City Guide for: Isla Carenero, Bocas del Toro, Panama

Isla Carenero, Bocas del Toro, Panama Guide

Isla Carenero, a small island just a short water taxi ride from Bocas Town on Isla Colón, offers a more laid-back and tranquil experience compared to its bustling neighbor. Known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungle, and relaxed atmosphere, Carenero is a perfect escape for those seeking a slower pace of life. The island is easily walkable, allowing visitors to explore its charming coastline and discover hidden gems. While smaller and less developed than Isla Colón, Carenero boasts a selection of restaurants, bars, and accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to boutique hotels. The island's main draw is its natural beauty, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and exploring the surrounding waters. It's a great place to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy the authentic Caribbean vibe of Bocas del Toro.

Food & Cuisine

The cuisine on Isla Carenero reflects the Caribbean influence of the Bocas del Toro region, with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients. Expect to find dishes like coconut rice and beans, fresh fish grilled or fried, ceviche, and Caribbean-spiced chicken. Several restaurants line the main beach, offering stunning ocean views while you dine. Popular spots include Bibi's on the Beach, known for its delicious seafood and relaxed atmosphere, and Reggae Beach Bar & Grill, offering a lively atmosphere and tasty Caribbean fare. While there isn't a formal market on Carenero, small shops offer basic groceries and snacks. For a wider selection of ingredients and dining options, a short water taxi ride to Bocas Town provides access to a larger market and a diverse range of restaurants.

Nightlife

Nightlife on Isla Carenero is more relaxed and low-key compared to Bocas Town. Several beach bars offer happy hour specials and music, creating a chill atmosphere for enjoying the sunset. Bibi's on the Beach and Reggae Beach Bar & Grill are popular spots for evening drinks and socializing. While there aren't any nightclubs on Carenero, the proximity to Bocas Town allows for easy access to its more vibrant nightlife scene via a short water taxi ride.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Isla Carenero is during the dry season, which typically runs from February to April and September to October. During these months, you can expect sunny skies, lower humidity, and calmer seas, making it ideal for swimming, surfing, and exploring the islands. While rain is possible year-round, these months offer the most favorable weather conditions.

Transportation

The primary mode of transportation on Isla Carenero is by foot. The island is small and easily walkable. Water taxis are readily available to travel between Carenero and Bocas Town on Isla Colón, as well as to other islands in the archipelago. There are no cars, buses, trams, or subways on Isla Carenero.

Airport

The closest airport is Bocas del Toro 'Isla Colón' International Airport (BOC) located on Isla Colón, approximately a 5-10 minute water taxi ride from Isla Carenero. Upon arrival at the airport, you can easily find water taxis waiting to transport passengers to Carenero. The water taxi ride is quick and offers scenic views of the surrounding islands.

Attractions

Wizard Beach

Wizard Beach Wizard Beach is a secluded and pristine beach known for its powerful waves, making it a popular spot for surfing. Visitors can relax on the golden sand, swim in the turquoise waters, and watch surfers catch some waves. It's a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of Bocas del Toro.

Carenero Island Lighthouse

Carenero Island Lighthouse The Carenero Island Lighthouse is a historic landmark that offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for breathtaking views and learn about its history. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying the beauty of the Bocas del Toro archipelago.

Coral Cay

Coral Cay Coral Cay is a small island near Isla Carenero known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Visitors can snorkel or dive to explore the underwater world and see colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral formations. It's a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those interested in marine conservation.

Starfish Beach

Starfish Beach Starfish Beach is a stunning white sand beach known for its crystal clear waters and abundance of starfish. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim in the calm waters, and snorkel to see the colorful marine life. It's a perfect spot for a day of sunbathing and enjoying the natural beauty of Bocas del Toro.

Red Frog Beach

Red Frog Beach Red Frog Beach is a popular beach on Isla Bastimentos, known for its red poison dart frogs that inhabit the area. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the warm waters, and hike through the lush rainforest. It's a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.

Day Trips

Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella)

A must-see for nature lovers, Starfish Beach is famous for its calm, clear waters and abundance of starfish. It's a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and simply relaxing in a picturesque setting. The water is shallow and generally calm, making it ideal for families with children. Remember to admire the starfish without touching or removing them from the water to protect their delicate ecosystem.

Travel Time

30-45 minutes by water taxi and bus from Isla Carenero

Activities
  • Spot starfish in the shallow waters.
  • Swim and sunbathe on the beach.
  • Enjoy lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants.
  • Rent a paddleboard or kayak.

Sloth Island (Isla Solarte)

Isla Solarte, often called Sloth Island, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Take a boat tour around the island and keep your eyes peeled for sloths hanging in the trees, monkeys swinging through the branches, and a variety of colorful birds. The island also offers opportunities for snorkeling and swimming in its clear waters.

Travel Time

15-20 minutes by water taxi from Isla Carenero

Activities
  • Take a boat tour to spot sloths and other wildlife.
  • Snorkel in the coral reefs.
  • Hike through the jungle trails.
  • Visit a local indigenous community.

Bastimentos National Marine Park

Explore the diverse ecosystems of Bastimentos National Marine Park. This park encompasses mangrove forests, coral reefs, beaches, and rainforest, offering a wide range of activities. You can snorkel or dive among colorful fish and coral, hike through the jungle, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the natural beauty.

Travel Time

Varies depending on the specific location within the park, but generally 15-60 minutes by boat from Isla Carenero

Activities
  • Snorkeling and diving.
  • Hiking through the rainforest.
  • Birdwatching.
  • Visiting indigenous communities.
  • Exploring mangrove forests by kayak or boat.

Red Frog Beach

Red Frog Beach, located on Isla Bastimentos, offers a beautiful stretch of sand, clear turquoise waters, and lush rainforest backdrop. It's known for its surfing waves on one end and calmer swimming areas on the other. Keep an eye out for the tiny red poison dart frogs that inhabit the surrounding jungle – a true highlight of the area!

Travel Time

15-20 minutes by water taxi from Isla Carenero to Isla Bastimentos, then a 10-15 minute walk

Activities
  • Surf the waves (suitable for beginners and experienced surfers).
  • Swim in the calmer areas of the beach.
  • Hike through the rainforest in search of red poison dart frogs.
  • Relax on the beach and enjoy the scenery.

Cayo Zapatilla

Cayo Zapatilla consists of two pristine, uninhabited islands surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs. Part of the Bastimentos National Marine Park, these islands offer incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities. Relax on the white-sand beaches, swim in the calm waters, and soak up the natural beauty of this protected paradise.

Travel Time

45-60 minutes by boat from Isla Carenero

Activities
  • Snorkel or dive in the coral reefs.
  • Relax on the white-sand beaches.
  • Swim in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Explore the islands' walking trails.

Bocas Town

Just a short water taxi ride away, Bocas Town, located on Isla Colon, is the vibrant heart of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. It's a bustling hub of activity, offering a mix of colorful Caribbean architecture, lively restaurants, bars, and shops. While it's the main town, it still retains a laid-back island vibe. Explore the streets, sample local cuisine, and soak in the energy of this unique Panamanian town.

Travel Time

5-10 minutes by water taxi

Activities
  • Explore the shops and restaurants along Avenida Principal.
  • Visit the Simon Bolivar Park.
  • Take a stroll along the waterfront.
  • Enjoy the nightlife.