Bocas del Toro Hostel :: Bocas Bound — Bocas del Toro Hostel :: Bocas Bound

Bocas del Toro Hotels

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:33:58 +0000

Bocas del Toro is the new “hot spot” in the Caribbean. Long on the adventure traveler/back packer circuit, Bocas del Toro is now on the radar screen of more affluent travelers seeking accommodations in more upscale Bocas del Toro Hotels. In response to this demand there has been an increase in hotel offerings in recent years. Only a few Bocas del Toro Hotels can offer sophisticated accommodations near the beach. This is because most of Bocas del Toro’s beaches exist on the north shore of Bastimentos island. The best beaches in all of Panama exist on the island of Bastimentos. In fact, the beaches are so popular that upwards of 500 visitors each day take a shuttle or boat ride to the island so they can have access to these beaches.

There is just one Bocas del Toro hotel or resort that offers instant access to these Beaches. The Red Frog Beach Resort has a variety of accommodations available to budget or upscale visitors. This is not a Bocas del Toro Hotel in the true sense of the word, but it is a resort that is in the early stages of becoming a magnet to the region. With a marina, zip line canopy tour, hiking trails and fully functioning beach club with an activity center, this Bocas del Toro Hotel is starting to gain the attention of travelers.

Most visitors to the Bocas del Toro archipelago want to experience the marine environment in ways that are meaningful and leave a lasting impression. Boat tours, diving trips, snorkeling adventures are often on the list for visitors to local Bocas del Toro Hotels. But having access to the marine environment- and in particular the Bastimentos National Marina Park- with its pristine coral reefs and golden sand beaches and aquamarine waters is a highlight of many a visitor’s vacation to the region. The Red Frog Beach is the only Bocas del Toro hotel/resort offering that is contiguous to this National Marine Park.

During a vacation with just a week or a few days to explore, access is everything. Being able to walk to the beach or through the rainforest just a few steps from accommodations is the holy grail of vacationing here in Bocas del Toro. Many Bocas del Toro hotels are in town- which is great for access to dining options and having a night out on the town. However, a quick ten minute boat ride is all it takes to enjoy these pursuits without the noise and riff raff that can exist in Bocas town. We encourage those planning a visit to Bocas del Toro to have a look at our offering. Please take a look at what our visitors had to say about our resort on Trip Advisor. We hope that your visit to Bocas del Toro is a great one.

Panama Vacation

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 13:50:18 +0000

When I was approached by some friends about where they should spend their upcoming vacation they were a little surprised when I said they should look into a Panama Vacation. They had never thought about or considered the Central American country to be a vacation destination. After five minutes of describing the Bocas del Toro region of Panama, they were convinced that this was a great option for a Panama Vacation.

There were a couple of main points that helped me sell Bocas del Toro as a Panama Vacation option to my friends. The fact that they running from the Chicago winter, the beach was the most important thing to them when considering a vacation. I explained that Bocas del Toro had many beaches to choose from and that Isla Bastimentos was the best Panama Vacation option when it came to beaches. If you took a 6 hour hike from Old Bank, one would cross Wizard, Red Frog, Turtle, Polo, and Larga Beaches. This fact alone was enough to sell the Panama Vacation.

However, there is much more to Panama than strictly beaches. While on Bastimentos, travelers have access to countless other activities that will keep them busy during their Panama Vacation. The newest attraction to the Bocas del Toro region is the Bastimentos Sky Canopy Zipline. This new action-packed ride through the jungle will add an element of adventure to any Panama Vacation. Each person flies above the jungle floor on 5 different ziplines of varying length and height. Guests can challenge themselves on the ropes course. It is a series of challenges suspended high in the trees. Stations range from a tarzan swing and monkey swing to a walking bridges. This is a surefire way to push yourself to the limit while on your Panama Vacation.

When traveling abroad it is important to gain an understanding of you local surroundings and experience the nature and culture first hand. I told my friends that while they were on their Panama Vacation they could experience both of these things while participating in the Wild Life Cave Tour. The guide is a local man by the name of Rutilio who does an extraordinary job of pointing out the local wildlife and making every guest feel comfortable. While floating through the mangroves en route to the cave it is almost certain you’ll see sloths and if you’re lucky, maybe even a few monkeys. Upon reaching the cave everyone walks through a local farm and gets a sense of how the locals really live. The cave is an adventure by itself. With bats flying above your head, some participants really get to challenge their fears. After exiting the cave Rutilio will often take the tour to the local Bahia Honda village for lunch. A little nature and a little culture is a great away get the most out of any Panama Vacation.

