Aerial view
Check availability

Reviews of Casita del Mar, Bocas del Toro, Panama

Casita del Mar, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Bocas del Toro, Bocas del Toro Province

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 53 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 53 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 53 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 53 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 53 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jessica S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Casita del Mar
Paradise on earth is that too much. The home was lovely, the amenities were great, the views were beautiful.the staff were so amiable, responsive, and professional. We hired the boat captain to take us to monkey island and zapatilla #2. It was a beautiful day. We hired the chef to cook for us for two nights, and we could not have enjoyed a better meal anywhere else. The food was amazing! We went into Bocas del Toro and it was a cute town but most of our time was spent at Casita Del Mar. You could do some snorkeling and use the paddle boards/kayaks from the house and they offered boots for a hike. We opted for a short hike. The water off the dock was shallow and I went into the water but you would have to go further to snorkel which put you into the boat traffic. I opted not too. What I did love was all the fishes you could feed off the dock, so much fun. Rooms were beautiful and large tub was amazing. Shower had great water pressure. Just to be clear there’s no AC but a fan was supplied. But it was hot. And the sand flies are pretty annoying, the next day after being bitten. Picardin seemed to work well the first day. They also supplied coconut oil as a repellent. I would also have treated the clothing with some Permethrin Fabric treatment to use as a repellent. In spite of these two small inconveniences, it was amazing stay, and so thankful for the opportunity to enjoy a once in a lifetime experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura, Apex

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This house is a true gem. We absolutely loved being able to snorkel, kayak, and SUP straight from the dock. We also enjoyed walking the trails behind the house. We woke up each morning to the sound of jungle birds and howler monkeys, were greeted by dolphins mid morning, and even experienced the bioluminescent plankton at night. The house was equipped with everything you could possibly need, even water shoes, rubber boots to hike in, and bug spray.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen W.

Liked: Cleanliness
snorklers joy
If you’re a snorkeler looking for that place you can go every day right from your front deck, this is for you. Every morning a natural alarm clock of hundreds of parrots flying from their nesting area to their daytime area woke us as the sun came up. Every morning we looked out the window and felt we would never get tired of the view and felt the peace of the place. Most striking is the quiet, no cars or airplanes. Motorboats occasionally go by but mostly every morning just a string of people in handmade canoes would pass by silently on their way to work or school. We would greet them and they would greet us back. At night the parade would go the other direction. The stars are brilliant at night because there’s very little light pollution. If you’re lucky enough to experience a storm, the rain and lightning is fascinating. Be sure to visit the chocolate farm. Its a short boat ride and well worth the time. Its not really just a chocolate farm. Its an incredible environmental experience with some cocoa trees and items for sale at the end. The owner is very knowledgeable and outgoing about everything. We saw our first of five sloths that day before we even got off the dock. The walk was strenuous for me, some uphill and downhill, but walking sticks and help were available if needed. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The entire support staff made us feel taken care of and part of the community. I could go on forever. Lovely place.
Stayed 13 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Dolphin Bay treasure
Not only is this situated on the heart of Dolphin Bay, it's quiet, spacious and well thought out. Plenty of towels and the kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed. When we had an issue with the fridge not getting cold enough, Katerine sent someone out the next morning to fix it. Dolphins everyday, the best reef right out the front door, and spectacular sunrises. A wonderful week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Arti K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great vacation
We had a great vacation. Everything listed was accurate and we had beautiful views! Def recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brieanne L., North Carolina, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic family vacation
I can't recommend this rental home enough! My family (husband and two kids age 10 and 7) stayed here for one week. We all loved the view, ability to snorkel right from the porch, the howler monkeys in the jungle, and the house's layout and luxurious beds. Check-in - Getting in was a little hectic, but was managed well. We were taken to the dock to drop off our luggage and walked to the grocery store close by. There is a pretty good variety of foods. Just come prepared for tight aisles and a crowd. I recommend having a list of the most important things you need so you don't forget them. We forgot butter, garlic, and eggs, but got them on another trip later that week. Once they bagged our groceries, they brought them over to the dock for us, which was so helpful since we had quite a load. It was a 20-25 minute boat ride to the house from there. Getting to the house, the manager showed us around and asked us about plans for the week so she could help us start to make any needed reservations. The stay - Our favorite things to do were snorkeling from the house (there are some jellyfish and sea urchins in the water, so be careful), hiking in the jungle, relaxing on the porch watching the water, kayaking, and taking several outings: 1) Zapatilla Island - If you are looking for a beautiful tropical island and beach, go here! The boat captain took us early enough that we were the first ones and got to enjoy it by ourselves before a crowd arrived. 2) Green Acres Chocolate Farm - A close boat ride away and a fantastic learning opportunity about some of the local flora and fauna. 3) Bat Cave - We saw some cool animals in addition to the bats. Didn't go too far into the cave because the water gets deep, but still saw a lot. 4) Coral Key for snorkeling - Saw some larger coral formations and schools of fish. Very beautiful. We had the chef cook for us for five nights and it was so great. He used the foods we had purchased and created different meals every night. A very friendly guy and speaks fantastic English, too! I booked an appointment for a 60-minute massage and the masseuse came right to the house and set up the table in the kitchen, complete with relaxing music. She does a Swedish-style massage. This place is not the best choice for people who - have small children, have mobility issues, or don't like geckos (there are several little geckos in the house that are fantastic little pest control agents, but can be scary to some people).
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy A.

