Serious Beach Time: If serious beach time is what you desire, then Bocas del Toro has one just right for you. Tranquilo Bay is centrally located in the heart of the archipelago, which makes it possible to visit a different beach everyday during your stay.
The archipelago of Bocas del Toro, surrounded by the Talamanca range, is an expanse of turquoise Caribbean waters dotted with lushly forested islands, mangrove Cayes, and flats of coral and turtle grass.
The windward islands are blessed with pristine coconut-lined white sand beaches, several of which are protected by Bastimentos National Marine Park.
Four species of sea turtles nest on these shores and inhabit the reefs laden with tropical fish. Sand dollars, seashells and driftwood are easily admired on these uninhabited beaches. It is not uncommon to find yourself exploring the whole day without ever encountering other footsteps.
Panama's geographic location as a land bridge between North and South America contributes to its amazing variety. There are several different types of seascapes surrounding the area, each possessing its own unique features.
Relax in the seclusion of crescent shaped beaches surrounded by rock cliffs, snorkel the barrier and patch reefs of uninhabited white sand islands covered in coconut palms, or slip into the lush rainforest of Bastimentos to explore the flora and fauna.
The shade of Almonds, Sea Grapes, and Coconut Palms, draped in a collage of orchids, ferns, and bromeliads provide a cool diversion from the sun, where the 80-degree Caribbean waters are waiting to enfold you.
All beach excursions depart directly from our comfortable facility where our staff will handle the preparation of everything you need for a comfortable beach experience.
Plenty of cold drinks and sweet rainwater are packed with your favorite sandwiches and plenty of fruit. Beach chairs, towels, snorkel gear, horseshoes, Frisbees, and sand castle tools are a few of the simple beach amenities that complete the experience.
All you have to do is enjoy the beautiful surroundings as we travel by boat to one of the many nearby beaches... Don't forget your favorite book!
There are several family-friendly beaches in the area for those bringing young children. These areas are safe year round, geographically protected from open ocean swell and prevailing winds, there is
little to no wave action and minimal currents. We also have life jackets covering a range of sizes.
Amazing variety: Birds are a primary indicator of biodiversity and Panama takes the grand prize. Panama, an area roughly the size of South Carolina, has over 900 recorded bird species, more than the U.S. and Canada combined. This is due to two factors: Panama's location relative to two continents and its narrow girth. Birds migrating between North and South America tend to be funneled into a small area.
Many North and South American species are represented, both native and migratory. Panama also has many endemic species of avifauna. Of the known species, 10 percent are restricted range species having a global range of less than 50,000 square kilometers.
There is a local saying that while in other countries you have 20 tourists looking at one bird, in Panama, you have one tourist looking at 20 birds.
The Caribbean slope of the Talamanca range, Tranquilo Bay's backyard, is home to roughly 600 species of birds. In the areas we explore from our comfortable facility the altitude ranges from 7,000 feet to sea level, and nearly 500 species of birds can be found.
For an island only covering 20 square miles, Isla Bastimentos' amazing variety of tropical birds is truly awesome. Parrots, herons, ibises, boobies, frigate birds, terns, jaegers, birds of prey, dove, owls, hummingbirds, kingfishers, barbets, woodpeckers, wrens, tyrant flycatchers, cotingas, manakins, warblers, tanagers, finches, and icterids all can be found on-site.
Tranquilo Bay rests on 60 acres amongst the convergence of three distinct ecosystems, while only six acres are used for the facility. The edge where these ecosystems meet are host to an extremely diverse wildlife observation site.
In less than a week it is possible to identify over 100 species of birds without leaving the facility. In this same time you might see white faced monkeys, night monkeys, two and three toed sloths, iguanas, caiman, blue morph butterflies or a variety of frogs and lizards.
There are several elevated porches throughout the property, creating an incredible eye-level view. Our central location in the archipelago allows us to explore freely, traveling by boat directly from the facility for all of our excursions.
A professional bird guide with extensive experience in the area will be provided for groups of four or more. Our explorations may take us to the surreal palm covered rock outcroppings dotting the outer reefs, serving as a rookery for many sea birds, including the only known breeding sites in Panama for red-billed tropicbirds or audubon's shearwater.
You will never forget this breathtaking site where countless magnificent frigates and boobies rest after feeding. Or perhaps we're off to the Bosque Palo Seco, a lush cloud forest refuge set high in the Talamanca range that hosts ecology so diverse that even the master naturalist will be amazed.
