The Lodge at Punta Rica sits on a hilltop on Isla Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro, Panama, and there are no roads to it. That is part of the point. The last leg is always by boat, and that boat is on us. Here is how to get to Bastimentos and up to our door, step by step.
In this guide
Step 1: Get to Bocas Town
Most guests fly into Bocas del Toro International Airport (BOC) on Isla Colón, or travel overland to the mainland and take the ferry or water taxi across to Bocas Town. Schedules change with the season, so check current flight and ferry times when you plan.
Step 2: Take a short taxi to the waterfront
From the airport it is a short taxi ride (or a 10–15 minute walk) to the Bocas Town waterfront. Ask us for the current fare before you travel.
Step 3: Meet our boat behind Virginia’s House
Our standard pickup point is behind Virginia’s House, the yellow house to the left of the police station. The pickup is free, and so is the ride back to the dock when you leave. Please confirm your arrival with us 24 hours ahead. Our last boat leaves Bocas Town at 5:30 PM, so you can check in before 6 PM. Arriving later? We’ll help you arrange a water taxi. Travelling as a group and arriving at different times? Send us everyone’s arrival times and we will plan the boat runs.
Step 4: About ten minutes across the water
The ride takes about 10 minutes. From our dock our staff carries your luggage as you walk up through the garden to the lodge. It is a hilltop property with stairs and uneven paths, so don’t wear heels!
A welcome cocktail is waiting for you at the top.
Getting around once you are here
Water taxis are how everyone gets around the islands. We can arrange a boat for you or give you contacts for captains we trust, and taxis can also be hailed from our dock. Always confirm the price before you set off: as a guide, a trip to Bocas Town is $5 per person and to Old Bank $3 per person.
A few easy trips from the lodge: the village of Old Bank, the walk to Wizard Beach, Red Frog Beach and a day out to Cayo Zapatillas.
Want a guided day out? Our favourite local operators are in your guest guide after you book, or you can browse and book Bocas tours instantly on GetYourGuide (affiliate link; we may earn a commission at no cost to you).
What to pack
- Lightweight luggage (soft bags travel best on boats and stairs)
- A reusable water bottle: our drinking water is UV-purified rainwater, with unlimited refills
- Quick-dry clothing and a rain jacket
- Hiking shoes
- Bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen
- A flashlight and a good book
What to expect in your inbox after you book
You will hear from us through a few different systems. That is normal, and they are all us:
- A booking inquiry and acknowledgement from our booking system (Guesty).
- A secure link from ChargeAutomation, our payment partner, to pay your 50% deposit (please pay within 24 hours to secure your dates) and complete a short online check-in (guest details, arrival info and the rental agreement).
- Your free Full Guide to Bocas, sent once your deposit and online check-in are done (it’s in your welcome portal for easy access).
- Personal emails, SMS and WhatsApp messages (choose your preference) from your hosts and hosting team through our booking system’s shared inbox, so our whole team sees your message, to plan your boat pickup, dinners and tours. Just reply to any of our messages.
The other 50% is charged 30 days before arrival. On our flexible rate you can cancel free of charge up to 30 days before arrival. Each step unlocks the next. If anything looks unexpected, just reply to one of our booking messages and we will sort it out.
Ready to plan your trip?
See our six suites, or take the whole lodge for your group of up to 12.
