10 hotels in Isla Bastimentos: Best hotel deals for 2023

August 14, 2022 Jeremy Dunfee

Discover the best hotels in Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro Province including Palmar Beach Lodge, La Loma Jungle Lodge and Chocolate Farm, Selina Red Frog, Red Frog Beach Island Resort, Eclypse de Mar, Hotel Caribbean View, Hostal El Jaguar, El Jaguar, Eclypse De Mar Acqua Lodge, Hostal Green Coast.
Restaurants in Isla Bastimentos

1. Palmar Beach Lodge

Red Frog Beach, Isla Bastimentos 0101 Panama
Excellent
66%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 655 reviews

Palmar Beach Lodge

Palmar is located directly on the famous Red Frog Beach, in the lush tropical rainforest of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Stay in a cabin, luxury bungalow, safari style tents, or shared dorms. Everything is fully solar powered, and all the water is rain-caught. The property features a large beachfront, restaurant, bar, lounge, and yoga studio. Activities include island tours, snorkeling, hiking, bonfires, movie nights, cacao farm visits, surfing, massage, ATV tours, zipline, and fishing trips. Free Wi-Fi and roundtrip boat shuttle are included for every guest.

Heaven

Reviewed By mbNChris

This eco-oriented place lies on Isla Bastimentos in Bocas Del Toro. A variety of accommodations are available from tents to air conditioned cabins, all set in a lush jungle, steps away from the beautiful Caribbean beach. Their open air café is a sweet place to relax - no shoes required. Amazing fresh food at super reasonable prices. If you wish, you will meet nice people from all over the world, plus some cute dogs. Palmar staff are the best!! Allison the manager was endlessly helpful and everyone was warm and kind. A water taxi will take you from Bocas town to the dock on the bay side of Isla Bastimentos. The 15 minute hike to the lodge is best accomplished with a backpack. We had suitcases and are older with backs that ache more days than not. Were able to arrange for someone from the lodge to wheelbarrow our bags in for us - call/email ahead if needed! One piece of advice: staff take the 8am water taxi in, so don’t count on a wheelbarrow before then on your way out or in. We had massages right on the beach, took a yoga class, saw red frogs, swam daily, did not wear shoes for 5 days - it was heaven!!

2. La Loma Jungle Lodge and Chocolate Farm

Bahia Honda, Isla Bastimentos Panama
Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 457 reviews

La Loma Jungle Lodge and Chocolate Farm

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. All gourmet meals are included.

Amazing place

Reviewed By Gsywanderer

We stayed here for 4 nights in March 2022. This place is really magical. You really feel like you are in the middle of the jungle - but a jungle with all the “trimmings” Pros: 1: lovely staff - attentive but not in your face 2: daily interesting cocktails ($8-9). Think beetroot with gin, lemongrass and gin, rum with tumeric and ginger 3: the long hike was brilliant - it was amazing to be in the jungle and see the wonderful beaches 4: food - breakfast was fruit, yogurt, eggs, bread, lunch was a simple veggie dish (lentils, potato cakes, chickpea salad), dinner 3 courses - tuna, white fish, chicken mole and chocolate - there is chocolate with every meal! 5: the view - particularly at sunset 6: daily yoga ($15pp) 7: outside shower 8: the bioluminescence tour - unbelievable!! Book it! Cons: 1: we didn’t know the prices of the drinks - they were reasonable but it would have been nice to know up front 2: everything bites you - take good bug spray and use it all day!

3. Selina Red Frog

Red Frog Beach, Isla Bastimentos Panama
Excellent
69%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 312 reviews

Selina Red Frog

Selina Red Frog is a 10-minute boat ride from Bocas Town on the beautiful Isla Bastimentos. Get the best of both worlds surrounded by rainforest, mangroves and white sand beaches. Want a little energy? Head to colorful Caribbean Bocas del Toro, famous for its Afro-Caribbeans vibes, blend of cultures, and blue-green water. Dreamy, surreal and seductive, stepping into this island destination is like stepping into another world. Its crystal-clear water that will draw you in, and the captivating energy that will make you want stay. Dive into crystal clear waters for world-class snorkeling, fishing, and dolphin watching. Paddle out for a day of surf and sun, or venture into the jungle to see exotic wildlife on foot and from above on thrilling canopy tours. Selina Red Frog is a fresh, open space in which to travel, work, and play come together.

The staff are wonderful!

