Plunge into the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, Panama's first marine park, guided by a certified naturalist who knows every coral head. Nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, and psychedelic reef fish are the supporting cast for one of the Caribbean's great snorkel experiences.
What to expect
The morning briefing at the dock covers marine-park etiquette and what to look for — the guide's enthusiasm is infectious before you've even hit the water. Snorkellers float over shallow gardens of brain coral and sea fans alive with damselfish and angelfish, while scuba divers descend to swim-throughs draped in soft coral at around 15 metres. The park's protected status means visibility routinely exceeds 20 metres. Surface intervals are spent drifting in the turquoise shallows between dive sites with cold water and fresh fruit on the boat.
Good to know
The dive centre is a short water-taxi ride from the cruise pier — transfers are typically included. Book scuba in advance if you need equipment rental; bring your dive certification card. Snorkel tours require no experience. All-aboard timing: the full snorkel tour is 4–5 hours, scuba is 5–6 hours.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Bocas Del Toro — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Bocas Del Toro
- Isla Zapatillas: Private Speedboat to Panama's Crown Jewel
- Green Acres Chocolate Farm: Bean-to-Bar Rainforest Experience
- Starfish Beach & Drago: Private E-Bike Island Discovery
- Bioluminescence Night Tour: Kayaking the Glowing Lagoon
- Red Frog Beach & Bastimentos Village: Culture, Jungle & Caribbean Coast