When it comes down to it, Bocas del Toro, and especially Isla Bastimentos, has everything that a Panama Vacation needs. Beaches, Adventure, and Local flavor are all things that are at your fingertips when visiting Panama. A Panama Vacation is a great way to spend your free time discovering the world.

Panama Resorts

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:48:04 +0000

Bocas del Toro is becoming a mecca for adventure tourism but there are only a few that will have the opportunity to reach resort status in the next few years. Any Panama Resort is going to be a variation on the “resort” theme. Why? Because Bocas del Toro’s quirky, local vibe and adventure travel predisposition doesn’t blend well with the isolated resort experience that one might find on the shores of Waikiki, Maui or the Bahamas. A Panama resort should have the following characteristics: be receptive to the public, support local businesses, provide a variety of activities at ALL price points and lastly, be focused on the natural amenities that Bocas del Toro has to offer. This last point is particularly important in Bocas del Toro and among all the Panama Resorts located here. Many visitors to Panama and Bocas del Toro want to experience a more authentic vacation experience in which they interact with the unique tropical rainforest environment. There are so many ways to do this and a Panama resort should accentuate this need. Rainforest hikes, Beach combing expeditions, canopy tour zipline experiences and snorkeling, swimming and diving in aquamarine Caribbean waters.

The Red Frog Beach Resort is the one of the few Panama resorts which has the size and scale to accommodate many of these activities. This Bocas del Toro resort has a unique geographic location which provides for access to the regions best and most popular beach (Red Frog Beach), hiking/walking options to four additional beaches and snorkeling, surfing and kayaking. The Red Frog Beach resort is the only panama resort in this part of Panama with a fully operational zipline canopy tour “Bastimentos Sky”. This Panama resort is focused on providing a variety of accommodation and activity options at a variety of different price points. Very few Panama Resorts do this. There is a budget eco hostel with $13.00 rooms as well as suites that sleep 5 in the $70 price range. There are also luxury villas that sleep from 4-8 people in the $200/night and up range. All amenities and accommodations are walking distance to the beach. The beach has a full activity center with boogie boards, snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks and other equipment for rent.

Many vacationers are looking for alternatives to the “pre-packaged, manufactured” resort experience that was so popular when better economic times prevailed. Bocas del Toro offers a glimpse into unique indigenous cultures, a priceless tropical environment and a healthy supply of unique activities. A vacation can be a vacation, but it can also be an experience that has the opportunity to learn and create memories that can be life changing in nature. We hope that if you decide to come to Bocas del Toro, that you take a good look at our unique offering at the Red Frog Beach Resort. Many of our visitors are repeat visitors and we think that is the greatest compliment. Please refer to Trip Advisor for independent reviews of this Panama resort.

Panama Vacation

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:41:28 +0000

How are you? I am well. I bet your reindeer are extra excited for the trip this year….coming quick, only 4 – 5 months left…..How are the elves? Still short? I bet so.

Anyways, I am writing you early in case the mail is delayed while heading to the North Pole. What I really want for Christmas this year is a Panama vacation. Not just any Panama vacation, but a really good Panama vacation: something with white sandy beaches, impossible sunsets, and tiny yet potent colorful cocktails with small paper umbrellas donning the rim. Now Santa, I realize this may seem like a steep request at first (Keep in mind that I have been an extremely good boy this year) but Panama vacations are getting more and more reasonable, especially in the area of Bocas del Toro. For my Panama vacation, I was thinking perhaps of an up and coming resort: Red Frog Beach. I heard that they have great and affordable rental villas which make for a perfect Panama vacation every single time. I think that if you would get me this awesome Panama vacation that I would be even more likely to be good again next year. Please Santa, they have 5 different beaches to walk to, a suweeet beach bar, plenty of snorkeling and exploration, and who knows maybe they will even have tiny yet potent and colorful cocktails with small paper umbrellas donning the rim. It seems that they have more amenities to offer than you do toys in your sled…Isnt that a kicker!

