Remote Rainforest Retreat
Location: Bastimentos, Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Style: Luxury jungle eco-lodge
Budget: £££
A family run operation, staying at Tranquilo Bay is like coming home, if that home has adorable sloth neighbours and acres of rainforest as your back garden! With a range of activities both on land and water, and excursions to far flung desert islands there’s something for every type of traveller.
Activities at Tranquilo Bay
Each day at Tranquilo Bay can be spent however you desire, whether that be chilling on a paradise desert island or trekking through the rainforest in search of wildlife, the Tranquilo Bay family are on hand to make your dreams a reality. One of the family or the resident biologists will accompany you on any chosen adventure to make sure you have the best experience possible.
Choose from onsite activities including birdwatching from the canopy tower, hiking trails led by the team, and snorkelling or kayaking from the dock that are included within nightly rates. Or, opt for one of the a la carte excursions for an additional fee, where you can visit the stunning Zapatilla Island, find some of the best surfing spots in the area, go birding in Chiriqui Grande or learn more about chocolate at a nearby cacao plantation.
Seafolly kaftan from Coco Bay
Activities have been designed to showcase the best of the Bocas del Toro region, allowing guests to get up close and personal with wildlife that rules the sky, the trees and the seas.
Zapatilla Island Excursion
One excursion you have to squeeze in during your time at Tranquilo Bay is a trip to Zapatilla Cayes, two breathtaking islands that are straight off a holiday billboard! All you need pack is a bikini and sunglasses and the Tranquilo Bay team will sort out the rest, from chairs to relax on to coolers full of beers and even kayaks should you fancy taking to the water.
During the short 25 minute speed boat ride from Tranquilo Bay to Zapatilla keep your eyes peeled for dolphins frolicking about in the bay. They often use the shallow water surround Bastimentos as a breeding ground, hence its nickname ‘Dolphin Bay’, and if you’re lucky you might be able to spot a mother with her newborn calf.
Once you step ashore the magical Zapatilla island you’ll never want to leave. With only a few visitors to the island each day you’ll be able to enjoy this amazing paradise without any disturbances, listening to nature’s soundtrack of gentle waves lapping against the sand, ripe coconuts falling from trees and birds chirping in the distance.
Spend your day taking a leisurely wander along the velvety soft beaches, swimming in the tropical waters and dozing beneath palm trees without a care in the world. A tasty lunch of chicken wraps and snacks including crisps and trail mix are provided alongside plenty of drinks to keep you satiated throughout the day.
Enroute back to Tranquilo Bay (as you hold back tears at having to leave your own personal Utopia) you can choose to stop off at Dragos for a spot of snorkelling or head back to your rainforest haven to seek out sloths snoozing in the sunshine and enjoy the sun set from the observation tower.
Chocolate Farm Visit
One of the other top excursions is a trip to Green Acres cacao plantation to learn how chocolate is made in a completely eco-friendly way. Not only is the chocolate made here organic and delicious, the manufacturing methods are 100% off the grid using solar energy and rainwater – completely guilt free!
During a tour of this pretty plantation visitors have a chance to try some of nature’s delicacies from the red ginger (tastes similar to radish) and rabbit clover (bizarrely reminiscent of grapes) grown in the incredible gardens to the nutty fresh termites Robert, the current owner of Green Acres, digs out of a tree. You’ll also have the chance to taste all the stages of the cacao journey from a bitter freshly cracked cacao pod seeds to cacao nibs perfect for topping ice cream and deliciously moreish cacao rum.
Not only does Robert know all about cacao, he’s also keen to share his knowledge of the jungle with you, showing visitors various different seed pods and insects that can be found in the Panamanian rainforest. If you’ve time during your visit Robert will even take you on a short hike to spot their noisy neighbours – the howler monkeys and brightly tailed oropendulars. We were also lucky to meet a loveable orphaned baby margay (one of Panama’s big cats), that the Green Acres family were caring for after his mother was hunted for her pelt.
Jellyfish Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Trip
As you speed towards Tranquilo Bay you’ll pass by many mangrove forests and coral reefs that surround Bastimentos, including a reef right underneath the dock itself. You can spend an afternoon exploring the mangroves by kayak and snorkelling around the area searching for wildlife with one of the guides, going along at your own pace and learning fun facts about any creatures you encounter.
Both single and double kayaks are available for the trip, although a brief warning: sharing a double kayak with your partner may end in arguments over who is the better paddler! If you’re not feeling overly confident paddling on your own your guide can help, doing the hard work and taking on the brunt of the paddling for you whilst you enjoy the journey.
During the two open ocean sections on your way to and from the mangroves, pass the time by learning about the birds flying overheard and the difference between mangroves in Australia and Panama, and thankfully why you won’t have to chance your luck with any crocodiles here!
The best part of the mangrove kayak is weaving through two magnificent mangrove channels where the water is as still as glass, it’s a photographer’s dream! As you kayak alongside the mangrove roots in the natural tunnels watch little mangrove crabs scurry away from the water’s edge as you pass by.
In between the mangrove tunnels lays jellyfish lagoon, a silty shallow bay within the mangrove forest, home to upside-down jellyfish and small mangrove rays. There’s the opportunity to snorkel within the mangroves and get up close and personal with these lagoon dwellers, or if you’d rather snorkel on a coral reef paddle across to the other side of Tranquilo Bay to Dragos.
