Would have given 5 stars if it wasn't for the horrible bars and restaurants near this beach. Beach itself was very nice, but all the bars/restaurants take zero responability in taking care of the environment. There was trash everywhere, and loud music to hide the noise of the diesel engines (to provide for electricity) in the background. All garbage is just being pushed into the wild jungle behind these bars/restaurants. Please don't support this and avoid the beach in it's entirely for as long as this doesn't change.

This beach is beautiful; however there is a lots of garbage behind restaurants, it would be nice if municipality decide to clean it up! Lots of boats, exhaust fumes and loud music. That's unfortunate, If you want to visit better beach, red frog beach is much cleaner and nicer.

It is a place that could pass as paradise on earth. We were there today, Monday and have to say it was busy. Unfortunately, the same story here again, too much tourism and too little structure (to protect everything better) destroys everything. We did see some Starfish but there weren't many. You can also enjoy delicious food and drinks here, but keep in mind that you will be here for at least 3.5 hours (which is long by my standards) and the smell of the waste is unbearable, you can smell it almost everywhere, which is extremely disappointing. Hopefully, efforts will be made to prevent these scenes in the future.

The beach is crowded by cheap bars and terrible music, nothing compared to the wild experience I was expecting. You can see few starfish but I would suggest to keep on walking until the bars ends and you can enjoy some pure nature

Playa Estrella isnt the beach you go to just watch starfish. This beach has restaurants across all the beach. Your boat captain will take you to whoever he has arrange a deal with. Food is good enough but restrooms are terrible and the waiting time for the food is even worst. Still, this has to do with the restaurants and not the beach. You can probably arrange to go snorkling for starfish on a more secluded part of the beach.

The beach was very overcrowded when I went there. There wasn't any meter without people and loud music. It does have a nice atmosphere but don't go there if you want some relaxing beach time (at least not on weekends or holidays). Also didn't see any starfish. However, if you do go, make sure to not take the water taxi but walk there from bocas del drago. This was my favorite part of the visit. It's a stunning walk and you pass a lot of private little beaches.

We took the bus next to the park (2.5$) which leaves every 30 minutes or once is full. The ride takes around 50 minutes on a bumpy road ( they are fixing it but it will take some years until it's ready). Once you get off the bus you can walk 15 minutes or take a water taxi (1.5$) to starfish beach. The beach is very nice, the water was calm and there are plenty of starfish to see. We were lucky and saw sloths and dolphins as well. Also we had a very nice lobster for lunch for an affordable price.

Amazing place. Went today, 30 may 2023, it was us and max 20 other people scattered around. Seen a bunch of starfish and a sloth. the water was crystal

So very crowded! And with tourist banana boats. Plus, there are jellys. They told us not to go on a weekend. I read this with so many reviews, and we had our own boat, so we could’ve gone at any time, but it was supposed to be really stormy the next few days and so we decided to go to Starfish Beach on a Sunday. Big mistake. Every bit of the charm was lost as there were giant Tourist banana boats with 10 people each, bouncing along and screaming and yelling and I know they were having fun, but it took the entire beauty of the beach away. There is something pretty awful about a giant motorized boat with a bunch of people on it screaming really loudly that ruins the atmosphere of a tranquil beach. I don’t mind the banana-boat-type-fun loud fast boats. I just think that should be reserved for areas like Myrtle Beach South Carolina or other super populated touristy places. It felt really out of place to have them on Starfish Beach. I’m quite certain the starfishes didn’t appreciate it either. ;) We did see quite a few starfish, but again, the beach was super crowded. My son was also stung pretty badly by jellyfish! So often when the waters are calm and tranquil that does tend to be jellyfish, so be aware. I also saw some people handling the starfish, which made me cringe a little bit. You’re really not supposed to be picking them up. Right after my son was stung by the jellyfish we left, so we did not get the chance to explore any of the restaurants our walk down Drago Beach, so it was a bit of a shame. I’m sure the place is lovely if it was not on a weekend. Just having the really loud motorboat touristy situations was really incongruous with what a beautiful beach it was. Will I go back? Probably not, just because I know that there are jellyfish. But I really did want to go to Drago Beach, which you can walk to from Starfish Beach, and eat at one of the restaurants. That said, It is a gorgeous beach. I’ve been to so many beaches that look very similar, but are completely deserted, especially because we vacation a great deal on small sailboats, so we go to several deserted beaches. This reminded me of the quality of that type of beach. Beautiful, warm water, sandy beach, but again, just overrun with people and the occasional jellyfish.