Liked: Cleanliness
10 stars!!!
Book this property now! My family of 4, my husband and two teenage boys had the most amazing stay at Casita Del Mar! The experience was first class all the way. We had Erika greet us at the airport, she took us shopping and helped navigate our entire trip. Jose our boat captain took us out fishing, to red frog beach and zapatilla island, even showed us a snorkel spot with some super chill and large north sharks! Our boys were amazed! We had Jose cook dinner for us every night and the whole family enjoyed the meals. Katharine cooked our first night and she did an amazing job with some fish that was caught the same day. Overall, this trip was the adventure we’ve been needing for a long time. And don’t worry too much about the no see ums, just cover up with the coconut oil provided, wear long sleeves and long pants and stay inside when the wind dies down in the evening. Bring some antihistamine for if you get a couple bites, those worked well for us. Overall, this trip was a dream come true! Don’t miss out!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cylinda H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical
The location of this beautiful property is magical. So peaceful and serene with only the sounds of nature and an occasional passing boat. Got to see dolphins in the bay each day of our stay and a stingray right off the deck of the house. House was very well equipped with everything needed to prepare meals and enjoy them on the deck but highly recommend having the chef cook for you at least once as the meal was delish! The hosts were very responsive and Jose the boat captain/wildlife spotter completed the trip. Would highly recommend this property for anyone looking to get away and disconnect.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julia L., Cochrane, Alberta

Liked: Cleanliness
Still no words to describe - so great!
We spent 5 nights at Casa del Mar last week and it was beyond our expectations. The house is so beautiful, luxurious and CLEAN. So clean. The wraparound deck = superb. The sunrises 😍😍 breathtaking. The water so so clear. Jose and Katerina were fantastic - Jose’s smile and knowledge when taking out us was priceless. He took us to a spot where dolphins played right beside the boat, pointed out sloths we would have missed and just a great human. From our front deck we saw stingrays, so many fish, more starfish than we could count and dolphins (50-100ms off the deck). We dawn with jelly fish. Were on the paddle boards daily… Would highly recommend if looking for a place to really get away from it all. Some notes: **take heed of the warning of the dawn and dusk “no-see-ums” they are no joke and their bites itch for days and days and days. Wear long clothing at dusk and dawn if outside. ** if you are going exploring - would recommend asking prior to how much to expect for fuel costs - we were shocked at how high fuel costs were. **the water off the deck is very shallow and right on a beautiful little reef - so no jumping directly in the water - there is a careful swim/paddle board over the reef to more comfortable swimming water levels. **the wifi was gloriously weak - if needing to work while there this might not be the spot. Our family had a great internet detox - messages taking hours to send. Not a complaint - just good to know.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ciara L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful stay on the water
This place was beautiful, house was equipped with everything we needed. The view was awesome right on the water, it was so peaceful to sit and watch for dolphins. The boat captain Jose is very friendly. The only complaint is there is a sewage smell around the property. Depending on the breeze it went away, but it was around quite a bit.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Feb 2023
Im so glad you enjoyed your stay Ciara! The sewage like smell is infact created by the mangroves, as the mangroves drop their seeds, bacteria help breakdown the organic matter and create a sulphur sewage smell which is more common during dry season and low tides. Not ideal but part of the magical eco system we get to enjoy!

