Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park

Popular

Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, located in Panama’s Bocas del Toro archipelago, is a vibrant and diverse ecosystem featuring lush rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, and pristine beaches. This tropical paradise is home to a wide variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
This critically endangered species is known for its strikingly patterned shell and plays a vital role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems. The park serves as a critical nesting site for hawksbill sea turtles, especially along Playa Larga, where conservation efforts are helping protect their populations.

West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
These gentle marine mammals inhabit the park’s seagrass beds and mangrove-lined waters. Slow-moving and herbivorous, they play an essential role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems. Although elusive, they are occasionally spotted in the protected lagoons and shallow coastal areas of the park.

White-faced Capuchin Monkey (Cebus capucinus)
Commonly seen in the park’s rainforest canopy, these intelligent and social primates use their dexterous hands to forage for fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They are highly adaptive and play a role in seed dispersal, contributing to the health of the forest.

Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
This playful and agile otter thrives in the freshwater streams and mangrove estuaries of Isla Bastimentos. It is an excellent swimmer and preys on fish, crabs, and small aquatic creatures. Although not often seen, it is an important indicator of healthy wetland ecosystems.

Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus)
A small to medium-sized crocodilian, the spectacled caiman is commonly found in the brackish waters and mangrove swamps of the park. Named for the bony ridge between its eyes resembling spectacles, it is an opportunistic predator that feeds on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Panamanian Night Monkey (Aotus zonalis)
This nocturnal primate is distinguished by its large eyes, which help it navigate the dense rainforest in the dark. It feeds on fruits, nectar, and insects and can often be heard vocalizing at night as it moves through the treetops.

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Another important turtle species in the park, the green sea turtle, nests on the park’s sandy beaches and forages in seagrass beds. Unlike the hawksbill, it is primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and seagrass to maintain the health of these crucial habitats.

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
These highly intelligent and social marine mammals are frequently seen in the coastal waters of Isla Bastimentos. They often travel in pods, performing acrobatic jumps and communicating through a variety of clicks and whistles.

Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio)
One of the park’s most iconic amphibians, this tiny, brightly colored frog comes in a variety of colors, from red and blue to green and orange. It secretes toxins through its skin, deterring predators, and its striking coloration serves as a warning.

Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus)
This slow-moving, tree-dwelling mammal is commonly found hanging from the branches of rainforest trees. Known for its algae-covered fur and gentle nature, the three-toed sloth spends most of its life in the canopy, feeding on leaves and sleeping for up to 15 hours a day.

Birds

The diverse habitats of Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, from mangrove forests to coastal wetlands and tropical rainforests, support a wide variety of bird species. Birdwatchers can spot everything from brightly colored toucans to elusive raptors while exploring the park.

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Recognized for its vibrant, oversized bill, the keel-billed toucan is a symbol of tropical forests. It feeds primarily on fruits but also eats insects, eggs, and small reptiles. Its loud, frog-like calls can often be heard echoing through the jungle.

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
These large seabirds are often seen soaring above the park’s coastlines with their distinctive forked tails and long, pointed wings. Males have an inflatable red throat pouch, which they use to attract mates during the breeding season.

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
A common sight along the park’s shorelines, the brown pelican is known for its dramatic plunge-diving technique used to catch fish. These social birds often fly in formation and roost in large groups near mangrove forests.

Slaty-tailed Trogon (Trogon massena)
A striking bird with a green back, red belly, and slate-colored tail, this species thrives in the park’s rainforests. It feeds on fruits and insects and is often spotted perching quietly in the dense canopy.

White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
A dazzling hummingbird with iridescent blue, white, and green plumage, the white-necked jacobin is a frequent visitor to flowering trees and shrubs. It plays a vital role in pollination by transferring nectar between plants.

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)
One of the most common hummingbirds in the park, this species is recognized by its shimmering green body and reddish tail. It is highly territorial and aggressively defends its feeding areas from other hummingbirds.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
This elegant wading bird is often seen in the park’s mangroves, estuaries, and shallow waters, where it hunts for fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates. Its long, slender neck and bright white plumage make it easy to spot.

Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus)
A unique raptor that often scavenges for food, the crested caracara can be seen walking along the ground or perching in trees. It has a striking black and white body, a bright orange face, and a strong hooked beak.

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus)
A relative of the toucan, this small and colorful bird has a long, curved bill and a bright yellow chest with a black collar. It moves in small flocks through the rainforest canopy, foraging for fruit and insects.

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
This secretive, nocturnal heron is most active at dusk and dawn, hunting along the park’s waterways. It has a stocky body, red eyes, and a distinctive black cap, making it easy to recognize when spotted.

With its incredible biodiversity, Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park remains a sanctuary for both terrestrial and marine wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience Panama’s natural wonders.