For 25,000 years this area has been covered in primary rainforest, rock faces, freestone rivers, and waterfalls. Each evening, we will return to the comfort of Tranquilo Bay to compare encounters and photographs over dinner.
Underwater Life: Tranquilo Bay is fortunate enough to be surrounded by the extremely diverse 28,600 marine acres of Bastimentos National Marine Park.
Panama's first marine park is one of the most spectacular in all of Central America. In a protected corridor no wider than seven miles, the oceanic diversity, sub-sea topography, marine ecosystems, life zones and species are extreme.
Our underwater excursions are designed to explore as many different realms as possible while focusing on habitat and species diversity.
Much of the marine park has never been explored under the surface, and many of the known dive sites are as yet unnamed. Within the marine park, sea fan gardens, vibrant coral reefs, and over 200 species of tropical fish live amongst a dramatic sub-sea terrain, which seems to transform every few hundred yards.
Oceanic formations in the area include walls, freshwater caves, tunnels, pinnacles, coral spires and towers, Spur and groove, ocean impact reef, sandy ledges and protected patch reef.
Tranquilo Bay is centrally located in the archipelago and only a short boat ride away from a variety of depths and currents to accommodate all skill levels. Full PADI instruction is available upon request and should be reserved at time of booking.
All excursions depart directly from our facility where our staff will handle the preparation, maintenance and portage of the equipment. From the moment you arrive we will take care of your equipment for you. Save your energy to explore a new reef. Our boatmen will wash your gear and store it each day... You enjoy your vacation!
Our 27 and 25-foot boats are powered with reliable Yamaha outboards and each comfortably seat six divers with crew. Each day consists of two or three dives depending on destination and depth.
Generally, following breakfast there will be a one-tank dive, after which you will return to the facility for lunch. Following lunch you will make two more dives exploring three different sites each day.
It is not necessary to bring tanks or weights; we will provide them for you. On most dives wetsuits are not needed due to our warm tropical waters. Dive skins, thin wetsuits and shorties are comfortable and can provide protection from the wind while traveling between sites. Scuba Pro BCDs, regulators and wetsuits are available to rent and should be reserved at time of booking.
If diving or snorkeling is the primary objective of your trip, note that the Caribbean Sea is calmer and there is less rain from February through June and September through November, September and October being the most consistent of all months.
The visibility, while most times is good, does not compare with that of other well known dive destinations such as Cayman Islands or Cozumel. That being said, most of the interesting formations here in Bocas del Toro are in shallower water. In many areas the maximum depth is 40 feet and the light penetration is excellent.
Just remember, you're not coming here because it is the clearest ocean you can find, you're coming to explore the most biologically diverse Caribbean marine park in Central America.
For those interested in learning to skin dive, instruction is conveniently conducted on-site from our floating dive platform. Snorkeling instruction is available upon request. PADI instruction is available for an additional charge and should be reserved at time of booking.
Exploring Bocas del Toro: Walking through the jungle is a surreal and vivid experience. As you enter beneath the rainforest canopy, cool moist air and profound shade envelop all within.
Surprisingly dark inside, a slight feeling of insignificance begins to sharpen your awareness. Sight, smell, hearing and touch seem hypersensitive as you simultaneously gather and rapidly process information from your bizarre new surroundings. The enormous height and size of the vine-entangled trees leave many visitors with a feeling of awe.
Tranquilo Bay is surrounded by national parks and protected areas creating 1.4 million contiguous acres, the single largest remaining tract of virgin forest unit in Central America (see the National Parks and Wildlife Refuge Section).
Extending from the continental divide to the Caribbean Sea, this pristine forest covers all five altitudinal zones known to the tropics. Bocas del Toro is an explorer's dreamland and still one of the wildest, most biologically diverse places on Earth.
We explore these areas from the comfort of our facility and often cross three or more ecosystems in a single excursion. Our expeditions into the parks are designed to cover a diverse range of ecosystems, flora, fauna and terrain; each hike will be tailored to meet your group's areas of interest, experience, and physical abilities.
A knowledgeable guide, equipped with a sharp machete and extensive experience in the area, will accompany your group on all hikes into the rainforest. Forest explorations generally depart after breakfast; lunch is usually picnic style and served on the trail.
Hiking Types:
To enhance your experience, we plan our explorations into the rainforest with three distinct variables, each providing a different experience... Each excursion may include elements of each variable or may be completed using one variable alone.
