Panama is made up of a bridge of land that unites North and South America, together with numerous islands. Tourism is relatively new to Panama, which is currently viewed as an “off-the-beaten-track” type of destination, popular with backpackers. The country is so ecologically diverse, with rain forests, mountains, cloud forests and beautiful coastlines, that it has a great deal of potential for eco-tourism. READ MORE
Tranquilo Bay
Eco Adventure Lodge
Tranquilo Bay is an owner-operated eco adventure lodge located on Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panama adjacent to Bastimentos National Marine Park. Over a kilometer of Caribbean coastline covered in coral gardens teaming with tropical fish. The facilities encompass over 200 acres, with over a mile of hiking trails full of wildlife. At least 75% of the acreage has been left to evolve in its natural state.
Sustainable Practices
Eco-friendly renewable, reusable, or recyclable materials (wood, steel, and concrete) are used to construct the buildings.
Limited use of local hardwoods to combat de-forestation.
Waste management: kitchen and garden waste are composted or fed to the local animals.
Tranquilo Bay educates employees and guests on the protection and preservation of the native marine and wild life.
Chemical usage: using the smallest amount (and the least harmful option) of chemicals possible to for cleaning and insect management.
Use of plastics: use of the smallest amount of plastic possible when sending guests off on excursions. Lunches are packed in reusable containers rather than in plastic bags for each guest.
Water treatment: natural rainwater is captured then purified using state-of-the-art filtration and UV light sterilization technique.
Activities
- Beaches: Tranquilo Bay is centrally located in the heart of the archipelago, which makes it possible to visit a different beach everyday during your stay.
- Birding & Wildlife: Tranquilo Bay rests on a nature preserve of over 200 acres. In less than a week you might see white faced monkeys, night monkeys, two and three toed sloths, iguanas, caiman, blue morpho butterflies, a variety of frogs and lizards. Each guided excursion will be tailored to meet your group’s areas of interest, experience, and physical abilities.
- Fishing: Local fishermen in Bocas del Toro fish year-round for snapper, jacks and barracuda. When pursuing game fish the most consistent months are March through May and September through mid November.
- Rainforest Hiking: On our naturalist hikes we 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.
- Indigenous Cultures: Service projects for the schools within the villages may be arranged with advance notice for a group.
- Kayaking & Paddle Boarding: 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.
- Snorkeling: Shore snorkeling from Tranquilo Bay puts you directly within the marine park and a number of different types of formations and habitats for your exploration.
- Surfing: Explore waves by traveling to all locations via boat. The fast 26-foot boats will drop you right by the take-off point, and then anchor in the channel to serve as a rest stop.
- Birding: Birding Vacation packages include 7 days guided birding within the Western Caribbean Slope.
Accommodations
Accommodations include nine spacious cabanas with covered porch, air-conditioning, hot water, featuring a king or queen bed or two double beds.
Meals
Communal Meals at Tranquilo Bay are included with your stay. Breakfast offerings may include a continental buffet, your choice of eggs and a special breakfast item each day. Lunch will be packed for those guests whose excursions take them away from the lodge. For those on site, lunch is a typical Panamanian dish, soup, salad or sandwich and homemade cookies. Dinners vary based upon the local ingredients available; however you should expect three or four delicious courses.
Family Vacation Package
- 7 days guided activities and excursions: Zapatilla Cayes Beach, Kayak, & Snorkel, Organic Chocolate Farm Visit, Indigenous Village Visit, Jungle Hike, & Snorkel, Canopy Tower Observation, Mangrove Kayak, Wildlife Spotting Hike, Coral Reef Snorkeling
- 7 Day / Night Package at Tranquilo Bay Beginning at $1325 per adult, $675 per child with double occupancy
La Loma Jungle Lodge
Bahia Honda
Accessible only by boat, La Loma Jungle Lodge sits in the heart of the Isla Bastimentos rainforest on a 55 acre property stretching from the mangrove shores of the Bahia Honda Bay, through tropical forest and groves of fruit trees, to the highest point on Isla Bastimentos, allowing for breathtaking vistas of the jungle and bay. Lush, nectar-rich gardens attract a wide variety of unique wildlife. The land borders the spectacular National Marine Park, and idyllic white sand beaches are just a short boat journey away.
Activities
- Jungle Activities: Hike through primary forest and visit natural rock pools and streams while spotting Capuchin monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, native frogs, birds, and butterflies. For the more adventurous, set out on a guided hike across the island, through the stunning Bastimentos National Marine Park, to reach deserted Long Beach “Playa Larga” and other pristine beaches on the North side.
