Holidays are synonymous with fun, pleasure, and relaxation. And for most of us, the best way to relax is to explore the world with our families or loved ones at our side. If your idea of fun is similar to this, then you should definitely plan to check out the amazing country of Panama.
Panama is a wonderful country and a home to some of the most beautiful sites in the world. People from all across the globe visit this place and are mesmerized by its beauty. And if you too are planning to experience the beauty of this place, then pack your bags and head out! Pictures simply do not do it justice.
But before you do that, make sure that you do enough research to decide where you want to spend your time. Prepare a list beforehand and remember we are here to help!
Below, check out the beautiful Starfish Beach (also known as Playa Estrella), located at Isla Colon, one of the many destinations that you can visit when you are here. Come, let’s dive in!
What’s In A Name?
Starfish Beach of Isla Colon is a beautiful site with a soothing vibe. If you are wondering if the name of this beach has anything to do with starfishes, then you are absolutely right.
This island is named after the hundreds of starfish that can easily be spotted in its calm waters. Tourists from all across the world come to enjoy this beautiful scene and to watch these starfish in their natural habitat.
So if you are a fan of starfish or you have never seen one in your life and wish to do so, then this is your chance! But remember: don’t take them out of the water in your zeal to click pictures with them. It is totally uncool.
Why Visit Starfish Beach?
This beautiful beach is located in the magnificent Bocas del Toro Province near the Panama coastline. The views are exquisite. The beach sports soft warm sand and the rounded shoreline is dotted with lush greenery, which makes you feel as if you have come to visit some other part of the universe. The water here is clean and clear and seems inviting. So if you are tired of the crowded and polluted city life and wish to lose yourself in natural surroundings and want to experience the true island life, then this place is definitely worth adding to your list.
Another reason to visit Starfish Beach is that, unlike other beaches, this place is generally not too crowded so you won’t feel claustrophobic here. Also, fewer crowds means more cleanliness and quiet so you can enjoy the time with your loved ones. If you enjoy swimming, then floating in the waters with starfish is an experience you definitely do not want to miss! After you are done swimming, consider relaxing in a comfortable lounge chair and soaking in the sun.
This beach is especially good for those families traveling with little kids because the water here is usually calm (except for some northerly swells that are experienced in November and December) and the shallow is inclined so you won’t have to constantly worry about the kids. For people who enjoy a little adventure, this beach is full of surprises. You can explore the blue waters on a kayak or on a water bike. Rent them on an hourly basis and enjoy pedaling your way to the mangroves or up and down the shoreline because it’s really fun. Also, consider wakeboarding behind Ponga Boat if you feel up to it. The beach also has room for a volleyball court so if you are with a bunch of people who enjoy themselves a little game, then feel free to go for it.
On the other hand, if you are a laidback person who likes to kick back and relax, then you can simply sit back on a floating lounge chair and spend your time listening to some soothing music.
After all this, on the beach itself, you can find some small restaurants and shacks that offer really delicious food at very reasonable prices. Do not forget to try the seafood. It’s really awesome!
How to Get There?
There are many ways to get there. If you are in good shape and enjoy cycling, then you can rent a bike at Boca del Drago. It costs about $7-10 per day. The beach is about 18 km from the town and so it will take you about 1-2 hours to reach the beach. The ride to the beach is a little bumpy, so we recommend renting a bike with gears. It will be fun!
However, if you are not in the best shape or simply do not enjoy riding a bike, then you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Starfish Beach. It is approximately a half-an-hour ride by bus, which are scheduled at 5 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m., and come back into town an hour after they leave. The fare for a bus ride is $2.50 one way, while if you decide to hire a taxi, then it will cost you $15 for each journey.
Advice: During your little trip to Starfish Beach, try not to disturb others by playing loud music. Also, make sure to not litter and do not pollute the surroundings in any way.
Conclusion
So now that you have learned all the fun things that one can do at Starfish Beach, we know you’ll want to visit, especially if you love to lie back and watch the sun as it meets the horizon. We recommend visiting this beach. Also, go for the starfish!