A beautiful spot, although the beach is narrow and it can get crowded. If you take the short walk from Drago, there are some beautiful sections of beach with very few people.

If not too crowded, it can be one of the best beaches in Panama. Clean, not loud, spectacular.

Good place for some snorkeling to see very impressive and large starfish. It’s easy to get her with the bus from Bocas del toro square for 2,5 dollar for foreigners (leaving every full hour from 7 am). Way back it’s the same, from playa Estrella to bocas every hour.

Super nice beach area With plenty of opportunities to sit down or have a drink….

Super nice. There’s a huge drop off after like 10 steps in the shallow part. So make sure you can swim lol. There are a bunch of star fish at the drop off.

Save your self the disappointment. Completely trashed beach. With really bad smell from the behind the scenes trash depot. Laud music from all sides. Not a place i would recommend.

Its hard to know where to start as this place exceeded all our expectations and we had a wonderful stay. Brian and Amy are totally passionate and committed to how they run Dolphin Bay and we instantly felt welcome and at home. We also appreciated their integration with the local & wider community & the staff are the loveliest friendliest people you could hope to meet. The location tucked away amongst the mangroves was breathtaking and peaceful. I don’t want to give too much away as discovering the wonders of this place is half the fun but there is plenty to do with calm water, boat trips, kayaking, snorkelling on the colourful reefs, dolphin watching (which was wonderful), exploring the various islands or just enjoying the vibrant grounds with its abundant wildlife. Brian's passion for ecology & conservation and the works they are doing to restore the surrounding jungle into a thriving habitat makes his guided walk fascinating. The efforts he is putting in to encouraging the local frog population was particularly colourful! It was lovely meeting the different guests and we enjoying sharing meals… if you haven’t already read in other reviews the food here is exceptional, the fresh tuna streaks was one of my favourites! We also shared boat trips with the other guests which was fun. Our bed in the Bay Room was super comfy and the overhead fans a delight…having chatted to other guest all the rooms have the same and the rooms were refreshed daily which was lovely. If your thinking about staying here just book. We stayed for a week and it was one of the highlights for us over a six week trip….we really hope to return sometime!! Many, many thanks Brian, Amy and team :-)

Dolphin Bay Hideaway was the most beautiful and best location during our trip in Panama. Brian and Amy take great care of their guests, the nature is just stunning and the food is really delicious. Highly recommended!

We had a wonderful experience during our stay at Dolphin Bay last December. We got to explore the area guided by Brian and see frogs, toucans, sloths, hummingbirds and all kinds of tropical plants. We got inspired by all the reforestation work that the DB team is doing and how they’ve been able to bring so much life back. Amy made sure we had wonderful food and drinks every day. If you enjoy having your morning coffee while watching dolphins play or go snorkeling in pristine coral reefs this is the place for you. We can’t wait to be back to Panama and especially this piece of paradise.

We had a wonderful stay at Dolphin Bay Hideaway. We were picked up by boat in Bocas Town and the journey there was already an experience. As soon as we arrived at the Dolphin Hideaway, we immediately felt like we were in paradise. The accommodation is in the middle of nature with a beautiful bay. Amy and Brian are very warm and helpful hosts. We loved Amy's drinks and food and also went on various trips with Brian. We went snorkeling, visited the Blue Coconut, enjoyed the beautiful Red Frog Beach and went on an exciting hike in the jungle. Our time at Dolphin Bay Hideaway was truly unique and we will never forget it. Thank you and we can't wait to come back!

