Bastimentos Island
Bastimentos Island, at over fifty square kilometers (31 square miles), is one of Panamá's biggest islands. More than 600 kilometers (373 miles) from Panamá City, it’s only a ten-minute water taxi ride from Colon Island, the main island of Bocas del Toro province. Bastimentos is a wonderful tourist destination because it offers pristine beaches, great biodivesity and the chance to learn about Panamá's Afro-Antillean culture.
What’s the first thing you need to know? This island hosts the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park with beaches, mangroves, jungles and cays, including the famous Zapatillas Cay. It’s an unforgettable ecotourism destination!
Its beaches are one of its greatest attractions, of course. Try Polo beach, whose calm waters are surrounded by coral. If you like having a beach almost all to yourself, it’s the perfect place. If snorkeling is your thing, then there’s Coral Cay. The Red Frog Beach resort which offers top-class facilities and services, is also located on the island.
We recommend a trip to Old Bank, an Afro-Antillean community that has preserved its language (Guariguari, a blend of Afro-Antillean, Spanish and French) and its unique architecture. If you really want to learn about Bastimentos Island, its rich culture and history make it worth the trip. From Old Bank, a trail runs right through the middle of the jungle to Wizard beach. The huge, undeveloped coastline is simply delightful.
Getting There
The Bocas del Toro archipelago is located in the Caribbean Sea to the north-east of Panamá, over 600 kilometers (373 miles) from its capital city. You can get to the port of Almirante by road (on public transit or by car). From there you can board the ferry or a speed boat to Colón Island or the island where you’re staying. Domestic airlines also offer direct flights to Bocas Town, the archipelago’s main city.