Join us for a hands-on trip to Bocas del Toro, a gorgeous corner of northern Caribbean Panama. On this trip, you will work with leatherback turtles and hatchlings with our long-time partner Sea Turtle Conservancy.

Spend four nights at the Soropta Research Station, patrolling the beach for leatherbacks at night and fun activities during the day. This trip is led by a bilingual guide who works at the research station.

Finish the trip by exploring the archipelago’s beautiful beaches and coral reefs. In addition to turtles, you’ll have chances to observe dolphins, many species of birds, and sloths, learn about the origin of chocolate, and explore the fun town of Bocas del Toro.

2026 Dates:

• May 17 - 24 (open)

• May 31 - June 7 (1 spot left)

Price: $1,995 per person. To register, we require a $300 non-refundable deposit and the balance can be paid in installments.

Includes: In-country ground transportation, meals where noted, lodging, activities, and a donation to local turtle conservation efforts.

Excludes: Airfare to Panama & Bocas del Toro, personal items, and tips for the guides, station staff, and activities (average is $100 per person total).

Trip Highlights:

• Help researchers collect data on giant leatherback turtles

• Release hatchlings to the sea

• Visit a cacao farm run by the Ngobe Indigenous community and try some freshly made chocolate

• Look for wildlife including sloths, monkeys, manatees (rare), sea stars, and many species of birds and fish

• Snorkel crystal blue waters

Contact us to:   

• Register by mail or phone

• Ask a question

• All profits support conservation efforts

• Work directly with local researchers

• Unique experiences

• Personalized service

ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVE TO PANAMA CITY Fly into Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) anytime this day and the hotel shuttle will pick you up. Meals are on your own today. Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel (1 night).

DAY 2: FLY TO BOCAS DEL TORO & ORIENTATION After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the domestic airport (Albrook) for the short flight to Bocas del Toro. Upon arrival, we will be picked up by Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) staff to transfer by boat to the Soropta field station (about an hour boat ride). After settling into the rooms, we will have lunch and an orientation to the station.

Relax this afternoon and join the research staff on the nesting beach to look for hatchlings in the afternoon and turtles in the evening. The training will take place on the beach this evening so there won’t be direct hands-on work this night. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 3: CANAL TOUR & TURTLE RESEARCH Today, we will take a boat ride to explore the canals around the area to look for wildlife. We’ll see many species of birds and possibly other animals like caiman, sloths, monkeys, and more. In the afternoon, we will receive a training and presentation by STC staff so that we can participate in the research this evening.

Later in the afternoon, we will visit the rivermouth to look for manatees and sloths. This evening, head to the beach to look for turtles and hatchlings and help collect data. Patrols are 2-4 hours (though we can be flexible with those who need it) each evening. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4: CHOCOLATE TOUR & TURTLE RESEARCH This morning after an early breakfast, head by boat and bus (about 1 hour total) to visit the Oreba Cacao Farm to see how chocolate is grown and processed. The farm is run by the Ngobe Indigenous community and is completely organic. We will tour the farm to see how cacao is grown, fermented, and dried, sample the chocolate, and sample a traditional lunch. We will also have opportunities to see sloths, poison dart frogs, & more.

In the afternoon, we will have an optional visit the beach to excavate previously hatched nests. We will work with researchers to dig up the nests and count how many eggs hatched and look for straggler hatchlings, which we will release to the ocean. That evening, we head out to the beach for a night of patrols and hands-on data collection. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5: FREE DAY & TURTLE RESEARCH

Today the group will enjoy free time during the day and may organize an activity such as a beach cleanup if needed. In the afternoon, STC staff will give a presentation on sea turtles and their work in this region. This evening will be the final night of beach patrols at Soropta. Meals: B, L, D 

DAY 6: STARFISH BEACH & BIRD ISLAND Today we will take a short boat ride from Soropta to Playa Estrella (Starfish Beach, 30 minute ride). On the way, pass by Isla Pajaro (Bird Island) to spot for brown boobies, red-billed tropic birds, and other species of birds that use this island to nest.

In the afternoon, we will visit beautiful Playa Estrella to look for starfish and enjoy some time in the water and on the beach (snorkel equipment included). Light lunch at the beach is included and snacks or drinks will be on your own. Dinner will be on your own to choose from many options in Bocas Town. The evening will be free to explore the town and shop for souvenirs. Overnight: Hotel Bocas del Toro. Meals: B, L

DAY 7: ZAPATILLA CAYES After breakfast, we will head to the Zapatilla Cayes, two spectacular islands in the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park. On the way, we will visit Sloth Island, where we can see sloths from the boat, as well as a popular area for dolphins. On the islands, we will visit the STC research stations at these islands and then snorkel in the surrounding coral reefs and clear blue waters.

We will have a picnic lunch and then beach time before we head back to Bocas town. That evening we will go out on the town with a final group dinner at a local restaurant serving authentic island dishes (note: drinks are not included). Overnight: Hotel Bocas del Toro. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 8: DEPARTURE Have breakfast at the hotel and then fly out from Bocas del Toro airport in the morning to Panama City for your connecting flight. Or extend your stay and visit other parts of the region. Meals: B

Testimonial:

Amazing trip, full of many wonders and “thank you God” moments. Unforgettable interactions with the turtles, hatchlings, starfish, and beautiful birds. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.

-Suzi M