Excursions
Beaches:
If you are in search of unspoiled, white-sand beaches, with coconut tree-lined shores, then look
no more. Turquoise Caribbean waters with lushly forested islands, flats of coral and turtle
grasses are found throughout the 68 islands that encompass Bocos del Toro.
The islands are blessed with pristine beaches, several of which are protected by Bastimentos
National Marine Park. Four species of sea turtles nest on these shores and inhabit the reefs
laden with tropical fish. Sand dollars, seashells and driftwood are easily admired on these
uninhabited beaches.
There are several family-friendly beaches in the area, which are safe year round and
geographically protected from open ocean swell, with prevailing winds providing little to no
wave action and minimal currents.
All beach excursions depart directly from Tranquilo Bay, where the staff will handle the
preparation of everything needed for a comfortable beach experience. Plenty of cold drinks and
sweet rainwater are packed with your favorite sandwiches and fresh fruit. Beach chairs, towels,
snorkel gear, horseshoes, Frisbees and sand castle tools are also provided. Plus, the resort
provides life jackets covering a range of sizes.
Birding:
Panama is a must-see destination for birders, seasoned and novice alike. The country, an area
roughly the size of South Carolina, has over 900 recorded bird species, more than the U.S. and
Canada combined. This is due to two factors: Panama's location relative to two continents and
its narrow girth. Birds migrating between North and South America tend to be funneled into a
small area.
The Caribbean slope of the Talamanca range, Tranquilo Bay's backyard, is home to roughly 600
species of birds. For an island only covering 20 square miles, Isla Bastimentos' amazing variety
of tropical birds is truly awesome. Parrots, herons, ibises, boobies, frigate birds, terns, jaegers,
birds of prey, dove, owls, hummingbirds, kingfishers, barbets, woodpeckers, wrens, tyrant
flycatchers, cotingas, manakins, warblers, tanagers, finches, and icterids all can be found onsite.
In less than a week it is possible to identify over 100 species of birds without ever leaving the
facility. In this same time you might see white-faced monkeys, night monkeys, two and three
toed sloths, iguanas, caiman, blue morph butterflies or a variety of frogs and lizards.
A professional bird guide with extensive experience in the area will be provided for groups of
four or more. Explorations take guests to palm covered rock outcroppings found along the
outer reefs, home to many sea birds. This area includes the only known breeding sites in
Panama for red-billed tropicbirds or Audubon’s shearwater.
Snorkeling:
Tranquilo Bay is surrounded by the extremely diverse and beautiful 28,600 marine acres of
Bastimentos National Marine Park. Panama's first marine park is one of the most spectacular in
all of Central America. In a protected corridor no wider than seven miles, the oceanic diversity,
sub-sea topography, marine ecosystems, life zones and species are remarkable.
Isla Bastimentos. Bocas del Toro. Panama
www.tranquilobay.com
(713) 589-6952 USA
(507) 838-0021 Panama
Much of the marine park has never been explored below the surface, and many of the known
sites are unnamed. Within the marine park, sea fan gardens, vibrant coral reefs, and over 200
species of tropical fish live amongst a dramatic sub-sea terrain, which seems to transform every
few hundred yards. Oceanic formations in the area include walls, freshwater caves, tunnels,
pinnacles, coral spires and towers, Spur and groove, ocean impact reef, sandy ledges and
protected patch reef.
Tranquilo Bay is only a short boat ride away from a variety of depths and currents to
accommodate all skill levels.
All excursions depart directly from the facility where the Tranquilo Bay staff handles the
preparation, maintenance and portage of the equipment.
The resort’s 27- and 25-foot boats are powered with Yamaha outboards, and each comfortably
seats six snorkelers with crew. A diving itinerary consists of two or three dives, depending on
destination and depth.
If snorkeling is the primary objective of your trip, note that the Caribbean Sea is calmer and
there is less rain from February to June and September to November, September and October
are the most consistent of these months.
Fishing:
Bocas del Toro is a wonderful fishing destination.
 Tarpon activity in bays and lagoons (March – May)
 Tarpon and snook activity at river mouths (September & October)
 Offshore runs of tuna, wahoo, kingfish and snapper (spring and fall)
 Snapper, jacks, barracuda and grouper (year round)
All fishing is done with light tackle on outfits ranging from 8- to 30-pound test line. Tranquilo
Bay has both conventional and spinning tackle consisting of Ande and Shimano graphite rods
equipped with Shimano reels. The resort also has fly-casting outfits with 9, 10 and 12 weight
rods. Various fishing techniques are used, such as trolling, jigging, sight casting, fly casting,
live bait and chumming.
Jungle Hiking:
Walking through the jungle is a surreal and vivid experience.
As hikers enter beneath the majestic rainforest canopy, cool moist air and profound shade
welcome them into this unique environment filled with natural splendor.