If you were to find a way to wrap this up under the tree for Christmas, it would truly be one of the best holidays ever. I can see it now – I would come down on Christmas morning and find my tickets to the perfect Panama vacation sitting nicely rested upon a tree limb. The Christmas lights would sparkle the name “Justin” on the envelope and then I would know for sure…Panama vacation time! Excited, I run to the tree, rip open the envelope and behold inside I will find a filled out and signed copy of the Red Frog Beach Villa rental agreement, as well as my Red Frog Beach cart rental contract, and even a grocery list in case I want my luxury vacation villa to have complete food stocked and ready for me. I just can’t imagine the excitement that would come over my face. It would be worth video-taping

Also Santa just a few other things on my list: Doublestuff Oreos, a helicopter, and a puppy. Hope this isn’t too much stuff to fit in the sled. You may have to doublecheck your list, but like I have said, I have been a really really good boy this year so it should be no problem. Tell Rupdolph not to worry, I have a feeling all the other reindeer will come to their senses eventually!

Zipline FAQs

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 23:53:55 +0000

What’s a typical trip like?
Upon arrival at Red Frog Resort’s public dock a shuttle will transport you to Kayukos
Lodge. Guides and friendly guest service staff will then greet you and help you register
for the tour. You will be asked to sign a release of liability and disclose any relevant
medical conditions. Guides will be checking to ensure that you have proper footwear and
clothing, aren’t wearing any dangling jewelry, and wearing your hair in a way that keeps
it from being an entanglement hazard. This is the time to ask any last minute questions,
use the restroom, or address any concerns. The tour will leave promptly at the scheduled
departure times.
A 5 min 4×4 ride will take us to the Canopy Tour entrance. There, we will take a very
short, scenic hike to the staging area and give an in-depth safety talk, gear everyone up,
give skill instruction, and do a guide demonstration on a sample “mini practice zip line &
Platform”.
A suspended sky-staircase leads you to the first zip platform to the first platform, you will
be clipped into a safety line. You will remain clipped to a safety line at all times while at
great heights from this point on. You will then travel from platform to platform via one
small hike, ziplines, and/or optional ropes course, the journey also includes a high to low
platform self or guided suspended-air rappel, tarzan swing. At the end of the tour, you
will take a small hike to the 4×4 transport that will take you back to Kayukos lodge where
you can share stories, memories of the trip, look at photos/videos of yourself zipping just
moments before, depart for you next adventure, order lunch or dinner, or just sip on a
cold fruit smoothie or cerveza!
Can I go if I have medical conditions?
It is your decision to determine whether or not you are capable or fit to participate,
Bastimentos Sky reserves the right to exclude any applicant from participation for
medical, safety or other reasons. The canopy tour is designed for participants of average
mobility and strength who are in reasonably good health.
Obesity, high blood pressure, cardiac and coronary artery disease, pulmonary problems,
pregnancy, arthritis, tendonitis or other joint and muscular-skeletal problems may impair
the safety and well-being of participants on the course; as may other medical, physical,
psychological and psychiatric problems. All such conditions may increase the inherent
risks of the experience and cause the participant to be a danger to themselves or others.
Participants with underlying medical problems that put them at greater risk of injury or
illness during a canopy tour must carefully consider those risks before choosing to
participate and they must fully inform tour staff in writing prior to the beginning of the
tour.
Can I bring a camera with me?
Yes, however, it will be very difficult to use during the tour because you will be wearing
gloves and the tour is very “hands on”. If you choose to bring a camera please know there
is a possibility that it will be damaged. If you choose to bring it, it’s at your own risk and
essential that it is secured to your body while zipping, rappelling or any other element of
the course that requires your undivided attention. We sell mini carabiners for this
purpose.
If feasible, a photographer will accompany us on the trip and photos are made available
to buy afterwards. An HD helmet-mounted camera is also available for rent.
What happens if I start the tour and don’t want to finish?
Guides are trained to be encouraging but will not pressure you or make you feel obligated
to continue. The course is “challenge by choice” so if you feel that you cannot continue,
you have the option to quit. Please know that after the first zip, the tour takes place on
elevated platforms high above the jungle and will require a rappel down and will not be
an easy hike back to the beginning or end of the tour (whichever is closer). In this
situation, you are not allowed a refund as a guide must accompany you during this time.
Do you go in any weather?
We go rain or shine! Rainy conditions actually bring out many Red Frogs and other
animal life not normally seen. The two weather conditions that cause us to cancel tours
are excessive wind and lightning. In any case, you should show up for your tour. Due to
the varying weather patterns here, we might cancel minutes before a tour begins or
anytime during the tour. In the event of cancellation we will try to get you on another
tour, give you a rain-check, or will offer a full refund. If the tour is cancelled anytime
touring the tour we will offer a re-schedule or partial refund upon our discretion.
How safe is this activity?
Overall, very safe. Please be aware that their are inherent risks taken on any canopy tour.
We, however, carefully manage those risks by extensive planning, training, and attention
to detail in both the construction of the course and the ongoing development and
management of our guides. Generally speaking, this canopy tour is safer than your last
taxi ride.
How long does a zip line canopy tour take?
The average tour takes approximately 2.5 hours including transportation, registration,
safety orientation and the tour itself.
Who can go on a zip line canopy tour?
Our minimum age allowed is 8 years (anyone lighter than 70lbs. will be escorted by a
guide during the tour) and maximum weight allowed is 300lbs. Participants should be
able to hike a short distances (less than a ¼ mile) and should be in reasonable physical
shape. An adult must accompany children under 16. We cannot allow pregnant women to
zip. We reserve the right to deny any one individual in order to uphold our safety
standards. Communication with Bastimentos Sky beforehand is highly recommended in
order to assure your participation in the tour.
Should I do the ropes course?
The ropes course offers a unique and incredible experience because you are the one
traversing yourself through the canopy via cable tightrope, floating logs, a cargo net and a
sky-bridge. If you are hesitant about the idea of flying above the canopy in the first place,
and like the idea of the zip lines transporting you almost effortlessly, the ropes course
might not be for you. Our suggestion… Give it a try! If you decide it is too much for you,
we have the ability to trolley or “zip” you across this section.
How many people go on each tour?
Our max capacity per tour is 20 guests. Special arrangements for a larger group may be
possible, but will require prior communication.
How high in the trees is the course?
Elevated tree platforms range from 15ft to 100ft from the canopy floor. Zip lines cross
valleys that are up to 150 ft below.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for humid or wet conditions; avoid loose clothing
that could tangle in ropes or other gear. Skirts should be avoided. We go in the rain, so
come prepared with rain gear and shoes that have good traction and do well in muddy
conditions. No sandals or flip flops will be allowed. You should remove any dangling
jewelry and tie long hair back. Our advice is to remove all items from your pockets
before going on the tour.
Where can I store valuables during the tour?
We will provide a secure and locked storage area. We are however, not responsible for
the theft, misplacement, or loss of any items.

