Isla Bastimentos

Isla Bastimentos

The Ecotourism Destination of Bocas del Toro, Panama

Isla Bastimentos is one of the larger islands in the archipelago and home to the laid-back town of Old Bank, several indigenous communities, and Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park. Some of the most beautiful, wild, and untamed beaches will be found here. Because of the protected areas, wild jungles, and mangroves that make up a large portion of Bastimentos Island, it is considered one of the most important ecotourism destinations in the Bocas islands. The shores of Bastimentos face many angles of the Bocas archipelago. Bahia Honda is peppered with small villages and eco-lodges. At the same time, the beaches on Old Point and the area called Macca Bite face the open sea and the famous Zapatilla Cays.

Old Bank

Old Bank is a small one-sidewalk town of several hundred inhabitants. Many descended from the Antillean labor force initially brought over to work in the banana plantations over a century ago. The vibes of this small laid back town will transport you to the afro-Antillean culture that makes up the Caribbean islands. Getting here is only a 15-minute boat ride from Bocas Town. The locals speak a unique form of creole called Guari-Guari, which is based mostly on English with a heavy patois accent and peppered with Spanish and local indigenous dialects (Ngöbe and Buglé). Since the language is based heavily on English, the locals can mostly make themselves understood in English when choosing to do so. Hang out in the different restaurants that are located in town or just around the Point. If you’re lucky, there are unique special events such as the Bastimentos Fair offering boat races, local cuisine, and cultural dances.

Old Point & Salt Creek Village

Old Point and Salt Creek are located about 35 minutes by boat from Isla Colon. Just getting to Salt Creek Village is an adventure as you ride through the mangrove forests that make up part of Bastimentos Island. The local community has organized several tours and hiking trails, though boat rides are not included. This is one of the few ways to experience the land-based part of the Isla Bastimentos Marine Park. You have an excellent chance to see sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, poison-dart frogs, caimans, and tropical bats. You may also learn about the local indigenous culture that makes up this village.

The beach on Old Point is one of the most beautiful within the Bocas archipelago with white sand beaches facing the famous Zapatillas Cays. Just outside are large reef heads and coral, an excellent place for snorkeling and diving. Old Point’s beach is perfect for just hanging out.

Beaches of Bastimentos Island

Isla Bastimentos has perhaps the most stunning beaches on the islands. Still, they are all on the windward side facing out to sea, so be careful if you decide to swim. Some beaches are also inaccessible by boat during certain times of the year. The closest beach to the town of Old Bank is Wizard Beach. Wizard has no restaurants or installations, but the beauty of this beach is undeniable and offers a taste of Bocas’ raw attractions. Red Frog Beach is accessible by Bahia Honda, only a short 15-minute boat ride from Bocas Town or 5 from Old Bank. Red Frog Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bocas del Toro and is the perfect place for people to watch or enjoy the many restaurants it has to offer. Other beaches include Polo Beach and Long Beach, an important ecological site for the endangered leatherback sea turtles that come to lay eggs from February through August.

Nivida Caves, Bastimentos Island

Nivida is a massive cavern with swarms of nectar bats and a subterranean lake. The cave lies within the borders of the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, and half the fun is getting here. But it’s next to impossible to do it on your own. An organized tour must be set up before going. The entrance to the cave goes through a mangrove canopy forest until you reach the cave’s opening. Some tour operators offer headlamps, but make sure you wear sturdy boots, expect to get wet as you could wade part of your way into this cave.