Playa Bluff: Adventure and Nature in Bocas del Toro

Plan your next vacation to Panamá and don't miss a thing. If you visit Bocas del Toro, come and see the beach that has won the hearts of tourists and locals. Whether you are an adventure lover or a nature fan, Bluff Beach will be a destination you don't want to miss.

Walk along the more than 4 km of golden sand and enjoy the sound of the waves breaking relentlessly. Admire the scenery under the shade of one of the low trees that decorate the panorama or enjoy a beer in front of the sea.

Remember that your visit is as important to us as our scenery. Respect the environment, keep your distance from wild animals, don't leave trash, don't take anything that belongs to the beach and leave everything as you found it or better. If you follow these steps, Panamá and its biodiversity will continue to grow, and we'll be able to enjoy it for much longer.

Aerial view of an extensive golden sand beach bathed by a crystal-clear turquoise sea. The coast is bordered by a dense tropical jungle, creating a striking contrast between the ocean and the land.

The beach

Bluff Beach is a very good balance between nature and development. It has hotels and hostels, beach bars, yoga retreats and surf schools. Although you find plenty of alternatives to eat and sleep, the scenery does not lose its natural charm. Visit to get in the vibe of one of the most famous beaches in the archipelago.

Two surfers carve through huge waves near Colon Island.

The waves

Bluff is mostly visited by extreme surfers, who bring their boards to play in the middle of very strong waves. The tubes that form are perfect for practicing until you drop, while the left and right waves allow everyone to surf without any issue. Although its incredible waves are what have earned Bluff fame, this beach is much more than adventure.

A newly hatched sea turtle navigates the sandy shore, determined to reach the ocean.

Turtle refuge

The archipelago of Bocas del Toro is a strategic point for the conservation of marine species and Bluff Beach plays a very important role for our environment. Leatherback, green, and hawksbill turtles nest here.

Contact our friends at the Bocas Carey Natural Association (Asociación Natural Bocas Carey, ANABOCA) to learn about hawksbills, which are in great danger of extinction, but in Bluff they find an important refuge. Participate in the night vigils, during the months of April to August, help with the monitoring of nests, watch how the turtles lay their eggs and learn all the efforts made so that they continue to visit us year after year.

A pelican's silhouette is highlighted against the green leaves as it takes a break in its natural environment.

Bluff birds

At Bluff Beach, birdwatching lovers will have the opportunity to see endemic species such as the scarlet-rumped tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii). Hike the trails of Bluff with an expert to see toucans, golden orioles, pelicans, and more. In season, from September to November, you can see thousands of birds of prey on their migratory flight.

Visit Bluff for an unforgettable vacation experience. Enjoy the scenery, face its waves, find its most colorful birds, take care of its turtles and leave that grain of sand necessary for life to continue to emerge in Bocas.

A tranquil waterfront village with wooden houses built on stilts, illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun.

Getting there

Bluff Beach is located a few minutes from downtown Bocas Town, on Isla Colon.

From Bocas Town you can take a taxi or bus that will drop you off at the beach. If you want to get around like a local, rent a bike and enjoy the scenery on the way to Bluff.

To get to Isla Colon, take a flight from Marcos A. Gelabert Airport in Panama City, Panamá to Captain Jose Exequiel Hall International Airport. Or drive approximately 8 hours to Puerto Almirante, where you'll need to take a boat for 35 minutes to reach the island.

Surfing a big wave at Isla Colón Bocas del Toro Province

For anyone who travels with a surfboard under their arm, and who dreams of learning, Panamá has exactly what you are looking for. Here we recommend the best surf spots for your next vacation in Panama. What about another adventure?