Brian, Amy and their team of staff are the best hosts you could ask for. Brian knows the best snorkeling spots and you are sure to encounter lots of dolphin sightings. Be sure to take them up on the guided jungle tour, and ensure you don’t rush your stay. Everything from a punctual pick up on Bocas to a stress free on time drop off at the end was great.

Thank you Amy and Brian for the most wonderful Days at your little Paradise! We enjoyed the Room, the magnificent View and the little Adventures around Dolphin Bay!The Food was amazing and with such lovely Details. We loved the Snorkeling and the Walk in the Forest with all the Animals and precious Plants!!We are definetly coming Back to this Paradise, Love Milena and Matthias!

Nestled along the serene Dolphin Bay on Isla Cristobal, Dolphin Bay Hideaway is a haven of coziness and hospitality. Brian and Amy, the sensational hosts, welcomed us warmly, eager to share their experiences and the beauty of their home. Our days were filled with extraordinary adventures - standup paddling amidst playful dolphins left us in awe of nature's wonders. Brian's guided jungle walk was an educational delight, unveiling the secrets of the forest with its diverse flora and fauna. The convenience of a nearby snorkeling spot, just a short boat ride away, added another layer of exploration to our stay. The culinary experience here was a highlight, courtesy of Amy and her skilled cooking partner, serving up delectable dishes that left us eagerly anticipating each meal. For those yearning for a quieter escape in Bocas del Toro, Dolphin Bay Hideaway is an unparalleled recommendation. With its captivating surroundings, engaging hosts, thrilling activities, and exceptional culinary delights, it's a retreat that promises tranquility and cherished memories.

We planned staying 2 nights but liked it so much we extended. The place itself is beautiful and feels resourceful, there are countless possibilities to do (kayak, SUP, snorkel for free, and the nature hike with Brian is seriously amazing, we learned so much!) The food was great and the staff is super nice too. And you get all of that while watching dolphins from the veranda, we saw them every day! Plus all the birds and animals in the beautiful garden. We got a little sick while there and Brian and Amy took great care of us and were so kind. Thank you again for everything!

Outstanding owners and staff. We have been helped every step of the way. Individual approach, so much personal attention given to us. We felt very special and taken care off. Various tours offered so you never get bored. Amazing food and drinks. You find yourself in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by pure nature, which turns out to be an exact place you should have been. As you are so far from civilization, you should realize the only way to get there is with water taxi, so you can not be that independent traveler. Fortunately, Dolphin Bay has kayaks and their own boats to take you any direction if asked. Brian and Amy our respect for all that you're doing, hope to see you again!

A gem 💎 for those who want to relax, explore, and enjoy nature. Amy and Brian are your hosts and they work very hard to ensure your stay is a memorable one. The excusions on and around the property are well worth it. Do the jungle tour to get a better appreciation of the forests in this part of panama. The snorkelling in the bay is also a highlight. When it comes to meals, don't sleep in or you'll miss one of the best breakfasts. Likewise, the evening meal is a treat after a busy day hiking or snorkelling. Remember, this is off grid living, so respect the water and electrical rules so everyone can share this little piece of paradise. We'll be back to stay here next time we're in panama, and so should you.

We felt right at home with Amy and Brian and met a lot of nice people. The two do excellent work for nature. Brian really knows a lot about the animal and plant world and can teach you a lot. The accommodation is beautiful, the food is soooo delicious. I love dolphins and have seen a lot thanks to Brian. It was just perfect!

This is a WOW - Beach! You will be lonely there and the waves will be high. You can enjoy your day there. I recommend to go there by bike. It is a nice 30 minutes ride from the town.

It's a really impressive beach, but you must be very careful with the waves and currents, they're quite strong.

