4 Awesome lodges in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Planning a trip to the gorgeous archipelago of Bocas del Toro? Pamper yourself and stay at least at one of these places over there! They’re not as expensive as they might seem and you’ll have a really cool stay for sure! Click here for more things to do while planning your trip to Bocas.

Bambuda Lodge – Isla Solarte

Overlooking a private bay with coral reef, Bambuda Lodge has some incredible views of the ocean and the mountainous spine of mainland Panama. 

Bambuda Lodge is a eat, sleep, chill, repeat place, with a young crowd and an awesome vibe. Their staff is very helpful, friendly and fun and will try to make you feel welcome on this little slice of paradise. 

Because Bambuda Lodge is a bit remote there’s a lot you can do in here: snorkeling around the corals in front of the property, kayaking, SUPping, hiking the jungle, chilling at the pool, sliding down the waterslide (that goes into the sea!), swimming at night with bioluminescent plankton, having a drink, joining the pubquiz, eating some delicious food or just meeting a lot of new people.

Every day there’s another activity organised by the staff. But don’t worry, at the same time there’s no need to do something at all in here. Most of the guests just chill out next to the pool on the area with the overview, all day long. An old colleague of mine that I bumped into just stayed at the lodge for a week, only leaving it twice. Because, why not.

Bambuda Lodge is also close to The Blue Coconut: a fun place to have some drinks or eat a snack, in the middle of nowhere. You can easily kayak to the spot. There are all kinds of things to do over there: snorkel around the restaurant with the (provided or brought) gear, lay out on the dock or chill in a water hammock. Oh and not to forget: it also has some fine comfort kind of food and great drinks. All in all it’s for sure nice to spend a couple of hours in here. 

Back to Bambuda Lodge. Did I tell you it’s ecofriendly too? Bambuda is off-grid, meaning that the electricity comes from the sun and the water is caught and filtered rain-water. A bed in a dorm will cost you $16,- per night, private rooms (with shared bathrooms) are from $40,- per night. A ride from the main island by boat will costs you around $4,- to $5,-. 

We had a really fun stay in here, so I can’t but recommend this place to anyone who’s looking for chill vibes!

Palmar Beach Lodge – Isla Bastimentos

From the main island it’ll cost you $8,- to go by watertaxi to this part of Bastimentos. You’ll be dropped off at the pier, whereafter you have to walk 10 minutes before you get to this beach. It’s your ultimate getaway, with no cars or boats nearby. 

Right behind the Red Frog Beach is Palmar Beach Lodge located. This eco hotel offers everything you need to have for a relaxing stay after your day at the beach. It has beautiful and big tent-like eco accommodations tucked away in the jungle, delicious and fresh food (think fish and coconut rice), daily activities (there’s even a yoga pavilion) and it’s perfectly located too.

If you don’t like the idea of tents; don’t worry, it’s more like a glamping kind of style. A fine stay for a -breakaway from it all- day. Prices from $50,- for the private safari tent, but check booking.com – the rooms often come cheaper in here.

Faro del Colibri – Isla Carenero

The first time I arrived at Bocas del Toro I already spotted these little, yellow bungalows right across the main island on the water. The next time that I went again to Bocas, I booked a stay in here and there was absolutely no regret in that decision. The bungalows have their own pier, where a watertaxi can drop you off for $1,- (from Isla Colon). From the deck of each bungalow you can enjoy a splendid sunset.

When the sun sets in, the shining lamps from underneath the houses light up the water. Just sit down with a beer or wine and stare at all of the fishies swimming by. We were able to see a ray, puffer fish, schools of fish and a couple of starfishes, even without hitting the water. The next day first thing to do after waking up is jumping from your perch into the sea and go snorkeling for a little while. Starting your day as such… how fun is that!

From Faro del Colibri it’s a 5-minute walk to either Bibi’s on the Beach or Leafeaters. Both excellent places to eat and both are – just like Faro del Colibri – constructed on stilts in the water. Leafeaters has a great menu full of vegetarian and vegan options. On top of that, it’s a great place to chill out at the lounging couches on the deck. 

Bibi’s has excellent views all around, especially during the evening, when you see how the stingrays – on a safe distance – are nomming the last pieces of lobster away beneath the restaurant. With soft seafood dishes, a romantic atmosphere and reasonable prices this is a fine choice to go to on Isla Carenero. The piña coladas are absolutely superb in here too by the way – just saying!

Playa Bluff Lodge – Isla Colon

Isla Colon is probably the place you’ll hit first in Bocas. Whether you come by airplane or boat, Isla Colon is the main hub where all of them eventually land. The town is the busiest part of the archipelago, but there’s peace to be found on Colon too.

On the other side of the island awaits another paradise: Playa Bluff. This beach has miles of undeveloped, magical, caramel coloured beachfront and you only have to share it with very few people, if at all. It’s your picture postcard setting when you think of the Caribbean. Waves are unfortunately too crazy for a swim, but if you’re a surfing pro, you might catch some awesome waves in here.

It will take you another 1 to 1,5 hour to get to Playa Bluff by bicycle. In case you’re not in a sporty mood, there’s the possibility as well to take a cab or bus from the beach. Don’t worry about your bicycle; they can be put either in the back of the taxi (usually 4WD’s) or on top of the bus. The bus can take you to the bifurcation (next to Hotel La Rumba), whereafter it’s another hour by bicycle. Cabs can even take you straight to Bluff.

One hour north of Playa Bluff you can find a very beautiful lagoon. Again, no people in here, yet lots of fishes. It’s a sweet place to hang out a couple of hours; read a book on the side of the lagoon under a tree (watch the coconuts!) and see some underwater wildlife in between.

My recommendation in this area for you would be to stay at the Turtle Beach House (of the nearby Playa Bluff Lodge if that one’s full) and have dinner at The Hummingbird. Turtle Beach House is a true bed and breakfast and run by a couple – Dave and Sandra from Canada – that recently renovated an old building and are living totally off the grid. Apart from the beautiful location, right across the sea, they have created a lovely garden around the hotel. Sandra cooks every morning a delicious breakfast and both of them are eager to give you tips of what to do and where to go in the area. Prices start from $90,- per night. 

Next doors you’ll find The Hummingbird. Though the rooms over there are a bit pricy, the food in here is actually quite affordable. The Argentinian cook for sure knows how to serve his meat dishes in here. We had a steak and tuna and the only regret I have is that I didn’t try out the entire menu.

With a couple of red wines on the side you just can’t but having a superb dinner. Sit next to the pool – lit by enchanting lights – for a romantic evening. In for more? On Saturdays they serve Argentinian BBQ in here for $26,- per two people! 

Here’s where to find them! ↓