Category Archives: Central America

Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua

I went Volcano Boarding! (and lived to tell about it…)

Volcano Boarding is #2 on CNN’s “Thrill seekers bucket list: 50 things to do before you die.” They say Cerro Negro Volcano in Nicaragua is the only place in the world that has it. Naturally I booked my flight right away. It was so much fun!

Here’s the experience, in 26 photos:

wearing orange on the top of Cerro Negro before Volcano Boarding Nicaragua!
Prison Break? Orange Is The New Black? Nope – we’re on the top of a volcano, about to sled down as fast as we can. Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua!
Volcano Jumping! - Volcan Cerro Negro
Volcano Jumping! – jumping on top of Cerro Negro volcano in Leon, Nicaragua

What is Volcano Boarding? Volcano Sledding

It’s a bit of a misnomer – Volcano Boarding is less like snowboarding, and more like sledding. You’re not standing up; instead you’re

Cerro Negro is a live volcano, which erupted as recently as 1999. They’ll have a speed gun to track you – the record is more than 80 kilometers per hour down the volcano.

Volcano Boarding Nicaragua. going so fast down the volcano

right after my first time volcano boarding in Nicaragua!
this is right after my first time volcano boarding in Leon! That was awesome!
Ready to hike the volcano with our volcano boards. You can see how high tech these boards are (sarcasm...)
Ready to hike the volcano with our volcano boards. You can see how high-tech these boards are (sarcasm…)
Climbing up a volcano cerro negro in Nicaragua. Lava rocks carrying plywood sleds and uniforms that look like prison suits
Climbing up a volcano full of lava rocks carrying plywood sleds and prison suits? check.
At the top of Cerro Negro in Leon Nicaragua. You can see where the lava wiped out everything in its path
At the top of Cerro Negro. You can see where the lava wiped out everything in its path

I can hardly believe we climbed this beast

this pic almost doesn't look real. He's standing at the edge of the top of the volcano
this pic almost doesn’t look real. He’s standing at the edge of the top of the volcano
View from the top of the volcano; it almost doesn't look real. That hole behind me would be quite a drop!
View from the top of the volcano; it almost doesn’t look real. I’m one step from falling into a huge crater behind me!

Hiking Cerro Negro Volcano – the climb

The hike was just a few hours long, and isn’t as difficult of a hike as it seems. The only challenging part is that you’re awkwardly carrying your board while hiking. There’s barely a trail and no trees to hold for stability. The first third of it is challenging because of the uneven rocks, while carrying a board. The rest is challenging because of the incline, while carrying a plywood board.

Volcano boarding in Leon with Bigfoot

hiking the Cerro Negro volcano in Nicaragua
there’s no ski lift – we’re about to hike this active volcano in Nicaragua (in Leon)
hiking up the edge of a volcano, before boarding down. There's no rails or trails here!
hiking up the edge of a volcano; there’s no rails or trails here!
climbing up for Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua
we’re living on the edge!

Breathtaking views from the top

Once you arrive at the top, the views are stunning! They’re also very scary once you realize you’ll be volcano boarding down this volcano.

Volcano jumping! That's the edge of the cliff of Cerro Negro Volcano below me
Volcano jumping! That’s the edge of the cliff of Cerro Negro Volcano below me
scary view down Volcan Negro
Are we really doing this?? It looks reeeeally steep. I had a little “stage-fright.” It’s a long scary way down. If there was an easy way to chicken out I might have…
Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua -view from the top
Views from the top

What’s it like to go Volcano Boarding?

You get into these (seemingly) former prisoner one-piece outfits. They’re hot so you won’t want to put them on until you need to.

You sit on the board with your hand on the rope, and feet on the board. You can go faster by leaning back; slower by sitting up. You can let your heels go to the outside of the board to apply the brakes. It surprisingly felt like I had some control. If I did it again, I’d certainly let myself go faster.

check out the world-class Volcano Boards we're about to use, wooden toboggan, made of plywood with a piece of Formica on a strip of metal
check out the world-class Volcano Boards we’re about to use, wooden toboggan, made of plywood with a piece of Formica on a strip of metal

 

they use a speed gun to measure how fast you go volcano boarding down
introducing…Volcano Boarding! CNN named Volcano Boarding as #2 in the world on the “Thrill seekers bucket list: 50 things to do before you die” That’s a speed gun in the guy’s hand

Is Volcano Boarding safe?