Panama Resorts

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:00:51 +0000

My family and I have just returned from the number one of all Panama Resorts on the beach! Red Frog Beach is in Bocas del Toro and we rented a Villa for a week. First off, we paid about the same for a week in a 2,500 sq. ft. house in Bocas del Toro, as we would for 2 nights in a mediocre suite in Las Vegas. Our house included our own pool, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, flatscreen T.V’s, and a view to die for! We got a resort adventure package, so our week included snorkel gear, boogie boards, 2 boat tours, and the most insane cave tour! If you have ever seen the movie, “The Goonies” you might be able to understand how awesome this tour was. Wading in water up to our necks while bats were flying overhead, and jumping off of a big rock, hundreds of meters back in a cave……INSANE!! I don’t think that any of the other Panama Resorts near a nice beach could offer what this place has.

The morning of our second day in Bocas del Toro at Red Frog Beach started with a fantastic boogie board session on Turtle Beach at 8AM, (about a 5 min walk) and ended with a walk back seeing 2 sloths and a monkey!! We had a great BBQ on our balcony, and went on the most fabulous Catamaran Tour ever! Red Frog Beach cannot be rivaled by any of the other Panama Resorts.

Our third day started a bit slow due to some bottles of wine on our catamaran tour, but the fresh ocean air opened our eyes right up, and we continued down to the beautiful Bocas Bound campus and had a wonderful breakfast. We met some great people that were about to depart on a Panama snorkeling tour, and they asked us to join, and went to Corral Cay, and Zapatillas. These may have been the most beautiful snorkeling spots of any of the Panama Resorts!!! I never knew how crazy and hilarious the Dutch were!!!!

