Panama's Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge features overwater bungalows. Averys Gayle Coleman
I stayed in Panama for four nights in an overwater bungalow at Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge.
My room was only $180 a night, was located right on the Costa Rican border, and had a great view.
Being able to jump into the ocean from our private deck made us very happy with this choice.
I have always dreamed of staying at an overwater lodge but could never budget for a trip to a place like the Maldives to make it happen.
Then, while planning a trip to Costa Rica, I came across Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge in Bocas del Toro. While Bocas del Toro may not be as well-known as some of the more popular tourist destinations, it's located in western Panama, next to the Costa Rican border, and it's the perfect mix of jungle and Caribbean beaches.
The resort had overwater bungalows for about $180 a night, which is such an incredible deal I couldn't turn it down since a basic hotel in the US is about $160 a night.
We stayed in a two-storey overwater bungalow for four nights for $714.
The location of the resort is excellent.
I was blown away by the view. Averys Gayle Coleman
Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge is located on the oceanfront along the coast of Punta Caracol, a mangrove-fringed coastline on the west side of Panama's Colon Island.
Because it is a remote location, everything from moving guests, changing staff shifts, moving laundry, etc. They rely on motor-powered fishing boats.
I booked a shuttle service from Costa Rica to Bocas Town and then a short taxi ride from the town center to the port, where the resort sent a boat to pick me up.
Half the novelty of staying at a resort was the boat trip, clattering over tiny waves and debating whether a distant ripple was a leaping fish or a dolphin.
And seeing the lodge for the first time was magical.
Its distinctive mint green and yellow exterior was rustic and completely different from any of the sterile hotel chains I'd stayed in, and I loved its character immediately.
We stayed in the Luna Suite.
My bungalow was two stories and had a patio. Averys Gayle Coleman
The accommodation I stayed in was a gorgeous two storey bungalow with a very large backyard at the end of a wooden walkway.
The door handles were made of giant white conch shells and had hammocks swinging behind them, giving off a “seaside living” vibe.
The property runs on a self-sufficient solar panel system, which meant the lodge was equipped with ceiling fans, lighting and WiFi, but personal devices (including mobile phones) had to be charged at reception.
At first I was worried that this would be limiting, but it actually It helped me to relax.
I loved being on the water.
I swam right off the patio. Averys Gayle Coleman
The real selling point is being able to jump straight into the crystal clear waters from your private patio.
The resort also provides complimentary snorkeling equipment and kayaks are available if you don't want to get wet.
On our first day, we couldn't resist leaving the resort grounds – we spent the day snorkeling, kayaking, reading in hammocks, etc. In just the first afternoon, we spotted manta rays, starfish, swordfish, and lots of other creatures.
With 52 islands nearby, there's plenty to see.
Zapatilla Island was a fantastic excursion. Averys Gayle Coleman
On our second day, we booked a tour through the resort’s concierge service and explored some of the 52 nearby islands.
There are several free shuttles running from the resort to Bocas Town each day, with paid transfer options available, but Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge has partnered with local boat captains who can also pick you up directly for day trips.
I paid an extra $45 Full day tourwe spent a few hours on the paradise that is Zapatilla Island, where we went dolphin watching, snorkeled with starfish on the coral reef, and spotted cute sloths.
In the evening, I spent a little money on a bucket list activity: bioluminescence. A $60 private tour took me to a bay near Red Frog Beach, where I could see bright blue Phytoplankton Lit Pitch black water.
The whole experience was like Avatar.
Food is an additional charge and we were a little disappointed with the limited choice.
I ate most of my dinners at the resort. Averys Gayle Coleman
I have extra Resort Activities Prices were reasonable given the relatively budget friendly pricing, however the food was the exception.
The only thing included in my standard room rate was water.
Due to the shuttle bus schedule, it made the most sense to eat at least breakfast and dinner at the lodge on this trip. The food was delicious, but it was American prices. We ended up paying $16-20 for a simple dish like seafood rice.
Although I brought some snacks from home to keep in my room for lunch, I still had to budget an extra $25-30 per day for food.
Overall I would recommend both Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge and Bocas del Toro.
I can't wait to come back to Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge. Averys Gayle Coleman
The water lodge was an affordable and peaceful retreat.
As Traveling aloneThe atmosphere was cozy, but you could probably get a cheaper rate if you shared the cost with your partner, family or group.
Overall, Bocas del Toro was another great destination to add to my trip, and while it may not be on the same level as the Maldives, it is only an hour away from the Costa Rican border and offers an abundance of tropical wildlife and rare waterfront living.
We couldn't see everything in 4 days and would love to go back and explore more.
