Tranquilo Bay

Creating cherished memories isn't always straightforward. During any vacation, there are limited opportunities for you to turn it into a truly cherished memory. Picture a vacation that's so enjoyable that your group reminisces about it for years to come. Envision an experience that establishes the benchmark for all your upcoming vacations. Think about an adventure meticulously tailored just for you and your group.

Tranquilo Bay is eagerly looking forward to bringing your vision to fruition.

While many people view a vacation as an expense, Tranquilo Bay regards it as an investment. Organizing a delightful, sustainable, and unforgettable experience accomplishes more than simply boosting your mood. It fosters a connection among all the members of your group and allows you to disconnect from your daily routine. You'll all have the chance to try new things, discover the wonders of nature, and unwind. The investment you make today in your group will yield treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

Tranquilo Bay understands that you want to get a sense of what awaits you. Tranquilo Bay is an island lodge situated at the crossroads of the rainforest, the Caribbean Sea, and the culture of Panama. Our team specializes in providing creature comforts like hot water, air conditioning, and expertly crafted cuisine, all within the backdrop of a carefully preserved adventure setting encompassing 200 acres of rainforest and a kilometer of Caribbean coastline.

Tranquilo Bay Properties

Tranquilo Bay Eco Lodge

Providing sustainable adventures in nature, Tranquilo Bay offers guests a home to explore the islands & highlands of Western Panama. Experience this unique tropical location in one of the six deluxe air conditioned cabanas with beautiful views. Find your adventure with numerous activities, including land based excursions, fishing, and water base excursions including a certified Dive Shop.

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Facilities and Accommodation

Tranquilo Bay, the best Bocas del Toro hotel, is your home base to explore the islands and highlands of Western Panama. Tranquilo Bay provides sustainable adventures in Nature, providing exceptional service while honoring the beautiful environment of Bocas del Toro. Unpack, settle in and experience this unique tropical location. Tranquilo Bay provides guests with six deluxe air-conditioned cabanas, beautiful views, eco-adventure activities, personal attention and fine cuisine.

Accommodations at Tranquilo Bay
The interior of each of the six cabanas are tastefully and comfortably appointed with air-conditioning, local hardwoods, tile floors, fine linens and a calming color palette. Each bedroom features a bed or beds, handcrafted for Tranquilo Bay, made from local hardwoods with an orthopedic mattress. Reading lamps and various books are also found within each bedroom. A small seating area adjacent to one of the windows and a closet round out the remainder of the bedroom.

Private baths include a spacious granite countertop providing plenty of room for belongings. Each bathroom includes a large walk-in shower with a full size water heater. Coffee makers, hair dryers and snack baskets are also located within the bathroom.

A covered porch with a hammock, Adirondack chairs and a ceiling fan await to help guests escape the "every day" that you left behind when you enter the grounds at Tranquilo Bay.

All cabanas boast luscious tropical jungle views.

Main Lodge
The Main Lodge is where meals and indoor recreational activities take place. The ocean facing and elevation over the jungle canopy are incredible. The upstairs balcony is the perfect place to watch the sun rise with your morning coffee and the moon rise in the evening with a cold beverage. The monkeys and birds also travel through on their late afternoon feeding migration.

The interior of the main lodge building includes the dining room, the bar and an entertainment room which includes a television and a large book and video library. The second floor of the main lodge building a large porch which wraps around two sides of the building giving you a bird's eye view into the jungle and of the Caribbean beyond.

Dining at Tranquilo Bay
Meals at Tranquilo Bay are included for each guest. Breakfast offerings may include a continental buffet. Lunch will be packed for those guests whose activities keep them away from the resort, and for those remaining on site a variety of choices are available. Appetizers are provided during the cocktail hour preceding dinner. Dinners vary based upon the local ingredients available.

Breakfast will include fruit juices, Panamanian coffee and rolls. You may request eggs made to order each morning. One special breakfast entree each day will be provided each day.

A delicious lunch will be packed for those partaking in off site activities for the day. For those remaining on site, chose from a selection of salads, sandwiches and soups which highlight local ingredients - avocados and hearts of palm for example.

Prior to dinner each night, enjoy a cocktail hour to watch the sunset and enjoy delicious nibbles.

The dinner menu is posted each day at breakfast. If you would prefer another entree you may select from a few offerings and notify the restaurant. Entrees vary nightly - one night seafood and the next night it may be South American beef. Each nightend with a little something sweet to close the day.