Reviewed By 1975rachel

Thank Vera for your help? We had a fantastic stay and you made it even better! The rooms and common areas are clean. There is a fun relaxing vibe at Selina Red Frog. Red Frog beach is gorgeous. I can’t wait to come back to visit! The Wilgus Family

4. Red Frog Beach Island Resort

Bocas del Toro, Isla Bastimentos 0101 Panama
Excellent
65%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 748 reviews

Red Frog Beach Island Resort

Red Frog Beach offers upscale villas, rooms and jungle lodges for couples looking for a romantic island escape or families looking for an ideal place to have a true adventure. If you like nice beaches and nature and don't want a commercialized/retail type place - Red Frog Beach is for you. Touted as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, this island resort offers and experience in nature that few places in the world can offer.

Dirty beach

Reviewed By annewZ7592DV

My bf and I did a day visit to red frog beach as we were staying elsewhere on the island. I had read much about the luxurious resort and beach. However, it turned out to be awful. We paid $5 each for admission and hiked our way to the beach via the jungle path . Upon arriving what a disappointment. The beach was littered with sea and jungle debris and old washed up fishing nets and rope. The sand is dark. The chaise lounges are filthy and broken. The beach restaurant had absolutely no atmosphere and poor service from a disgruntled young man. I would not recommend bocas del toro at all but red frog was the worst.

5. Eclypse de Mar

Bocas del Toro, Isla Bastimentos 0101 Panama
Excellent
71%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 427 reviews

Eclypse de Mar

See why so many travelers make Eclypse de Mar their bed and breakfast of choice when visiting Isla Bastimentos. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a romantic setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers like you. The bed and breakfast features room service and a sun terrace, and you can stay connected during your stay as Eclypse De Mar Hotel offers guests free wifi. Plus, Eclypse de Mar offers free breakfast, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the cafes, including Coco Hill Restaurant & Bar and Up in the Hill - Coffee Shop & Organic Farm, all of which are a short distance from Eclypse De Mar Hotel. At Eclypse de Mar, your comfort and satisfaction come first, and they look forward to welcoming you to Isla Bastimentos.

Great Stay

Reviewed By reshdubz

We stayed in one of the over-the-water bungalows for two nights at the end of May. We stayed in bungalow number 5 which we loved because it's the one at the very end and has the most privacy as all the other bungalows were behind us. We really enjoyed our time here and I wished we had been able to stay an extra night. The bungalows are spacious and comfortable. The decks were lovely to watch sunsets or take a dip in the water right from your bungalow. The nature reserve is wonderful to walk through. There are free kayaks to use. The owner was very nice and the staff (especially JJ and Ricki) were so helpful and accommodating. Breakfast was included and is simple but good and much appreciated. Charlie, the dog the lives on the property, is so sweet! We highly recommend this place. We had no major issues with wifi and had no problems charging our items overnight. Two cons/complaints: The menu options are REALLY lacking at this price point. They could offer more food options. It sometimes got stuffy at night and we couldn't really feel the ceiling fan all that well. We wanted to open the windows to let some air/breeze in, but didn't want to let the mosquitoes/bugs in since there wasn't a mosquito net. We wished there had been screens for the bedroom windows or a mosquito net at night that we could use as it got hot and the fan wasn't that strong and didn't provide much relief. We are not sure why, but we got pretty bit up by "chitras" when we arrived at this place. We were recommended to use coconut oil to prevent chitra bites.

6. Hotel Caribbean View

Calle Principal, Casa 98, Old Bank, Isla Bastimentos 0101 Panama
Excellent
40%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
5%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 80 reviews

Hotel Caribbean View

Hotel Caribbean View is a family owned hotel and restaurant and has been for the last ten years. We offer a pleasant water front dining experience with spectacular views. We have a variety of room types that all include A/C, Free WiFi, private baths and nice comfortable beds with affordable prices. Also ,are upstairs rooms offer private balcony's. Are restaurant uses local fresh produce,fruit and seafood right here from Bocas Del Toro. Are dinners include whole lobster,snapper,shrimp,octopus all in one of are unique Caribbean creole sauces. Are dinner price range is 9-25$ usd. With authentic Caribbean Style food and wonderful hospitality Hotel Caribbean View is a excellent vacation getaway.

