Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos Overview

After a 3hr. hike along the beach and trails from Old Bank, you’ll reach the spectacular 14km Playa Larga, an important turtle-nesting site. The beach has a ranger station and an entrance to Parque Nacional Marino Isla, which protects Playa Larga, the interior of Isla Bastimentos, the extensive mangrove swamps on the island’s western side, and the two Cayos Zapatillas farther out in the ocean to the southeast, accessible only by boat. (Negotiate at the docks next to El Pirate. Approximately US$15-20 per person or US$60-80 for a whole boat.) Volunteers can work on the island tagging the leatherback turtles and taking care of the eggs until they hatch. (Contact Clara at ☎507 6584 2451; turtlevolpanama@yahoo.com. US$140 per week; includes food, accommodations, transportation, and a valuable donation to the project.)

Trail Mix. Though the trails on Bastimentos are not too difficult to hike, they are not very well-marked and can occasionally be confusing. To avoid getting lost on the trails, check with locals before heading out to ask for directions, and always hike in pairs or groups on the first trip through.

The inland forest on Isla Bastimentos is home to fantastic wildlife, and the southernmost of the two Cayos Zapatillas has a forest trail that leads to beaches and underwater caves. The ranger stations on the island and on the southern Cayo Zapatillas both have simple refugios and allow camping. There are no facilities; bring everything you need, including mosquito nets and a water purifier. Before heading to the park, you have to get permission from ANAM in Bocas Town (see Tourist Information) and pay an entrance fee. They can ensure that rangers will be there. Park rangers guide for free, although a tip is expected. (Camping US$5 per person. Park admission US$10.)

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