- Beach Trips: Zapatilla Islands, Red Frog Beach, Polo Beach
- Cave Tour: Navigate through narrow mangrove passages up the beautiful Bahia Honda creek and venture into the island where the jungle opens to the island’s incredible cave system.
- Snorkeling: Half day snorkeling trips.
- Fishing: Try your luck fishing using the traditional local Ngäbe hand-line style. The cooks at the resort will prepare your catch!
- Wellness: Yoga, Massages, Retreats
- Permaculture Farm: Learn about the permaculture process, and taste the wide variety of tropical fruits we grow here.
- Cacao & Chocolate Processing: Learn about this sustainable tropical forest crop, native to the Americas, which thrives under the jungle canopy in compost-rich soil entirely free of pesticides and fertilizers.
- Community Involvement: Education is Power, a foundation established specifically to fundraise for educational programs in Bahia Honda; Give and Surf recruits volunteers to work on the ground to deliver many projects both in Bahia Honda and throughout the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
Accommodations
Each handcrafted bungalow is tucked away under the towering rainforest canopy, offering breathtaking views of the verdant jungle and inhabiting wildlife. Bungalow amenities include 180 degree view of the jungle, ceiling fans & mosquito nets, hot shower with purified rainwater, organic & biodegradable toiletries, hammocks, yoga mats, reusable stainless steal water bottles.
Another option is to stay in the Cacao Farm House, a spacious, three-bedroom, open air unit. It’s perfect for families, groups, and those with restricted mobility.
Meals- “Gourmet Off-Grid”
Many ingredients are sourced from their very own jungle farm, carefully cultivating trees by using organic compost, and never using pesticides or fertilizers. A helping hand is always welcome to harvest ingredients! Meals are communal with dishes being locally inspired.
Urraca Private Island Eco Resort
Monkey Island Foundation
Set out at sea Urraca is a mangrove island with no actual land, where every structure has been built on stilts over the water. The island is located in the most pristine and secluded area of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, on the northern Caribbean coast of Panama, and is accessible via a 35 minute boat ride from Isla Colon. Close proximity to mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs will allow you to easily explore different ecosystems and encounter the rich biodiversity that inhabits them.
Sustainable Practices
The island is 100% powered by solar panels and solar lights.
Freshwater resources are collected through a rain catchment system.
To avoid the use of plastic only stainless steel straws are available, and guests are provided with unlimited drinking water in reusable glass bottles.
Structures were designed to harmoniously blend in with the landscape while maximizing natural ventilation; and built using local timber only.
Our staff is composed of indigenous women from the local Ngäbe village.
All our seafood and seasonal fruits are bought directly from Ngäbe fishermen and farmers.
A variety of tours and activities were created that involve the neighbors in a meaningful way; providing them with not only economic empowerment, but also a glimpse into the many benefits and opportunities eco-tourism can bring to the area, and to their community.
Activities
- Monkey Island Foundation: Offering life-long quality care for monkeys who were separated from their families at a young age, and therefore don’t posses the skills and knowledge to survive in the wild. Enjoy an educational wildlife tour and meet the monkeys!
- Unlimited use of kayaks and paddleboards
- Bioluminescence at night (brilliant glowing water that can be seen 4 nights before and after the New moon)
- Join a retreat
- Catch your own lobster
- Snorkel in the waters around the entire private mangrove island
- Fishing expedition and snorkeling with Ngabe fishermen
- Ngabe traditional cooking and gourmet Experience
- Red Frog Beach & Zipline
- Massage
Accommodations
There are six overwater bungalows on the island: 4 regular bungalows that fit two people, 1 honeymooner’s hut that fits two people, and 1 bungalow for groups that fits up to six people. All rooms are equipped with electric fans and semi orthopedic mattresses. There’s free WIFI everywhere on the island and hot water in every indoor and outdoor shower. You can rent out the entire island for groups up to 24. Guest must be 12+.
Meals
The onsite gourmet restaurant has a Caribbean and French fusion with ingredients being locally sourced and catch of the day. Complimentary breakfast always comes with coffee, tea, and an assortment of seasonal tropical fruits, like papaya, passionfruit, and tamarillo, among others. Lunch consists of flatbreads or wraps while dinner is a 3 course meal.
Red Frog Beach Island Resort
Bocas del Toro
Discover an island treasure of breath-taking beauty offering luxurious accommodations and amenities in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Red Frog Beach Island Resort surrounds you with spacious serenity, featuring a private beach and gorgeous views of the Caribbean. Here, the rich heritage, Caribbean lifestyle, enduring culture, and natural surroundings are much like the scene of several hundred years ago, offering an unrivaled vacation experience.
