7 Best Bocas del Toro Hotels Over Water (2023)
Looking for the best Bocas del Toro hotels over water for your next tropical holiday? You’ve come to the right place!
This region features a string of islands off the coast of Panama and is a perfect destination for snorkelling, scuba diving, or any other water activity that comes to mind. Bocas del Toro has some of the best overwater bungalows in Panama.
Having travelled to Bocas del Toro multiple times, staying in a hotel with direct water access is a game changer.
I absolutely loved my stay in one of these Panama overwater hotels, and it should be on your travel bucket list too!
Let’s get right into the best Bocas del Toro overwater hotels for your trip!
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My Top 3 Picks: Bocas del Toro Hotels Over Water
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NAYARA Bocas del Toro
✅ Luxury over water bungalows
✅ Unlimited wifi & A/C
✅ Adults-only all-inclusive
Sol Bungalows
✅ Rustic overwater bungalows
✅ Cool sea window on floor
✅ On-site restaurant
Azul Paradise Beach Resort
✅ Eco-friendly overwater bungalows
✅ Air conditioning
✅ On-site restaurant
7 Best Over Water Hotels in Bocas del Toro
1. Nayara Bocas del Toro
If you’re looking for the best overwater hotels in Panama, Nayara Bocas del Toro is the one for you!
This adults-only 5-star Bocas del Toro resort is ideal for couples on a romantic getaway, or anyone who wants to enjoy the privacy of a private bungalow while having all amenities available nearby.
Inspired by Bali, each villa is beautifully decorated with a comfortable double bed and a fully equipped private bathroom. Villas come with a separate seating area with a TV where you can relax after a day of exploring.
You will also have unlimited Wi-Fi and A/C, so you don’t have to worry about that!
One of the main highlights of this resort is that overwater villas are separate from each other, providing the privacy you want for a couples retreat.
They cater to every type of traveller, and you can enjoy your stay even if you’re not comfortable with jumping into an ocean from your room. Offering two types of villas, you can choose between a private pool or direct water access through the water window inside the villa!
Nayara is not just a place to stay, it is a whole experience to make your vacation one to remember. You don’t have to worry about how to get to Bocas del Toro, as you’ll get a complimentary shuttle service from the airport with a boat ride to the island.
While the resort might feel a bit remote, as it is on a small island, it is an all-inclusive resort. They offer a delicious meal plan and cater to vegetarians, vegans, and other dietary restrictions.
They also offer tour organization services, so you can visit all the best spots in the region during the day and return to your private paradise at night.
2. Sol Bungalows Bocas del Toro
Situated on the northern tip of Isla Solarte, Sol Bungalows is the perfect place for anyone looking for a secluded tropical paradise but still wants to stay close to the mainland.
These rustic, over-water wooden bungalows look out to the open sea, and you can jump into the turquoise-blue sea directly from your private balcony.
Their 2 bungalows are spacious with a separate living room and can host up to 4 guests, making it a perfect choice for families or groups.
The villas also have a cool sea window on the floor, making it a fun opportunity to amuse your travel companions and kids will especially enjoy it. Book both bungalows and have the hotel to yourselves!
The location is one of the main highlights of this overwater hotel. It is secluded and feels as if it is on a private island, but it is just a quick water taxi ride from Bocas town and the airport.
You don’t need to worry about things to do, as the resort organizes endless activities to enjoy the island. You can spend a day snorkelling, cycling, or canoeing around the island.
When planning your budget, you should know that meals are not included in the room fare.
You won’t have to go far for meals, as there is a restaurant on-site, and the owner Drew uses ingredients from his own farm!
One thing that might be problematic for some guests is that there are no air conditioning units in the villas. However, the owner provides you with a fan, and most people will find that it is sufficient.
Book early because they usually book up 5-6 months ahead! They were closed for private family time during my recent trip to Panama, so I hope to stay here next time.
3. Azul Paradise Beach Resort
If you’re dreaming of staying in Bocas del Toro hotel on the water in an affordable option, Azul Paradise Beach Resort is the one to go for!
This upscale experience doesn’t have to come with a sky-high price, and this 3-star resort is a good example. It is a great option for solo and budget travellers, as the prices are among the lowest for this type of accommodation.
The resort features 10 eco-friendly overwater bungalows, all with direct water access from a charming private pier. You can choose between a bungalow with one or two bedrooms, ideal for those travelling with family or friends.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, so you don’t have to worry about hot tropical nights.
Swimming in the crystal clear sea is not the only thing you can do in this resort. There are plenty of fun things to do in Bocas del Toro, and your resort can organize the whole itinerary with all activities.
Some of the best things to do in the area are snorkelling, scuba diving, renting paddle boards, and going on wildlife tours.
There is also a restaurant on-site, but they don’t serve lunch. However, that shouldn’t be a problem as you’ll be out and about exploring the island during the day anyway!
Some might find the location is far from the airport, but the resort organizes airport transfers so you don’t have to worry about that. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the resort.
4. Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge, with its large suites, is a fantastic place to stay for travellers who want to connect with nature.
This eco-friendly resort is situated on Colon Island, but you will still have to take a boat transfer to reach it. You can book the transportation when you book your stay, so you don’t have to worry about the logistics.
The bungalows at Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge are like little houses over water, and you can choose between standard or master suites. If you’re travelling with friends or family, master suites are a great choice as they have two floors and can fit up to 6 people!
If you’re looking for a luxurious, upscale overwater villa, this might not be it. The facilities are rather basic, as you’ll stay in a straw-roof wooden bungalow.
