Beaches You Can Visit and Swim At Near Saigon Bay Bed and Breakfast

When it comes to planning your getaway to Bocas del Toro, you’ll encounter a spectrum of beautiful beaches just waiting to be explored. However, each season offers its own unique characteristics, particularly concerning swimming conditions.

Understanding the Seasons

Bocas del Toro enjoys seasonal variations, which significantly affect swimming and surfing opportunities. From December to March and July to August, the surf season is in full swing. During these months, beaches directly facing the open sea—such as Bluff Beach, Wizard Beach, and Red Frog Beach on Bastimentos—experience strong waves and currents, making them less than ideal for swimming.

Conversely, between April and June and again from September to October, conditions typically calm down, allowing for a more pleasant swimming experience. However, we always recommend checking in with us at Saigon Bay Bed and Breakfast for the latest beach conditions and recommendations before heading out.

Despite the strong waves at certain times of the year, Bocas del Toro still offers a variety of beaches where you can soak up the sun and enjoy swimming. Here’s our curated guide to some of the best swimming beaches in the area.

Big Creek (Pipa Beach)

Pipa Beach, Isla Colon

If you’re looking for a convenient beach option, Big Creek is one of the closest to Saigon Bay Bed and Breakfast. Specifically, we recommend Pipa Beach, a quaint beach located just before the bridge at Big Creek on Isla Colon.

Here, you’ll find beach chairs nestled under swaying palm trees, providing the perfect spot to lounge and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The waves at Pipa Beach are gentle, making it a fantastic place for a leisurely swim.

When hunger strikes, enjoy refreshing drinks and scrumptious snacks right at the beach. A bike ride from our bed and breakfast will take you about ten minutes, or you can opt for a quick taxi ride. Pipa Beach’s proximity makes it an accessible choice for a half-day outing.

If you’re eager for more exploration, consider walking up the beach to Skully’s or Ohana’s. While these locations may not be as conducive to swimming (especially if there are waves), they offer a lovely beach vibe and an opportunity to enjoy the scenery.

Boca Del Drago

Boca del Drago, Isla Colon

Boca Del Drago presents a distinguished swimming experience on the north side of Isla Colon. To reach this beach, you can catch a bus from the Simon Bolivar Park in the center of Bocas Town. The buses are marked with “BOCA DEL DRAGO,” and the round-trip fare is only $5.

The travel time is approximately 40 minutes, offering you glimpses of the island’s lush jungle, rolling hills, and quaint villages along the way. If you’re a cycling enthusiast, it’s a beautiful bike ride as well—about 30 km round trip—ideal for those looking to soak in the scenery.

Once you arrive at Boca Del Drago, you’ll discover several beaches leading to Yarisnori and toward Mimbitimbi. After your bus (or bike) ride, it’s easy to choose a beach spot that suits your preferences. An exciting feature of this destination is Starfish Beach, noted for its incredible beauty and, at times, an abundance of starfish. Keep in mind that Starfish Beach can be crowded, so timing your visit is crucial.

A pro tip? Make sure to eat at Restaurante Yarisnori—the food is reputed to be better than elsewhere, plus it offers a gorgeous beachfront eating area, which enhances your overall experience.

La Playita on Isla Carenero

La Playita on Outrigger

A truly idyllic option, La Playita on Isla Carenero is a slice of paradise just a short boat ride from Isla Colon. From the Carenero dock next to Barco Hundido, hop on a boat that takes about five minutes and costs around $3.

The beach at La Playita boasts powdery white sand and swaying palm trees. It’s the perfect place to unwind, although be mindful of the notorious “chitras” or no-see-ums that can be particularly bothersome. We recommend applying coconut oil on exposed skin, especially during early mornings and evenings, to minimize bites.

This beach is protected from the large waves thanks to the nearby reef, making it a pleasant spot for a swim. You can also enjoy watersports just outside, with Black Rock and Old Man’s being popular surf spots for beginners looking to catch some waves.

Hiking along the beach to scenic viewpoints provides lovely photo op opportunities of Punta, Black Rock, and Isla Bastimentos.

Important Tips for Your Beach Visits

Paunch Beach, isla Colon

Regardless of which beach you choose to visit, we at Saigon Bay Bed and Breakfast recommend following these essential tips for a safe and pleasant experience:

  • Supervise Your Belongings: Always keep an eye on your valuables when at the beach; don’t leave them unattended.
  • Documentation: A good practice is to carry a copy of your passport rather than the original when heading to the beach.
  • Footwear: As you explore Isla Carenero, be prepared for some muddy areas by wearing appropriate footwear. For locations like Boca Del Drago and Pipa Beach, flip-flops will usually suffice.
  • Take Small Bills: When paying for taxis, water taxis, buses, or tips, small denominations such as $10, $5, and $1 will come in handy.
  • Beach Gear: We provide beach towels, snorkeling gear, and cell phone pouches for our guests—just ask!
  • Stay Hydrated: If biking to the beach, consider borrowing our small cooler with ice packs to keep your drinks cold- just ask!
  • Swimming Safety: When the surf is calm, all beaches are fantastic for swimming. If you’re uncertain about conditions, don’t hesitate to ask us or local restaurant staff at the beach for guidance. In general, it’s best to avoid swimming during rough wave conditions.
  • Environmentally Friendly Choices: Don’t forget to use reef-safe sunscreen! You can find reef-friendly products at local shops, like Jungle Blends in Bocas Town.

Bocas del Toro is a beautiful slice of paradise that offers a diverse range of beaches to explore. Whether you’re looking for tranquility at Pipa Beach, the stunning landscapes of Boca Del Drago, or the picturesque scenes at La Playita, you’re guaranteed a memorable beach experience.

Make your stay at Saigon Bay Bed and Breakfast the perfect getaway to create lasting memories surrounded by beautiful views and warm waves, all while experiencing the rich biodiversity of this unique region. We look forward to helping you discover the best beaches for an incredible swimming adventure!

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