THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Join a private sailing tour from Bocas Town to discover Playa Estrella's famous starfish, savor a delicious BBQ, and explore the wild beauty of Bird Island. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!
Join a private sailing tour from Bocas Town to discover Playa Estrella's famous starfish, savor a delicious BBQ, and explore the wild beauty of Bird Island. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!
Book with SwayStays
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by SwayStays · Bocas Town, Bocas del Toro
Experience the captivating natural beauty of Panama's Bocas del Toro with SwayStays’ private sailing tour to Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella) and Bird Island. This uniquely curated trip combines vibrant beach time with exciting marine exploration. The journey begins with a scenic sail to Playa Estrella, where crystal-clear waters reveal thousands of bright starfish scattered along the sandy shore. Swim or snorkel around these gentle creatures while soaking in the tropical sun. Afterward, enjoy a freshly grilled BBQ onboard featuring local flavors, perfectly paired with panoramic ocean views. The adventure continues with a visit to Bird Island, a rugged, less-visited island thriving with diverse bird species and tucked-away coves perfect for paddling or quick swims. As the day winds down, relax on deck during a peaceful sunset sail back, offering photo-worthy moments and serene ocean vibes. This tour effortlessly blends exploration, relaxation, and nature’s spectacle for an unforgettable experience.
easy.
4–5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic swimming ability and comfort aboard a sailboat.
Yes, swimming is in calm, shallow waters around Starfish Beach, ideal for all skill levels.
SwayStays provides snorkeling equipment and towels for all guests on the tour.
Yes, please inform SwayStays in advance about any dietary needs and they will customize the menu.
You might see a variety of tropical birds like frigatebirds and herons, as well as small crabs and fish.
Yes, children are welcome but should be comfortable in the water and supervised at all times.
Most visitors walk or take a short taxi ride from accommodations in Bocas Town to the pier where the tour departs.
Bocas del Toro has a rich Afro-Caribbean culture influenced by its role as a former banana trade hub and its diverse indigenous communities.
Local efforts focus on protecting coral reefs and marine wildlife by promoting responsible tourism and enforcing reef-safe product use.
SwayStays is a tour operator based in Bocas del Toro, Provincia de Bocas del Toro, offering sailing and catamaran experiences across the archipelago. The company operates a range of day and overnight trips that showcase local highlights such as Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella), Bird Island, the Zapatilla Islands, and Hospital Point. Many itineraries include swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and scenic sunset sails; select tours feature onboard barbecues, music, and refreshments. Overnight options anchor in calm bays for starry nights and morning snorkeling. SwayStays offers specialized experiences including guided spearfishing sessions and an Intro to Spearfishing where participants learn breathing techniques and fish identification, as described in the trip summaries. Snorkeling sessions at Hospital Point explore vibrant reefs and tropical fish, and an Intro to Sailing covers steering, safety, and knots with land and on-water practice. A Stargazing & Bioluminescent Swim departs at night to secluded islands for swimming in bioluminescent plankton and stargazing. Several listings reference sailing catamaran trips and overnight passages. One overnight entry also describes an expedition from Portobelo to the Chagres River with hiking and historical site visits near Fort San Lorenzo. Trip summaries emphasize exploration, relaxation, and natural beauty, catering to guests seeking snorkeling, diving-adjacent activities, spearfishing practice, or a peaceful island overnight. All descriptions are based on provided trip summaries and location information.
Book with SwayStays