Those who like to stay close to the city might find this resort too secluded. You will be out in the water surrounded by turquoise blue water on one side and jungle on the other, far from the city.
Despite its remote location, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy during your stay. The resort offers an array of day trips, such as kayaking, snorkelling, dolphin-watching, and daily boat tours.
If you want to get away from the water, you can also go hiking in the rainforest and visit native communities. It is a great way to learn more about the culture and history of the region!
5. Hotel Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge
Escape the crowds and discover the tropical paradise on the northern tip of Isla Bastimentos with Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge.
This resort is ideally situated, just a short boat ride from Bocas del Toro city and the airport. As it is on a different island, you get the best of both worlds – proximity to the airport and the privacy of an overwater villa.
Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge is a perfect choice for couples, as it is not in the party area and offers a romantic and calm getaway.
The 7 villas are right on the border of the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, so you’re sure to have a fun time snorkelling and diving in the area. You can also rent kayaks and explore the coastline or join various day tours offered by the resort.
The restaurant on-site is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you can relax and enjoy the water activities without worrying about where to go for meals.
One downside is that the units don’t have A/C, only a fan, and it can get quite hot in this tropical area. If you open the windows and door to let in the breeze, you risk getting bitten by mosquitos.
6. Casa Acuario
This Bocas del Toro affordable luxury hotel was my choice when I visited Bocas del Toro.
Situated on Carenero Island, Casa Acuario is one of the easiest to reach Bocas Del Toro hotels over water. That makes it a great choice for travellers who are short on time and want to stay close to the city. With a two-night minimum stay, it makes for a great weekend getaway.
I stayed in Casa Acuario and loved my stay. Relaxing in a hammock overlooking Bocas town lit up, enjoying the music and stargazing were the little details that made my stay even more special. And don’t get me started on how comfortable the bed was.
Plus, there was snorkelling right off the dock and snorkel gear was provided! You can also choose to paddleboard, kayak, or play board games, all included. I enjoyed kayaking around the property.
If you are looking for Panama overwater bungalows all-inclusive, this might not be the right choice for you. It’s not a bungalow, and the on-site restaurant is only open for breakfast. Their breakfast is delicious, with plenty of options and they happily cater to dietary restrictions.
For dinner and lunch, you will get to explore the local restaurant scene or take advantage of the communal kitchen.
Also, you will most likely be out and about exploring the island and going on day trips to the Bat Cave or Zapatilla Island, so you won’t even miss the hotel meals! It worked out perfectly for me.
Despite being close to the city, this boutique hotel offers the same secluded tropical paradise experience as some of the more remote resorts.
The hotel thought of every detail, so you will get bug spray to keep the pesky mosquitos away and a noise machine to help you sleep at night.
7. Aqui Hoy
Finally, Aqui Hoy Cabanas is another noteworthy overwater hotel on Isla Solarte.
This is a small resort with 4 cabins on the water, which means there will be about 6 other people at most staying there. The property is beautifully decorated and offers an intimate romantic experience, perfect for adventurous couples looking for a honeymoon destination.
You will get an entire cabin, with a private bathroom, double bed, and a balcony with direct water access if you want to jump.
Despite its secluded location, there are plenty of things to do in Aqui Hoy. You can borrow a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard for a fun water activity.
The resort can also organize various day trips for you. Those who like marine wildlife will love snorkelling and diving spots close to the property. Alternatively, you can also go hiking in the jungle or take a boat trip along the coastline!
One thing to consider is that villas don’t have A/C, and some might find the humidity uncomfortable. However, each cabana has two large fans that should cool you down.
FAQs about Bocas del Toro Overwater Hotels
Does Panama Have Over Water Bungalows?
Yes, Panama has over water bungalows. You will find some of the best Panama overwater bungalows on the islands of the Bocas del Toro region. For luxurious direct access to water bungalows, consider staying in Nayara Bocas del Toro, Sol Bungalows Bocas del Toro, or Azul Paradise Beach Resort.
How Many Days Should You Stay in Bocas del Toro?
You should stay at least 3 days in Bocas del Toro. While you could easily spend more than a week in the area, 3 days will give you enough time to settle and enjoy the most popular activities in Bocas del Toro, like snorkelling, beach hopping, street food, and nightlife.
Final Thoughts on Bocas Del Toro Hotels Over Water
You can’t go to this beautiful region of Panama and not try at least one Bocas del Toro over water hotel (that and of course a jungle hotel). Lucky for you, there are options for every budget.
Nayara Bocas del Toro is the ideal luxury pick for overwater bungalows.
Casa Acuario is a great affordable option, on the water but not a bungalow and close to everything.
Whether you are on a quick getaway or want to treat yourself to a unique luxurious experience, it’s a bucket list experience and should be on your Panama vacation itinerary.
Travelling to Panama? Read more:
- 7 Day Panama Itinerary
- Fun Things to Do in Panama City Panama
- Best Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City
- Getting Around Panama
- Best Places to Visit in Panama
- Best Casco Viejo Walking Tours
- Hiking Cerro Cara Iguana
- Volcan Baru Jeep Tour
- Boquete Coffee Tour Review
- Scuba Diving in Bocas del Toro
- Casa Acuario Hotel Review
- La Selva Nomad Treehouse Review
- Best Bocas del Toro Hotels Over Water
- Fun Things to Do in Bocas del Toro
- How to Get to Bocas Del Toro
- How to Visit Nivida Bat Cave, Bocas del Toro
