Casa Cayuco Eco-Adventure Lodge

Top choice in Isla Bastimentos


This beachfront retreat combines nature with modern conveniences. It's off-grid and jungle-chic, with sweeping views from lofty suites in the post-and-beam hardwood lodge, and jungle cabins by the water. Table d’hote meals eaten on the dock are a big deal; lobsters and octopus come from nearby waters. There are also yoga retreats.

Kayaks and snorkel gear are included to explore the nearby reefs, mangroves and rivers. Guided excursions run extra but include unique offerings such as in-depth tours of the nearby indigenous village of Quebrada Sal (Salt Creek). The resort runs on solar power and collected rainwater. It's located on the white-sand beach of Punta Vieja, with some of the best tranquil swimming around. Minimum stay three nights. It’s 30 minutes by boat to Bocas town; transfers are included.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Isla Bastimentos attractions

1. Playa Larga

2.63 MILES

This 6km-long beach on the southeast side of the island falls under the protection of the marine park. Hawksbill, leatherback and green sea turtles nest…

2. Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos

3.61 MILES

Established in 1988, this 132-sq-km marine park was Panama's first. Protecting 130 islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, including the coral-fringed…

3. Nivida Bat Cave

4.37 MILES

One of Bastimentos' most fascinating natural wonders, Nivida is a massive cavern with swarms of nectar bats and a subterranean lake. The cave lies within…

4. Playa Polo

6.32 MILES

Polo Beach wraps around a sheltered cove and is protected by a reef. It has good snorkeling. Can be reached by short hike from Red Frog Beach.

5. Red Frog Beach

6.96 MILES

Small but perfectly formed, Red Frog Beach is named after the rana rojo (strawberry poison-dart frog), an amphibian you're most unlikely to encounter here…

6. Wizard Beach

8.53 MILES

The most beautiful beach on Isla Bastimentos is awash in powdery yellow sand and backed by thick vine-strewn jungle. It's connected to Old Bank via a…

7. Playa El Istmito

11.62 MILES

Playa El Istmito, also called Playa La Cabaña, is the closest beach to Bocas town (2.5km away), but as it's on Bahía Sand Fly the chitras (sand flies)…

8. Playa Punch

11.68 MILES

Further up the coast from Playa El Istmito and Sand Dollar Beach is Playa Punch (or Paunch), which is dangerous for swimming but good for surfing. It's…