Beaches & Islands

Isla Colón — The Main Island

Bocas Town is the lively center of the archipelago: colorful wooden houses on stilts, restaurants and bars over the water, dive schools, surf shops, and the famous "Calle 3" (the party mile). The beaches of the main island:

• Starfish Beach (Playa de las Estrellas): The most famous beach in Bocas — shallow, warm water full of orange starfish lying on the sandy bottom. A surreal beautiful sight. Important: Do NOT remove starfish from the water — they die in the air! By water taxi (5 min.) or on foot/bike from Bocas Town (45 min.).
• Bluff Beach: On the other side of the island, a long, wild Pacific-like beach with waves. Popular with surfers (suitable for beginners). By bike or taxi (15 min. from Bocas Town). No infrastructure — bring water and snacks.
• Playa Boca del Drago: At the northern end of the island, a quiet beach with restaurants. From here, boat tours start for snorkeling at the offshore reefs. By colectivo bus from Bocas Town (25 min., 3$).

Isla Bastimentos

The second largest island of the archipelago and a natural paradise:

• Red Frog Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Panama — golden sand, turquoise water, rainforest at the back. Named after the tiny red poison dart frogs (Oophaga pumilio) living in the adjacent forest. By water taxi to Bastimentos + 15 min. hike through the forest.
• Wizard Beach (First Beach): Remote, wild beach — the path leads through the jungle (30 min. on foot from Bastimentos Old Bank). Less visited than Red Frog Beach and therefore all the more magical.
• Bastimentos National Park: Protects the coral reefs and rainforest of the island. Entrance: 10$.

Cayos Zapatilla

Two small, uninhabited palm islands in the national park — the ultimate postcard idyll. White sand, crystal-clear water, excellent snorkeling at the offshore reef. Day trip from Bocas Town: from 25$ (boat + national park fee 10$). The epitome of a "deserted Caribbean island".