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isla bastimentos . bocas del toro . republic of panama






If serious beach time is what you desire, then Bocas del Toro has one just right for you. Tranquilo Bay is centrally located in the heart of the archipelago, which makes it possible to visit a different beach everyday during your stay.
The archipelago of Bocas del Toro, surrounded by the Talamanca range, is an expanse of turquoise Caribbean waters dotted with lushly forested islands, mangrove Cayes, and flats of coral and turtle grass.
The windward islands are blessed with pristine coconut-lined white sand beaches, several of which are protected by Bastimentos National Marine Park.
Four species of sea turtles nest on these shores and inhabit the reefs laden with tropical fish. Sand dollars, seashells and driftwood are easily admired on these uninhabited beaches. It is not uncommon to find yourself exploring the whole day without ever encountering other footsteps.
Panama's geographic location as a land bridge between North and South America contributes to its amazing variety. There are several different types of seascapes surrounding the area, each possessing its own unique features.
Relax in the seclusion of crescent shaped beaches surrounded by rock cliffs, snorkel the barrier and patch reefs of uninhabited white sand islands covered in coconut palms, or slip into the lush rainforest of Bastimentos to explore the flora and fauna.
The shade of Almonds, Sea Grapes, and Coconut Palms, draped in a collage of orchids, ferns, and bromeliads provide a cool diversion from the sun, where the 80-degree Caribbean waters are waiting to enfold you.
All beach excursions depart directly from our comfortable facility where our staff will handle the preparation of everything you need for a comfortable beach experience.
Plenty of cold drinks and sweet rainwater are packed with your favorite sandwiches and plenty of fruit. Beach chairs, towels, snorkel gear, horseshoes, Frisbees, and sand castle tools are a few of the simple beach amenities that complete the experience.
All you have to do is enjoy the beautiful surroundings as we travel by boat to one of the many nearby beaches... Don't forget your favorite book!
There are several family-friendly beaches in the area for those bringing young children. These areas are safe year round, geographically protected from open ocean swell and prevailing winds, there is little to no wave action and minimal currents. We also have life jackets covering a range of sizes.
Bastimentos National Marine Park:
Playa Larga
This pristine white sand beach on the windward side of Isla Bastimentos, is protected by the national park, as it curves its way down the central coastline for over three miles.
Numerous patches of reef lie just offshore, and rock cliff coastline borders both ends of this large pocket beach. Jungle canopy draped in ferns, bromeliads, orchids and other epiphytes cascade onto the beaches in a collage of colors. Enjoy the shade of almond and sea grape trees, or take a refreshing swim in the clear Caribbean Sea. We’re likely to be the only people on the beach all day.
Departs - 9 a.m.
Duration - 3-6 hours
Terrain – Tropical rain forest, white sand beach, rock formations
Zapatilla Cayes
These two unspoiled islands are protected by Bastimentos National Marine Park and home only to a sole park ranger, and a couple of seasonal research scientists, who place radio tags on sea turtles to track there global movements.
These pristine white sand islands are covered in coconut palms, tropical hardwoods, sea grapes, and almond trees draped in a collage of bromeliads, ferns, orchids and other epiphytes. It is possible to walk around these islands while stopping to explore the white sand beaches and reefs covering the entire circumference. Snapper, barracuda and vivid tropical fish abound on the beautiful reefs surrounding the area.
Departs - 9 a.m.
Duration - 3-6 hours
Terrain - Lowland coastal forest, white sand beach, coconut groves
Punta Vieja
This beautiful coconut palm-covered beach is tucked behind a small peninsula and thus protected from open ocean swell. From behind the easternmost tip of the island, this white sand beach calmly meanders two miles before ending at Salt Creek. This beach is excellent for children and swimming as it has very little current or heavy tidal movement.
This is a superb beach for walking and there are two beautifully groomed trails leading off the water. One is an elevated wood deck three-quarters of a mile long. Watch for red poison dart frogs, birds and sloths as the trail winds beneath the canopy toward the beautiful driftwood beaches of the windward side.
The second trail, which is thoroughly groomed, leaves from the easternmost point of the island. Hike down the windward side of Bastimentos, passing on and off small almond covered beaches, while enjoying the views of the offshore barrier reef.
Departs - 9 a.m.
Duration - 2-6 hours
Terrain - Lowland coastal forest, white sand beach, small fresh water creeks
Cayo Agua
The windward side of this beautiful island, with a combination of dramatic rock coastline and stunning white sand beaches, is an unforgettable experience. Spectacular rock outcroppings topped with coconut palms dot the outer edge of the barrier reef, and some of the geological formations have numerous exposed fossils. Much of the beach is shaded with palms, almonds, and sea grapes. Explore the white sand beaches, flora and fauna, and rock formations as you comb this beach toward a spectacular rock bluff where the panoramic views of the island are incredible.
Departs - 9 a.m.
Duration - 2-4 hours
Terrain - Lowland coastal forest, white sand beach, small fresh water creeks, rock outcroppings
Punta Valiente
This dramatic peninsula forms the far eastern rim of the archipelago. Covered in dense tropical forest, high peaks begin a rapid descent to the ocean from over 700 feet. After crossing the beautiful Bahia Azul, we will enter a small indigenous village where the trailhead begins.
A 15-minute walk through the jungle will take us to the longest stretch of white sand beaches in Panama. Short jungle trails dart off the beach to take you behind impassable sections of rock cliff coastline. Jungle and trees cascade over the cliffs and continue growing down the damp rock faces. Ferns, bromeliads, orchids and other epiphytes invade the cracks in the moist cliff face and cover tree branches hanging over the beach.
Just off the beach is a chain of stunning rock outcroppings known as Plantain Cayes. These beautiful cayes serve as a resting ground and rookery to many species of sea birds such as magnificent frigates, boobies and jaegers.
Departs - 9 a.m.
Duration - 4-6 hours
Terrain – Tropical rainforest, white sand beach, small fresh water creeks, rock outcroppings