Tranquilo Bay

Adventure Life
800-344-6118 (Toll-free)
406-541-2677 (International)
406-541-2676 (Fax)
E-mail us
1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

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Tranquilo Bay

Fishing (Best times are Mar-May/Sept-Nov)

We have spent the last six years in the secluded wild west of Panama, building Tranquilo Bay. Needless to say, that has not left us a lot of time for fishing. With the construction of the facility behind us, and the recent delivery of our new boat, we are eager to explore one of the last Caribbean frontiers.

Bocas del Toro has potential. Just to our north in Costa Rica are the Barra Colorado and Paramisa rivers, both famous for incredible Tarpon Runs. These habitats bear a striking resemblance to those surrounding the Changuinola and Sixaola rivers of Panama. Trying to develop a new fishery will take time and effort, but we are excited about the incredible explorations the future holds.

Without extensive local fishing knowledge we can't assure you the fish of a lifetime, but we can promise you a comfortable and unique experience, while pioneering some of the most secluded and un-fished waters in the Caribbean. We encourage you to bring your family; Tranquilo Bay was designed to make even the non-fishermen in your group comfortable. Our well-appointed facility is sure to please even the most discriminating of tastes, and we offer an array of adventure activities to explore the natural beauty of Panama's islands and rainforest.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling (Best times are Feb-June/Sept-Nov)

Tranquilo Bay is fortunate enough to be surrounded by the extremely diverse 28,600 marine acres of Bastimentos National Marine Park.

Panama's first marine park is one of the most spectacular in all of Central America. In a protected corridor no wider than seven miles, the oceanic diversity, sub-sea topography, marine ecosystems, life zones and species are extreme. Our underwater excursions are designed to explore as many different realms as possible while focusing on habitat and species diversity.

Much of the marine park has never been explored under the surface, and many of the known dive sites are as yet unnamed. Within the marine park, sea fan gardens, vibrant coral reefs, and over 200 species of tropical fish live amongst a dramatic sub-sea terrain, which seems to transform every few hundred yards.

Oceanic formations in the area include walls, freshwater caves, tunnels, pinnacles, coral spires and towers, Spur and groove, ocean impact reef, sandy ledges and protected patch reef.

Our 27 and 25-foot boats are powered with reliable Yamaha outboards and each comfortably seat six divers with crew. Each day consists of two or three dives depending on destination and depth.

If diving or snorkeling is the primary objective of your trip, note that the Caribbean Sea is calmer and there is less rain from February through June and September through November, September and October being the most consistent of all months.

The visibility, while most times is good, does not compare with that of other well known dive destinations such as Cayman Islands or Cozumel. That being said, most of the interesting formations here in Bocas del Toro are in shallower water. In many areas the maximum depth is 40 feet and the light penetration is excellent.

Beaches

If serious beach time is what you desire, then Bocas del Toro has one just right for you. Tranquilo Bay is centrally located in the heart of the archipelago, which makes it possible to visit a different beach everyday during your stay. The archipelago of Bocas del Toro, surrounded by the Talamanca range, is an expanse of turquoise Caribbean waters dotted with lushly forested islands, mangrove Cayes, and flats of coral and turtle grass.

The windward islands are blessed with pristine coconut-lined white sand beaches, several of which are protected by Bastimentos National Marine Park.

Four species of sea turtles nest on these shores and inhabit the reefs laden with tropical fish. Sand dollars, seashells and driftwood are easily admired on these uninhabited beaches. It is not uncommon to find yourself exploring the whole day without ever encountering other footsteps.

All you have to do is enjoy the beautiful surroundings as we travel by boat to one of the many nearby beaches... Don't forget your favorite book!

Kayaking

The archipelago of Bocas del Toro earned the name "Galapagos of the Caribbean" by being one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

Our sea kayak excursions are designed to cover an array of ecosystems, terrain, marine and terrestrial wildlife. Enjoy the tranquility and thrill of sea kayaking as we paddle along dramatic stretches of the archipelago, allowing us to explore secluded white sand beaches, coral flats, small offshore islands and rock ledge coastline, navigate mangrove forests, paddle up spring fed rivers, shoot the mountain rapids or snorkel pristine reefs and rock formations. Many of our daily explorations cover more than three separate ecosystems.

