Beaches are the best way to escape the business of your daily life. One beach perfect for relaxing is Playa Bluff, which is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Bocas del Toro. It is located in Isla Colon and it covers a distance of 5 miles.
The beach is not crowded like others so you can enjoy some peace and quiet. If you like surfing, Playa Bluff is the perfect place for you. Here you can partake in your favorite water sports, and feel like this beach is a part of your personal real estate property at the same time. There are amazing coral reefs and you might spot some endangered sea turtles as well. Although the beach is a small one, it is advisable to only go surfing if you are an expert. Swimming is also restricted here, but sometimes the authorities will grant you permission to swim when conditions are suitable. Most of the time, harsh waves are at play, and you definitely do not want to get hurt on your vacation. You can also enjoy fresh, exotic seafood with several mouth-watering cocktails. Playa Bluff will give you an experience that you can cherish for a lifetime.
Beforehand
Even though the beach is only 5 miles long, Playa Bluff is the largest beach on Isla Colon. You can enjoy a long walk and take pictures as the natural color contrasts make it the perfect location for photography as well. The blue water, the shady green trees, and the golden sand make it look like paradise. You can also lie on the sand all day if you wish, but don’t forget to put on sunscreen.
The only disappointing fact about the beach is that you cannot swim in it. Swimming is considered extremely risky because of the waves. The waves near the shore and the buffer zone are harsh and powerful, so do not try to indulge in swimming. The current and rip tides are extremely aggressive as well. These waves are fun for surfers, but only go surfing if you are a pro because otherwise, you’re risking your life.
How To Reach Playa Bluff?
Located on the eastern coast of Isla Colon, there are multiple ways to reach the beach. You can either reach Bocas town from Panama by a flight or get there by road. The road that trails along the shore of Bocas will take you to Playa Bluff. There are tons of ways to reach your desired destination. Another way is to take public transport ‘collectivo’ from the central part of the town. You can also find many small white vans with the label ‘Playa Bluff’ written on them. They carry twenty individuals at once and charge $1.50 for a one-way ride per individual. Public transportation costs comparatively less and is pocket-friendly if you have a restricted holiday budget.
You can also rent a bike or take a taxi, whatever suits you best. However, taxis are more expensive as they charge $5-6 dollars for every individual. The travel time from Bocas to Bluff is between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your chosen mode of travel. Once you reach the beach, get a room in any of the nearby hotels. Don’t spend your whole holiday just traveling from place to place. Enjoy. Most of the hotels have their own bars and restaurants that serve seafood and many other types of dishes.
Essentials
To make your trip comfortable and memorable in a good way, take sunscreen, sunglasses and swimsuits. Make sure that your sunscreen is a good quality one with a high SPF, at least 40 or even above, to protect your skin from the direct sunlight.
Don’t forget your flip-flops, hat, and extra beach towels. Carry a bottle of clean, drinkable water, snacks and hand sanitizer. Some of the things you carry with you on the beach, of course, also depends on the people you are going out with. If you are going out with kids, it’s vital to have a few more essentials – like extra sunscreen, hand wipes, snacks, and other kids’ stuff.
You can rent umbrellas and beach chairs from the nearby hotels, or you can carry your own. If you want to have a safe, rash-free experience, please don’t forget bug spray and mosquito repellent.
Carrying a first-aid kit as it can quickly come handy in cases of cuts and bruises is also recommended. You can also carry your favorite book or magazine along if you need some quiet time. Sand toys, Frisbees, kites, footballs or volleyballs – carry whatever you love the most. The whole point of your beach trip is to have a good time. Your selfie stick is another of your essentials, too!
To be well prepared and find out what you need to visit Panama, check out my article: What Are the Must-Haves Items In Case You Are Planning a Trip to Panama?
Conclusion
This is one of the most gorgeous beaches around Panama and has a trail line of 5 miles. Though the beach is not swim friendly, it is an excellent opportunity for surfers. The locals have done a lot of work on the transportation part. You can either go for public vehicles or hire personal ones. It is highly recommended to get a room in any nearby hotel in Playa Bluff instead of traveling every day from Bocas if you want a more extended vacation stay. This will not only save you time, but money as well. Most of the hotels serve fresh seafood, but if you are not a fan of seafood, then you have access to other food as well. Since there is going to be a lot of sun, do carry a good sunscreen.
What’s Nearby?
