Run by two Calgary friends focused on fun and service, this destination hostel is set up in lush rainforest with fruit trees and trails, overlooking a coral reef. The attractive all-wood complex features a gorgeous swimming pool and an adrenaline-stoking 60m-long water slide plunging from hillside reception into the ocean. Water taxis provide transfers (US$5) from Bocas.
Bambuda has two fan-cooled dorms with 10 beds each and private rooms that include quite deluxe jungle bungalows. The open-air bar and dining room serves set meals (US$8 to US$12). If they're in season, there's mango, star fruit and custard apples for the picking, while 10km of trails fan out in several directions. Nonguests can get a pass (US$8) to use the facilities. There’s snorkeling equipment as well kayaks and canoes sometimes available.