10 things to know before visiting Starfish Beach in Bocas del Toro 

Nestled in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea lies an idyllic beach known for its unique and breathtaking natural wonder: Starfish Beach Bocas del Toro. This stunning destination is located on the island of Colón, in Panama’s Bocas del Toro province within Central America.

With its pristine golden sand, shallow turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, Starfish Beach has become a popular tourist attraction for those seeking a secluded paradise. Whether you’re looking to relax under the sun or explore the underwater world, this enchanting beach offers something for everyone.

Even if you are only in Bocas del Toro for a short time, we highly recommend taking a trip to Starfish Beach! In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what makes Starfish Beach so unique and why it should be on your travel bucket list.

Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.

1. A bit about Starfish Beach

Located within the pristine shores of Bocas del Toro in Panama, Starfish Beach is a tropical paradise that mesmerizes visitors with its natural beauty.

This picturesque beach is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand and, as the name suggests, an abundance of vibrant starfish dotting the shoreline. Snorkelers and swimmers are greeted by a kaleidoscope of marine life, including colourful coral reefs and exotic fish.

Whether you’re sunbathing, exploring the underwater wonders, or simply strolling along the beach, Starfish Beach enchants with its tranquil ambience and breathtaking scenery.

2. Where is Starfish Beach in Panama 

Located in the province of Bocas del Toro, on the Caribbean coast of Panama, Starfish Beach is nestled in a secluded area known as Isla Colón. This immaculate beach is situated approximately 25km east of the town of Bocas del Toro. Accessible by boat or car, Starfish Beach offers a serene escape from bustling city life. With its remote location and stunning natural surroundings, this hidden gem attracts visitors from around the world seeking a tranquil tropical paradise.

3. How to get to Starfish Beach in Bocas del Toro 

To reach the enchanting Starfish Beach in Panama, follow these simple steps for a memorable journey.

First, make your way to the town of Bocas del Toro, which serves as the starting point for your adventure. Bocas del Toro can be reached by domestic flights from Panama City or by bus and boat from other major cities in Panama.

From Bocas del Toro, you have two options to reach Starfish Beach. The most convenient and popular way is to hire a water taxi or join a guided tour. These can be arranged in Bocas del Toro town or at the waterfront. The boat ride takes around 30 minutes and offers scenic views of the coastline.

Alternatively, if you prefer to explore at your own pace, you can rent a bicycle, scooter, or car in Bocas del Toro town. Follow the main road eastbound and enjoy a picturesque journey through lush green landscapes. After approximately 25 kilometres, you will arrive at Starfish Beach. Note that the road can be unpaved and bumpy, so be prepared for an adventurous ride.

We started our journey to Bocas del Toro from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Costa Rica where it was a real experience crossing the border!

Once you arrive, get ready to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Starfish Beach and be captivated by its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.

4. What to pack for Starfish Beach 

Packing for Panama can be really tricky as it has such an array of climates. That is why we’ve already pulled together a comprehensive guide on What to Pack for Panama so you’ll have everything you need. That said, below is a rundown of the essentials for visiting Starfish Beach.

Towel: We personally LOVE our Dock & Bay beach towels as they are lightweight, quick drying and sand resistant!

Swimwear: You might want to bring a change of clothes so you aren’t soggy on the bus ride home!

Bug spray: We made a huge mistake and forgot to bring bug spray for our visit and the sand flies were quite annoying.

Dry bag: So you don’t have to leave any valuables on the beach.

Snorkeling gear: There aren’t any spots to rent snorkelling gear so we suggest on bringing your own.

Cash: Nowhere at the beach takes card payment so you will need cash to pay for boat taxis, buses and refreshments.

Book/Kindle: We take our Kindles to every beach to save carrying heavy books around. Make sure to check out our guide on the Top Gadgets and Electronics you need for Traveling!

Sunscreen: Make sure to use reef-safe sun cream if you are heading into the sea. We particularly love Beach Bum’s range.

5. Can you take a tour of Starfish Beach in Bocas del Toro? 

Yes absolutely! You can take this snorkelling tour which goes around lots of islands in Bocas and has a stop-off point at Starfish Beach. They also provide all your snorkeling gear, so if you don’t have your own with you, it might save you a few dollars!