Location
Tranquilo Bay is built inside the rainforest overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the beautiful Panamanian Jungle. The central location within the archipelago of Bocas del Toro permits guests to explore some of the most biologically diverse areas of Panama and Central America. Bocas del Toro, Panama includes an archipelago of some 68 tropical islands which are excellent for beach combing, birding and exploring. Around the many reefs and lagoons, you may fish, snorkel and surf. There are also beautiful spots perfect for laying back and letting the cool ocean breeze wash over you.

The province of Bocas del Toro hosts two national parks, one of which is a world heritage site and two protected cloud forests. The trans-boundary protected area consists of 1.4 million contiguous acres, extending from the continental divide to the Caribbean Sea, covering all five altitudinal zones known to the tropics. One park, Bastimentos National Marine Park, covers a large portion of the archipelago and is home to a variety of ecosystems which thrive at or around sea level. The other park, Palo Seco Nature Reserve, is on the mainland and reaches through the cloud forests up to and beyond the continental divide.

Excursions at Tranquilo Bay

Tranquilo Bay is fortunate to have an incredible number of excursions for the outdoor enthusiast. Tailor-made excursions can be arranged depending on the guest's desire to experience certain activities.

Land Excursions:
Beaches
Birding
Jungle Hiking
Beach Hiking

Water Excursions:
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Surfing

Snorkeling
Tranquilo Bay is fortunate enough to be surrounded by the extremely diverse 28,600 marine acres of Bastimentos National Marine Park.

Panama's first marine park is one of the most spectacular in all of Central America. In a protected corridor no wider than seven miles, the oceanic diversity, sub-sea topography, marine ecosystems, life zones and species are extreme. Our underwater excursions are designed to explore as many different realms as possible while focusing on habitat and species diversity.

Much of the marine park has never been explored under the surface, and many of the known dive sites are as yet unnamed. Within the marine park, sea fan gardens, vibrant coral reefs, and over 200 species of tropical fish live amongst a dramatic sub-sea terrain, which seems to transform every few hundred yards. Oceanic formations in the area include walls, freshwater caves, tunnels, pinnacles, coral spires and towers, Spur and groove, ocean impact reef, sandy ledges and protected patch reef.

If snorkeling is the primary objective of your trip, note that the Caribbean Sea is calmer and there is less rain from February through June and September through November, September and October being the most consistent of all months. Please note there is an additional cost for diving.

The visibility, while most times is good, does not compare with that of other well-known dive destinations such as Cayman Islands or Cozumel. That being said, most of the interesting formations here in Bocas del Toro are in shallower water. In many areas the maximum depth is 40 feet and the light penetration is excellent.

Beaches
If serious beach time is what you desire, then Bocas del Toro has one just right for you. Tranquilo Bay is centrally located in the heart of the archipelago, which makes it possible to visit a different beach everyday during your stay. The archipelago of Bocas del Toro, surrounded by the Talamanca range, is an expanse of turquoise Caribbean waters dotted with lushly forested islands, mangrove Cayes, and flats of coral and turtle grass. The windward islands are blessed with pristine coconut-lined white sand beaches, several of which are protected by Bastimentos National Marine Park.

Four species of sea turtles nest on these shores and inhabit the reefs laden with tropical fish. Sand dollars, seashells and driftwood are easily admired on these uninhabited beaches. It is not uncommon to find yourself exploring the whole day without ever encountering other footsteps.

Sea Kayaking
The archipelago of Bocas del Toro earned the name "Galapagos of the Caribbean" by being one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

Sea kayak excursions are designed to cover an array of ecosystems, terrain, marine and terrestrial wildlife. Enjoy the tranquility and thrill of sea kayaking as you paddle along dramatic stretches of the archipelago, allowing to explore secluded white sand beaches, coral flats, small offshore islands and rock ledge coastline, navigate mangrove forests, paddle up spring fed rivers, shoot the mountain rapids or snorkel pristine reefs and rock formations. Many of our daily explorations cover more than three separate ecosystems.

All excursions depart directly from our comfortable facility where our staff will handle the preparation, maintenance and portage of the equipment. Snorkel gear is provided on all excursions to fully explore the underwater realm of brilliant tropical fishes living amongst vibrant coral reefs. All you have to do is paddle and absorb the breathtaking scenery. No experience is required for many of the excursions. Whether you're searching for the serenity of calm backwaters, need to feel the surge of jagged frontal coastline, or want to try a little whitewater, Tranquilo Bay will schedule your group's excursions to accommodate various experience levels.

Jungle Hiking
Walking through the jungle is a surreal and vivid experience. As you enter beneath the rainforest canopy, cool moist air and profound shade envelop all within.

