Bocas del Toro boat tour: Bird Island, starfish and snorkeling

Red and orange starfish fill the shallows at your feet.

A six-hour boat tour from Isla Colón visits four stops across the Bocas del Toro archipelago: Bird Island's pelican and frigatebird sanctuary, the turquoise bay of Boca del Drago, Starfish Beach where hundreds of starfish cluster in knee-deep water, and Mangrove Point's coral reefs. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, one drink and a local guide who speaks Spanish. Children from age four are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour visiting islands and beaches

• Visit Bird Island bird sanctuary
• Explore Boca del Drago bay
• Relax at Starfish Beach
• Snorkel at Mangrove Point

The experience

The boat leaves Isla Colón and reaches Bird Island in 25 to 30 minutes. This sanctuary hosts pelicans, frigatebirds, red-billed tropicbirds and boobies among vibrant coral reefs that ring the island. You'll have time to watch the birds and snorkel the surrounding reef before the next leg: a five to ten minute ride to Boca del Drago, a bay with white sand and turquoise water where you can sunbathe or explore the coral gardens full of tropical fish.

From Boca del Drago, a five-minute boat ride takes you to Starfish Beach, where the water stays shallow and warm and hundreds of bright red and orange starfish cover the sand and seabed. The beach has local restaurants serving typical meals (between $14 and $20) and live music if you want to stay longer. On the return to Isla Colón, the boat stops at Mangrove Point for a final snorkel through coral reefs sheltered by mangrove trees. The ride back takes around 20 minutes.

Your guide speaks Spanish only and will be with you throughout the day. Bring cash for any meals or souvenirs you want to buy at the beaches. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy, though it suits all fitness levels otherwise.

What’s included

• Snorkeling mask and snorkel at each reef stop.
• one drink per person (water, soda or beer).
• local guide fluent in Spanish.
• boat transport to all four islands and beaches.

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to15h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Tao Travel 365

Is this one for you?This is a shared boat tour with a fixed itinerary and Spanish-speaking guide, so it suits travelers comfortable in a group and with basic Spanish or a willingness to follow along visually. If you need English narration or prefer a private boat, look for a different option.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What birds will I see at Bird Island on this tour?

Bird Island is home to pelicans, frigatebirds, red-billed tropicbirds, boobies and swallows. The island is a sanctuary for both native and migratory species, and the coral reefs surrounding it add to the wildlife viewing.

Can I snorkel at every stop on this tour?

You can snorkel at Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Mangrove Point. Starfish Beach is shallow enough to wade and see the starfish up close, but snorkeling equipment is available if you want to use it there as well.

How long does the boat ride to Bird Island take?

The boat takes 25 to 30 minutes to reach Bird Island from Isla Colón. From there, the stops are much closer: five to ten minutes to Boca del Drago, five minutes to Starfish Beach, and ten minutes to Mangrove Point, with a 20-minute return to the starting point.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel), one drink (water, soda or beer) and a local guide who speaks Spanish. Meals at the beach restaurants are not included and cost between $14 and $20 per person.