We’d recommend heading to Dragos (or snorkelling at both locations!), as with no other resorts nearby you’ll be the only ones snorkelling around this colourful, healthy reef. Spot colourful little damselfish and the bright bluehead wrasse darting amongst the soft corals and ginormous sea fans as you swim around the reef.
Staying at Tranquilo Bay
On arrival to Tranquilo Bay, meander through the rainforest paths to your eco-friendly lodging, deep in the jungle. With only nine cabanas, spaced around the grounds, you’re more likely to wake up to the sound of birds chirping then any fellow guests!
Each bungalow features a spacious bedroom with either one king or two double beds, a bathroom with large walk-in shower and a covered veranda complete with a hammock and chairs to relax in. Attention has been paid to ensure guests have all the creature comforts from back home, even whilst staying in this remote rainforest island lodge.
Little details have been carefully considered from the cans of bug spray to fend off the mozzies to the rechargeable torches to find your way to dinner. All rooms have efficient air conditioning, powerful hot showers, more than enough towels and the speediest laundry service we’ve ever experienced!
The focal point of daily life at Tranquilo Bay, and where all meals are served, is a two storey main lodge nestled among the rainforest. With spectacular birdlife around Tranquilo Bay, sit outside on the balcony and watch hummingbirds feed beside you as you listen to the sounds of the jungle. Or head across to the observation tower, fashioned from an old mobile phone tower, for breathtaking views across the jungle and the chance to spot herons, kingfishers and parrots gliding past.
Water sports are a key part of staying at Tranquilo Bay, with snorkelling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards all available for use during your stay. Head to the dock for all excursions, or for a dip in the pleasantly warm Caribbean sea.
Dining at Tranquilo Bay
All meals at Tranquilo Bay are communal affairs served in the large dining room within the main lodge and are included in room rates. Food is sourced locally, with the fruit and herbs coming from the gardens of Tranquilo Bay, and bread and cakes baked daily on site.
Breakfast, is served at your leisure, should you fancy a lie in, and includes a variety of food from hot dishes of eggs on toast to porridge, and cold dishes of fruit salad and yoghurt. Every day delicious fresh juices made from local fruit are served with breakfast, reminding you that you really are in tropical paradise. Lunch is made to fit in around your plans for the day. Packed lunches are included if you’re heading out for a day trip, else a hot meal is served at the lodge when you’re back from exploring Bastimentos.
Dinner, on the other hand, is a more structured affair, starting at 7pm each day, and a great opportunity to hear about everyone’s adventures. Beginning with canapés on the balcony, a salad to start, followed by a hot dish such as grilled pork loin or fresh fish, and finishing with a dessert of fruity or chocolate cake, you certainly won’t go hungry! Meals are accompanied by your choice of juice, soft drink, wine or beer.
Key Information about Tranquilo Bay
What is the best way of getting to Tranquilo Bay?
Tranquilo Bay is located on the island of Bastimentos, part of the Bocas del Toro archipelago off the Caribbean coast of Panama. The easiest way to get here is a short hop flight to Bocas del Toro airport (also know as Isla Colón) followed by a 30-40 minute speed boat ride to Tranquilo Bay’s private pier.
There are multiple daily flights from Panama City (Albrook domestic airport) to Bocas del Toro, although these do sell out during peak season so make sure to book in advance. One of the Tranquilo Bay guides will be on hand to meet you at the airport and transfer to one of the piers within Bocas Town where a speedboat awaits ready to ship you to your rainforest getaway.
What are the Tranquilo Bay rates?
Tranquilo Bay operates on two seasonal rates. During the high season (the best in terms of weather) guests can expect to pay US $225 per person, per night; whereas in low season this drops to US $175. A minimum three night stay operates during all seasons, however as there’s so much to do and explore you definitely won’t want any less time at Tranquilo Bay.
Rates include deluxe rainforest cabanas, transfers to and from Bocas Town or Airport, all food and beverages (both hard and soft) and onsite activities during your stay. Excursions to further away destinations such as Zapatilla or Chirique Grande will incur an additional charge.
What is a typical day staying at Tranquilo Bay like?
Days at Tranquilo Bay are tailored to each individual guest’s preferences, with guides on hand to take you to see some of the best wildlife in the region. Should you be an early bird, one of the resident biologists can meet you at the top of the observation tower to see the sun rise and the abundant birdlife begin their daily routine before breakfast, or you can head up as the sun sets and the pairs of green parrots journey home for the night just before pre-dinner canapés are served at the main lodge.
All excursions tend to leave between 9am and 10am dependent on your choice of activities, with some lasting a full day and others arriving back just in time for lunch. If you’re staying at Tranquilo Bay for the day simply let the Tranquilo Bay family know if you’d like accompanying on a hike, kayak or snorkel, else the day is yours to explore the island and its surroundings at your leisure.
Our final thoughts on... Tranquilo Bay
Far from society, in this secluded rainforest haven, it’s easy to forget the outside world exists. A place for both relaxation and of adventures, we left Tranquilo Bay feeling fully recharged and having seen and learnt a great deal about the wild side of Panama’s Bocas region. Where else can you spot an adorable three toed sloth on the way to breakfast?
Find Out More…
Tranquilo Bay – https://www.tranquilobay.com/
Explore more from Panama and Bocas Del Toro.
Many thanks to Tranquilo Bay for hosting us during our time in Panama. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely our own, we wouldn’t recommend something if we didn’t love it!
