Filthy Friday Bocas del Toro, Panama [Ultimate Guide]

Filthy Friday Bocas del Toro, Panama [Ultimate Guide]

Located in the heart of Panama, Filthy Friday Bocas del Toro is one of the top party experiences along Central America’s Gringo Trail. This weekly event has become renowned for its wild atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, making it a must-attend for those looking to unleash their inner party animal! Often likened to Nicaragua’s infamous Sunday Funday, I had to check this out to see how it compared.

This guide covers my experience at Filthy Friday Bocas del Toro. Plus I’ll share all the information, tips and lessons learned so you know what to expect and make sure you have an epic time in the archipelago.

Filthy Friday Bocas del Toro Overview

What is Filthy Friday?

Filthy Friday is an all-day, island-hopping bar crawl spread across three tropical islands in Bocas del Toro. Linked together by boat, these bars offer good vibes, good scenery, and good drinks. Attracting up to 400 backpackers, travellers and partygoers from over 30 different countries each week, it’s probably the rowdiest party in Panama!

Founded by 3 party-loving travellers in 2017, this party isn’t exactly ‘authentic’ Panama, but it doesn’t try to be! This party is an awesome event, allowing you to meet fellow travellers and party out in Panama in some beautiful settings!

Where is Filthy Friday?

Filthy Friday takes place in the Bocas del Toro archipelago off Panama’s Caribbean coastline. The party starts on Isla Colon (the main island in Bocas de Toro), before moving to Isla Solarte, and then Isla Carenero.

You can get to Bocas from elsewhere in Panama. From Panama City, it’s a short flight (with Panama Air). There is also a night bus going from Panama City to Almirante where you can then take a water taxi to Bocas del Toro as well as shuttle options.

If you are looking to get to Filthy Fridays in Bocas del Toro from Costa Rica, then the easiest method is to fly from San Jose airport to Bocas del Toro. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle which takes around 10-12 hours.

When is Filthy Friday?

As the name suggests, Filthy Friday in Bocas del Toro takes place on Fridays.

In fact, it takes place every single Friday (barring a couple of weeks a year)! They also run other events such as New Year’s Eve!

The party starts at 11:30 in the morning and goes on until 21:00 (or whenever you run out of energy).

How much is Filthy Friday Bocas del Toro?

Tickets

Tickets for Filthy Friday in Bocas del Toro cost $40 as standard, whilst VIP tables are $199 each (holding 1-4 people). Prices vary depending on events and time of year.

Though Panama is one of the pricier countries in Central America, it’s still rather expensive by Panamanian standards. The price of the ticket includes shots, a tank top (vest), temporary tattoos, a drawstring bag, and shuttles via boat!

Refunds, date or name changes cost $15. Helpful if you’re no longer able to make the party.

Drinks

Throughout the day mixed drinks are $5 and beers are two for $5 across each of the bars! Staff also give out free shots throughout the party.

All of the bars accept cash. Only some accept card (outlined below).

Does Filthy Friday Sell Out?

Tickets for Filthy Friday in Bocas del Toro can sell out in advance, particularly in high season. Though most of the time you can wait until the day before to buy in person if you would rather not buy online.

You can also buy tickets in person on Thursdays (17:30-21:30) on E Avenue (outside of Selina Hostel) as well as from 9:30-13:00 during the check-in time at the Filthy Friday’s Office (opposite Selina). This gives you the option to pay in cash or card and stay flexible, though also runs the risk of selling out.

What to Expect at Filthy Friday Bocas del Toro

In short, you should expect alcohol, sun and a whole lot of debauchery at Filthy Friday in Bocas del Toro! Though you probably shouldn’t expect to remember all of it…

The rough age range was 18-30, though there were a handful of older people scattered around the party. There were people from all over the world (seemingly lots of Aussies too). But the main thing was that everyone was very friendly and it was easy to make friends – particularly as drinks started to flow!

Filthy Friday Timeline

When I say Filthy Friday is an all-day event, I mean it. This timeline should cover what to expect in terms of music, venue and atmosphere at each venue throughout the pool crawl.

Check-in (9:00-13:00)

You need to check in at the Filthy Friday office in Bocas del Toro anywhere between 9:00 and 13:00 to collect your bracelet and party bundle. It’s fine if you arrive later than 13:00, though you may need to take your own boat (costing approximately $10/pp) to the second bar.

