1. Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella)
📍 Isla Colón – Boca del Drago side
🌟 Famous for: Shallow, calm waters and bright orange starfish
Starfish Beach is a favorite for families and travelers looking for a relaxing, swimmable spot. You can reach it by bus, bike, or boat. Just don’t touch the starfish — even lifting them can hurt them.
Tips:
- Bring cash for snacks or drinks from local vendors
- Best to visit on weekdays — weekends can get crowded with locals
2. Bluff Beach
📍 Isla Colón – East side
🌊 Famous for: Big waves, remote feel, and sea turtle nesting (in season)
Bluff is a wild, dramatic stretch of beach — great for walking, photography, or watching surfers (but not ideal for swimming due to currents). You can reach it by taxi or bike from Bocas Town.
Tips:
- Best in the early morning before the sun gets too intense
- Bring water — no services once you’re out there unless you hit a beach bar
3. Red Frog Beach
📍 Isla Bastimentos
🐸 Famous for: Surf, sand, and its namesake tiny red frogs
A short boat ride from Bocas Town, Red Frog Beach combines jungle vibes with surfable waves and wide open sand. You’ll pay a small entrance fee to walk through the reserve.
Tips:
- Keep an eye out for sloths and monkeys on the path in
- Bring your own drinks and snacks or check out the beach bars
4. Wizard Beach
📍 Isla Bastimentos
🚶 Famous for: Raw, undeveloped nature and adventure access
To reach Wizard Beach, you hike 15–30 minutes through the jungle from Old Bank. It’s worth the effort if you want a more untouched experience — just check the surf and be cautious.
Tips:
- Avoid hiking during heavy rains — the trail gets muddy and slick
- Go with others — it’s safe, but very quiet
5.
Zapatilla Cays (Islas Zapatillas)
📍 Marine Park, off Isla Bastimentos
🏝️ Famous for: White sand, crystal water, full-on tropical paradise
These twin islands are protected and uninhabited, part of Bastimentos Marine National Park. They’re reachable by boat tour, often bundled with snorkeling or dolphin-watching.
Tips:
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water — no services on the islands
- Great for snorkeling on calm days