Overwater bungalow resorts in Panama

Viceroy Bocas del Toro – Panama

• Overwater bungalows: 42
• Total rooms/suites: 186

Now set to open in ‘late 2023,’ the Viceroy Bocas del Toro will be the first real “honeymoon-style” overwater bungalow resort in Central America, so it’s been heavily anticipated. The resorts listed below are all more of the “eco-resort” style, so romantic couples have had to head to Jamaica or Mexico to find luxurious overwater suites in the region.

Viceroy currently operates over a dozen luxury resorts and urban hotels all over the world, and the Bocas del Toro resort looks like it will be its most ambitious project yet. It was originally announced to open in 2019 and as of now it says it’s going to open in 2021, which is par for the course with resorts like this. They are planning 8 different restaurants on a property of 457 acres with 186 total guest rooms. We will update this information as new details are announced, but this is sure to be one of the most popular resorts in Central America the moment it opens.

Overwater bungalows will probably be starting at over US$500 per night, and possibly much higher

• Overwater bungalows: 2
• Total rooms/suites: 2

A small overwater resort with only 2 bungalows, the Sol Bungalows Resort in Panama is new to the scene with rooms that are outfitted with amenities such as a glass floor cutout, a king size bed, WiFi, a rain shower, private back deck, and wooden steps that lead out into the ocean below.

The resort itself also offers water sports ranging from snorkeling to paddle boarding, hiking, massages and dining in the morning and evening. There are also lots of things to do nearby, including dining out and sport fishing.

Overwater bungalows starting at US$258 per night

• Overwater bungalows: 6
• Total rooms/suites: 12

A small resort featuring the same amount of overwater bungalows as it does land rooms, the Cosmic Crab Resort rests on the beach with views of the water and the lush jungle behind it. Here guests will find small rooms decorated with Caribbean flare and featuring Wi-Fi, air conditioning and wooden furnishings.

Guests will also find over 6 acres to roam alongside 600 feet of waterfront property to relax at and enjoy. Because this resort caters to the most adventours, you’ll find many different types of water sports to choose from, with some well suited for the younger visitors in your group.

Overwater bungalows starting at US$77 per night

• Overwater bungalows: 6
• Total rooms/suites: 6

Currently closed for re-construction.

If you are looking for a small boutique eco-resort, in Central America, you’ve found it. Featuring just 6 overwater bungalows plus two restaurants and a spa, the Coral Lodge is in a secluded part of the San Blas Islands in Panama. The bare-bones and eco-friendly approach means there is no TVs or internet here, so a distraction-free vacation is nearly guaranteed.

The resort also offers “romance packages” and several other extras, so this is still quite luxurious. The Coral Lodge also is great value, with some of the cheapest stand-alone overwater bungalows in the world. There’s great diving and snorkeling, as well as horseback riding nearby, so the Coral Lodge could be perfect for those seeking an active vacation, or those looking for a remote and romantic resort.

Overwater bungalows starting at US$345 per night

• Overwater bungalows: 9
• Total rooms/suites: 9

Another eco-hotel, the Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge consists only of 9 overwater bungalows stretching out from an island near Panama. The bungalows are fairly large, and are powered by solar panels only, so there is no television or entertainment system. Breakfast and dinner is included in the room rate as well, so this is an affordable all-inclusive-style resort.

Here you’ll find excellent snorkeling plus a wide variety of boat trips, including visits to Indian communities nearby. Things here are a bit more posh than at the other resort, but still it’s very good value considering that the room rate includes two meals for two people each day, and eating is never cheap at secluded overwater resorts in general.

Overwater bungalows starting at US$265 per night

• Overwater bungalows: 10

With 10 overwater rooms that stretch out into the lagoon, the Azul Paradise Resort, is a great option for guests seeking an eco-friendly accommodation that still offers luxuries. In fact, if you’d like, you can choose to make your stay here all-inclusive. Other features include snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, swimming, and a spa right on-site.

Each of the 10 overwater bungalows wow with room service, an entertainment center, Wi-Fi, a private deck, and a glass floor bottom. This glass floor cutout inside your room lets you view the ocean below without having to actually get into the water.

Overwater bungalows starting at US$350 per night

• Overwater bungalows: 6
• Total rooms/suites: 10

An overwater resort that rests on (and off) of a private island off of the Caribbean coast of Panama, the Yandup Island Lodge is a solid choice in the San Blas Archipelago. Here you’ll find rooms starting out in the lower price range, but still accommodating enough with a private balcony, bathroom, and orthopedic mattress. You won’t find a TV or any Wi-Fi, so this lodge is better suited for guests looking to unplug.

It’s also well suited for the outdoorsy type who like the idea of spending their vacation hiking, snorkeling, and going on several tours. You’ll also want to note that included with each night’s stay is breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overwater bungalows starting at US$277 per night

• Overwater bungalows: 6
• Total rooms/suites: 6

An adults only lodge, the Urraca Private Island Eco Lodge offers a different type of overwater experience with the addition of rescue monkeys found throughout the grounds. These monkeys are very interactive and love to be hand fed by guests. Along with playing with monkeys, you’ll also get to snorkel, kayak, swim in the ocean, sunbath, and play a little volleyball.

Though you won’t find a full blown spa, you will find a little hut with one massage table. There’s also a restaurant and a bar to eat and drink at. Rooms are on the basic side with no TV, but there is Wi-Fi at least.

Overwater bungalows starting at US$195 per night

• Overwater bungalows: 6
• Total rooms/suites: 6

Offering two different overwater room designs, the Urraca Private Island Eco Lodge is just that, an eco lodge on the Caribbean side of Panama. Here you’ll notice that the overwater rooms span out toward the lagoon, and offer views of both the land and the ocean. Though rooms are on the basic side, they are equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi access, hot water, a bed, and a small fridge.

Essentially, if you have a small budget to work with, this resort could be a great option as long as you don’t mind being away from the hustle and bustle of a tourist town. Instead of a lot of people, what you’ll find instead is a private beach, lots of birds, snorkeling, scuba diving, and eco tours.

Overwater bungalows starting at US$214 per night

• Overwater bungalows: 6
• Total rooms/suites: 9

With 6 overwater bungalows and three more rooms on land, the Cabins Wailidup Lodge is designed for the type of traveler who likes to be outside as much as possible, and doesn’t mind living without the normal hotel amenities for a few days. Though the rooms do have fans, a bed, and a private bathroom and terrace, you won’t find any Wi-Fi or a TV.

You will however, find a restaurant and bar, a little beach to enjoy, lots of snorkeling, and tours to the nearby islands, a sunken ship and a few natural pools.

• Overwater bungalows: 6
• Total rooms/suites: 6î

Located just a short boat ride away from the main town on Bocas del Toro in Panama, the Eclypse de Mar Resort has 6 overwater bungalows, two of which are Honeymoon Suites. Rooms here are more basic than you’d find at the 4- and 5-star resorts in Bora Bora, but the price is also much lower as well, and the list of water sports and other activities is long.

This is considered an eco-resort so there’s no air conditioning and not much in the way of in-room entertainment, but there are ceiling fans and one of the few glass windows in the floor to observe the sea life below. Those looking for an overwater bungalow and great diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean should find the Eclypse de Mar to be good value.

Overwater bungalows starting at US$284 per night