April 19th, 2026
Bocas del Toro has a way of shifting gears just when you need it to. After the raw, adventurous energy of Isla Bastimentos, it was time to weigh anchor and find a corner of the archipelago where the pace slows down to the speed of the tide. That journey led me to the northern shores of Isla Colón: Playa Estrella.
The Passage to Starfish Beach
Sailing from Bastimentos toward the western side of Isla Colón is a beautiful transition. As the boat settled into the protected waters of Playa Estrella (Starfish Beach), the change in atmosphere was immediate. While Bocas Town is known for its hustle, this side of the island feels like a different world—especially when you have the luxury of staying for five days.
Life on the Water: Kayaks and Starfish
The beauty of being on a boat here is the ability to wake up before the water taxis arrive from town. My mornings were spent in the kayak, gliding over water so clear it felt like floating on glass.
Playa Estrella earns its name honestly. Peering over the side of the kayak, the seafloor is dotted with giant, bright orange starfish. Seeing them from the water’s surface is one thing, but getting the drone up in the air provided a whole new perspective. From above, the contrast of the white sand, the turquoise “swimming pools” of shallow water, and the deep green of the overhanging palms is truly spectacular.
Exploring the Coastline: The Walk to Playa Drago
While the beach itself is perfect for relaxing, the surrounding area begs to be explored on foot. I took a coastal walk through the fringe of the forest that lines the shore, leading toward Playa Drago.
The trail offers that classic Caribbean mix of jungle sounds and ocean breezes. It’s a short, scenic trek that connects these beautiful stretches of sand, offering plenty of quiet spots to sit under a sea grape tree and just take in the view.
A Taste of the Islands
Isla Bastientos has a few nice restaurants and I ended up at Lyssets Place to have lunch with an amazing view before making my way to Playa Estrella.
Even though I spent much of my time enjoying the peace of the boat, you can’t visit Playa Estrella without acknowledging the local scene. The beach is lined with small, colorful bars and overwater restaurants.
I eventually made my way to the shore to sample the local catch: Octopus served with fried plantains. There is something about eating fresh seafood with your feet in the sand that makes the Caribbean experience feel complete. The tender octopus paired with the salty crunch of the plantains is a flavor I won’t soon forget.
Five Days of Calm
Spending nearly a week anchored here allowed me to see the island’s different moods—the quiet, misty mornings, the vibrant afternoon energy, and the golden sunsets that turn the water to brass. It was the perfect reset before the next leg of the journey.
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Cheers
Paul – SY ANIMA