Day 4 started similar to day 3, but we were up early because some of the friendly staff at Bocas Bound had let everyone know that there was swell coming in, and the Bocas surf was going to be fantastic! We reserved some surfboards the night before, and got back down to Bocas Bound about 9AM, grabbed the boards and sprinted down to the beach. We were all taken back a few notches when we saw the size of these Bocas del Toro waves! The day before they were about 4 foot, and today they had jumped up to 6-7 ft.! It took us about an hour and a half to realize that they were a bit too big for us, and went to the beach to relax and have a beer at “Punta Lava” the Red Frog beach bar. Just another PERFECT day at the best of all Panama Beach Resorts!

The last 2 days were a lot more relaxed, taking tours around the islands and enjoying the sights of our two favorite Panama Resorts: Red Frog Beach Club, and Bocas Bound Island Hostel! They even have a canopy tour that will be done in about 3 weeks from now! We were able to take advantage of all the beautiful hiking trails that were already completed beneath the ziplines, so we could see the ropes course about 100 feet above us!

I hope any and all that read this, that are looking for the newest and best of all the Panama Resorts on the beach–will go and visit this slice of heaven! It doesn’t get any better than Isla Bastimentos. I know that everyone back home will definitely get an earful of the top of the top echelon of all Panama Beach Resorts!!! Thank you Red Frog Beach, and Bocas Bound!!!!

Bocas del Toro Hoteles

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:20:12 +0000

La selección del hotel perfecto en Bocas del Toro durante su visita a Panamá no es una tarea fácil. Muchas turistas de Bocas del Toro se enfrentan a la tarea complicada de entender la geografía de las islas del Caribe. La turista tiene que entender que la ubicación de Bocas del Toro puede significar tres cosas: 1) Bocas del Toro es una provincia y incluye una gran parte de la tierra continental de Panama. Esto es importante porque la gente va a leer sobre un deslizamiento de tierras en “Bocas del Toro” que ocurrió en las montañas de la parte continental de Panamá 100s kilómetros de distancia. 2) Bocas del Toro el área de la isla formada por más de 60 islas y los hoteles de Bocas del Toro se propagan a través de estas islas con la mayor concentración de hoteles están situados en la ciudad de Bocas ubicada en Isla Colón. 3) Isla Colón en Bocas del Toro no es la misma que la ciudad de Colón situada en el extremo Atlántico del Canal. La ciudad de Colón no es una ciudad segura ni turística. De vez en cuando, las turistas se confunden y piensan que Isla Colón es un crimen de la ciudad montado ( no lo es).

La cosa siguiente a entender al elegir un hoteles Bocas del Toro es que el pueblo de Bocas no tiene una playa cercana. La línea de costa en toda la ciudad de Bocas se ha desarrollado con los hoteles y restaurantes. Hay una calle principal, justo detrás de los edificios frente al mar con más hoteles, restaurantes y tiendas de comestibles una pocas a lo largo de ese camino. Estos Bocas del Toro Hoteles varían en precio de alrededor de $ 40 a $ 180/noche. Los mejores hoteles son probablemente Tropical Suites y El Limbo. También hay varios Bocas del Toro hoteles en la ciudad como Bocas tiene una reputación de ser un lugar de fiesta con bares como la cubierta de restos “que incluye una barra flotante en un barco sumergido bajo el agua iluminada (observe que en Bocas no hay rejas en los muelles flotantes … ándate con cuidado).

Hay otros Bocas del Toro Hoteles en Isla Colón 10 a 40 minutos de la ciudad. El más famoso es Punta Carocol que se parace como un hotel Tahitian. Es un aqua lodge alojamiento que con frecuencia se muestra en los medios de comunicación de turismo de Panamá. No hay playa aquí y es un poco caro debido a la experiencia sobre el agua. No es un complejo de más reciente a 15 minutos del pueblo de Bocas llamada Playa Tortuga. Se anuncia como el 5-estrellas y no está seguro de cómo ellos se van con eso? Tiene una playa muy pequeña y una bonita piscina.

