Circuits

Circuit #1: Zapatillas Keys (Marine Park long circuit)

Starting from Bocas town, the boat cruises along the south coast of Solarte Key through the Marine Park, navigating between the mangrove islets and, after Crawl Key crosses the lagoon to reach Zapatillas Keys. On the way back the boat passes between Bastimentos and Solarte, returning close to the north coast of Solarte Key. Recomended: full day tour, carry beverages and meals, only place to refuel: Crawl Key. Alternatives: return along the north coast of Bastimentos (open sea), weather and sea permitting. Visit to the Salt Creek indian Village.

Circuit #2: Crawl Key (Marine Park short circuit)

Starting from Bocas town, the boat travels along the south coast of Solarte Key through the Marine Park, navigating between the mangrove islets and stops in Crawl Key. On the way back the boat passes between Bastimentos and Solarte, returning close to the north coast of Solarte Key. Recomended: snorkelling behind Crawl Key. On this key it is possible to have a meal or get beverages and fuel. Alternatives:Visit the Popa island indian Village.

Circuit #3: Mangroves (Marine Park fast circuit)

Starting from Bocas town, the boat travels along the south coast of Solarte Key through the Marine Park, navigating between the mangrove islets. Eventually stop in the mangroves to snorkel the roots, full of life and colours. Make the way back passing between Bastimentos and Solarte, returning close to the north coast of Solarte Key. Recomended: snorkelling where the waters are calm to have better visibility. Avoid contact with the roots. Alternatives:Snorkel in the reefs of Solarte (both sides).

Circuit #4: Hospital Point (Historic site)

Starting from Bocas town, the boat takes you to the closest tip of Solarte Key. There you can visit the site where the United Fruit Co Hospital existed between 1900 and 1925. A short walk to the neighboring forest allows you to see the tiny red frogs. A small beach provides a good refuge to rest or take a swim. If you carry your snorkelling gear, the reef in Hospital Point, just in front of the beach, is in very good condition. Recomended: Use shoes to walk in the forest. Pay a small fee to have a local guide (in Hospital Point) who will show you over the site. Don't take anything in the reef or in the forest.

Circuit #5: Ola Chica (Bastimentos island)

Starting from Bocas town, the boat rides along the ships channel in the western side of Bastimentos Island. Once the boat reaches open ocean begins to follow the coast line passing several beaches to get to Wild Cane Key. Then, the boat enters the reef to get to Ola Chica beach. Here you can spend some time snorkelling or walking the nearby forest, or spend the whole day lunching on the food prepared by a character who lives on isolation there. Recomended: Use shoes to walk in the forest. Make the tour only in good weather and sea conditions. On the way back make a stop to acquaint yourself with Bastimentos town. Alternatives:Snorkel around Walk Cane Key. Prolong the tour to Zapatillas Key and come back through the Mangrove islets of the Marine Park.

Circuit #6: San Cristobal Island (Guaymi community)

Starting from Bocas town, the boat crosses part of Admiral Bay, reaching San Cristobal village in about 20 minutes. After a short visit to the community, snorkel in the reefs just in front of the village or near the navigation light. Recomended: Use shoes to walk in the village. Alternatives: Make a short trip to the Bocatorito mangroves and look for dolphins.

Circuit #7: Boca del Drago & Swan Key (Bird sanctuary)

Starting from Bocas town, the boat travels along the south coast of Colon Island reaching the other end in about 30 minutes. At Boca del Drago visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, walk in shady ways or snorkel in the nearby reef. In 10 minutes by boat toward the open sea is Swan Key, a bird sanctuary. Weather permiting, it is a rewarding view. Recomended: Don't walk on Swan Key to avoid disturbing the birds. Nests are everywhere. Alternatives: If the sea is calm the boat can return by the open sea side of Colon Island, magnificent view of a coast that is unique.