A naturalist hike will slowly and quietly move beneath the canopy actively searching flora and fauna such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, hardwoods, forest palms, vines, bryophytes, ferns, bromeliads, orchids, and other epiphytes. This type of hike generally consists of a short, brisk walk to reach an area of interest. Once there, the pace slows and there is more observation and learning than hiking.
All ages and fitness levels can enjoy this casual and invigorating hiking experience. We have plenty of books in our library so you can study up on your favorite plant and animal species, or discover new ones.
A destination hike is more of a cardiovascular workout and can be paced to meet the group's needs. This hike's main objective is to move toward the primary target, such as a waterfall, beach, or cave perhaps, while observing the jungle through a "wide angle lens".
The pace is brisk and distance longer. Short rests will be taken at areas of interest, such as poison dart frogs or blooming orchids. These hikes require a moderate level of physical fitness, and are not suited for children younger than 10.
Extreme hiking is for the cardiovascular workout enthusiast. The primary goal is to cover as much varied terrain as possible. Because of the long distance covered, topography and habitat changes are abrupt and frequent.
You might run down the beach as the trail slips in and out of the jungle, or scale an oceanfront rock face -- the only barrier between you and the next beach.
There will be many hills of steep grade and the terrain variable. When the hike is done you should be wet, dirty, and completely satiated. High fitness levels required, keeping in mind that the distance can be shortened.
Diverse Options: The archipelago of Bocas del Toro earned the name "Galapagos of the Caribbean" by being one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.
Our sea kayak excursions are designed to cover an array of ecosystems, terrain, marine and terrestrial wildlife. Enjoy the tranquility and thrill of sea kayaking as we paddle along dramatic stretches of the archipelago, allowing us to explore secluded white sand beaches, coral flats, small offshore islands and rock ledge coastline, navigate mangrove forests, paddle up spring fed rivers, shoot the mountain rapids or snorkel pristine reefs and rock formations. Many of our daily explorations cover more than three separate ecosystems.
Tranquilo Bay is centrally located in the archipelago and adjacent to Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park. The park's 32,700 acres of rainforest and reef are home to an important nature reserve rich in wildlife, and will provide the backdrop for many of the excursions.
Our central location allows us to comfortably explore the entire archipelago and beyond. The farthest limits are less than a 20-mile boat ride in any direction.
All excursions depart directly from our comfortable facility where our staff will handle the preparation, maintenance and portage of the equipment. Snorkel gear is provided on all excursions to fully explore the underwater realm of brilliant tropical fishes living amongst vibrant coral reefs. All you have to do is paddle and absorb the breath-taking scenery.
No experience is required for many of the excursions. Whether you're searching for the serenity of calm backwaters, need to feel the surge of jagged frontal coastline, or want to try a little whitewater, we will schedule your group's excursions to accommodate various experience levels.
A chase boat used to haul extra gear, food, beverages, safety and first aid equipment, will accompany all outer excursions. The 80-degree clear Caribbean waters of Bocas del Toro are ideal for those who are not familiar with the equipment.
For those new to the sport, we will provide a thorough Kayak/Safety lesson to familiarize you with the equipment and techniques so that you are adequately prepared for your adventure.
At Tranquilo Bay: The views will mesmerize you. The quiet will hypnotize you. The birds will fascinate you. Whether you're curled up in a hammock, sunning on our dock or reading in our library, you'll be sure to relax on this vacation like no other you have had.
Hammocks: What a perfect way to relax! Curl up with a good book from our library or your favorite travel companion. Each cabana offers it's own 2-person hammock with fabulous views and a gentle breeze from our outdoor ceiling fans. Or, if you prefer, there are several around the Tranquilo Bay property just waiting for our guests to take the perfect afternoon siesta.
Swimming:Our guests never know what type of water life they will encounter while swimming off our private dock. Take advantage of the seclusion our private bay will lend you.
Library: Our library hosts a large variety of both fiction and nonfiction works as well as children's favorites. Feel free to choose one of our books during your stay at Tranquilo Bay or bring your own. Either way, take advantage of a rare opportunity to read and relax. In addition, we also have an extensive video collection for those who like to relax with a movie.
Boat Outings We have many different excursions for anyone interested in seeing what Bocas del Toro has to offer. These excursions vary from a ride in the boat gazing at the beautiful islands to a short walk to see a spectacular waterfall. Take a look at the photo gallery and the excursion descriptions to get a feel for what you will experience.