taxi ride that costs only USD 10 is much more practical and allows for a more personalized experience.
Once you’ve reached the border in about one hour and completed the necessary formalities, it’s time to board a public bus from Sixaola bound for the lively town of Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica!
Public bus travel offers a unique opportunity to mingle with locals and gain insights into the region’s rich culture and traditions.
Upon reaching Puerto Viejo, you can choose to spend some time exploring this vibrant coastal town, soaking in its unique blend of Afro-Caribbean and Costa Rican influences, before boarding another bus to complete the final leg of your journey to the enchanting Manzanillo!
Bus and boat tickets cost only a few dollars, making the whole trip incredibly cheap.
Best day tours in Limon
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any visa requirements for crossing the border?
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. It’s essential to check the entry requirements for both Panama and Costa Rica before your trip. Additionally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
What documents do I need to cross the Panama-Costa Rica border?
You must have an up-to-date passport that is valid for at least another six months. You might also be asked to present documentation of additional travel, like a return ticket or a ticket to a different place, along with evidence that you have enough money to cover your expenses while you are in Costa Rica. You might also be required to show documentation of your yellow fever vaccination.
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