Big Creek - all beaches

This place is absolutely incredible to stay at, with lush trees, playful howling monkeys, and the delightful toucan Rio all around. The atmosphere is so laid-back, and you have your very own private beach to enjoy every single day. The breakfast options are fantastic, especially the delicious smoothies. And the best part is that dinner is different every day, but always mouthwatering. Without a doubt, this is the perfect place to stay when you're on the island.

This beach may not be ideal for swimming, but it offers the perfect conditions for body surfing. After Zapatilla beach, it quickly became my top pick in Panama. However, reaching this secluded paradise is not without its challenges, as public transportation is infrequent. You'll need to either rent a bicycle or hail a taxi, but don't forget to negotiate the fare.

This stunning beach is a natural wonder, with its wild and untamed beauty that is sure to take your breath away. Although the waves can be quite rough, it is still a sight to behold and a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. It is without a doubt the most picturesque beach we have come across in Bocas del Toro so far. This is just the start of Bluff Beach, and we didn't venture further down, but we're certain that it's just as magnificent. The beach is immaculately clean, and the crystal-clear waters are a testament to its untouched beauty.

To secure a cabana or chairs, it is advisable to arrive early as they are rented through the restaurant. The restaurant's food and drinks are satisfactory, but if you wish to avoid waiting, it is recommended to bring your own snacks and meals. The beach is magnificent, with a vast expanse and thrilling waves that are enjoyable, yet there is no perilous undertow present.

The Playa Estrella beach is not just a spot to observe starfish, as it offers a variety of restaurants along its shore. However, the quality of the food is decent, but the restrooms are not up to par, and the wait time for food can be quite lengthy. Nevertheless, these issues are related to the restaurants and not the beach itself. If you prefer a more secluded area, you can arrange to go snorkeling for starfish elsewhere on the beach.

What an enjoyable day it was! We embarked on a 30-40 minute hike to reach the beach, and on our way back, we opted for a road which expedited our journey. Along the way, we had the pleasure of meeting Polo, the namesake of the beach. Although he seemed to be in his own world, he was incredibly friendly and hospitable. Polo has been residing on the beach for over 30 years and kindly prepared us a scrumptious lunch of fish and coconut rice for a mere $5. To accompany our meal, we purchased beers for $2, and Polo also offered us fresh coconuts and rum. The beach boasts an impressive reef which provides protection from the rough waves that can be found on that side of the island. Whether you prefer to snorkel or simply float around, this beach is an idyllic spot to do so. Additionally, it's highly likely that you'll have the entire beach to yourself. Our day began with a relaxing morning on the beach, and we ended it by returning to Polo's for a delicious meal.