The Bastimentos Island National Marine Park hosted the filming of the famous Telecinco show in its 2000 edition.
Discover more about this paradise
In this paradise—which at times was anything but—contestants on Telecinco’s "Survivor" faced gruelling living conditions until a winner claimed the coveted 10-million-peseta prize. If you’ve wondered where those crystal-clear waters from your TV screen were located, they were none other than those of the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park in Panama.
Established in 1988, this park lies north of Panama’s Bocas del Toro province, spanning 13,226 hectares across a series of islands and islets between Almirante Bay (named in honour of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas) and Chiriqui Lagoon. Here, you’ll find one of the Caribbean’s most diverse ecosystems, boasting not only stunning coral reefs and coconut-fringed beaches but also forests, swamps, and mangroves teeming with countless species of unparalleled beauty and ecological value.
While the park offers a wide range of activities, diving is undoubtedly a highlight. Dive from sandy beaches where green, leatherback, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles nest between April and September, or venture through mangrove channels where—with luck—you might spot dolphins.
How to get there
The quickest way is a one-hour flight from Panama City. By road, take the Interamericana Highway to Chiriqui, then detour through Gualaca to Chiriqui Grande. From there, a two-hour ferry reaches Colón Island—check schedules in advance.
With an average temperature of 27°C, pack for the wet or dry season. Wet months run May–August and November–January; dry spells are February–April and September–October.
Base yourself in Bocas del Toro town for indigenous culture, hotels, dive gear rentals, and guides. No need to endure Survivor’s hardships to enjoy the flora and fauna of these Caribbean isles.
Underwater life
The submerged beauty here is staggering (though harder to reach overland). Around Cayos Zapatilla, explore one of South America’s best-preserved ecosystems in waters rich with pirate history. Note: permits are required for the heavily protected marine park.
Turquoise waters teem with marlin, sailfish, barracuda, damselfish, rays, red snapper, and more—a dream for divers and underwater photographers. Anemones, arrow crabs, peppermint shrimp, morays, and kaleidoscopic sponges thrive in Bocas’ coral reefs, which boast Panama’s highest live-coverage rates.
The top coral formations lie at Coral Islands (Cayo Mayor), just 300 metres offshore. At six metres deep, it’s ideal for beginners. Swim among parrotfish, angelfish, and groupers.
Behind the breakers, a wall with small caves plunges to 15 metres. Avoid north winds, which make diving here treacherous.
On dry land
The terrestrial wildlife is equally extreme—and not all friendly, as Survivor contestants learned. Swamps host crocodiles, manatees, and coral snakes, while birdwatching draws visitors to Swan Key’s sanctuary for frigatebirds, herons, and brown pelicans.
For jungle treks, expect surreal landscapes: towering rainforests, coastal plains, and exotic flora like mahogany and palms. Visit the Guaymí indigenous community in Quebrada de Sal. Note: Bastimentos Island has no forest trails—getting lost means your own unscripted survival saga.
Discover more about this paradise
In this paradise—which at times was anything but—contestants on Telecinco’s "Survivor" faced gruelling living conditions until a winner claimed the coveted 10-million-peseta prize. If you’ve wondered where those crystal-clear waters from your TV screen were located, they were none other than those of the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park in Panama.
Established in 1988, this park lies north of Panama’s Bocas del Toro province, spanning 13,226 hectares across a series of islands and islets between Almirante Bay (named in honour of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas) and Chiriqui Lagoon. Here, you’ll find one of the Caribbean’s most diverse ecosystems, boasting not only stunning coral reefs and coconut-fringed beaches but also forests, swamps, and mangroves teeming with countless species of unparalleled beauty and ecological value.
While the park offers a wide range of activities, diving is undoubtedly a highlight. Dive from sandy beaches where green, leatherback, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles nest between April and September, or venture through mangrove channels where—with luck—you might spot dolphins.
How to get there
The quickest way is a one-hour flight from Panama City. By road, take the Interamericana Highway to Chiriqui, then detour through Gualaca to Chiriqui Grande. From there, a two-hour ferry reaches Colón Island—check schedules in advance.
With an average temperature of 27°C, pack for the wet or dry season. Wet months run May–August and November–January; dry spells are February–April and September–October.
Base yourself in Bocas del Toro town for indigenous culture, hotels, dive gear rentals, and guides. No need to endure Survivor’s hardships to enjoy the flora and fauna of these Caribbean isles.
Underwater life
The submerged beauty here is staggering (though harder to reach overland). Around Cayos Zapatilla, explore one of South America’s best-preserved ecosystems in waters rich with pirate history. Note: permits are required for the heavily protected marine park.
Turquoise waters teem with marlin, sailfish, barracuda, damselfish, rays, red snapper, and more—a dream for divers and underwater photographers. Anemones, arrow crabs, peppermint shrimp, morays, and kaleidoscopic sponges thrive in Bocas’ coral reefs, which boast Panama’s highest live-coverage rates.
The top coral formations lie at Coral Islands (Cayo Mayor), just 300 metres offshore. At six metres deep, it’s ideal for beginners. Swim among parrotfish, angelfish, and groupers.
Behind the breakers, a wall with small caves plunges to 15 metres. Avoid north winds, which make diving here treacherous.
On dry land
The terrestrial wildlife is equally extreme—and not all friendly, as Survivor contestants learned. Swamps host crocodiles, manatees, and coral snakes, while birdwatching draws visitors to Swan Key’s sanctuary for frigatebirds, herons, and brown pelicans.
For jungle treks, expect surreal landscapes: towering rainforests, coastal plains, and exotic flora like mahogany and palms. Visit the Guaymí indigenous community in Quebrada de Sal. Note: Bastimentos Island has no forest trails—getting lost means your own unscripted survival saga.
