Know Where You Are Going...Isla Bastimentos is a tropical island
Casa Serenity By The Sea is located on Oceanside in Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panama.
This is not a place for the weak of heart. There is a lot of hiking and there are no cars. Our seaside property has crystal-clear water out front with a beautiful reef for snorkeling, but it is not a beach. There is a defined walk-out area that is easily visible to enter the sea. Beautiful coral heads and sea life are abundant on the reef that lines Oceanside BUT PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF THE ENVIRONMENT!!! The property is walking distance to local surf breaks and a 25min hike to the majestic Wizard Beach. We are next door neighbors with “Reggae Bites” and “The Firefly”. Both have excellent dining in a tropical setting on the water. Other local restaurants & bars are right around the point in Old Bank. The water is particularly clear in the “Off-Season” months of May, Sept-November. When the waves are down…the Snorkeling is UP!!! REEF BOOTIES & REEF/LOBSTER GLOVES ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Multiple world class surf breaks on the nearby islands including Carenero Point and Paunch’s are visible from the property. Float your worries away out front while you watch epic sunsets in true paradise-style. The communal seaside hammock is on carabiners and can be removed for full, unobstructed use of the circular Meditation Clearing (we highly recommend doing this during your stay). Come experience the mellow vibes of Isla Bastimentos and the boat-centric lifestyle of Bocas del Toro, Panama. WATERPROOF HIKING SANDALS AND HEADLAMPS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Rolling luggage is NOT RECOMMENDED as the walking path you will be on has unpaved sections. This public walking path runs along the seashore and is the main point of access to all the waterfront properties. We have (3) 2600L rainwater collection tanks. These feed the faucets and showers and is 4x filtered for our drinking water. We have septic tanks and do not flush anything but human waste. Bidets have been installed to reduce paper waste. If you are looking for a resort, this will not be for you. If you are chill & seek adventure in an authentic place, we'll see you there.
Our Property has 3 Casitas. Our Caretaker, Yeison, lives in "Sea Glass House", which is the one in the middle. There may be guests staying at the other Casita during your stay. The natural pathway/staircase is communal and you may run into other adventurous souls who have also chosen to spend their time in Paradise. It's completely up t you how much you interact with the neighbors, but you are certainly not obligated to do so. ***The Meditation Clearing/Outdoor Hammock by the water is also communal.***
Also...our property is surrounded by beautiful jungle foliage, but we do have neighbors. Please be respectful of their property and privacy. However, you will you will most likely find smiling faces with similar mindsets around you, and you may even meet a new friend!
We cohabitate with Gecko families. We love them very much, and they provide a wonderful service in return for their safe lodging. Please do not harm them.
***This is Old Bank...which is known for its vibrance and love of music. Sometimes they play it quite loudly! We are tucked away on the other side of the hill, but town is pretty close by. Enjoy the rhythms of the Caribbean as they drift across the island!***
Also…500 years of Afro-Caribbean culture and history resides here that is to be respected and admired. This mixes with the indigenous Naso Tjër Di & Ngäbe-Buglé tribes that have been here for thousands of years longer. The local dialect is Guari-Guari (a mix of Creole English Patois, Spanish, and Ngäbere), and no you won't understand it...but they speak Spanish and English as well. This is a small town with kids and free-range chickens and little lazy island pups roaming about. Terracing walking paths have been carved out of the hillside that the community have used for generations...this may put a spin on the ideology of "private property"...but it also connects the people to the island in a in a very grounded way. Be humble & be kind in this place.
Is it safe?
Don't be aloof when traveling to remote places like Bocas. Bring a buddy unless you are a very experienced world traveler.
Bastimentos in particular has a large sense of community. Most of the locals know each other in some shape or form. There is a school and a church. Be not afraid.