6. Where to stay at Starfish Beach, Bocas del Toro 

$- Bambuda Bocas Town

Bambuda Bocas Town is a vibrant hostel located in the heart of Bocas del Toro town in Panama. With its relaxed and social atmosphere, comfortable dorms, and private rooms, Bambuda offers budget-friendly accommodations for travellers. Enjoy the communal kitchen, lively common areas, and friendly staff, making it an ideal choice for backpackers and budget-conscious travellers exploring the region.

$$- Selina

Selina Bocas Town is a popular hostel in the heart of Bocas del Toro town, Panama. This trendy accommodation offers stylish dorms and private rooms, along with a range of amenities such as a pool, bar, restaurant, and communal spaces. It’s a favourite among travellers looking for a vibrant and social atmosphere.

We stayed at Selina for a few days during our time in Bocas del Toro an absolutely loved it! That being said it is definitely a party hostel so if you are after a more relaxing time, it might not be the spot for you.

$$$ – Azul Paradise Bocas

Nestled in the stunning archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Azul Paradise Bocas is a boutique hotel that offers a serene and luxurious retreat. Situated on a private island, this eco-friendly resort boasts overwater bungalows with breathtaking views, direct access to the Caribbean Sea, and a range of amenities including a restaurant, spa, and water sports activities. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty.

7. A bit about the Starfish Beach

As you can tell from our synopsis so far, we loved our day trip to Starfish Beach. There were a good number of people enjoying the beautiful weather but there was a nice relaxing atmosphere to enjoy.

The best way of locating all the beautiful Starfish is by putting your snorkelling mask on and heading out into the water. Whilst they obviously change locations, we found that many were located around where the sea bed dropped away which was a good few metres from the beach itself.

It’s really important to know that you should never pick up or touch the starfish, let alone try and take them home. Make sure to always view at a distance where you can both admire the fascinating creature but not overcrowd it. On our scouting mission around the beach, we ended up finding at least 20!!

8. What facilities are at Starfish Beach

In all honesty, there isn’t really that much at Starfish Beach but this only adds to the secluded nature of the beach. We personally loved the feeling that we were a long way from civilisation.

There were only a handful of restaurants and stalls on the beach with their own beach chairs. People were quite strict on whether you could use them or not and this depended on if you ate at that particular restaurant. There is also the option of hiring some chairs for a few dollars.

9. What is there to do at Starfish Beach on Bocas del Toro?

• Snorkeling 
• Admiring the starfish
• Relaxing 
• Eating
• Banana boating
• Canoeing 

10. What other beaches in Bocas del Toro should you visit?

Red Frog Beach

Accessible by boat, this beach boasts powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. It’s named after the small red poison dart frogs that inhabit the surrounding jungle.

Bluff Beach

A secluded stretch of pristine coastline, Bluff Beach (also known as Playa Bluff) is popular among surfers and nature enthusiasts. Its rugged beauty, crashing waves, and untouched surroundings create a sense of tranquillity.

Zapatilla Islands

These uninhabited islands are part of the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park. The turquoise waters, coral reefs, and untouched beaches make them a haven for snorkelers and beach lovers.

Wizard Beach

Tucked away on Bastimentos Island, Wizard Beach offers a remote and untouched atmosphere. Its wild beauty, crashing waves, and lush surroundings provide a peaceful escape from the bustling tourist areas.

…

There you have it, everything you need to know about visiting Starfish Beach on Bocas del Toro. Starfish Beach is a true gem that showcases the natural beauty and wonders of Panama. With its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and abundance of vibrant starfish, it is a beach lover’s paradise. Whether you’re swimming, snorkelling, or simply basking in the sun, Starfish Beach offers a tranquil escape surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this enchanting destination and create lasting memories in the pristine beauty of Bocas del Toro’s Starfish Beach.

If you are heading to Panama soon, do check out some of our other Panama guides!

• 16 Things to Know Before Backpacking Panama
• The 8 Best Restaurants in Boquete, Panama
• Lost and Found Hostel – A Review

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Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.