This is the first post of a series of 10 things to do in Bocas del Toro, Panama for less than $25. So let's get straight into it!
Rent a bike in town ($7 - $10 per day) and head towards Bluff Beach:
- ride north up Third Street until it merges into G Avenue
- and ride along until you pass Habla Ya Bocas del Toro Spanish School
- afterwards the road will bend towards your right and you'll start cycling along Playa El Istmito, where the Sea Fair takes place each year
- you'll reach a fork that if you take a left you'll go through the island towards Boca del Drago (Starfish Beach) so just keep on going to your right and you'll pass the Playa Tortuga Hotel
- after you've passed the Big Creek neighborhood, the paved road turns into a beach road, and you'll have to continue on that until you reach Bluff Beach
It's about a 40 minute to 1.5 hour cycle depending on your speed. Take your time in true Caribbean style!
Cycling to Bluff Beach in Bocas del Toro, Panama
After enjoying a 10 km cycle along the coastline, pick your own stretch of beach from the 5 kilometers of golden powdered sand.
You might be the only person in Bluff Beach in Bocas del Toro, Panama
As there aren't any shops or restaurants on Bluff Beach make sure to pack some cold drinks and snacks in your backpack. The really adventurous can cycle for another 30 minutes after Bluff Beach (after the 5 kms of beach that is) in search of “La Piscina”, a stunning protected cove with calm waters, perfect for snorkeling and bathing.
Although Bluff Beach is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Panama’s Caribbean, it’s not always swimmer friendly as it is directly exposed to the surf (click here for more information about Bocas del Toro’s surfing season). You really shouldn't get into the water unless the swell is less than a couple of feet (on certain days in April, May, September and October) Having said this, when the swell is right, tide pools are created which are great for the young ones to paddle in safely, while the grown ups have a good surf or body board session (always keep on eye on the young ones please!). Bluff beach should only be surfed by expert or pro surfers. You can checkout some video footage of surfing Bluff Beach in Bocas del Toro, Panama here.
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Along with Starfish Beach, Bluff is certainly one of the most enchanting beaches on the main island, Isla Colon. Just sunbathing on Bluff Beach and taking in its pristine natural beauty is certainly one of Bocas del Toro’s most magical experiences.
Not only is Bluff blessed with warm turquoise-green waters, but from mid March to September, Bluff is also nesting ground for green, hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles. If you head towards the community’s school, you will be able to find a local guide who can provide you with more information about “turtle activity”. Turtles start hatching 1.5 to almost 2.5 months after their eggs are laid.
On your way back to Bocas town, you can stop for a meal at La Coralina on Playa Paunch. La Coralina is on a small hill and certainly has one of the most gorgeous ocean views you’ll find in a Bocas del Toro restaurant.
View of Paunch Beach from La Coralina in Bocas del Toro, Panama
Spending a couple of nights camping at Bluff isn't a bad idea either, and numerous fresh water streams along the beach are very convenient to freshen up. If you manage to visit Bocas during turtle nesting or hatching season, this could obviously become an amazing experience.
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Now, if you’re in search for an extreme adventure, instead of heading back directly into town you can cycle all the way to Boca del Drago (where Starfish Beach is), passing by the Mimitimbi indigenous community and then from there cycle back to town (about 15 kms from Boca del Drago). This is truly an all day outfit and is only intended for the really fit and adventurous (you really won’t be able to cycle all the way back as it’s certainly a jungle trek and you’ll have to carry your bike in certain parts).
So that's about it if you're interested in cycling to Bluff Beach from Bocas town on Isla Colon. Stay tuned for the rest of the series about things to do in Bocas del Toro for less than $25. You can subscribe to this blog by clicking here...
