The Best Beaches in Bocas del Toro
Every island in Bocas has its beach, and every beach its character: calm water for swimming, orange sand with waves, jungle coves or postcard sandbars. These are the ones worth it, and what each is good for.
To move between them, it helps to know where to stay by area.
Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella) — Isla Colón
The Bocas postcard: calm, shallow water with giant starfish. Ideal for family swimming. Golden rule: never lift the starfish out of the water. Nearby Boca del Drago has more calm water too.
Bluff Beach — Isla Colón
5 km of golden sand and powerful waves on the east coast, a bike ride from Paunch. Stunning to walk and for sunrises; not for swimming due to currents. A turtle-nesting stretch in season.
Paunch — Isla Colón
Our beach: reef and waves to surf, with easygoing beach spots. Walkable from La Selva. More for surf and sunsets than swimming. See the surf guide.
Red Frog Beach — Isla Bastimentos
A 15-minute boat ride away, with jungle, little red frogs and wide sand. Beautiful and less crowded than Starfish; mind the currents.
Wizard Beach — Isla Bastimentos
A postcard jungle beach, a walk from Old Bank. Wild and gorgeous, with the occasional surf.
Zapatilla Cays — National Marine Park
Two uninhabited white-sand islands with turquoise water, reachable only by boat tour. Among the prettiest sights on Panama's Caribbean, with great snorkeling (a park fee may apply).
Which beach should I pick?
| If you want... | Beach |
|---|---|
| Calm-water swimming | Starfish · Boca del Drago |
| Surf | Paunch · Bluff |
| Jungle and quiet | Red Frog · Wizard |
| Postcard white sand | Zapatilla Cays |
To plan a beaches-and-islands day, see things to do in Bocas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach in Bocas del Toro?
It depends: Starfish Beach for calm water and starfish, Red Frog and Wizard on Bastimentos, Bluff and Paunch for waves, and the Zapatilla Cays for postcard white sand.
Which beaches are good for swimming?
Starfish Beach and Boca del Drago. Bluff and Paunch have strong currents and are better for surf and walking.
Where are the starfish?
At Starfish Beach, on the northwest of Isla Colón near Boca del Drago. Never lift them out of the water.