Basically beautiful beach and comfi shadow situation, but (currently) you can’t really go into the water because the massive waves are live threatening.. bathing is not really possible

Not good for swimming but for a little refreshment and nice empty beaches

This isnt a calm beach where you can go for a dip. These waves will drag you around. But if you like that and are careful enough then you will like it. Good thing is theres a lot of shade for you to sit or lay. and relax. Theres one restaurant i didnt get to go but it is futher up the coast. 5/5 would go again. IG harry_quinn_

I truly enjoyed my stay here but especially because of a sweet and wonderful host named Melissa. She went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and comfortable for our stay. She provided me with aloe vera as there was no store near by to help with my sun burnt skin. My friend Ken loved this place just as much. Also, Carlos who took care of the grounds was super helpful and kind. We’ll definitely be returning and sending our friends and family here. Ps. the restaurant just a stones throw away had the best bbq pulled pork sandwich and fish! Pps. Respect the water and killer waves. That’s why only 4 stars. Not a friendly swim. I swam in the pool which was kept at a perfect temp and was fairly free of debris.

Beautiful beach even when the waves are crashing the shoreline. The raw power of the sea makes you feel small. There are rips here, so you must be careful when entering the water. Definitely not recommended when the wind is blowing. The day we visited, the waves were 10ft (3m) plus in height. Nope, we didn't swim, just took in the beauty of nature. Beach was very clean. Some restaurants in the area like Oasis but check their times as they vary. It's a rough road, and a taxi will take up to 30 mins to get there. Price as of Jan 2023 is $15 for the cab each way. Can be biked, and there are many on this route. Well worth the trip to see this beach ⛱️

Do not take buses to or from here. They are not reliable. Locals say they rarely and randomly appear. Taxis $5 each are more dependable. Popular place for bodyboarding. Not really for safe swimming but walkable. Swim up the trail at la piscina.

Really beautiful beach with huge waves, not so good for swimming. We went there for a drink and lunch. The beach was big and perfect to relax in the shadows of the plams.

Crazy waves,only few people,paradise:-)

We anchored here for 4 nights and took several dinghy trips in for some hiking and dining. We ate at Mami's along the hike to Wizard Beach. We had date night eating delicious Tapas food at Firefly. We shared a simple lunch overlooking the bay at Guari Guari and had a couple beers for a $1.50 at a hostel near the public dinghy dock. We loved how clean the town is compared to the others we've visited here in Bocas del Toro. The villagers really take pride in where they live and spend most of there time with family. It's a very close community.

The island of Bastimentos is beautiful. The community of Old Bank is historic and culturally diverse. The hike to Wizard Beach is breathtaking full of wonderful sounds and beautiful colors. A definite must if you come to the Bocas Del Toro area

amazing beaches and increedible views! the coral reefs are awsome

Beautiful river and wildlife area. Not so many animals, and can be overrun with people hanging out and not throwing out their trash, but a beautiful piece of nature none the less.

Beautiful beaches, ideal to enjoy nature...

A little pieces of heaven … ecosystems galore ❤️

Nice hike from Wizzard beach to red frog beach Caribbean island population, you could listen to Soca music there and talk English… pigeon

These gardens are an absolute hidden gem. With almost 12/acres of the most stunning plants and flowers. Wrote also saw four toucans, a Mother Sloth with her baby and a lot of howler monkeys. Through guide answered every question and gave us heaps of Botanical facts and information and seemed genuinely passionate about through garden.

Our tour guide overflowed with enthusiasm, which made the tour a delight. We saw howler and white-faced monkeys and an impressive array of ginger flowers. The $25 entry is well worth it

Amazing tour and super knowledgeable owner. Saw the most magnificent rainbow eucalyptus tree. Tours are run twice a week and one should contact the owners, if they want to visit.

The tour was totally worth the price. Well-maintained by the owners, this garden preserves nature and wildlife at its best.

Beautiful gardens & Jane is a great guide! Wonderful time!

Walked there today and it was closed unfortunately. By the looks of it is closed for good and up for sale

Just great....