Debatable. From one standpoint, it felt fairly safe, but go at your own risk. They say it is, but then again, they’re collecting your money. You’re flying down an active volcano at crazy speeds. While we had a prison jumpsuit to protect from minor skin abrasions and goggles, there’s no helmet or armor. It feels very unsafe but lots of fun.

guide explains how to go volcano sledding
Our fearless guide shows us the ropes – he was a traveler until he went volcano boarding 6 months ago and was instantly hooked. Now he volunteers as a guide in exchange for free volcano boarding

With a straight face, the guide said “the secret to the technology is formica on the back” that helps you pick up speed even though we’re on an active volcano. “But don’t leave it out in direct sunlight , or it might peel off.”  Yes he actually called it technology.

There's 1 guy with a camera, and another with a speed gun. Neither has medical training, but that's rarely needed...
There’s 1 guy with a camera, and another with a speed gun. Neither has medical training, but that’s rarely needed…
closeup photo of Volcano Boarding or Volcano sledding in Leon, Nicaragua - in the only place in the world where you can do it
Afterward they show closeups of everyone Volcano Boarding at the hostel and provided your speed.

We lived! We survived volcano boarding. Woohoo!Volcano boarding! The beginning of the volcano sledding experience is very fast!

Where can you go Volcano Boarding?

The only place in the world where we’ve heard you can go volcano boarding is in Leon, Nicaragua, at Cerro Negro Volcano. Book it through Bigfoot Hostel.

Volcano Boarding at Bigfoot Hostel in Leon, Nicaragua

I had hiked up a volcano before, but this was an active volcano, and we went sledding down it. Add it to your list!

group photo while riding an hour to the volcano.
Tip: If you go, it’s an hour ride to the volcano. You’ll be constantly ducking and avoiding tree branches, so keep alert!

See the full list of CNN’s “Thrill seekers bucket list: 50 things to do before you die.”

Sledding down the volcano in Nicaragua, in Leon, Cerro Negro

Where is Leon, Nicaragua?

leon nicaragua map

Some other adventures that seemed crazy at the time –

Island Hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama

Bocas del Toro Panama photo tour

Travelers consistently say that Bocas del Toro Panama is among their favorite parts of Central America, especially for backpackers and travelers. Bocas is an archipelago (group of islands) with beautiful beaches, wildlife, adventure, and great backpacker vibe. It also has good food, and a great  party scene that attracts backpackers from around the world.

Most people have only heard of Bocas del Toro Panama from the TV series Survivor (17 countries filmed there) – it’s a real place and worth a visit. While many people visiting Panama only get to Panama City, Bocas is a hidden gem.

5 days of Island Hopping in Bocas

Every day we chose an activity or an island to go to – then hopped in a boat to go check it out.

31 photo tour of Bocas del Toro Panama

Here’s a 31-photo tour, with some highlights from our five days of island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama:

Playa La Estrella – Starfish Beach

While it doesn’t get nearly as much acclaim as the other beaches, Playa La Estrella has easily the most beautiful water next to their nearly private beaches. The name literally translates to Starfish Beach, and you can see why – they’re everywhere!

Starfish everywhere! - Playa La Estrella, Bocas del Toro is a must visit when island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
Starfish everywhere! – Playa La Estrella, Bocas del Toro Panama

Playa La Estrella, the most beautiful beach in Bocas

Starfish beach in Bocas del Toro Panama. Playa La Estrella. A must visit when island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
Have you ever seen this many starfish?

Tip: please do NOT touch the starfish or take them out of water – it actually kills them.

Sign says: "Star Beach - please don't touch the stars!". Still it's a must visit when island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
“Star Beach – please don’t touch the stars!”
The water at Playa Estrella is as clear as any Caribbean beach. If you're island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama, visit Star Beach!
The water at Playa Estrella is as clear as any Caribbean beach
Crystal clear water at Playa Estrella, the most beautiful beach in Bocas. I highly recommend a visit while Island Hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
With water up my neck, you can still see the starfish – and my feet. It was THAT clear.

