Solarte Island (Isla Solarte), also referred to as Cayo Nancy or Cayo Solarte spans 8 square kilometers and is placed simply 1 mile east of Bocas del Toro Province in Panama.
At the western stop of Solarte Island, the United Fruit Company hooked up a clinical center referred to as Punta Hospital. Initially used for treating yellow fever and malaria patients in 1899, it closed in 1920 and relocated to Almirante town.
During the Thousand Days' War, Solarte Island served as the headquarters for the Colombian Conservative Party navy. In 1901 and 1902, the Colombian Liberal Party navy launched attacks from right here against their headquarters on Bastimentos Island.
Solarte Island Map
| Name | Solarte Island (Spanish: Isla Solarte) |
| Country | Panama |
| Province | Bocas del Toro |
| Coordinates | 9°18′N 82°11′W |
| Area | 8 km2 (3.1 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EAST) |
| Population | 285 |
| Airport | N/A |
How to Get to Solarte Island
To reach Solarte Island from Bocas del Toro or nearby islands, you can follow this route:
- Fly to PTY (Tocumen International Airport) in Panama City.
- Transfer to PAC and take a flight to BOC (Bocas del Toro).
- Upon landing, take a land taxi from the airport to the water taxi station.
- At the water taxi station, instruct them to take you to Solarte Island!
Best Things to Do on Solarte Island
"Hospital Point" is positioned on the tip of this paradise and is one of the excellent snorkeling spots on the island. It gives a fascinating boating adventure. For a more fantastic, enjoyable, and quiet enjoyment without a good deal of noise, you can find it wherein fishermen reside, and there are hardly ever any hotels. This makes it best for excellent diving and snorkeling reports.
There's a small beach wherein you may dock kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, and buoys are to be had for marking the reefs. The coral reef incorporates narrow coral walls, making it appropriate for shallow-intensity snorkeling while still showcasing abundant marine lifestyles. If you enjoy loose diving, you may step further down for a deeper level.
Some tourists pick guided excursions. However, the enjoyment may be incredible if you challenge them independently. The paddle journey might also last around an hour or longer, but it is worth it for this ocean adventure. Just ensure that other boats can see you when using paddleboards or kayaks.
The southern coast is wealthy in mangroves and numerous mangrove islets, making landing challenging; however, as soon as at the islands and beyond the mangroves, the primarily wooded area dominates.
The lowland rainforest on Solarte Island comprises large emergent timber, including Ficus sp. And Dipteryx oleifera. The undergrowth is relatively sparse, specifically in philodendrons, bamboo, small palm timber, and heliconias.
Oophaga pumilio are observed within the woodland understory, on tree roots, or nearby. These frogs never immediately inhabit the leaf muddle or higher leaf layers; however, they circulate alongside the floor with the use of branches and roots.
Restaurants on Solarte Island
Guari guari: A nicely ventilated small eating place in front of Playa El Istmito, imparting a creative menu with various appetizers, predominant courses, and cakes featuring Mediterranean-stimulated cuisine organized by means of a Spanish chef.
Bibi’s at the seaside: A fascinating restaurant positioned above a river, presenting outstanding perspectives and serving correct dishes and delicious cocktails. It is administered by a lovely couple who also operate a browsing faculty around the corner.
El último refugio: One of the most famous eating places in Bocas, providing Asian, Mediterranean, or Caribbean-flavored dishes. The eating place is warm and placed above the water, recognized for dishes like sesame tuna steak with mustard, ginger, and soy sauce.
Where to Stay on Solarte Island
Akwaba Lodge located in the central area of Solarte Island, is a tranquil paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They highlight its unique location for a quiet and relaxing holiday, offering free kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment to guests. It's easy to swim, snorkel, and participate in water activities in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Fabienne and Benoît offer a dream villa positioned in Solarte, with a remarkable region just ten minutes away from Bocas. The villa gives beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by lush mangroves and extending to the foothills of the mountains. Guests can loosen up through the poolside pavilion and experience the entire tranquility.
The visitor rooms are simple yet cutting-edge, proposing top-class bedding and private terraces. A hearty breakfast prepares visitors for kayaking or paddling adventures to explore the surroundings.
F&B's cooking is outstanding, surpassing any eating places you've visited in Central America or Panama, presenting dishes like lobster, grilled fish, or burgers with self-made sauces, mini buns, and fries.
This comfortable mini holiday house is located a 2-minute stroll from Carenero Beach and an 8-minute water taxi journey to Bocas.
As its name, the cottage has a roofed porch and a barbecue pit with a picnic table, surrounded by flora and fauna, growing a paradise where you wake up to birdsong every morning.
This vacation home is also near Carenero Beach, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the garden and sea from the terrace. The rooms do not have windows but instead feature a very transparent and ultra-fine mosquito net, allowing you to hear the beautiful sounds of the waves and jungle, along with pleasant breezes.
The restaurant offers coral reefs for snorkeling right in front. Additionally, the yoga room is spectacular, with jungle views and high ceilings.
Tips fpr Solarte Island
- Please ensure to carry insect repellent to prevent sand flies (or "Chitras") native to the area.
- It is essential to keep your belongings secure and avoid leaving them on the beach.
- When snorkeling, please choose locations visible from boats.
- While hiking in the rainforest, take care not to step on orange arrow poison frogs.
- Avoid wandering on the island late at night.
- Remember to lock your accommodations when leaving or at night.