Surprisingly dark, the jungle gives visitors a slight feeling of insignificance. As you adjust your
senses, each one: sight, smell, hearing and touch seem to work in overdrive as hikers begin to
process their new surroundings.
Tranquilo Bay is surrounded by national parks and protected areas creating 1.4 million
contiguous acres, the single largest remaining tract of virgin forest unit in Central America (see
the National Parks and Wildlife Refuge section for more details).
Expeditions into the parks are designed to cover a diverse range of ecosystems, flora, fauna
and terrain. Hikes are tailored to meet the group's areas of interest, experience and physical
abilities.
Isla Bastimentos. Bocas del Toro. Panama
www.tranquilobay.com
(713) 589-6952 USA
(507) 838-0021 Panama
A knowledgeable guide, equipped with a sharp machete and extensive experience in the area,
will accompany your group on all hikes into the rainforest. Forest explorations generally depart
after breakfast; lunch is usually picnic style and served on the trail.
Hiking types:
To enhance your experience, we plan our explorations into the rainforest with three distinct
variables, each providing a different experience.
A naturalist hike moves slowly and quietly beneath the canopy actively searching flora and
fauna such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, hardwoods, forest palms, vines,
bryophytes, ferns, bromeliads, orchids and other epiphytes. This type of hike generally consists
of a short, brisk walk to reach an area of interest. Once there, the pace slows and there is more
observation and learning than hiking.
A destination hike is more cardiovascular and can be paced to meet the group's abilities. This
hike's main objective is to move toward the primary target, such as a waterfall, beach or cave.
Extreme hiking is for those seeking a full-throttle hiking adventure. The primary goal is to
cover as much varied terrain as possible. Because of the long distance covered, topography and
habitat changes are abrupt and frequent. You might run down the beach as the trail slips in and
out of the jungle, or scale an oceanfront rock face -- the only barrier between you and the next
beach.
Kayaking:
Tranquilo Bay’s sea kayak excursions are designed to cover an array of ecosystems, terrain,
marine and terrestrial wildlife.
Whether you're searching for the serenity of calm backwaters, need to feel the surge of jagged
frontal coastline, or want to try a little whitewater; we will schedule your group's excursions to
accommodate various experience levels.
The archipelago of Bocas del Toro earned the name "Galapagos of the Caribbean" by being one
of the most biologically diverse places on earth. You will enjoy the tranquility and thrill of sea
kayaking as you paddle along dramatic stretches of the archipelago, allowing you to explore
secluded white sand beaches, coral flats, small offshore islands and rock ledge coastline,
navigate mangrove forests, paddle up spring fed rivers, shoot the mountain rapids or snorkel
pristine reefs and rock formations. Many of the daily explorations cover more than three
separate ecosystems.
All excursions depart directly from the main lodge where the staff handles the preparation,
maintenance and portage of the equipment. Snorkel gear is provided on all excursions to fully
explore the underwater realm of brilliant tropical fishes living amongst vibrant coral reefs. All
you have to do is paddle and absorb the breath-taking scenery.
A chase boat used to haul extra gear, food, beverages, safety and first aid equipment, will
accompany all outer excursions.
No experience is required for many of the excursions. For those new to the sport, a thorough
kayak safety lesson is provided to familiarize you with the equipment and techniques so that
you are adequately prepared for the adventure.
Isla Bastimentos. Bocas del Toro. Panama
www.tranquilobay.com
(713) 589-6952 USA
(507) 838-0021 Panama
Surfing:
When the swells arrive, Bocas del Toro has some of the best waves and variety of breaks found
in the entire Caribbean. With no continental shelf to deplete energy, ocean-facing reefs and
beaches catch the full power of the swell, forcing the energy up and out, creating fast, hollow
waves.
Many of the breaks are powerful and steep, requiring a late drop into a tube section. During
the biggest swells most breaks hold more than 12 feet before closing out, and Silverbacks on
Isla Bastimentos will hold to over 20 feet.
Many islands in the archipelago have inside reefs and shoals that catch swell wrapping around
the side of the island, creating smaller waves and less current -- perfect for the beginner and
still a fun ride for experienced riders.
Fast, 26-foot boats will drop you right by the take-off point, and then anchor in the channel to
serve as a rest stop. Cold beverages, towels and shade are never more than a short paddle
away. When you’re done resting, there will be no reef dance in the impact zone to get back to
the take-off spot.
Plan your family trip during school vacations. Our two surf seasons coincide with summer
vacation and the winter holidays. It is possible to have winter swells as late as March (Spring
Break). However, the duration and size of swells begin to fall off approaching spring.
Isla Bastimentos. Bocas del Toro. Panama
www.tranquilobay.com
(713) 589-6952 USA
(507) 838-0021 Panama