Starfish Beach, Caribbean beach in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Starfish Beach is located on Colón Island and features shallow waters where orange and red starfish populate the seafloor against a backdrop of coconut palms and white sand. The shoreline provides gradual access into the water, making it easy to wade out and observe the marine life up close.
The beach emerged as a tourism destination in the 1990s when local fishermen noticed the high concentration of starfish in the nutrient-rich waters. This discovery transformed the location into a popular spot for visitors seeking to explore the area's marine life.
Local inhabitants of Bocas del Toro preserve marine life through educational programs that teach visitors about starfish conservation and ecosystem protection.
The beach can be reached by bus from Simon Bolivar Park or via regular water taxis departing from Bocas Town. Visitors should wear water shoes to protect both themselves and the starfish while wading through the shallow waters.
The waters here maintain a constant warm temperature year-round, providing ideal conditions for red starfish to thrive. This stable climate allows these species to exist in high numbers, unlike many other tropical beaches.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
