Wizard Beach
Wizard Beach is a scenic and secluded beach along the northwestern coast of Bastimentos Island. It’s a good place sunbathe or surf.
Also known as Playa Primera (First Beach), Wizard Beach is wide and attractive. The dense forest here stretches all the way to the coastline. When the afternoon sun heats up, you can find shade beneath the long branches of trees. This beach is typically not crowded—it’s common to have much of it to yourself.
The water here is warm but can get turbulent and have strong currents. Be careful when swimming. Perhaps for the same reason, Wizard Beach has great surfing. The waves are big and break both right and left along the beach.
The easiest way to get to Wizard Beach is by water taxi or as part of a boat tour. There is also a path that leads through the forest to Old Bank. When the weather is dry, this takes about 30 minutes. After the rain it will take at least twice that long to trek through the mud.
Playa Segunda (Second Beach) and Red Frog Beach are east of Wizard Beach. You can technically walk to these beaches, but the trails are poorly marked and often muddy.
Where to stay in Wizard Beach
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Wizard Beach accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Red Frog Beach Resort
The Red Frog Beach Resort is located on Bastimentos Island in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. This resort combines a stunning location with beautiful and comfortable accommodations.
Eclypse del Mar
Eclypse del Mar is located on Bastimentos Island. It’s a friendly, pleasant place that offers thatch-roof bungalows over the water.
Tierra Verde Hotel
Hotel Tierra Verde is located on Carenero Island in Bocas del Toro. This small hotel faces the water and is a good choice for adventurous, outdoorsy types.
Hotel Bocas del Toro
Hotel Bocas de Toro sits directly on the water, on the coast of Isla Colón in the Bocas del Toro province. It has 11 cozy rooms and a homey atmosphere.
Gran Hotel Bahía
The Gran Hotel Bahía is set within Bocas town on Colón Island. The hotel has spacious rooms and is located within a historic building.
Playa Tortuga Hotel and Beach Resort
The Playa Tortuga Hotel & Beach Resort is located on Colón Island in Bocas del Toro. The hotel, which is set along a lovely golden-sand beach, has gorgeous rooms and ample facilities.
Tranquilo Bay
Tranquilo Bay is a gorgeous eco-resort set on Bastimentos Island in Bocas del Toro. The resort has six cozy cabanas and great access to the outdoors. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a quiet and natural experience in Panama.
Al Natural Resort
The Al Natural Resort is located on Bastimentos Island in Bocas del Toro. This hotel consists of several comfortable thatched-roof bungalows set on the edge of the beach. It’s a great place for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature.
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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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