Overwater Bungalows in Panama

Equipped with thoughtful amenities like flashlights, umbrellas, raincoats, and fun amenities like snorkel gear, kayaks, and hammocks the overwater bungalows at Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge are nestled along a mile-long coral reefed coastline over the Caribbean Sea. The sustainably minded eco friendly resort is home to five two-story Punta Caracol Suites, three two-story Luna Suites, and one master suite with a King and four Twin beds, making the property ideal for couples or families. The thatched roofs and direct water access from your private deck make this possibly one of the best overwater bungalows in Panama!

Ever wanted to rent an entire private island? You can at Urraca Private Island Eco Resort! The resort is home to six overwater bungalows (four oceanview bungalows that sleep two, one honeymooner’s bungalow that sleeps two, and a group bungalow that sleeps eight), making it great for couples or groups. Guests must be at least 12 years old and the amenities include free wifi, indoor and outdoor showers, unlimited use of kayaks & paddle boards, and refillable bottles of water. Breakfast is included and you can purchase an optional meal plan for lunch and dinner.  See bioluminescence at night (four nights before and after the new moon) and spend quality time with 4 species of monkeys who have been rescued and permanently live on the island.

Enjoy laidback luxury in an adults-only atmosphere at Nayara Bocas del Toro. With full board rates (all meals are included) and less rustic accommodations than other Panama overwater bungalows, Nayara Bocas del Toro offers an elevated experience. But that doesn’t diminish their commitment to the environment! Built on stilts and completely off the grid so as not to harm the native mangroves and coral reefs, the water, power, and wastewater systems are sustainably designed and the eco-friendly resort is Green Globe certified. Choose from overwater pool villas, deluxe overwater pool villas, or their unique three-floor tree house villas that soar 40 feet above the ground.

White sand, fresh food, and warm hospitality are the hallmarks of Azul Paradise Bocas del Toro. Located at Punta Vieja, the eco-luxury resort is a peaceful and romantic escape from the everyday. Couples can choose from Deck View Bungalows, Caribbean View King Bungalows, and Deluxe Bungalows, and larger groups can choose from the Double Bungalow, a two-story, three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit that sleeps six, or the Jungle Villa, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom jungle unit that sleeps eight.

Just five minutes by boat from Bocas Town, Sol Bungalows are the ideal spot for those who love the convenience of being near the action, but the privacy and peacefulness that overwater bungalows have to offer. With just two bungalows (and two more being built in 2024), the Caribbean-colorful Sol Bungalows is perfect for couples or families. Each of the Sol Bungalows overwater bungalows sleeps four and the entire Sol Bungalows property can be rented out to accommodate a larger group. Start your day with Sol Bungalows’ included breakfast, then snorkel the house reef or paddle among the surrounding mangroves before rinsing off in the outdoor shower and lazing away the afternoon in your overwater hammock or getting a massage on your private terrace.

Located on Isla Solarte, just a five-minute boat ride to Bocas Town Aqui Hoy Cabanas Bocas del Toro is a relaxing spot that’s close to the activities and amenities the area has to offer. The West-facing lagoon offers marvelous sunset views while the on-site restaurant serves breakfast (included for resort guests) and is open to the public for cocktails, lunch, and dinner. Rent out the entire property for a large family or group, or enjoy your overwater bungalow as a couple’s retreat.

When it comes to overwater bungalows in Panama, Poli’s AirBNB is a stunning overwater bungalow that’s big on privacy and has a picture-perfect hammock for you to while away the days. Two overwater bungalows sit side-by-side and you can rent one or both. Daily boat access is provided or you can hire a boat taxi to get from the bungalow to Bocas Town (or the nearby Starfish Beach if you’re looking for a lively beach day). The property does have electricity, hot water, and Wi-Fi, however, the hot water is available only in the early morning and evenings. You’ll also need to bring in all your food and bottled drinking water, so this property takes a little planning to visit, but it’s well worth it!

