Bastimentos Island National Marine Park

Bastimentos Island National Marine Park is part of the archipelago in the province of Bocas del Toro, which was declared a Hope Spot by the organization Mission Blue. This marine park on the Caribbean coast of Panamá is one of the country’s most important protected areas. Covering 132.3 km² (13,266 hectares), the ecosystems in the park include beaches, mangroves, coral reefs, and tropical forests.

Its rich biodiversity has thrived as a result of sustainable tourism and conservation initiatives, making it an ideal destination for activities like diving, snorkeling, and observing indigenous flora and fauna.

This park is a key refuge for a wide variety of animals, including the Panamanian golden frog—a national symbol of Panamá—sea turtles who nest on the beaches, monkeys, birds, and more. A large part of the park remains in a natural state or receives minimal human intervention, earning it a category II distinction (National Park) from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which highlights its role in environmental conservation.

What to Do in Bastimentos Island National Marine Park

Couple walking on a wood bridge at Red Frog Island

Enjoy a Day at the Beach

At Red Frog, spend the day between the beach and the forest, where you can follow a short trail leading up from the beach to the highest part of the island. Along the way, you could see the famous colorful frogs that the beach is named for. If you prefer to get your adrenaline rush in the water, enjoy an excellent surf session on Larga Beach or Wizard Beach.

Diving in Coral Cay, Bocas del Toro province, Panamá

Explore the Depths of the Ocean

Bastimentos Island National Marine Park is the perfect setting to enjoy a day at the beach, since it is made up of several islands and keys with beaches in a completely natural state. Be sure to stop by Cayos Zapatilla, picture-postcard keys so special that their beaches were ranked 24 in The World’s 50 Best Beaches. If you want to explore the depths of the ocean, you can take a snorkeling or diving tour to enjoy the immense biodiversity.

Plus, if you visit Cayo Zapatilla between April and October, it will be the season to see sea turtles. This beach is essential for the conservation of the hawksbill sea turtle, which is currently an endangered species. Always remember to follow your guide’s recommendations, book tours with official local operators. Please observe from a respectful distance, don’t litter or feed the animals. Help us make all of Panamá’s conservation efforts even more successful.

Man hiking in the rainforest, on the trail to the Bat Cave.

Explore Its Diversity

Discover different ecosystems: tropical jungle, mangroves, coral reefs, and much more. Bastimentos Island National Marine Park is perfect for animal lovers who want to explore islands, keys, and trails hoping to have encounters with wildlife.

Conservation efforts in the park have created a refuge where biodiversity thrives. Bastimentos National Park is home to toucans, hummingbirds, herons, monkeys, sloths, frogs, caimans, sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and much, much more.

There are many options for exploring every corner of Bastimentos Island Marine National Park, from detailed plans to local boat drivers who design customized routes for you. On Bastimentos Island, you’ll find several options for responsible, community-based tourism that will take you on an unforgettable and sustainable adventure.

How to Get to Bastimentos Island National Marine Park

There are several ways of getting to Bastimentos Island National Marine Park. First, head to Colon Island, the main island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, where you’ll find boats that will take you to the park depending on the type of tour you choose.

To get to Bocas del Toro from Panama City, take a 45-minute flight from Marcos A. Gelabert Airport to Jose Ezequiel Hall International Airport, on Colon Island.

If you drive, take the Pan-American Highway to Chiriqui, about 6 hours. Take the turnoff to Gualaca on the right and continue 3 hours more to Puerto Almirante. Or take a bus from Albrook Bus Terminal, and transfer in David to reach Puerto Almirante.

If you’re visiting Boquete in Chiriqui, you’ll be 3.5 hours away by car from Puerto Almirante. If you’re traveling on public transportation, you should head to David first and take another bus to Almirante.

From Puerto Almirante, take a water bus for about 35 minutes, and then you’ll be ready for your adventure on Colon Island.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where is Bastimentos National Park?

The park is in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, in the province of Bocas del Toro, in the northwestern part of the country. The park is made up of a large part of Bastimentos Island, an immense protected area close to the island, and Cayos Zapatilla.

What animals can I see in Bastimentos National Park?

The park is home to rich biodiversity, with endemic and migratory species. You can explore the jungle to look for sea birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects, or swim through a reef teeming with life. Some of the most unique species include the Panamanian golden frog, dolphins, the hawksbill sea turtle, yellow warbler, American redstart, and many more species.

Can I camp in Bastimentos National Park?

Though there are no camping areas, you can find all kinds of accommodation on Bastimentos Island, from luxury boutique hotels to hostels and rental homes.

Continue Your Adventure

Friends doing water sport at Bocas del Toro province

Bastimentos Island National Marine Park

What to Do in Bastimentos Island National Marine Park

Enjoy a Day at the Beach

Explore the Depths of the Ocean

Explore Its Diversity

How to Get to Bastimentos Island National Marine Park

Frequently Asked Questions:

Continue Your Adventure

Watersports & Beaches

Afro flavors in Bocas

8 Days in Bocas del Toro