Spanish in Bocas Del Toro - Standard Group

Founded in 1998, Spanish by the Sea - Bocas del Toro, is one of three options in Panama to take Spanish classes. On the main island of Isla Colon, the school is one block off Main Street where you can easily walk to restaurants, tour operators, bank, bars, shops, airport, hotels, coffee shops, etc. The variety of Caribbean cultures native to the island mixed with its booming tourism industry creates an intriguing hub for linguistic and cultural exchange. Bocas is also a biologists dream come true. The conservation and preservation efforts have successfully protected much of the Caribbean wildlife here, including four of the eight species of sea turtles that nest on these beaches.

The largest of our 5 schools, it houses up to 30 students, a large front garden with fruit and palm trees, tropical plants, lounge chairs and hammocks for easy studying; and 8 unique teaching stations that create the perfectly relaxed environment to attend class.

2026
03-05, 10 & 28 November
08, 20 & 25* December

2027
01* & 09 January
06-10 February
26 March*
01* May
03-05, 10 & 28 November
08, 20 & 25* December

*Days without classes. Classes missed on this day will be rescheduled.

So Why Bocas?
Relaxed Caribbean pace
Perfect place to get your PADI Dive Certifications; Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, and Master
World-class surfing
Adventure seeker's paradise: sea kayak, horse riding, zip lining, and cycling among others
Nightlife! It’s always Friday night on the island!

In Bocas del Toro you can choose between two different accommodation types. As a standard we accommodate our clients in a hostel. Should you wish to stay in a local Bed & Breakfast, let your travel advisor know and they will help you with the booking.

Hostel (School Residence)
If you like to be independent, yet share with fellow students, we recommend staying at our hostel while studying Spanish in Bocas del Toro. The dorm rooms are shared by up to 4 students, but if you don’t mind paying a little more, you can have your own private room. The bathrooms are always shared. We also have multiple hammock lounges, a big shared kitchen and an open air feel in the communal space where students can study, chat or watch TV together. Free WiFi, coffee and tea are part of the deal. Dorm rooms are either with or without air-conditioning.

Homestay - Local Bed and Breakfast
Homestay - Bed & Breakfast with a local family in Bocas del Toro gives you the opportunity to stay in a local house, where you will have breakfast and get a chance to chat with the family every once in a while, but don’t expect too much interaction with the family. Rooms are private with shared bathrooms, however, you can always pay a bit more and get a private bathroom. The accommodation includes breakfast, which is typically Panamanian, nevertheless, your host family can adapt a little upon request (e.g. considering your diet). In Bocas del Toro you first need to go to the school so that once we are sure the family is home, we can explain to you how to get there on foot or by taxi. If you would like to have more of a host family experience with a lot of family interaction, a language course in Turrialba, Costa Rica is a great option.

You have several options regarding transportation to the language school. Just let your travel advisor know if you would like one. The transfer is NOT included in the price and will be booked separately.

Option 1 - Pickup Package Without Flight
To get to your language course, you can book the Transfer Package that includes:
- Transfer by Taxi from Panama City International Airport direct to hostel in Panama City
- 1 night in hostel in Panama City at Casa Areka in a single room with internet and breakfast included
- Next day: taxi transfer to the Albrook bus station from where the buses to Bocas leave.

Not included: bus ticket to Almirante (around $27.50) and water taxi to the island (around $6).

Option 2 - Total Pickup Package
- Transfer from Panama City International Airport (Tocumen) to a hostel in Panama City
- 1 night in hostel in Panama City at Casa Areka in a single room with internet and breakfast included
- Transfer from Panama City hostel to Albrook International Airport
- Local flight from Panama City to Bocas del Toro

Not included: taxi transfer Airport Bocas to accommodation in Bocas (in town $2)

If you are staying at the hostel (School Residence), meals are not included.

If you are staying at the Homestay - Local Bed and Breakfast, breakfast is included. The food is typically Panamanian, nevertheless, your host family can adapt a little on request (e.g. considering special dietary restrictions).