Surprisingly dark inside, a slight feeling of insignificance begins to sharpen your awareness. Sight, smell, hearing and touch seem hypersensitive as you simultaneously gather and rapidly process information from your bizarre new surroundings. The enormous height and size of the vine-entangled trees leave many visitors with a feeling of awe. Tranquilo Bay is surrounded by national parks and protected areas creating 1.4 million contiguous acres, the single largest remaining tract of virgin forest unit in Central America (see the National Parks and Wildlife Refuge Section). Extending from the continental divide to the Caribbean Sea, this pristine forest covers all five altitudinal zones known to the tropics. Bocas del Toro is an explorer's dreamland and still one of the wildest, most biologically diverse places on Earth.

Tranquilo Bay explore these areas from the comfort of our facility and often cross three or more ecosystems in a single excursion. Our expeditions into the parks are designed to cover a diverse range of ecosystems, flora, fauna and terrain; each hike will be tailored to meet your group's areas of interest, experience, and physical abilities. A knowledgeable guide, equipped with a sharp machete and extensive experience in the area, will accompany your group on all hikes into the rainforest. Forest explorations generally depart after breakfast; lunch is usually picnic-style and served on the trail.

Surfing
You can bring the whole family. Tranquilo Bay offers excellent food, accommodations, amenities, and a multitude of activities to entertain both the surfers and non-surfers in your group. They have warm Caribbean water year-round, so wet suits are not necessary. Our average tidal fluctuation is less than 20-inches, so they never have to plan a session around the tide. Also, they are a heck of a lot closer than Indo.

The best and most consistent swells hit Bocas del Toro at the peak of winter. The season starts late November and begins to fall off in February. The peak of summer can also produce a mini-season during the months of July and August. While there can be some epoch days during these months, the summer season does not compare with the winter in terms of duration or consistency.

During the biggest swells most breaks hold more than 12 feet before closing out, and Silverbacks on Isla Bastimentos will hold to over 20 feet. Many islands in the archipelago have inside reefs and shoals that catch swell wrapping around the side of the island, creating smaller waves and less current -- perfect for the beginner and still a fun ride for experienced riders.

Tranquilo Bay know you came here to surf, not paddle. They explore these waves from the comfort of our facility, traveling to all locations via boat. Their fast 26-foot boats will drop you right by the take-off point, and then anchor in the channel to serve as a rest stop. Cold beverages, towels and shade are never more than a short paddle away. When you're done resting, there will be no reef dance in the impact zone to get back to the take-off spot.

Fishing Excursions
Off-shore Species: Seasonal offshore runs include Yellowfin, Blackfin, and Bigeye Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish and big Yellowtail Snapper. Resident bottom fish in these waters consist of various grouper species, and snapper including Cuberas, Grays, Dogs, Blacks and Muttons. Whale Sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles are sometimes spotted in these pristine waters.

In-shore Species: During spring, Tarpon, Snook and jacks can be found schooling in various bays, lagoons, rivers and small flats within the archipelago. These same fish, along with larger migrants, congregate near river mouths in the spring and fall. Small to midsized snapper, jacks, and barracuda can be found within the archipelago near reefs, grass flats, and mangrove estuaries throughout the year. When all the stars line up, and the conditions are just right, chase Bonefish on the windward flats.

There is an additional cost for all fishing excursions.

FAQs

FOOD RELATED QUESTIONS

CAN YOU HANDLE SPECIAL DIETS?
Yes, they can accommodate you. Tranquil Bay's reservation system guest information form has a few sections that ask you to provide them with information about anyone in your party's food allergies or health requirements as well as for what everyone in your party does eat.

CONCERNS ABOUT EATING & DRINKING?
No concerns at Tranquilo Bay with food or water. Guests can eat the fruits, salads, and vegetables at their location. They do not have problems with their water, thus no traveler's illnesses. All of their water is rainwater. It goes through 5-micron filtration and UV light prior to entering any of their buildings. All of their water inside the buildings goes through this same treatment. Their water is safe to drink. They wash and/or peel fruits and vegetables so that guests are free to eat whatever they would like to eat when they are staying with them.

WHAT DO YOU MAKE ONSITE?
If they can make a high-quality product on-site, they do. They prefer to carry bulk items out to Tranquilo Bay and prepare food from those items instead of purchasing things in small packages, etc. Thus, their breads, chips, desserts, and ice creams are all made on-site. They are delicious!

