Isla Bastimentos is an island in Panama protecting approximately 20 square miles and is one of Panama's biggest islands. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Bocas del Toro Province and has a place of 52 rectangular kilometers.
Bastimentos National Marine Park is located on Bastimentos Island, with mangroves surrounding the island's coral reef-fringed waters taking up a good-sized component. Towards the westernmost part of Bastimentos Island, numerous private houses are seen, without a doubt.
Isla Bastimentos Map
| Name | Bastimentos Island (Spanish: Isla Bastimentos) |
| Country | Panama |
| Province | Bocas del Toro |
| Coordinates | 9°21′N 82°12′W |
| Area | 62.2 km2 (24.0 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EAST) |
| Population | 1,954 (2010) |
| Airport | Bocas del Toro "Isla Colón" International Airport |
How to Get to Isla Bastimentos
To reach Bocas del Toro from Panama City or San Jose, Costa Rica, you can fly to Colon Island. Upon arrival at Colon Island, you'll head to the water taxi station and then take a water taxi to Bastimentos Island.
Alternatively, you can travel by road (using public transportation or driving) to Puerto Almirante and then take a ferry or speedboat from there to Colon Island or the island where you'll be staying.
Things to Do in Isla Bastimentos
Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park
Bastimentos Island National Park is Panama's first marine park, installed in 1988, protecting 13,226 hectares (32,682 acres) of land and sea. It is famous for the Zapatilla Islands, which are lovely islands that present remarkable snorkeling and diving possibilities.
The Zapatilla Islands are small islands off the southeast coast of Bastimentos Island. These picturesque islands boast white sandy beaches and forest-included interiors. The coral gardens and underwater caves here are popular spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. The coral is in a terrific situation, serving as a habitat for over two hundred species of fish. Other marine existence includes nurse sharks, lobsters, hawksbills, and inexperienced sea turtles. However, it's well worth noting that the sea situation can grow hard, and visibility may be cloudy. The furthest island features an interpretive trail for visitors to explore the interior of the island.
This wooded area is home to around 28 species of amphibians and reptiles (lots of which can be threatened or endangered), in addition to monkeys, sloths, and diverse chook species. In the middle of the island lies a mangrove swamp where caimans, crocodiles, and turtles once in a while seem.
Playa Larga (Long Beach) is a vast nesting web page for sea turtles on Bastimentos Island. From April to September, over four endangered species of sea turtles use the beach as a nesting ground.
In Bastimentos National Marine Park, you furthermore might have the opportunity to spot dolphins, revel in a lunch of neighborhood flavors at a totally water-based restaurant, explore the uninhabited Zapatilla Islands, and respect starfish.
Surfing and Diving
Bastimentos Island is home to a number of high-quality surfing spots in Bocas del Toro. Silverback Island is a renowned, massive wave vacation spot across the world that attracts expert surfers. Wizard Beach is one of the pinnacle seaside lodge destinations in Bocas del Toro. For amateur surfers, Red Frog Beach is a pleasant preference, providing gentle waves and sandy bottoms.
Undoubtedly, the beaches are amongst their most attractive features. There's Polo Beach, with calm waters surrounded by coral; it's ideal if you choose nearly abandoned seashores. If you are into diving, Coral Cay is your first-rate bet. The island is also domestic to the Red Frog Beach Resort, named after the tiny crimson frogs that inhabit the nearby woodland, offering pinnacle-notch services and services.
Snorkeling and scuba diving around Bastimentos Island are also popular activities, mainly while the sea is calm. There are numerous outstanding coral reefs right here, which are perfect for snorkeling, and some of the best freediving and scuba diving spots in Bocas del Toro are located here.
Silverback Island is well-known for its large wave surfing, and its underwater cave device is a stunning diving spot. Polo Beach, one of the most spectacular beaches in the world, is likewise domestic to a first-rate underwater cave gadget, making it a captivating destination for divers.
Kayaking and Paddle Surfing
I tremendously advise exploring the coastline of Bastimentos Island by means of a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. The waters alongside the island's bays are pretty calm, with a few shallow coral reefs to discover.
When the ocean is calm, you may also project alongside the beach of the island. The Bahia Honda area, located on the bay side of the island, is likewise a famous spot for dolphin watching!
Explore the Island's Cultural Capital, the Old Bank
Old Bank Town is one of Panama's cultural gemstones and a need-to-go destination for those interested in accurate cultural studies. The vital interest right here is genuinely looking at and immersing oneself—sitting on a bench inside the park or somewhere along the town's predominant pedestrian walkway, soaking all of it in!
Old Bank is an Afro-Antillean network, preserving its language (the guariguari, a mix of Afro-Antillean English, Spanish, and French), specific architecture, and overall, a wealthy lifestyle. This is nicely really worth exploring. From Old Bank, a trail leads into the heart of the jungle towards Wizard Beach, a full-size pristine seaside that is clearly delightful.
Isla Bastimentos Hotels
Bastimentos Island in Panama offers a few remarkable lodging options, including overwater bungalows, jungle cabins, hostels, Airbnbs, and beachfront cottages.
The island is significant, with numerous wonderful lodging regions, every supplying a specific revel. Old Bank and Red Frog Beach have bustling social scenes, with locals and travelers frequenting restaurants and bars, while areas like Old Point are more remote and tranquil.
When to Visit Isla Bastimentos
Bocas del Toro has a tropical rainforest climate, which means there is a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year! There's plenty of sunshine here, making most months ideal for visiting. It's a year-round destination, but summer is typically the best time to visit.
Generally, June, July, and August experience higher rainfall, while January to March sees less rain. September, October, and November also boast the best weather and calmest ocean conditions.
Is Isla Bastimentos Safe?
Bastimentos Island is usually secure for solo female vacationers. It welcomes a wide variety of travelers, many of whom journey by myself. However, it's nonetheless clever to exercise warning.
Crimes generally fall into the category of petty robbery in place of violent crimes. One motive for this is that at the same time as Bastimentos is the largest island within the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, most of the populace is focused on Old Bank (Bastimentos Town) or its location. People in Old Bank don't forget themselves close-knit, so they regularly look out for their associates.
As with any place, taking fashionable precautions (which include avoiding remote regions at night, not flaunting precious gadgets in public, and using certified transportation) can help ensure your protection. There have been occasional reviews of teenage crimes. However, violent crimes are uncommon, in particular focused on tourists. The locals are usually pleasant and beneficial. Natural risks like difficult seas or wildlife pose a greater danger than crime.