30 miles off the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, the isles of Bocas del Toro in Panama offer world-famous beaches, renowned biodiversity, and eclectic Caribbean culture. A five-minute boat ride from the Resort, the historic town of Old Bank beckons with interconnected footpaths (no roads or cars) and the local “guari-guari” dialect, while incredible outdoor adventures are available at every turn.
Sustainable Practices
The Resort has received the coveted Green Globe certification 3 years in a row, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices within the tourism industry – the first destination in Panama to achieve this impressive distinction.
Committed to preserving 80% of the island property forever.
Providing 20% of its power with sustainable energy.
Implementing various conservation projects
The resorts goal is to reduce water usage by 10% per year and a new rainwater catchment system has been introduced.
Reforestation is an ongoing project with teak and eucalyptus trees being planted.
Activities
- Onsite Spa
- La Rosa Beach Club: Ocean views & common pool
- Onsite Canopy Zipline Tour
- Dolphin Bay and Zapatillas key boat tour
- Island Cave Tours
- Private Beach
Accommodations
Accommodations range from lodges, villas, condos & rooms. The 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom jungle lodges include a small kitchen, living space and a shared pool. Hillside Villas range from 2 to 6-bedrooms. Ocean view condos range from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom. Beachfront rooms are located 30 meters from the ocean featuring a king bed, mini fridge and access to a shared pool.
Meals
Red Frog Beach Island Resort features two distinctive dining experiences offering incredible ocean views with varied menus. La Rosa Beach Club features a pool to enjoy while savoring local and American food, and The Point Pizza Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner right on Red Frog Beach. In the evening, enjoy the sunset while you dine.
The Red Frog Market is a fully stocked grocery store and deli available to stock your villa.
Isla Palenque Resort
This luxury island resort is a sanctuary for curious travelers like you who seek a true, tropical island of natural beauty. With 8 modern luxury Casitas and a Villa Estate, it is the first of its kind in Panama, Central America. Just off the western Pacific shore of Panama lies Isla Palenque, a private island sanctuary with nearly 400 acres of lush jungle and a luxury resort that prides itself on low-impact living. Isla Palenque Resort is a proud member of The Cayuga Collection of Sustainable Luxury Hotels. Through its environmental awareness efforts and sustainability programs, it represents a new generation of hoteliers leading the way for intelligent luxury travel.
Sustainable Practices
Locally-sourced biodegradable products and all-organic foods.
Employ local staff and educate them, our local community, and our guests in an enjoyable, inspiring way.
Partnered with Dock to Dish to receive deliveries of fresh and sustainably caught seafood.
Banished all single use plastic from the island.
Use of exclusively sustainable hardwood sources and rapidly renewable material to avoid deforestation.
Every month the staff volunteers to help clean up Boca Chica’s public dock and beaches, the snorkeling and island hopping area of Bolaños and Gamez, and the surrounding town.
Solar panels heat water for guest rooms.
Guests are invited to contribute to our reforestation program by transplanting a primary rainforest seedling to an area of secondary growth. We’ll teach you all about your chosen tree and its role in the ecosystem, and make sure to nurture it for years to come.
Organic cleaning products & bath amenities.
Guests are welcome to a sustainability tour on the grounds.
Activities
- Secrets of the Island & Jungle Hikes
- Island Hopping & Snorkeling
- Seven Beaches
- Paddleboarding & Kayaking
- Whale Watching
- Island Foraging
- Infinity pool, sunbeds and hammock lounge
- The Ultimate Challenge: A 5km Fitness Circuit for teens
- Cooking & Pastry Classes for Young Chefs
Accommodations
Each of the 8 luxury Beachfront Casitas are tucked away in palm groves with a private path straight to the ocean and 1.3 km of pristine beachfront on Playa Palenque. Modern indoor/outdoor living includes air conditioning, yoga mats & meditation pillows. Beachfront villa estates are available for groups of 2-14. The 6 free-standing, luxury Villa Estate suites & rooms are located on the East side of the island, right above Playa Primera beach. Two daily cleaning services per day in both the casitas and villas.
Meals
Las Rocas Restaurant & Bar provides 3 A-La-Carte meals daily. Meals are locally-sourced, seasonal produce; grass-fed, hormone-free beef and poultry, and responsibly caught seafood. The chefs at this beachfront dining restaurant also offer cooking and pastry classes, house infused cocktails, mixology workshops and beachfront picnics.