When you check in, you will be asked to sign a waiver for photo-taking during the event and for safety reasons. You will also hear a safety briefing (essentially saying don’t do anything stupid or dangerous).

If your accommodation is near the Filthy Friday office, I recommend checking in early to get your stuff and avoid the queues. If you are staying further away, you should do everything you need to do beforehand (whether that’s pre-drinks, showers, food or whatever) before heading down to check-in and go straight to the first bar between 11:30 and 13:00.

Barco Hundido (11:30-13:00)

This first venue, Barco Hundido, is not far from the Filthy Friday office on Isla Colon.

This venue features a bustling bar, a large dancefloor, a temporary tattoo station (where you can get Filthy Friday stamped on you), as well as sun loungers and over-water platforms where you can take a dip!

This first stop is considered the pre-game where everyone socialises, drinks, plays games, and warms up to the party as everyone arrives. Before long, people are chugging drinks and doing shots as staff go round pouring drinks into people’s mouths!

When you buy your first drink, you’ll be given a reusable plastic cup. They cost $1 each so don’t lose it! They also sell food here so you can have lunch before drinking the rest of the day!

NOTE: They accept cash and card at this venue.

A good time to arrive is around midday so you’re not the first there, but also still have time to enjoy the first venue before leaving. The bar gets cramped before 13:00 as everyone is told to be there at this time.

At 13:00, boats begin to leave for the next venue from the docks beside Barco Hundido. Each boat holds up to 11 people, so queue up with your new friends and enjoy some drinks on the ride.

Don’t worry if you get separated, the boat ride is less than 15 minutes so you’ll catch up at the next bar. In the meantime, enjoy the stunning views of Bocas del Toro’s amazing islands.

NOTE: You will be required to wear a life jacket.

The Blue Coconut (13:30-17:00)

The second venue is the Blue Coconut on Isla Solarte. This awesome bar is built amongst a mangrove in the middle of the Caribbean and brings a tropical vibe where people drink, dance, swim and relax.

You’re here for most of the afternoon so there’s plenty of time to kick back in a hammock, dance to the resident DJ’s music, and take a dip in the sea! Once again, you can get food here.

The live DJ was pretty good, playing a mix of house and techno music which was great to dance to. It didn’t matter whether you were lounging by the pool, getting lost in the music, or chatting to fellow backpackers. The only issue I had with this venue was that it could get pretty crowded when nobody was in the water.

At 16:00 there is the women’s floatie race. Girls can sign up to represent their country, friend group or whoever they want to stand for! The winner receives a bottle of alcohol and a winner’s tank top to wear with pride!

NOTE: This bar is cash only. Food is available.
NOTE: Be careful of wet surfaces as people get in and out of the water it can get slippery.
NOTE: Don’t grab onto the wooden poles in the water as they can be sharp because of barnacles.

At around 17:00, boats will take guests from Isla Solarte to the final stop on Isla Carenero. The journey is once again around 10-15 minutes.

Aqua Lounge (17:00-21:00)

With DJ platforms, fire dancers, diving platforms and more, the final bar was my favourite of the three venues. Aqua Lounge, has awesome sunset scenes and panoramic views of Bocas.

As the sun went down, the music gradually transitioned from the house of the previous bar to more electronic music and then eventually to reggaeton. We watched people doing flips off of the platforms into the sea and continued to dance.

As the reggaeton came out, so did the fire show. You can really feel the heat of the flame when you’ve been in swimming costumes the whole day!

As you’d expect, by the end of the night it can be very messy. Those coupled up who hadn’t got an early boat home were giving everyone else a show… But for those still eager to dance the night away, many went back to Selina Hostel and nearby bars to continue into the night!

NOTE: Once again you can pay with cash or card here. Food is available.

You can leave Aqua Lounge whenever you want since the return boat isn’t included in the ticket price. It’s relatively easy to hail a boat down and the return to Bocas shouldn’t cost much more than $1.

NOTE: You should absolutely NOT try to swim back!

What to wear for Filthy Friday in Bocas del Toro?

There is no dress code for Filthy Friday. You can get away with wearing practically anything you want!