La mayoría de los otros Bocas del Toro Hoteles en Isla Colón se lo llama Trip Advisor alojamiento especialidad o B & B lugares tipo que puede acomodar a la gente típicamente 4-15. Usted tendrá que conseguir un taxi acuático para llegar a esos otros lugares y es típicamente muy fácil de hacer y el precio depende de qué tan lejos se encuentra el hotel de la ciudad de Bocas. Popa Paradise Resort (en la Isla Popa) es un viaje de 30 minutos en barco desde Bocas ciudad y este hotel es nuevo y ha recibido algunas buenas críticas y tiene una zona de la piscina y la playa hermosa algunos.

Isla Bastimentos se encuentra a 10 minutos del pueblo de Bocas y esta isla es conocida por las playas y el parque nacional marino que abarca aproximadamente la mitad de la isla. La mayoría de los hoteles de Bocas del Toro en esta isla están en la parte trasera (lado del manglar) de la isla así que no hay una enorme cantidad de playas en este lado de la isla. Al Natural y la Bahía de Tranquilo son grandes Bocas del Toro Hoteles en esta isla. Hay un nuevo complejo llamado Red Frog Beach y Bocas consolidado que está en el lado de la playa al norte de Bastimentos que tiene un buen acceso a las playas (llamado Red Frog Beach y playa de la tortuga).

Uno puede mirar el asesor de viaje y ver que hay probablemente 30 + Bocas del Toro hoteles para elegir. Cada viajero es diferente y hay un montón de buenas opciones de dónde alojarse durante su viaje a Panamá. Muchos turistas inicio de decidir lo que quieren hacer durante su estadía en Bocas del Toro (tirolina, sitio de su hallazgo, tour de delfines, yoga, surf, observación de aves, etc … ..); una vez que determinar las actividades, la elección de uno de Bocas del Hotel Toro vuelve más fácil.

Bocas del Toro Hotels

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:16:04 +0000

Choosing the perfect Bocas del Toro hotel during your visit to Panama is not an easy task. Many tourists to Bocas del Toro are confronted by the complex task of understanding the Caribbean Island geography. The average tourist first needs to understand that the location of Bocas del Toro can mean three things: 1) Bocas del Toro is a province and includes a large portion of the mainland. This is important because people will read about a mudslide in “Bocas del Toro” that happened in the mountains on the Panama mainland 100s of miles away. 2) Bocas del Toro the island area made up of over 60 islands and the Bocas del Toro hotels are spread throughout these islands with the greatest concentration of standard hotels located in Bocas town located on Isla Colon. 3) Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro is not the same as the city of Colon located at the Atlantic end of the Canal; the town of Colon is not a safe city and tourist get confused and think that Isla Colon is a crime ridden city (it’s not).

The next thing to understand when choosing a Bocas del Toro Hotel is that Bocas town does not have a beach nearby. The entire waterfront in Bocas town has been developed with hotels and restaurants. There is a main street just behind the waterfront buildings with more hotels, restaurants and a few grocery stores along that road. These Bocas del Toro Hotels range in price from around $40 to $180/night. The nicest hotels are probably Tropical Suites and El Limbo. There are also several Bocas del Toro hotels in town as Bocas has a reputation for being a party place with bars such as the “wreck deck” which includes a floating bar over an underwater-lit submerged ship (note that in Bocas there are no railings on the floating docks…watch your step).

There are other Bocas del Toro Hotels on Isla Colon 10 – 40 minutes away from town. The most famous is Punta Carocol which is the Tahitian looking aqua lodge accommodations that are frequently shown in Panama’s tourism media. There is no beach here and it is a little pricey because of the over the water experience. There is a newer resort 15 minutes from Bocas town called Playa Tortuga. It is advertised as 5-star and not sure how they get away with that? It has a very small beach and a beautiful pool area.

Most of the other Bocas del Toro Hotels off of Isla Colon are what Trip Advisor calls specialty lodging or B&B type places that can accommodate 4—15 people typically. You will need to get a water taxi to get to these other locations and it is typically very easy to do and price depends on how far the hotel is located from Bocas town. Popa Paradise Resort (on Isla Popa) is a 30 minute boat ride away from Bocas town and this hotel is new and has received some good reviews and has a lovely pool area and some beach.

Isla Bastimentos is about 10 minutes from Bocas town and this island is known for the beaches and the national marine park that encompasses about half of the island. Most of the Bocas del Toro hotels on this island are on the backside (mangrove side) of the island so there is not a tremendous amount of beach on this side of the island. Al Natural and Tranquilo Bay are both great Bocas del Toro Hotels on this island. There is a new resort called Red Frog Beach and Bocas Bound that is on the north beach side of Bastimentos that has good access to those beaches (called Red Frog Beach and Turtle Beach).