10/10 Excellent

Angie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutions Amazing
Pick up, our stay, our tours and return were amazing! This family is so friendly and willing to help! We had Jose cook one evening! we had limited supplies and he made us an amazing meal. Captan toured us to many beaches and spots to see! The house was beautiful!! welcoming and the grounds had so much to do! The nature and marine life!! we watched sting rays come by in the mornings along with so many starfish, jelly fish and more! morning early you can see the dolphins swimming in the distance and coming up for air! the sunrise on this deck is one you will never forget! We stayed with our 2 teenagers and had an amazing time! Evenings were great for card games and just connecting. We will for sure be back in the future as we loved the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Frank B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything we had hoped for
The property is very well-managed and well-equipped. We had Jose Potin cook dinner for six nights and were happy with the food every night. We had Jose Sr AKA Papa Jose and his beloved grandson take us on wonderful excursions to the chocolate farm, the bat cave, Zapatilla Island, and the secret snorkeling spot. We used the kayak, the snorkel gear (what a great size range), and the Wellington boots. The coral around the house is very healthy, unlike the coral in more well-traveled parts of the Caribbean. The property offers good privacy. We often heard music from the neighbor 50 yards to the North but it wasn't objectionable. There were a lot of jellyfish in the water around the house but although the stings hurt for a couple hours the pain did not last. The layer of caring details really elevated the home. Easy cotton pajama pants in a variety of sizes to put on to make it harder for the chitras to bite us. Soft high quality bedsheets. Internet is iffy which apparently is true for much of the island.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracy N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Oasis
This was an amazing location. The snorkeling was awesome. The house and services were perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wow! Amazing place.
We had the most amazing time snorkeling the reef and being in the beauty of this place. As the listing says, their team will help you as much or as little as possible with things like cooking and planning day trips. Everyone who was there helping and hosting us was amazing. We loved every minute of it. Thank you, Julia, Erica, José Senior, José Junior, Katharine, Alejandra and anyone else behind the scenes who helps keep this property in such a beautiful state! We felt so well cared for while also experiencing the privacy and quiet of the remote beauty.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Vincent F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Getaway
The property was amazing. In the middle of the Islands, waterfront. We swam, kayaker, paddle boarded, all from the front porch. The property provided more than necessary during our stay. We enjoyed every aspect. The cook provided us with 2 phenomenal meals. It all really fell together better than we expected.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sheila C.

Liked: Cleanliness
AMAZING TO SAY THE LEAST
This was a 3 year trip in the making because of covid! The property is so wonderful. The property manager Erika is so responsive it is unreal. Papa Jose who drives the boat is so sweet and accommodating. The private chef Jose 4 came for dinner one night. He managed to make recipe better. Lol! The No Name open only on Saturday is a true must! The fish is the best. Can not till I can come back!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything is top quality! From the construction of the property, to the kitchenware, to the transportation and service from Erica. We stayed in several places over a month in Panama and this was by far the best overall. You couldn't be in a more peaceful, natural spot. We loved the paddle boards and kayaks and were lucky enough to experience the dolphins all around us. The Chitras (nats) do like to bite in the early morning and early evening. But with coconut oil on you can still relax. The wifi is not super powerful, but hey, you are off grid :) Erica was really responsive to questions, offered advice and communicated really well. This is a family run operation. They care and have high standards, something you don't see all over Panama. Highly recommend and will come back in future!
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Christmas 2021
Casita del Mar is amazing! Julia was very helpful as we planned our trip and Erica and team were great while we were there; taking us to the grocery store, fish market and other stops before being on our way. Going through the "Bocas Canal" was an added perk. The house is beautiful and a great place to enjoy snorkeling with colorful sponges, coral and fish, hiking to see sloths, monkeys, birds and the rainforest and so much more! We miss it already!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mason C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our Favorite Place To Be
Casa Del Mar is our favorite place to disconnect and reset. This is our second stay. We were there for 10 fantastic days. We love the peace and quiet of the bay. We love going on adventures with Jose. Hiking behind the house in search of sloths, monkeys, iguana’s, and birds is fantastic. We spent days just relaxing at the house, paddle boarding and snorkeling over the reef. Erika was great and always responded promptly for questions and anything we needed. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a really unique getaway. Can’t wait to visit again.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bettina S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible!!!!
Everything was absolutely incredible! We regret leaving. We had a truly off the grid experience. We enjoyed snorkeling off the dock and seeing all sorts of marine life, as well as exploring the jungle in the backyard and seeing the abundance of wildlife. Wear the boots that the house provides. I stepped on a six foot snake without realizing it. Luckily I was wearing boots! The Chef, Jose (Potin) came by every night to cook meals and they were delicious. We have extremely picky eaters in the family and everyone was satisifed. In fact, we let him decide what to make us, it was more fun that way! Our boat captain, Jose was so knowledgeable on the best snorkeling spots and we had so much fun with him! Erika, the property manager came by to chat and it was a pleasure meeting her and getting to know her and more about the community/island. It was an incredible trip. We cancelled over thanksgiving and so glad Julia kept in touch with us and was able to accommodate our stay for a future date. We do not regret this trip and talking about a return already! This just became our new Costa Rica without the high prices and tourists. The house is beautiful, has everything you could need for a home off the grid. The kayaks werre put too good use on the daily. We also used the washer and dryer right before leaving. We also used the pants that they offered to not get bit by the no see ums. They also provided us with coconut oill, which helped a lot! We got sunburnt really bad out on the boat and our chef went out of his way to bring us some aloe vera from his home. The lengths that everyone went through to make sure our stay was amazing was definitely appreciated and did not go unnoticed. Everyone went above and beyond and the maintenance of the property is in immaculate condition, as well as the snorkeling right in front of the house. We didn't even have to leave! We chose to just to explore other places and say we saw more, but really there's hundreds of starfish, sea urchins, sting rays, different fish, barracudas, and dolphins if you paddle board out in the mornings.. Behind the house we saw a ton of crabs, eight monkeys, about seven sloths, a snake, vultures, hawks, lizards, jesus lizards, plants, etc. We absolutely loved every minute of this trip in Casita del Mar. We can't wait to come back!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Robert D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible experience, Wonderful home, Awesome location!
We had a wonderful time! We stayed 5 nights and loved it! The home sits on the water so we watched the sunrise every morning and the still water looked liked glass. Erika was probably the best host we have ever had for a VRBO rental home. She communicated very well and took great care of us! The home was very well supplied with all amenieties and we did not run out. Thank you! We really appreciated good quality cookware and dishes as well. The home was very clean and had a very nice layout. We loved to sit on the front dock at night and watch the stars! The captains were great and they took great care of us. We would love to come back again soon! Thank you for sharing your wonderful home with us. Bob and Tamara
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kyle H., Calgary

