isla bastimentos . bocas del toro . republic of panama

Tranquilo Bay is fortunate enough to be surrounded by the extremely diverse 28,600 marine acres of Bastimentos National Marine Park.

Panama's first marine park is one of the most spectacular in all of Central America. In a protected corridor no wider than seven miles, the oceanic diversity, sub-sea topography, marine ecosystems, life zones and species are extreme.

Our underwater excursions are designed to explore as many different realms as possible while focusing on habitat and species diversity.

Much of the marine park has never been explored under the surface, and many of the known dive sites are as yet unnamed. Within the marine park, sea fan gardens, vibrant coral reefs, and over 200 species of tropical fish live amongst a dramatic sub-sea terrain, which seems to transform every few hundred yards.

Oceanic formations in the area include walls, freshwater caves, tunnels, pinnacles, coral spires and towers, Spur and groove, ocean impact reef, sandy ledges and protected patch reef.

Tranquilo Bay is centrally located in the archipelago and only a short boat ride away from a variety of depths and currents to accommodate all skill levels. Full PADI instruction is available upon request and should be reserved at time of booking.

All excursions depart directly from our facility where our staff will handle the preparation, maintenance and portage of the equipment. From the moment you arrive we will take care of your equipment for you. Save your energy to explore a new reef. Our boatmen will wash your gear and store it each day... You enjoy your vacation!

Our 27 and 25-foot boats are powered with reliable Yamaha outboards and each comfortably seat six divers with crew. Each day consists of two or three dives depending on destination and depth.

Generally, following breakfast there will be a one-tank dive, after which you will return to the facility for lunch. Following lunch you will make two more dives exploring three different sites each day.

It is not necessary to bring tanks or weights; we will provide them for you. On most dives wetsuits are not needed due to our warm tropical waters. Dive skins, thin wetsuits and shorties are comfortable and can provide protection from the wind while traveling between sites. Scuba Pro BCDs, regulators and wetsuits are available to rent and should be reserved at time of booking.

If diving or snorkeling is the primary objective of your trip, note that the Caribbean Sea is calmer and there is less rain from February through June and September through November, September and October being the most consistent of all months.

The visibility, while most times is good, does not compare with that of other well known dive destinations such as Cayman Islands or Cozumel. That being said, most of the interesting formations here in Bocas del Toro are in shallower water. In many areas the maximum depth is 40 feet and the light penetration is excellent.

Just remember, you're not coming here because it is the clearest ocean you can find, you're coming to explore the most biologically diverse Caribbean marine park in Central America.

For those interested in learning to skin dive, instruction is conveniently conducted on-site from our floating dive platform. Snorkeling instruction is available upon request. PADI instruction is available for an additional charge and should be reserved at time of booking.  

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.

The archipelago of Bocas del Toro earned the name "Galapagos of the Caribbean" by being one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

Our sea kayak excursions are designed to cover an array of ecosystems, terrain, marine and terrestrial wildlife. Enjoy the tranquility and thrill of sea kayaking as we paddle along dramatic stretches of the archipelago, allowing us to explore secluded white sand beaches, coral flats, small offshore islands and rock ledge coastline, navigate mangrove forests, paddle up spring fed rivers, shoot the mountain rapids or snorkel pristine reefs and rock formations. Many of our daily explorations cover more than three separate ecosystems.

Tranquilo Bay is centrally located in the archipelago and adjacent to Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park. The park's 32,700 acres of rainforest and reef are home to an important nature reserve rich in wildlife, and will provide the backdrop for many of the excursions.

Our central location allows us to comfortably explore the entire archipelago and beyond. The farthest limits are less than a 20-mile boat ride in any direction.

All excursions depart directly from our comfortable facility where our staff will handle the preparation, maintenance and portage of the equipment. Snorkel gear is provided on all excursions to fully explore the underwater realm of brilliant tropical fishes living amongst vibrant coral reefs. All you have to do is paddle and absorb the breath-taking scenery.

No experience is required for many of the excursions. Whether you're searching for the serenity of calm backwaters, need to feel the surge of jagged frontal coastline, or want to try a little whitewater, we will schedule your group's excursions to accommodate various experience levels.

A chase boat used to haul extra gear, food, beverages, safety and first aid equipment, will accompany all outer excursions. The 80-degree clear Caribbean waters of Bocas del Toro are ideal for those who are not familiar with the equipment.

For those new to the sport, we will provide a thorough Kayak/Safety lesson to familiarize you with the equipment and techniques so that you are adequately prepared for your adventure.

You can bring the whole family. Tranquilo Bay offers excellent food, accommodations, amenities, and a multitude of activities to entertain both the surfers and non-surfers in your group. We have warm Caribbean water year round, so wet suits are not necessary. Our average tidal fluctuation is less than 20-inches, so we never have to plan a session around the tide. Also, we are a heck of a lot closer than Indo.

The best and most consistent swells hit Bocas del Toro at the peak of winter. The season starts late November and begins to fall off in February. The peak of summer can also produce a mini season during the months of July and August. While there can be some epic days during these months, the summer season does not compare with the winter in terms of duration or consistency.

When the swells arrive, Bocas del Toro has some of the best waves and variety of breaks in the Caribbean. The sub-sea topography of the archipelago is extreme, with depths of several thousand feet just a few miles offshore. With no continental shelf to deplete energy, ocean-facing reefs and beaches catch the full power of the swell, forcing the energy up and out, creating fast, hollow waves.

Many of the breaks are powerful and steep, requiring a late drop into a tube section. Good swells create long rides, Isla Carenero being the longest, with a reef break that peels left for more than 200 yards.

During the biggest swells most breaks hold more than 12 feet before closing out, and Silverbacks on Isla Bastimentos will hold to over 20 feet. Many islands in the archipelago have inside reefs and shoals that catch swell wrapping around the side of the island, creating smaller waves and less current -- perfect for the beginner and still a fun ride for experienced riders. 

Of all the waves in Bocas del Toro, only a handful have been named, and some have still never been surfed. In remote areas indigenous children still run to the beach to see the “loco gringos” ride the waves. Tranquilo Bay’s central location in the archipelago allows us to surf unnamed spots without another soul in the water. There is not a single wave in the archipelago beyond our reach.

We know you came here to surf, not paddle. We explore these waves from the comfort of our facility, traveling to all locations via boat. Our fast 26-foot boats will drop you right by the take-off point, and then anchor in the channel to serve as a rest stop. Cold beverages, towels and shade are never more than a short paddle away. When you’re done resting, there will be no reef dance in the impact zone to get back to the take-off spot.

During your stay with us our staff will handle the preparation, maintenance and storage of your equipment. You and your group will be comfortable during your entire stay.

Plan your family trip during school vacations; our two surf seasons coincide with summer vacation and the winter holidays. It is possible to have winter swells as late as March (Spring Break). However, the duration and size of swells begin to fall off approaching spring.

Bocas del Toro has a variety of waves, and will accommodate most skill levels. Tranquilo Bay’s comfortable facility, wide range of water sports and activities, (including relaxation) ensure that even the non-surfers in your group will have an incredible vacation.

All of our boats are equipped with reliable Yamaha outboard motors, offshore life jackets, marine VHF radios, ample dry storage, and first aid equipment.

We highly recommend surf booties, rash guards, and sunscreen.