The Cosmic Crab Resort gets high marks for its great location close to town and beautiful beaches, but it’s a property that needs some updating, so if you’re looking for high-end luxury, it’s probably not the resort for you. There’s lively nightlife nearby, so if you’re looking for a party crowd, it’s well suited for that, but you may not find the most restful night of sleep here. The mini cabins (coming in at under 225 square feet) are affordably priced (under $50/night) and ideal for singles or couples who don’t mind being super cozy!

Villa Reef is a large overwater home, located just a 15-minute boat ride from Bocas Town. With a full kitchen and dining area, this home is ideal for longer, self-catering stays. Complete with an air conditioner, BBQ grill, and washing machine, Villa Reef allows you to experience overwater bungalow living, not just vacationing. The large waterfront deck and perfectly placed hammock are ideal for peaceful relaxation.

The four spacious overwater bungalows at Sea Monkey are available for nightly or weekly rental and you can book all four bungalows to sleep up to 11 people. Included breakfast, comfortable beds, and 180-degree sea views as well as easy access to both Old Bank and Bocas Town make this an ideal spot for those seeking comfort but also accessibility.

Set to open in 2026, the Viceroy Bocas del Toro is set to be Panama’s largest and most luxurious overwater bungalow resort. The 42 one- and two-bedroom overwater villas make up just part of the property which will include a total of 186 guest rooms. Eight restaurants, pools, and a spa will round out the luxury experience, bringing the upscale overwater bungalow vibe that you expect from Tahiti and the Maldives to Panama.

The seaview overwater bungalow at El Clandestino sleeps five and is fairly rustic, but features a cozy shaded porch for your lounging pleasure. The open-air bathroom offers privacy while giving a strong showering au naturale vibe. Enjoy a full breakfast daily (included) and spend the rest of your day relaxing in your bungalow with a board game or at the hotel bar with an ice-cold cocktail in hand.

The name says it all: Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge. Emphasis on the Eco Lodge. It’s important to note that there’s no power at the Lodge from 8 am to 6 pm and hot water is sporadic. But these affordably priced bungalows make up for it with a fantastic location! The property is great for couples and families or groups and you can choose from an overwater bungalow, a honeymoon overwater bungalow, a cozy tree house, a sea loft with a panoramic view, or a standard double room to suit your needs. Three daily meals are available at the lodge’s restaurant and are made with fresh, local ingredients.

Located on Carenero Island, El Faro del Colibri stands out from the crowd in Bocas with its New England-style bungalows. Choose from the two-story deluxe family house with a full kitchen, five standard bungalows, or the resort’s superior room: El Faro (aka The Light House). This two-story red and white striped lighthouse-themed building is both cozy and kitschy! Water taxis are easy to flag down, but their abundance and frequency add to the noise factor at the resort.

Casa Acuario means Aquarium House and this former family home does not disappoint! Unlike other overwater resorts in Bocas del Toro, this is a single building set over the water with four rooms to choose from. All the rooms have private patios and a variety of room configurations offer up options for couples and families.

Located on the Sunset Coast of Isla Solarte, Bastamientos AirBNB features breathtaking views and comfy catamaran deck hammocks. This AirBNB property is on the newer side and has a sister bungalow, which is ideal if you’re traveling with a group (each bungalow can sleep up to four). Enjoy meals in the second-floor dining room of the property’s two-story common area and sip and savor while the sun sets over 180-degree Caribbean views.

Naranjo Chico is rustic. Really rustic. But if you’re looking for a stunning location and the opportunity to engage with locals in an off-the-beaten-path location, it’s worth considering. There is no internet and no cell service on the small island, but there is stunning snorkeling, beautiful beaches, interesting culture, and fresh fish.

Wailidup Hotel is one of the less rustic overwater bungalows in the San Blas Islands. While it is nicer than the others, the accommodations are still quite basic. Three meals, daily tours, and transportation are all included in room rates, which start at $214 per person, per night in low season.

Falling squarely in the rustic vibe, Private Over-water Cabins feature minimal-style cabins and shared toilets. But what it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in location. Laze the day away in a hammock placed in the water while gazing at the different colors of turquoise that crisscross the horizon. Snorkel or paddleboard in the sunshine and dine on fresh locally caught fish while disconnecting from reality.