Bocas del Toro to La Fortuna shuttle with breakfast

Cross two countries in one morning, boat then van, with breakfast and border help included

A shuttle service from Bocas del Toro, Panama to La Fortuna in Costa Rica's Arenal region, combining boat transport to Almirante with van service across the border. The journey includes hotel-to-hotel pickup, breakfast at a stop in Puerto Viejo, assistance through border procedures, and WiFi onboard. The full route takes 11 hours from start to finish.

The experience

The day starts at the Caribe Shuttle office at Transportes Valencia dock on Isla Colón. From there you board a boat to Almirante on the mainland, where a shuttle van picks you up and heads toward the border. The drivers handle the border crossing procedures, no figuring out the paperwork yourself, and once you're through, the van continues to Puerto Viejo for a breakfast stop (included in the price). After eating, it's a straight run to your hotel in La Fortuna or elsewhere in the Arenal area.

The vans are air-conditioned and most now carry WiFi, so you can stay connected during the long drive. Hotel-to-hotel service means you don't arrange separate transport from your accommodation in Bocas or coordinate a pickup in La Fortuna. The shuttle handles both ends. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller if needed.

What’s included

• Hotel-to-hotel pickup and drop-off.
• boat transport from Isla Colón to Almirante.
• air-conditioned van with WiFi onboard.
• breakfast at a stop in Puerto Viejo.
• border crossing assistance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00 and 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (1 to 10 years) · Infant (under 1): free

GroupUp to 20

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Caribe Shuttle

Is this one for you?This shuttle suits travelers moving between Bocas del Toro and the Arenal area who want a single booking to handle the full cross-border journey: no coordinating separate boat, van and border services. The 11-hour day is long, but it gets you from one hotel to the other without gaps or layovers to manage.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 10 years); Infant (under 1): free.

What time does the shuttle leave Bocas del Toro?

The shuttle departs from the Caribe Shuttle office at Transportes Valencia dock on Isla Colón. Specific departure times are available on the operator's website or by contacting them directly about your booking date.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the dock in Bocas?

Hotel-to-hotel service is included, so the shuttle picks you up from your accommodation in Bocas del Toro and drops you at your hotel in La Fortuna or the Arenal area: no separate arrangements needed at either end.

What happens at the border between Panama and Costa Rica?

The drivers assist with border crossing procedures, so you're not navigating the paperwork alone. They guide you through the process and get you back on the road to La Fortuna.

Is breakfast really included, or is it a stop where I pay separately?

Breakfast at the Puerto Viejo stop is included in the shuttle fare. You don't pay extra for the meal.

How long is the total journey from Bocas del Toro to La Fortuna?

The full shuttle journey takes 11 hours from pickup in Bocas to arrival at your hotel in La Fortuna, including the boat ride to Almirante, the van drive, the border crossing, and the breakfast stop.