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This study was conducted during the low tourism season of July and August 2013 to evaluate the behavioral effects of whalewatching vessels on the local resident dolphins of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Due to Bocas’ high level of unmanaged whalewatching tourism with a small population of dolphins being observed, a hybrid/composite boat based survey technique called “Focal Group Scanning” (FGS) was developed. This methodology made it possible to gather more data than other methodologies and is recommended for cetaceans groups in small populations. Using AIC analysis results indicated whalewatching did affect behavior change. Dolphins were less visible when vessels were around. Dolphins travelled more in the presence of vessels. There were less deep dives, foraging activity, play, sexual behavior, and resting in the presence of whalewatching boats. Social behavior was found to be more probable when number of boats decreased. The unmanaged dolphin tourism in Bocas del Toro is causing behavioral change and decreasing important behaviors such as foraging, socializing and resting. Management is urgently required- it is highly recommended that whalewatching activity in this region be carefully monitored and the existing Panamanian regulations be strictly enforced.