Eclypse de Mar is an intimate, eco-friendly resort featuring its own private nature reserve in Bocas del Toro along Panama’s east coast.
The resort has just seven tastefully designed overwater bungalows that blend seamlessly into the dense jungle, creating a nicely private, secluded backdrop.
We think Eclypse de Mar will especially appeal to the nature lovers among you; those looking for a real eco-lodge experience.
True to its eco-friendly approach, the resort omits modern comforts like air conditioning, relying instead on natural sea breezes and ceiling fans, and the in-room Wi-Fi can be a bit shaky too.
Overall, though we think it offers a unique, immersive escape with an incredible on-site wildlife reserve.
You really feel away from it all here, but you’re never too far from civilization either; Bocas del Toro town is just ten minutes away by water-taxi
Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge at a Glance
- Location: Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama
- Accommodation: Overwater bungalows, jungle-view rooms, a sea loft villa, and a treehouse
- Best for: Nature enthusiasts, couples, and eco-conscious travelers
- Meals: Included breakfast with fresh seafood options available at the on-site restaurant
- Activities: Wildlife reserve walks, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and island excursions
- Getting there: Domestic flight to Bocas del Toro, a short taxi to the dock, and a 10-minute water taxi
Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation
The resort features just seven overwater accommodations, divided into Standard Bungalows at 538 square feet with two bedrooms and the larger Honeymoon Overwater Bungalows at 861 square feet with a king bedroom and lounge.
Both overwater options feature private terraces with direct access to calm, clear water, plus glass floor panels for viewing marine life below.
Being an eco-lodge, they lack air conditioning, TVs, and in-room fridges, depending on ceiling fans and sea breezes.
Beyond the overwaters, guests can choose rooms in the main building, the two-floor Sea Loft Villa, or the secluded Tree House set deeper in the jungle for ultimate wildlife viewing.
Food, Facilities & Things to Do
The main highlight is the resort’s private 7-acre nature reserve, home to sloths, monkeys, caimans, and countless tropical birds along easy walking trails.
Guests can borrow free non-motorized watersports equipment including kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear, or arrange regional island tours directly from the front desk.
Evenings are quiet and relaxed, anchored by the lodge restaurant’s excellent seafood and cocktails.
Location: Getting There & Away
Traveling to Eclypse de Mar requires a flight to Panama City International, followed by a domestic flight of under an hour to Bocas del Toro.
From the airport, take a short taxi ride to the Boteros de Bastimentos dock for around 2 USD per person, then catch a regular 10-minute boat service directly to Bastimentos Island and the resort.
What Guests Say
“If you want to relax and explore in Bocas del Toro, then definitely choose Isla Bastimentos and Eclypse de Mar. If you can, pick a bungalow over the water, it is worth it. They are spacious, with a relaxing Indonesian dark wood design, and large comfortable beds, and you can snorkel amongst fish and corals directly under them….”
See all guest reviews on Booking.com
Our Verdict
Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge is a uniquely immersive eco-retreat that pairs rustic overwater bungalows with an incredible private wildlife reserve.
We think it’ll appeal hugely to nature enthusiasts who value wildlife viewing and a back-to-nature setting over any sort of high end luxury.
Not to say thats it’s not luxurious in its own way but some of you might baulk at the limited digital connectivity, and the lack of air conditioning, though we think the natural sea breezes plus fans do a perfectly good job.