Since it’s an island-hopping party by the sea, you should wear your best swimsuits; outrageous party shirts; and funky sunglasses. Be prepared for anything you wear to get wet.

The most appropriate footwear would be sandals (preferably ones that won’t fly off), though trainers are also fine!

What else to bring to Filthy Friday?

Besides the clothes you’re wearing, the only things you need to bring are your phone and wallet.

Your party pack contains a drawstring bag so you can also bring suncream, sunglasses, medication and any other miscellaneous items.

Only bring what you need, and avoid bringing anything valuable! If you do need to bring anything, use the bag drop that Filthy Friday offers at Blue Coconut and Aqua Lounge (which costs $1).

Also, don’t bring outside alcohol or drugs.

NOTE: I’ve heard stories of partiers losing their shoes. Try and keep an eye on them when you’re in the sea.

Survival Tips for Filthy Friday in Bocas del Toro

Filthy Friday in Bocas del Toro is a very big day, so here are some of the best tips to survive!

• Respect local culture and wildlife. While having fun, remember to respect the local community and their customs. Be mindful of your actions and keep the water clean. That means no littering (especially in the sea), no stray cigarette butts, and no disturbing wildlife (don’t touch the starfish!).
• If it rains: The party still goes on. Filthy Fridays is only cancelled in horrendous storms.
• Don’t go too hard the night before. But doing Filthy Friday whilst hangover isn’t so fun, so avoid going to Barco Hundido the night before (you’ll only be there again on Friday!).
• Use suncream! Even though there are shaded areas, it’s more fun to party in the sun! The only thing worse than waking up hungover is waking up both hungover AND burnt!
• Use the bag check for valuables: Avoid bringing valuables, but if you need to you can check them in with Filthy Fridays.
• Eat! Fuel up before going to Filthy Friday so you have energy for the day. There is food available at each of the three venues, so make sure to eat during the day too (or you could bring your own food)! You’ll need something to soak up the alcohol!
• Stay hydrated! Drinking and dancing in the heat will dehydrate you. Bring water with you and drink plenty of it (this will help with the hangover too). They only confiscate alcohol so you’re fine to bring it.
• Drugs are banned in Panama: Stay safe and avoid them!
• Pack a lighter. Lighters are a handy tool for starting conversations with strangers!
• Commit to the cause! People go to Filthy Friday in Bocas del Toro to let loose and go a little crazy. Whilst you can have a good time by having a couple of drinks and tapping out early, it’s not meant to be a tame affair! By committing to having a good time, you will make it through the night and the stories will write themselves!
• Pace yourself. Whilst you should commit to having a good time, there’s no need to drink faster than your body can cope with. Better to enjoy yourself throughout the day rather than buying 15 drinks at the start and passing out before 17:00!
• Have travel insurance. You never know what could happen on a night out in Nicaragua so it’s best to be prepared. I usually use WorldNomads.
• Don’t push people into the water. Not only is it dangerous, but you’ll get removed from the party.

For the most up-to-date information about Filthy Friday, check their Instagram or ask your hostel.

Where to stay in Bocas del Toro for Filthy Friday

Picking your accommodation in and around Bocas del Toro will depend on which islands you want to explore. For Filthy Friday, I recommend staying near the main Bocas area, so here are your best options:

Best for Filthy Friday: Selina Hostel
It’s literally opposite the start of the party. Selina Hostel will place you right in the centre of the action! If you forget anything (at the start) you can head back easily. Plus the hostel itself is lovely!

Best overall: Bambuda Bocas Town
Located in the town of Bocas, Bambuda is one of the highest-rated hostels in the area. Right on the seafront, it is clean, has stunning views and a pleasant social atmosphere. And it’s still not far from Filthy Fridays.

Interesting Alternative: Aqua Lounge Bocas del Toro
As the final stop of Filthy Friday, this accommodation option is a strong alternative if you want to join the pool crawl late. It’s just a one-minute boat ride from the start of the event, but. This party hostel is awesome.

Best Value: Skully’s House
This hotel is located in the main town of San Juan del Sur, right on the beachfront. They offer clean and spacious rooms if you are looking to avoid hostels.

Before you go

Thank you for reading my guide to Filthy Friday Bocas del Toro, Panama. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.

If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.