Sunsets in Bocas del Toro Panama:

amazing colors after sunset at Pukalani Hostel, our home base while Island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
this was actually part of our hostel, Pukalani Hostel

The views are amazing all over the Bocas del Toro archipelago  – it’s even more beautiful after the sun goes down.

Beautiful colors while island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
Photo from ecocircuitospanama
roundhouse kick! This was our martial arts afternoon workout at Pukalani Hostel. It was our jumping off point while island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
Roundhouse kick! This was our afternoon workout.

Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos

Red Frog Beach is the most famous of the Bocas del Toro beaches. It includes the combination of hiking and rare Red Frogs in the forests right near the beach. I liked this beach, but found La Estrella to be more of my idea of relaxation.

Photo from Chris Goldberg
Photo from Chris Goldberg

closeup of a Red Frog from Red Frog Beach in Bocas del Toro

Red Frogs are  fascinating but tiny – most were an inch long (about the size of my pinky finger)

surfing at Red Frog Beach Bocas del Toro
Lots of people were learning to surf at Red Frog Beach. You can see the lush green forest jet out on the right.
Jumping pic on Red Frog Beach, one of the most popular beaches while Island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
Jumping pic on Red Frog Beach! I take jumping photos in nearly every country I visit
Tiny Red Frog from Red Frog Beach, one of the most popular stops while Island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
Tiny Red Frog from Red Frog Beach – they’re all this small

Dolphins in Bocas del Toro Panama!

There’s dolphins all around the archipelago. You can book a dolphin tour, but we saw lots of dolphins just on our various boat trips to snorkeling while island hopping in Bocas Panama.

You can take a dolphin tour, but we saw dolphins on our way to snorkeling and other boat excursions while island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
Photo Credit: dasoaz on Flickr

Delicious food in Bocas!

Nearly every meal comes with a beautiful view. We couldn’t get enough of the seafood, which was super fresh, being a busy archipelago. Most of the restaurants are on Isla Colon, but a few others are just a short boat ride away. Dress at most restaurants, even the fancier restaurants, are “beach town casual” (as we call it).

Most of the restaurants have seating either overlooking the water or on a deck in Bocas del Toro
Most of the restaurants have seating either overlooking the water or on a deck
The seafood was delicious - one of the benefits of being on islands. Yum! Seafood might be the best part of the experience island hopping in Bocas del Toro!
The seafood was delicious – one of the benefits of being on islands. This was fresh tuna, caught that morning. Yum!
Barracuda restaurant in Bocas del Toro -
Tasty dinner at Barracuda, which ironically is an italian restaurant with few seafood options. Still it was delicious!
Meals are right on the water in Bocas del Toro. Yes! Delicious food while while island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
Meals are right on the water. Yes! Dress is beach town casual, even at the nicer places.
Delicious meals in Bocas Del Toro Panama. Eat your way around the archipelago while island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
While there’s plenty of inexpensive backpacker options, there’s plenty of of delicious moderately priced seafood. That top photo is a “surf-n-turf” – lobster tail and steak. The bottom included a mix of seafood (calamari, shrimp) in marinara sauce.
Hmm...do I want Chicken in a Hole or Porridge?
Hmm…do I want “Chicken in a Hole” or Porridge? Like many countries that don’t natively speak english, there’s a few curious english descriptions. Another example is directly below…
Begging for a caption - see sign above us
Begging for a caption – see sign above us. “Killin me man sauce”
The Bocas waterfront is this colorful. Loved it! Island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama was so much fun!
The waterfront is this colorful. Loved it!

Surfing in Bocas too!

There’s a bunch of spots for surfing, and each surf company seemed to have their secret spots, depending on what level you are, and what time of day we’re going out. We were complete novices (I learned how to surf in Bali but apparently you don’t become an expert of going just once). There’s apparently really good surfing in Bocas, as the one of the top surfers in Panama is actually from Bocas del Toro.

Surfing in Bocas del Toro - there's plenty of places to surf while island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama. This photo was unfortunately not taken in one of them...
We snapped this photo after we got back from a morning of surfing. There’s no waves in the photo but there were plenty when we were out on the water.

