Activities
Swimming
There are limitless swimming opportunities at and around Bird Island, so please don't forget your swimsuit! It starts with our rainwater pool, surrounded by deck chairs and a handy stack of dry towels. Just down the hill from the pool is our private Cove, where you'll find a sandy beach and, seas permitting, quick access to warm Caribbean waters and coral reefs (note that our kayaks and paddle boards are also kept at the Cove). Further afield, from closest to furthest, we recommend the Freshwater Lagoon (with 1km of virgin beach), the Blue Lagoon, La Piscina Beach, Playa Drago, Starfish Beach, Bluff Beach, Isla Carenero, Isla Bastimento, and Las Zapatillas.
Hiking
One of the wonderful benefits of being in Panama is that all beaches are considered "public," which means that anyone on foot can walk along the shore, even on private land, as long as they stay within 10 meters (33 feet) of the high tide line (typically where the sand ends). One of the most popular hikes at Bird Island is down the shore to our west to The Lagoon (about 20 minutes) and then continuing along the undeveloped beach beyond that (a protected sea turtle nesting habitat).
If you prefer going inland, you can walk down our driveway, then turn right and walk along the road until you reach Playa Drago (about 40 minutes) and, 20 minutes beyond that, Starfish Beach. Heading in the opposite direction from our driveway (east) the road soon becomes a walking path through the jungle, which eventually leads to the Blue Lagoon and La Piscina Beach (about 2 hours), and Bluff Beach (3 hours). Wildlife viewing along this remote path is fantastic.
Wildlife Watching
Look in the trees, look by the water, look into the bush, and listen for sounds of activity. Panama is a wildlife lovers paradise (255 species of mammals, 972 indigenous bird species, and 222 different species of amphibians) and Bocas del Toro is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country. Sloths (two-toed and three-toed), monkeys (howler and capuchin), squirrels, and bats are all abundant. Lizards, geckos, and snakes are ubiquitous (including large but harmless boas). But is it the bird watchers at Bird Island who really flourish All our rooms are named species commonly seen on the property: hummingbird, kingfisher, toucan, parrot, tropicbird, manakin, pelican, finch, woodpecker, sandpiper, osprey and heron. You will also see plenty of vultures, frigate birds (soaring high above), and literally hundreds of other species. Head any direction into the jungle, look and listen, and you are likely to be rewarded.
Snorkeling
The best snorkeling typically depends on the time of year and sea conditions. When it's relatively calm, there is excellent diving right from the Cove at Bird Island. Tropical fish, soft and hard corals, and a varied underwater landscape of caves, tunnels, and cliffs offer plenty to see. Bird Island, which can be reached by kayak or a boat out of Drago, offers even better fish and coral diversity. On days when the seas are less inviting, calm waters can always be found at Starfish Beach, the Blue Lagoon, La Piscina Beach, and Isla Carenero. And for those willing to verture further by boat (was can arrange day trips with captains in Playa Drago) excellent snorkeling can be found around Isla Bastimentos and Las Zapatillas.
Paddleboarding
Paddleboards are free to use for guests when sea conditions permit (typically March - June and September - October) and are stored in our private Cove. Guests are welcome to explore along the beaches, inlets, and cliffs of the Drago coast, and even paddle to Bird Island. Sea currents can be strong, and weather conditions can change quickly, so we ask that guests ALWAYS inform staff when taking out paddleboards, and that they always bring a life preserver with them.
Kayaking
Kayaks are free to use for guests when sea conditions permit (typically March - June and September - October). Guests are welcome to explore along the beaches, inlets, and cliffs along the Drago coast, or paddle to Bird Island. Sea currents can be strong, and weather conditions can change quickly, so we ask that guests ALWAYS inform staff when taking out kayaks, and that they always bring a life preserver with them.
Scuba Diving
Bird Island partners with dive centers in Bocas to provide safe, reputable scuba classes and diving excursions for guests (Panama Dive School and Bocas Dive Center are two of our favorites). The best diving is when the sea is calm and the waters are clear -- typically March-May, and August/September. Coral reefs, sunken wrecks, and cave diving are all popular pursuits, and divers will enjoy spectacular marine features at renowned dive sites like Tiger Rock, Polo Beach Caves, Pandora, The Old Wreck, Hospital Point, Lunchbox, Manuel's Wall, Mayday and Machete Caves.
Surfing
Bocas del Toro is a world-class destination for surfing, and there are numerous locations for catching waves depending on the sea conditions, time of year, and skill level of the surfer. Bluff Beach is perhaps the most famous break in Bocas, as it hosts professional surf competitions. But the shore break can be treacherous, and surfing Bluff is only recommended for advanced surfers. For beginner/intermediate surfers, we recommend Carenero Point on Isla Carenero (Escuela del Mar offers two-hour classes for $45). But there are many other popular breaks to explore, on Isla Colon, Isla Carenero, and Isla Bastimentos. The best surfing is December - March, and June - August.
Gaming
Less extreme than surfing, but still popular on rainy days or long evenings are the games available to guests at Bird Island. There are a variety of card games, board games, and strategy games provided at the activity center near the bar.