Starfish Beach — Attraction in Bocas del Toro

So very crowded! And with tourist banana boats. Plus, there are jellys.

They told us not to go on a weekend. I read this with so many reviews, and we had our own boat, so we could’ve gone at any time, but it was supposed to be really stormy the next few days and so we decided to go to Starfish Beach on a Sunday. Big mistake. Every bit of the charm was lost as there were giant Tourist banana boats with 10 people each, bouncing along and screaming and yelling and I know they were having fun, but it took the entire beauty of the beach away. There is something pretty awful about a giant motorized boat with a bunch of people on it screaming really loudly that ruins the atmosphere of a tranquil beach. I don’t mind the banana-boat-type-fun loud fast boats. I just think that should be reserved for areas like Myrtle Beach South Carolina or other super populated touristy places. It felt really out of place to have them on Starfish Beach. I’m quite certain the starfishes didn’t appreciate it either. ;)

We did see quite a few starfish, but again, the beach was super crowded. My son was also stung pretty badly by jellyfish! So often when the waters are calm and tranquil that does tend to be jellyfish, so be aware.

I also saw some people handling the starfish, which made me cringe a little bit. You’re really not supposed to be picking them up. Right after my son was stung by the jellyfish we left, so we did not get the chance to explore any of the restaurants our walk down Drago Beach, so it was a bit of a shame.

I’m sure the place is lovely if it was not on a weekend. Just having the really loud motorboat touristy situations was really incongruous with what a beautiful beach it was. Will I go back? Probably not, just because I know that there are jellyfish. But I really did want to go to Drago Beach, which you can walk to from Starfish Beach, and eat at one of the restaurants.

That said, It is a gorgeous beach. I’ve been to so many beaches that look very similar, but are completely deserted, especially because we vacation a great deal on small sailboats, so we go to several deserted beaches. This reminded me of the quality of that type of beach. Beautiful, warm water, sandy beach, but again, just overrun with people and the...

I loved this beach. It was one of my favorite of all the beaches in Bocas island hopping. But I was told I only enjoyed it because it was empty due to travel just opening back up in Panama and the pandemic still hampering tourism. Essentially, it was empty the day I visited except for the three other small groups who were clearly Panamanian travelers visiting for their national holiday. I can see how this precious spot could be overrun by water taxis and tourist splashing around with the starfish and disturbing this pristine environment. So, go now! Or in the off season. Because these beaches are empty and private and it’s Luxurious and virus safe to have them practically to yourself. There are several “restaurants” more like snack shacks serving fresh fish and cocktails on the beach and they have lounge chair service. This is a common sight at popular beaches like these in Central and South America. Out of The numerous snack shacks on the beach, only one was open, El Sabor Flavor, run by Aida and her family. They had standard Panama virus protocol protections in place, even though we were outside on a beach. You had to have your temperature taken, and sanitize your hands before ordering from their chalkboard menu. They were all wearing masks while serving and cooking food too. Bring cash. It’s a cash only spot like most places like this. The food was delicious. I got shrimp and rice and the salad was great too. Aida, the owner, was busy making gorgeous beaded bracelets on the beach, in hopes she would have sales for the Christmas season. I bought two and they are divine. She wrapped them in adorable holiday paper. And the beach: gorgeous! Clear water for snorkeling or just enjoying the starfish and fish. But please do not touch them. Go before it’s overrun by tourists again and it doesn’t feel as safe. Getting there on a US airline SAFELY during a pandemic is the trick with no mask enforcement and idiots blowing their nose on the plane because they have no consideration for others in the United States. Fly Copa or just wait to go in the off season when you are vaccinated and won’t potentially die to see this...

This is probably the closest to paradise I have ever experienced. In a beach setting for sure. Water as clear as you drink from your bottle, and palm trees overhanging white sand. Where else would you meet a wild scarlet macaw and feed him tropical fruit? It took some time to build trust with this beautiful creature, but he eventually came round a turned out a curious and charming fellow to spend time with. I christened him 'Mickey the macaw', and it was heart wrenching to say goodbye. All indigenous people running things here, which I loved. Strikingly different to your typical Panamanian person. They have a good few restaurants here that serve amazing traditional food - uncomplicated dishes and very tasty. I was drinking lovely Pina Coladas all day here for around $4 a time. There are many giant starfish here which justifies the placename, but apparently there used to be many more. I wonder is there too many people coming here that have caused this decline? It was not crowded when I was here on 2 January weekdays, so I had the most relaxing time. I normally get bored on beaches after a while, but not here, it was so idyllic. There are no waves and it is nice for a swim. Be cautious with where you step on the seabed though, as you might stand on one of those beautiful giant starfishes or else after you are in shoulder deep water, there is a step and a huge drop off in depth below you. I brought my own gear and went snorkelling here - visibility was the best you will get! FREE TIP - if you want to snorkel, walk up the length of the beach to where it curves into the mangroves! There will be no swimmers up here and you will see some marine life. The highlights for me was seeing a barracuda and a Southern stingray that was so close it brushed me. Both times I arrived here by boat from Bocas del Toro town. I still think about this place a lot, and when I return to Panama some day I will definitely...