Tip: Our surf lessons were at a secluded area right off the beach. Do NOT leave anything of any value on the beach. Don’t leave your wallet, phone or camera – it will disappear. While Bocas is generally very safe, it’s not the richest of areas, so leaving anything by the beach is just begging them to walk with your stuff. Bring your rented board and that’s it – we were warned that even t-shirts get disappear. Bocas isn’t dangerous, but your belongings are valuable to others.

surfing in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Time to find some waves! There’s plenty of places to surf while island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama. Unfortunately this was not one of them (just a posed photo after our morning of surfing).

Snorkeling & kayaking around the islands

Take a boat trip to go snorkeling – ours was relaxing and came with a delicious lunch. Rent a kayak and enjoy the waters.

Kayak around the islands! If you're island Hopping in Bocas, take a kayak as a new way to experience the area
Photo from Energy

The Bocas archipelago has 9 main islands, 52 cays, and thousands of islets with coral reefs and mangroves. Kayaks and boats aren’t the only ways to get around –

Transportation in Bocas

Isla Colon is the main island where the vast majority of restaurants and bars are located. There’s guys on the docks just waiting for your business – it was never difficult to find someone to take us on boat to the other islands. We also took taxis, bikes, kayaks, and more.

The taxi actually drives onto the beach - there's no road for them to drive on. I assumed I'd have a long walk to the get home. Surprising!
The taxi actually drives onto the beach – there’s no road for them to drive on. I assumed I’d have a long walk to the get home. Surprising!

Check out the quality the bicycles before you rent them. We rented bikes for just $5 for the day - as it turns out they were appropriately priced. My didn't even have handles and had a slow leaking flat.

Check out the quality the bicycles before you rent them. We rented bikes for just $5 for the day – as it turns out they were appropriately priced. My didn’t even have handles and had a slow leaking flat.

Getting to Bocas - your only option might be a quick flight on a prop plane from Air Panama from Panama City. Upon arrive, it's time to go island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama!
Getting to Bocas – your only option might be a quick flight on a prop plane from Air Panama from Panama City.

Pukalani Hostel

We stayed at the oceanfront Pukalani Hostel, located right on the water and even includes a pool! It’s located away from the craziness (and noise) of Bocas Town, but close enough to take a quick cheap taxi to and from the party.  It was perfect for us, although it’s a bit far from the action.

Pukalani has a swimming pool, pool table, punching bag, BBQ, and decent free WiFi. The family that runs it are super friendly and welcoming. They have a kitchen too – the food was adequate for when you can’t make it into town.

Pukalani "hostel" - photo taken from outside my room. Can you believe this is a hostel? It was our home base while island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama
Pukalani “hostel” – photo taken from outside my room. Can you believe this is a hostel?

Location: It’s a short taxi ride, and while it’s walkable during the day, after dark there’s no street lights so you might consider the taxi. At times you might wish you were closer to the restaurants and bars staying in Bocas town, but this location gives you a chance to recharge and actually sleep when some bars are still raging. And did I mention it’s right on the water with a pool?!? It was our home base while island hopping in Bocas del Toro Panama.

 

A dose of reality –

Keep in mind that it rains quite a bit in Bocas; I was lucky to have a dry week, but I’ve heard that’s not typical. Also, not all beaches are as beautiful as Playa Estrella. We were a little disappointed with the quality of the beaches until we stumbled upon Star Beach. The best part of Bocas was the backpacker community.

Bocas del Toro Panama nighlife!

The best part of Bocas may be the Bocas nightlife, where travelers from around the world all go out and meet each other over a few libations. Check out my post on Bocas after dark.

Want more perspectives on Bocas del Toro Panama?

15 more things to do in Bocas here.

If you’re craving more photos, info, and perspective on Bocas, check out these featured posts from Girl About the Globe, Globe Trottica, Alex in Wanderland, Choosing Figs.

Note that everyone doesn’t fall in love with Bocas – Cruising Couple felt it was too touristy. Avoid the tours and focus on the great vibes.

Check out my other posts from Panama, including the Bocas nightlife.

Panama map