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Overall really good stay. Erika was great at accomodating us, we were also lucky enough to see dolphins, rays, and octopi from the water outside the place. Would definitely recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lindy L., Petersburg, AK, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful wonderful stay!
Casita Del Mar is amazing. The house is the nicest VRBO we've seen. It's beautiful inside and out, attractively decorated, and very well stocked with lots of thoughtful extra touches such as snorkeling and fishing gear, coconut oil for the no see-ums (it really does make a big difference!) and anti-itch serum, fresh coffee grounds with both drip coffee and espresso pots, oil/vinegar/spices, headlamps, rubber boots in an assortment of sizes, and so on. We loved eating breakfast and dinner on the deck while relaxing and admiring the view. The kayaks and SUPs were awesome, enabling us to explore our surroundings, and we saw 2 sloths on the trail behind the house as well as some beautiful flowers and also cacao trees. It was easy to get to the house by boat (arranged by the owner, so we didn't have to figure out how to get there). The location is nice--just a 30 minute scenic boat ride from town and easy access to a wide variety of activities and day trips, yet far enough away to relax and enjoy the peace. The bugs that are a part of life in the Bocas area were not that bad while we were there. There was more activity at dawn and dusk, but they didn't bother us at all in the evening or while sleeping. We did apply coconut oil during the daytime, and it worked well (and is great for the skin!). The owner replied swiftly, thoroughly, and cheerfully to our questions, and Erika gave us a warm onsite greeting and made us feel right at home. We highly recommend Casita Del Mar. We're so very glad we got to experience it!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Vacation
What a fantastic property and location to spend a week at, our group of 4 had an amazing vacation at Casita del Mar. From start to finish everything went very smoothly. The place is even better than advertised, there was so much to do and see whether at the house or out exploring the surrounding islands and waterways (which we did almost everyday using the boat and captain provided). This was not my first stay at an over the water home in Bocas but it was my best, the property is very well taken care of and has just about everything you could imagine provided for an unforgettable vacation. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling and fishing as well as beautiful beaches with lush jungle backdrops surrounded by wildlife and lots of good food and great people. We hope to make it back again and will certainly plan on staying at Casita or Casa when we do.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Daphne Q., Panama