All excursions depart directly from our comfortable facility where our staff will handle the preparation, maintenance and portage of the equipment. Snorkel gear is provided on all excursions to fully explore the underwater realm of brilliant tropical fishes living amongst vibrant coral reefs. All you have to do is paddle and absorb the breath-taking scenery. No experience is required for many of the excursions. Whether you're searching for the serenity of calm backwaters, need to feel the surge of jagged frontal coastline, or want to try a little whitewater, we will schedule your group's excursions to accommodate various experience levels.

Surfing (Best times are late Dec -Mar/Jul-Aug)

You can bring the whole family. Tranquilo Bay offers excellent food, accommodations, amenities, and a multitude of activities to entertain both the surfers and non-surfers in your group. We have warm Caribbean water year round, so wet suits are not necessary. Our average tidal fluctuation is less than 20-inches, so we never have to plan a session around the tide. Also, we are a heck of a lot closer than Indo.

The best and most consistent swells hit Bocas del Toro at the peak of winter. The season starts late November and begins to fall off in February. The peak of summer can also produce a mini season during the months of July and August. While there can be some epoch days during these months, the summer season does not compare with the winter in terms of duration or consistency.

During the biggest swells most breaks hold more than 12 feet before closing out, and Silverbacks on Isla Bastimentos will hold to over 20 feet. Many islands in the archipelago have inside reefs and shoals that catch swell wrapping around the side of the island, creating smaller waves and less current -- perfect for the beginner and still a fun ride for experienced riders.

We know you came here to surf, not paddle. We explore these waves from the comfort of our facility, traveling to all locations via boat. Our fast 26-foot boats will drop you right by the take-off point, and then anchor in the channel to serve as a rest stop. Cold beverages, towels and shade are never more than a short paddle away. When you're done resting, there will be no reef dance in the impact zone to get back to the take-off spot.

Jungle Hiking

Walking through the jungle is a surreal and vivid experience. As you enter beneath the rainforest canopy, cool moist air and profound shade envelop all within.

Surprisingly dark inside, a slight feeling of insignificance begins to sharpen your awareness. Sight, smell, hearing and touch seem hypersensitive as you simultaneously gather and rapidly process information from your bizarre new surroundings. The enormous height and size of the vine-entangled trees leave many visitors with a feeling of awe. Tranquilo Bay is surrounded by national parks and protected areas creating 1.4 million contiguous acres, the single largest remaining tract of virgin forest unit in Central America (see the National Parks and Wildlife Refuge Section). Extending from the continental divide to the Caribbean Sea, this pristine forest covers all five altitudinal zones known to the tropics. Bocas del Toro is an explorer's dreamland and still one of the wildest, most biologically diverse places on Earth.

We explore these areas from the comfort of our facility and often cross three or more ecosystems in a single excursion. Our expeditions into the parks are designed to cover a diverse range of ecosystems, flora, fauna and terrain; each hike will be tailored to meet your group's areas of interest, experience, and physical abilities. A knowledgeable guide, equipped with a sharp machete and extensive experience in the area, will accompany your group on all hikes into the rainforest. Forest explorations generally depart after breakfast; lunch is usually picnic style and served on the trail.

Panama Articles & Information :
Activities in Boquete | Arts & Crafts | Bocas del Toro | The Panama Canal | Flora & Fauna | The Kuna People of the San Blas Islands | Did You Know That.... | Panama, Graced with Sun & Sand | A Challenge for the Adventurer | Cultural Heritage: A Reflection of Panama's Roots | A Brief History | Mola: Preserving Kuna Tradition | Monika's Costa Rica & Panama Trip Journal | Mary's Travel Journal: Central America Expedition Cruise