Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge

Why We Recommend These Overwater Bungalows:

Eclypse de Mar is an intimate, very much eco-friendly resort, with its own nature reserve in Bocas del Toro, along Panama’s Caribbean Coast.

It has some tastefully designed and decorated, overwater bungalows, just seven in total, which blend nicely with the deep jungle behind.

Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation:

Their overwater accommodation has two categories – the Standard Bungalows at 538 square feet/50 square meters and the larger, slightly more plush, Honeymoon Overwater Bungalows at 861 square feet/80 square meters.

The latter has one king-size bedroom plus lounge while the former, though smaller, has two bedrooms, one double and one twin.

All have seating areas inside and outside on the private terrace which offers direct access to the water (which is beautifully calm and clear), and inside they have glass floor panels to allow you to observe the abundant sea life below.

They are super comfortable but this being a very much eco-friendly resort you will have to forgo some luxuries – No air-con just ceiling fans for example but, helped by the fresh breezes from the sea, they do the job well.

There are no TVs or in-room fridges either though, and the WiFi can be quite weak in the overwater bungalows.

Beyond the overwaters they have some rooms in the main building which have the same comfortable interiors and cozy, earthy feel.

They have balconies equipped with hammocks and what they describe as a ‘sea view’ which in reality though is a view of the back of the overwater bungalows.

They may be a little underwhelming but what certainly isn’t is the 3 bedroom, two-floor Sea Loft Villa which has great views over both the sea and the surrounding jungle.

Their Tree House then is set deeper in the jungle, so no sea views there but it is the most close to nature of all the accommodation choices and you can spot all sorts of wildlife direct from your balcony.

Prices & Availability:

Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on their Booking.com page here and on Expedia.com here. 

Resort Facilities & Things to Do:

Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge’s main attraction is its own little 7-acre nature reserve that surrounds the accommodation.

Most of it is, as you imagine completely wild but there are also easy trails around which can be negotiated without any kind of hiking gear.

It is home to a huge array of fauna – sloths, monkeys, caiman, iguanas, etc. and a great many species of tropical birds.

A great amount of your time will be spent exploring the immediate surroundings and Eclypse de Mar, with a relatively central location near Bocas del Toro Airport can be a sensible base for exploring other islands and coastlines.

You can arrange all sorts of excursions and tours direct from the resort. Watersports can be enjoyed at the resort too (non-motorized) – kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, etc.

After dark, the resort gets sleepy and quiet. There is no nightlife here as such, though the restaurant has a good choice of beers wines, spirits, and cocktails.

The food is good too, from the generous breakfast which is included in the room rate to lunch, dinner, and more with their seafood being especially appreciated.

Resort Location:

Getting to Eclypse de Mar means a flight to Panama City International, then a just under an hour domestic flight to Bocas del Toro.

From there make your way to the Boteros de Bastimentos dock a few minutes from the airport (a taxi will be around 2 USD per person). And from there, you have a regular boat service to bring you to Bastimentos Island and the resort in around 10 minutes.

Resort Reviews:

“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. Besides its rooms, the best argument of Eclypse is its natural reserve. You can have a quick walk around with your morning coffee; most alleys are in concrete, wood or clear enough to safely walk without hiking shoes. You’ll see thousands of shy crabs, nesting hummingbirds, colorful flowers, butterflies and birds, caimans (mostly footlong baby ones) and two species of sloths! Just be patient, quiet and respectful. You can also put on some shoes and explore the reserve further for huge Panama trees, poisonous red frogs and monkeys. You can use Eclypse as a base to go on excursions or take a kayak to explore the mangrove. I personally recommend Wizard beach, it is one of the best in Bocas. The hike from Eclypse to Wizard takes about 40min through the mangrove, small town and the jungle. It’s a very scenic and easy hike and you’ll get a chance to see oropendola nests and white-faced capuchin monkeys. Finally, have a coffee or cocktail with Mabelle, the energetic manager of Eclypse, or Malena, the passionate owner who lives nearby. They are the sweetest, most welcoming and knowledgeable about all things Bocas….”

“Basically everything was great – the staff was friendly and helpful, the food was delicious and the bungalows super comfortable. We had breakfast in the bungalow while enjoying the view on the water. We can also recommend having dinner in the restaurant – it was delicious. Also there are some things to do: you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, go to the jungle and see animals, go snorkeling etc. – it’s all free of charge….”

>> GO HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR OVERWATER BUNGALOW AT ECLYPSE DE MAR

Location Category:

Caribbean

Panama