The colectivo van rattles through Isla Colón’s jungle roads for 30 minutes before stopping at Boca del Drago village. A handwritten sign points toward the coast: “Starfish Beach – 15 minutes walk.” The coastal trail winds past weathered docks and through dense vegetation until the trees part, revealing an impossible sight. Aquamarine water stretches across a protected bay, so shallow and clear that orange starfish rest visibly on white sand below.
This is Panama’s quietest marine wonder. While crowds flock to Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio, Starfish Beach remains authentically underdeveloped.
The bay that protects its secrets
Starfish Beach sits within Bocas del Toro National Marine Park on northwestern Isla Colón. The bay’s unique geography creates swimming pool conditions year-round. No ocean swell penetrates this protected inlet.
Water depth barely reaches waist-high even 100 feet from shore. Morning temperatures hover at 82°F through the December-April dry season. The coral-based white sand amplifies sunlight, creating that signature aquamarine glow visitors photograph but struggle to capture accurately.
Unlike other Caribbean shallows, this bay maintains year-round clarity. Jungle runoff filters through limestone before reaching the ocean.
Walking among living constellations
The starfish population tells a conservation story. Giant cushion sea stars (Oreaster reticulatus) once carpeted these shallows by the hundreds. Today, 10-15 specimens remain scattered across the bay’s sandy bottom.
What lies beneath the surface
Each starfish spans 8-16 inches, bright orange against white sand. They rest motionless during daylight hours, occasionally shifting position as tides change. Early morning offers the best viewing before daily boat traffic disturbs the sediment.
Recent visitor surveys conducted in 2025 reveal declining numbers due to handling stress. “Do not touch” signs now dot the shoreline in three languages.
The conservation tension
Local tourism boards confirm starfish populations have dropped 85% since 2020. Vibrations from motorboats and physical contact stress these fragile creatures. Marine biologists recommend maintaining 3-foot distances when observing.
The bay’s protected status offers legal protection. Enforcement remains minimal across this remote corner of the archipelago.
Beyond the underwater show
The 15-minute trail from Boca del Drago creates anticipation. Howler monkeys call from canopy branches while three-toed sloths hang motionless above the path. The trail crosses a private dock (locals wave you through) before emerging onto the narrow beach.
What the shoreline offers
Beach huts serve fresh-caught fish plates for $12-15. Local families cook red snapper and corvina over wood fires. Cold Balboa beer costs $3. Most vendors accept only cash.
The beach stretches 650 feet but measures only 65 feet wide at high tide. Early arrivals (8-9am) find empty stretches. By noon, 30-50 day-trippers arrive via tour boats.
The sloth watching advantage
Tree branches overhang the eastern beach section. Patient observers spot sloths within 10 minutes most mornings. Unlike active surf destinations, this environment favors slow observation over adrenaline activities.
Why this moment matters
Starfish Beach represents authentic Bocas before mass development. Total daily costs average $25-35 including transport and meals. Red Frog Beach requires $45+ with boat fees and island entry charges.
The nearby limestone formations and protected marine status could attract major resort development within five years. Current infrastructure remains intentionally minimal.
Bocas del Toro International Airport receives direct flights from Miami (2 hours, $350-500). Most visitors stay in Bocas Town where hostels start at $25 nightly.
Your questions about Starfish Beach answered
How do I actually get there from Bocas Town?
Take the colectivo van from Parque Simón Bolivar to Boca del Drago ($2.50 one-way, 45 minutes). Vans depart hourly from 7am-6pm. Walk the coastal trail 15-20 minutes to the beach. Total cost: $5 round-trip. Taxi alternatives cost $40 for four passengers.
What’s the best time to visit for starfish viewing?
December through April offers calmest conditions and highest starfish activity. Arrive by 8:30am before tour groups. Weekend crowds peak between 11am-3pm. Water temperature stays consistent at 80-84°F throughout dry season.
How does this compare to other Bocas beaches?
Starfish Beach costs half of Red Frog Beach ($25 vs $45+ daily). Water stays calmer than surf-focused spots like other island destinations. Trade-offs include smaller beach area and limited shade. Zapatilla Cays offer pristine alternatives via $60 full-day tours.
Orange starfish dot the sandy bottom like scattered jewels. Morning light filters through crystal water, creating moving patterns on white coral sand. The bay holds its secrets gently.