The main port of entry to Bocas del Toro is through the city of Changuinola. Small lanchas depart frequently for the dock there and back. Bocas Marine and Tours, the biggest operator, has boats that leave Bocas at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Their lanchas leave Changuinola at 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The trip takes about an hour, costs $7, and requires a minimum of six people to set sail.
Almirante is another slightly closer mainland city. Boats leave heading there and back every half hour between 6 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Cost is $4.
From the mainland, buses can connect you to San Jose or Panama City. The bus to San Jose leaves Changuinola at 10 a.m. and costs $10. For Panama City, a bus departs from Changuinola and Almirante at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. 9 hours, $23.
Bocas also has an airport with direct flights to Panama City, David and Changuinola.