One can look on trip advisor and see that there are probably 30+ Bocas del Toro hotels to choose from. Every traveler is different and there are a lot of good choices of where to stay during your trip to Panama. Many tourists start with deciding what they want to do during their stay in Bocas del Toro (zip line, cave tour, dolphin tour, yoga, surfing, bird watching, etc…..); once they determine the activities, choosing a Bocas del Toro hotel becomes easier.

Canopy Tours

dan — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:49:00 +0000

The new zipline is open on Isla Bastimentos at Bocas Bound. Many have already experieced this amazing ride through the jungle canopy. We hope that all who have had this experience will post their adventures in order to share with others what it was like. Happy Blogging!

Bocas del Toro Beaches

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:13:21 +0000

Vacation time in Panama means one thing, let’s hit the beach! If world class beaches are on your itinerary, than a stop in Bocas del Toro is a must. The first time I came to Bocas del Toro, I was under the assumption that there were beautiful Panamanian beaches on every corner of every island. I figured that Bocas was an archipelago of numerous islands, so therefore every island had to have a beach. As it turns out, not every island in Bocas del Toro does have a beach. Since some Bocas del Toro islands are sheltered from the ocean by other islands, many of the smaller inland island are surrounded by mangroves (i.e. no sand).

While the lack of beaches in Bocas del Toro was a bit of a surprise to me, it ended up not being an issue. Instead, most of the beaches in Bocas del Toro are concentrated on a couple select islands. Isla Colon is the main island of Bocas del Toro and there are a couple great beaches on various parts of the island. Starfish Beach is located near Boca del Drago, and as the name might suggest, is famous for the large starfish that congregate on the sandy beaches. Another option is Bluff Beach. Located about 20 minutes outside of town, this is a great option for the people that don’t want to hire a boat to get to the other beaches in Bocas del Toro.

However, in order to experience the most beautiful beaches in Bocas del Toro, make your way over to Isla Bastimentos. This island is uniquely positioned in the sense that the southern side is protected from the ocean and is surrounded by mangroves. Conversely, the northern side meets the Caribbean Sea and gives way to five stunning beaches (one of which is called Red Frog Beach which is the most famous beach in Panama).

About a twenty minute walk from Old Bank (Bastimentos Town) on Isla Bastimentos is Wizard Beach. This enormous expanse of beach is popular among day trippers from Old Bank and also has a great beach break for surfing. If one is feeling adventurous, there is a trail through the jungle (careful, its muddy!) that will take you to Red Frog Beach. Red Frog Beach is probably the most popular beach in Bocas del Toro (if not Panama) to visit amongst tourists. Many of the local tour operators make stops here throughout the day. Guests love this beach for the pristine views and the ability to grab a drink and lunch at the beach bar, Punta Lava. Just over the point at the end of Red Frog Beach, is Turtle Beach. A quick five minute walk here will make you feel like you are on another island entirely because this beach is so secluded and private. Most likely you’ll be the only people wandering here on any given day. The fallen palm trees that extend into the ocean on this Bocas Beach provide a Robinson Crusoe feel. Walk a little bit further and you will find yourself on North Beach. Here the waves don’t crash as hard on shore due to a reef that provides protection. North BEach is great for snorkeling and the jungle extends right up the water. It’s a picturesque location in Bocas del Toro that includes a couple small islands right off shore. If you haven’t gotten your fix of sand by now, the last beach on Bastimentos is the crown jewel of them all, Playa Larga. Playa Larga is pretty isolated so there are rarely many people on the beach. When the swell is right, there are a couple great surf spots and it is also home to sea turtle season during the summer months.

All in all, Isla Bastimentos is the place to go in Bocas del Toro to see the wide array of beaches that the region has to offer. If you’re looking for a good jumping off point to take advantage of these attractions, the Bocas Bound Hostel located on Bastimentos, a short five minute walk to Red Frog Beach. It’s a great place to stay and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of Bocas del Toro Town. It can also serve as a hub for all your needs when experiencing Bastimentos. Bocas Bound rents snorkel gear, surf and boogie boards and kayaks. It’s the place in Bocas del Toro to experience the famous beaches of the region.