FACILITY RELATED QUESTIONS

FAMILIES
The owners live on-site with their families. As such, they are familiar with providing support to families with babies or grandparents traveling with them. They believe it is important for each member of the family to be comfortable and happy. They have a variety of staff members to meet your needs at Tranquilo Bay. The staff-to-guest ratio varies between 1:1 and 1:3 depending upon the season. Their full-time naturalist guides provide you with lots of information about all of the nature and wildlife found within Bocas del Toro. They also have their resident canines, Chola and Max, who do what they can to improve your stay with them.

COUPLES
Couples traveling to Tranquilo Bay will find a great mix of "alone" time and more social times. Each couple has its own cabana to relax in and spend time on the porch or otherwise enjoying the tropical location. Their excursions may be with other guests or on their own depending upon the other guests on-site for their trip. Most meals are communal where they can share their adventures with the other guests.

GROUPS
Tranquilo Bay is happy to host groups either on their own or as part of the rest of the guests they have on-site in any given week. For groups of eight or more, they can make special arrangements. Interested parties are encouraged to contact them to provide the specifics for their group, and Tranquilo Bay will get back to them with a variety of options.

INDIVIDUALS
Tranquilo Bay is in a secluded location. Individual travelers looking to get away from it all often find Tranquilo Bay to be just what they need. Meals are eaten communally each night, so individual guests mingle with any of the other guests who are onsite at that time. This may include families, couples, or other individual travelers.

BUGS
Tranquilo Bay does not have a bug problem. They do run into small no-see-ums or chitras at dusk and dawn. If guests will be out during these times on their porch or doing an activity, it is suggested that they wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt or use insect repellent. Otherwise, if guests are hiking in the jungle, the same attire is recommended. On most other excursions, these types of precautions are not necessary. Since their cabanas were built for air-conditioning, they are airtight, and insects are not an issue within the cabanas themselves.

LAUNDRY
The weight limit in the small planes is somewhat small, and guests are likely to get dirty on some of their excursions, so Tranquilo Bay is happy to do some laundry for them. They do not charge for this service, but they do ask that guests remember the domestic staff provided this service to them when they determine the gratuity they leave for the staff. During the rare dry spells in the jungle, Tranquilo Bay may need to limit the amount of laundry they do for each guest.

SECURITY
Tranquilo Bay hasn't had any security issues to date. Each of the cabanas has a lock on the door. If guests have any valuable items that they would like stored, the staff can store them for them in the main building. Most guests do not lock the door on their cabanas. Tranquilo Bay's location is secluded, with only a limited number of people having access to their facilities. As such, they do not have security issues that other locations may have.

EXCURSION RELATED QUESTIONS

PUBLIC ACCESS
The guest activities and excursions at Tranquilo Bay are available only to people staying onsite. They do have a day tour that they offer several days a week where people come onsite to experience Tranquilo Bay; however, the lodge guests and these day visitors are not mixed for activity purposes.

EXCURSION LENGTH
Tranquilo Bay is flexible. Excursions can be full-day or partial-day depending on what guests choose to do. Unfortunately, the price does not change much if only a partial-day excursion is chosen, as most of the expense of the excursion is in the transportation to and from the excursion, not in the length of the excursion itself.

Certain excursions are full day, but the staff at Tranquilo Bay will explain this to guests as they are reviewing their options at the beginning of their stay and as a plan is made for the following days.

SEMI-PRIVATE ACTIVITIES & TOURS
Tranquilo Bay has three boats, multiple captains, and guides available to guests during their stay. Generally, the tours are considered semi-private. They manage excursions to avoid making specific excursions that are fuel and time-intensive on a daily basis. They also distribute the load between their guides and guests to maximize guest enjoyment. If a particular excursion is best limited to six people, they won't take ten people on that excursion; instead, they will break it up into two groups. They frequently include more than one party on excursions if it is appropriate. However, if one party includes a more mature group, they will not include young children in that party's outings unless the party specifically requests it.

If guests want to book private tours, they should book them in advance so Tranquilo Bay may dedicate a boat and a guide to their party specifically.

DIVING
Tranquilo Bay is centrally located in the archipelago and is only a short boat ride away from a variety of depths and currents to accommodate all snorkeling skill levels. All snorkeling excursions depart directly from their facility, where their staff will handle the preparation, maintenance, and portage of the equipment.

If guests want to dive, Tranquilo Bay can arrange this with one of the dive shops on Isla Colon. Diving requires a different set of equipment and staff than Tranquilo Bay has. As such, they outsource this particular activity to the professionals. With up to a few divers, they transport the divers to Isla Colon for dives directly with a dive shop. If there is a larger group of divers, they can arrange in advance with a dive shop to have dives leave from their facility.

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).

Karen Snider