isla bastimentos . bocas del toro . republic of panama

Birds are a primary indicator of biodiversity and Panama takes the grand prize. Panama, an area roughly the size of South Carolina, has over 900 recorded bird species, more than the U.S. and Canada combined. This is due to two factors: Panama's location relative to two continents and its narrow girth. Birds migrating between North and South America tend to be funneled into a small area.

Many North and South American species are represented, both native and migratory. Panama also has many endemic species of avifauna. Of the known species, 10 percent are restricted range species having a global range of less than 50,000 square kilometers.

There is a local saying that while in other countries you have 20 tourists looking at one bird, in Panama, you have one tourist looking at 20 birds.

The Caribbean slope of the Talamanca range, Tranquilo Bay's backyard, is home to roughly 600 species of birds. In the areas we explore from our comfortable facility the altitude ranges from 7,000 feet to sea level, and nearly 500 species of birds can be found.

For an island only covering 20 square miles, Isla Bastimentos' amazing variety of tropical birds is truly awesome. Parrots, herons, ibises, boobies, frigate birds, terns, jaegers, birds of prey, dove, owls, hummingbirds, kingfishers, barbets, woodpeckers, wrens, tyrant flycatchers, cotingas, manakins, warblers, tanagers, finches, and icterids all can be found on-site.

Tranquilo Bay rests on 60 acres amongst the convergence of three distinct ecosystems, while only six acres are used for the facility. The edge where these ecosystems meet are host to an extremely diverse wildlife observation site.

In less than a week it is possible to identify over 100 species of birds without leaving the facility. In this same time you might see white faced monkeys, night monkeys, two and three toed sloths, iguanas, caiman, blue morph butterflies or a variety of frogs and lizards.

There are several elevated porches throughout the property, creating an incredible eye-level view. Our central location in the archipelago allows us to explore freely, traveling by boat directly from the facility for all of our excursions.

A professional bird guide with extensive experience in the area will be provided for groups of four or more. Our explorations may take us to the surreal palm covered rock outcroppings dotting the outer reefs, serving as a rookery for many sea birds, including the only known breeding sites in Panama for red-billed tropicbirds or audubon's shearwater.

You will never forget this breathtaking site where countless magnificent frigates and boobies rest after feeding. Or perhaps we're off to the Bosque Palo Seco, a lush cloud forest refuge set high in the Talamanca range that hosts ecology so diverse that even the master naturalist will be amazed.

For 25,000 years this area has been covered in primary rainforest, rock faces, freestone rivers, and waterfalls. Each evening, we will return to the comfort of Tranquilo Bay to compare encounters and photographs over dinner.

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. 

The views will mesmerize you.  The quiet will hypnotize you.  The birds will fascinate you.  Whether you're curled up in a hammock, sunning on our dock or reading in our library, you'll be sure to relax on this vacation like no other you have had.

Hammocks.  What a perfect way to relax!  Curl up with a good book from our library or your favorite travel companion.  Each cabana offers it's own 2-person hammock with fabulous views and a gentle breeze from our outdoor ceiling fans.  Or, if you prefer, there are several around the Tranquilo Bay property just waiting for our guests to take the perfect afternoon siesta.

Our guests never know what type of water life they will encounter while swimming off our private dock.  Take advantage of the seclusion our private bay will lend you.

Walking through the jungle is a surreal and vivid experience. As you enter beneath the rainforest canopy, cool moist air and profound shade envelop all within.

Surprisingly dark inside, a slight feeling of insignificance begins to sharpen your awareness. Sight, smell, hearing and touch seem hypersensitive as you simultaneously gather and rapidly process information from your bizarre new surroundings. The enormous height and size of the vine-entangled trees leave many visitors with a feeling of awe.

Tranquilo Bay is surrounded by national parks and protected areas creating 1.4 million contiguous acres, the single largest remaining tract of virgin forest unit in Central America (see the National Parks and Wildlife Refuge Section).

Extending from the continental divide to the Caribbean Sea, this pristine forest covers all five altitudinal zones known to the tropics. Bocas del Toro is an explorer's dreamland and still one of the wildest, most biologically diverse places on Earth.

We explore these areas from the comfort of our facility and often cross three or more ecosystems in a single excursion. Our expeditions into the parks are designed to cover a diverse range of ecosystems, flora, fauna and terrain; each hike will be tailored to meet your group's areas of interest, experience, and physical abilities.

A knowledgeable guide, equipped with a sharp machete and extensive experience in the area, will accompany your group on all hikes into the rainforest. Forest explorations generally depart after breakfast; lunch is usually picnic style and served on the trail.

Our library hosts a large variety of both fiction and nonfiction works as well as children's favorites.  Feel free to choose one of our books during your stay at Tranquilo Bay or bring your own.  Either way, take advantage of a rare opportunity to read and relax.  In addition, we also have an extensive video collection for those who like to relax with a movie.

The history of this region is tied up in its agriculture.  This area is part of the original banana republic.  Chocolate was purchased for the world’s finest chocolate houses from Bocas del Toro.  Pineapples and other fruits are grown in farms within the province of Bocas del Toro.  We have a variety of tours which will acquaint you with the history and agriculture of the area. 

We visit several Ngobe Bugle indigenous villages throughout the archipelago and province.  One of the villagers will take us on a hike to throughout the village and the nearby jungle while explaining how they make their living from the bounty of land and sea.  Various medicinal and food plants will be described and we will be looking for wildlife such as keel-billed toucan, collared aracari, poison dart frogs, and eyelash vipers.  When school is in session we often stop by the local school to see how the children are being educated.  When the children are out of school they love to have their photos taken.  They ask you to show you the photo and then when possible we print the photos and return with them on our next trip. 

We have many different excursions for anyone interested in seeing what Bocas del Toro has to offer.  These excursions vary from a ride in the boat gazing at the beautiful islands to a short walk to see a spectacular waterfall.  Take a look at the photo gallery and the excursion descriptions to get a feel for what you will experience.