Isla Bastimentos is the largest island in the Bocas Del Toro archipelago. In Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, beaches, mangroves, coral reefs and tropical forests shape the landscape; Old Bank adds Afro-Caribbean music, cuisine and architecture. The island’s character thus ranges from coastal and forest landscapes to cultural themes. You can organize the activities for your visit according to different interests: trails, wildlife viewing, water sports and insights into music and cuisine.
Landscapes and Wildlife
Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos is a refuge for golden frogs, nesting sea turtles, monkeys and birds. The forests of Isla Bastimentos are also home to sloths, capuchin monkeys, white-faced monkeys, squirrel monkeys, caimans, frogs, bats and snakes. The park offers opportunities for diving, snorkeling and observing flora and wildlife. In the waters around Isla Bastimentos, visitors can see rays, lobsters, sharks and other marine life while diving or snorkeling.
Trails with Different Destinations
At Playa Red Frog, a short trail leads from the sea to the higher part of the island; visitors may see the brightly colored frogs that give the beach its name along this trail. The route from Red Frog to Playa Polo runs between beach and forest and ends at Playa Polo. Another route leads from Red Frog via Playa Wizard to Old Bank: it passes through forest and over a bridge through mangroves before reaching Old Bank.
Sendero Playa Polo passes through tropical forest to brightly colored rainbow eucalyptus trees. Ngäbe guides also lead hikes where visitors can learn about the biodiversity of the surrounding area. Alongside trails with different destinations, guided hikes therefore offer a focus on the island’s natural environment.
Coast and Surf Spots
The surf spots vary by skill level: Playa Primera, also known as Wizard, offers surfing conditions for beginners through advanced surfers; Silverbacks is a surf spot for professionals. Playa Larga is a surf beach in Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos. These classifications provide different guidance for choosing a surf spot, without implying that conditions are the same at every beach.
Old Bank, Cuisine and Cocoa
Afro-Caribbean music, cuisine and architecture shape the cultural character of Old Bank. Spontaneous calypso concerts take place there. Caribbean cuisine includes seafood cooked in coconut and seasoned with spices. Music, architecture and cuisine each offer their own perspective on the place.
Another community experience is a workshop on making organic cocoa, offered by women from the community. Together with Ngäbe-led hikes, this offers a different way to explore the island’s themes than a day on the coast or in the water.
Getting Around the Archipelago
Isla Bastimentos is a little over 30 minutes from Isla ColĂłn. In the broader destination of Bocas Del Toro, Bocas Town and the small international airport are on Isla ColĂłn. In the archipelago within the broader destination of Bocas Del Toro, most water taxis depart from Bocas Town. If you are planning your trip, check the relevant connection in advance.
Discover more destinations: Rambala, Salt Creek, Punte Peña, La Gruta, Changuinola District, Cilico Creek, Loma Partida, Punta Laurel
See the broader travel overview: Bocas Del Toro.