Great Hotel Over the Water with Private Rooms

Reviewed By TexasBil

This hotel is fantastic! Family-owned and operated. The hotel has a kitchen and sits right over the water overlooking an open bay to Bocas del Toro. This is an authentic Caribbean experience. The family that runs the hotel are the friendliest people you will ever meet. The rooms come with an a/c and are very affordable. They offer tours and will gladly offer information on all the best places to visit while in Bocas del Toro. The food is fantastic and you can paddle around in a kayak while you wait or even throw a line in the water. Family-friendly and also a great stop for those with a tour group. There are small grocery stores nearby and plenty of opportunities to meet friendly local people. Highly Recommend!

7. Hostal El Jaguar

Old Bank 50m East From The Main Plaza, Isla Bastimentos 0101 Panama
Excellent
37%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 82 reviews

Hostal El Jaguar

The Jaguar Hostel is a comfortable, clean and affordable choice for those who want to stay in Bastimentos, at a suitable distance from the noise and movement of the capital of the province, Bocas del Toro, but without ignoring valid options for your holiday such as excellent places to visit, typical restaurants and the most beautiful views of the archipelago. At short distance of the village are some of the best beaches, surfing spots, trails and more attractions that you will discover as your days are spent in the kind attention of our hostel.

Nice accommodation

Reviewed By chrismE5291OE

Bastimentos itself is a horrible filthy litter strewn hovel with everything way overpriced and totally not worth visiting the only thing that made it bearable was the accommodation. After reading great reviews about the island we booked 4 nights (3 too many) the hostal has a great communal area, wifi was good and 2 well equipped kitchens and your right on the sea front. We thought we could walk everywhere but, most trails are unsafe to do because of crime (so all the locals tell you) so every trip involves overpriced water taxis, I would recommend the hostal, its great, not the island its awful

8. El Jaguar

Sector Central, Calle 100MTS Del Parque, Isla Bastimentos Panama
Excellent
20%
Good
80%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 5 reviews

El Jaguar

Einfach aber wunderbar

Reviewed By MaevaH34

Wir buchten 2 nächte im el jaguar, verlängerten dies aber um 4 nächte, es ist alles sehr einfach gehalten, reicht aber vorig! Die küche ist einigermassen sauber (kommt sehr darauf was für mit-gäste man hat, kann also von tag zu tag ändern). Die mitarbeiter sind sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend, die badezimmer sind sehr sauber, kommt jedoch nur kaltes wasser, gewöhnt man sich aber seeehr schnell daran :) Im dorf an sich kann man nicht seehr viel machen aber man ist sehr schnell für 3dollar in bocas oder sonst auf einer insel. Perfektes hostel wenn man es unkompliziert und einfach mag :)

9. Eclypse De Mar Acqua Lodge

Isla Bastimentos Panama
Excellent
33%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
17%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 6 reviews

Eclypse De Mar Acqua Lodge

Overwater Bungalows and a wonderful staff

Reviewed By Jlwmtw2022

The property is quaint, in a beautiful settings and provides relaxing Eco Bungalows with private water access, kayaks & paddle boards and a large self guided nature preserve. More importantly, the staff of Maca, Nico, Lila, Udi and all the others I don't have names for create the atmosphere of a first class five star resort while maintaining the human element. Next, the restaurant is small, open air and serves the best food we had. No need to bother making reservations in Bocas Town or Old Bank. Finally, to be fair bring a great pair of ear plugs for a peaceful night's sleep. The water taxi's (your only mode of transportation) and natives at the bars in Old Town are noisy.

10. Hostal Green Coast

Old Bank, Isla Bastimentos Panama
Excellent
91%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 11 reviews

Hostal Green Coast

Enjoy the peaceful paradise of authentic island life! Hostal Green Coast is located right on the carribean sea in Isla Bastimentos, Bocas Del Toro. The water taxi will drop you off on the hostels pier from where you will be greeted by the staff. Rooms are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Towels and soap are provided and we offer laundry service for a small fee. The hostel has a bar, daily happy hour and offers national and International cuisine. In the town you will find 3 small supermarkets, local bars, restaurants island hopping tours and hiking to organic farms. Far enough away from the noise of Bocas Town, yet easily accessible by a 10 minute water taxi. We offer a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, great choice for scuba divers, surfers and nature-lovers.

Nice location on the waterfront

Reviewed By Avigilator

I stayed for two nights. Rooms were basic but had air con. The beds however were extremely uncomfortable with springs that poked through the mattress and the fitted sheets kept coming off to expose the mattress. Sleep was greatly disturbed by very loud music coming from a neighbouring bar and other guests walking along the wooden corridor. On the plus side, the communal deck has great views and offers a relaxed area to chill out. Drinks are reasonably priced and boat rides can be arranged via the friendly staff.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.