Liked: Cleanliness
A different experience
We were a family of 2 adults and 2 children. The house is well appointed and equipped together with a lot of extras provided. We chose the house because of its position in Dolphin Bay. We did get to see the dolphins a few times but you have to be attentive because this happens for a quick moment. Our children went into the water just off the deck. It was not too deep which turn out to be perfect. They used the masks, flippers and kajacks. The manager Katerin was quick and efficient and she arranged our tours. Angel , the Captain knows how to operate the boat with great knowledge. We encountered some winds and unusual rain . The only thing we felt difficult to endure were the Chitras,( bugs found in a mangrove.) You have to understand how to handle the situation (as to the times they are more active) and expect to return with a few bites. The coconut oil provided helps to deter them. We watched some movies on our phones using our Netflix account, cooked most of our food and enjoyed sitting outside between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm. We were careful in shutting doors (all of them) before bugs started to come out at the end of the day. Altogether, it was a different experience to remember all our lives and we have to say that the owner is very generous by providing so many things for you to use on your stay: the shampoo, conditioner, dish washing up liquid, coffee, teas, sponge, kitchen towel, condiments, long Pijama trousers, snorkel, ka jacks and other equipment ( boards) am not able to refer to in their correct names. There was also fishing equipment provided.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Eric F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Heavenly, as Promised
The house is wonderful, a great hideaway from the more touristed areas. It's absolutely private. If you want to snorkel, you can just jump off the front porch--there's a beautiful variety of soft and hard corals just within reach, and the occasional barracuda or eagle ray. A day trip to Coral Kay also makes for worthy snorkeling. I'd also recommend a morning trip to the Green Acres Chocolate Farm for a tour. Enjoyed the Zapatilla Beach day trip as well. Preferred Zapatilla to Red Frog Beach, if you have to choose. The snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and other equipment on the property were in excellent shape. Katerin and Angel. (boat driver) took excellent care of us. We also loved having Jose come out to cook dinner for us every evening--it's worth the small fee for certain. The meals were fantastic. Take the no-see-ums seriously and you shouldn't have a problem. They're mostly an issue in the mornings and at dusk, but if you cover up and use the provided coconut oil you should be fine. You'll have a lovely time. We did.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Carol O., Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness
WOW, WHERE DO I BEGIN!!!:) But by saying Thank you
I wasn't sure about doing this VRBO "thing" in my first time in a foreign country and with an owner in another country also!But Julia ( owner) was responsive and answered ALL my questions/concerns/anxieties from Day #1! Her house is amazing. From the minute our boat drove up our jaws dropped! The boat driver, Angel ( and he was) picked us up at airport, took us 5 minutes away to local grocery store where we stocked up while he waited ( just an fyi and no biggie - but bring your own shopping bags - like we have to do here in LA- as they charge buck each. Luckily we crammed almost everything in 2 large bags. The home is stocked with the basic necessities and we ended up cooking there all 5 nights - as the No Name Restaurant was closed for that Friday night we anticipated going - so check that (possibly due to the pre-Christmas being open instead). The first day we pretty much did everything we could! paddleboarded, kayaked, swam, ate, and rested. At night it is pitch black - and quiet ( which is what I wanted for me and my young adult kids). We did have one incident, with the neighbors dog barking at night (not Julia's fault btw) and her gardener came out twice in the middle of the night to try and take them home - they were barking at a racoon in a tree near by! They were very responsive to our "concern" and handled it as best as they could possibly have. The last day when I was out on the kayak a few dolphin swam by - which was the culmination of an amazing 5 nights. Oh, and along with a mother sloth and her baby hanging in the tree near the house! I had great communication with her support staff there and was able to arrange a boat excursion to Zapatillo Island - white sand and a snorkel stop on the way. This house is Not on a sandy beach - is in mangroves but easy to swim in off the deck and ladder and very shallow waters. Other caveat - lots of bugs - they provided us a bottle of coconut oil to help ward off - but beware - do not go out at night - I did and got eaten alive. That is the area - it is a tropical rainforest, so expect that. Really beautiful lightning also (we don't see in LA) and downpours - but it is warm out. We were respectful of turning off utilities and used water sparingly so as not to abuse and never had any issues with.. There are boot they provide for hiking, snorkel gear, flashlights, scrabble, coffee, sugar ( so no need to bring - like I did) as Air panama does not allow 50# suitcases $$$$
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Heather N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing getaway
The staff were helpful and the house is great! We'll have memories that will last forever.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Chris P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay!
Great off-the-grid stay. Beautiful home. The Jose’s took great care of us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

J H.

Wonderful!
The pictures simply can’t give justice to how spectacular this place is. From beginning to end, everything ran perfectly. The casita is perfectly appointed and the caretakers and plethora of Jose’s do everything to make your stay a one-of-kind experience - very friendly and genuinely concerned about the quality of your experience. It’s a unique mixture of feeling peacefully remote, yet still living in luxury and having the ability to plan other jaunts to the surrounding areas. My one concern would be that I have now been promoted to planning all future vacations by my wife, I’ll be hard-pressed to finding anything close to matching this experience!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Janet C., Bozeman, MT

Absolutely unbelievable!!
Our stay at the Casita was even better than I imagined it would be. Top-notch accommodations and an incredible location completely off the grid! We enjoyed snorkeling (day and night), paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking through the jungle, and relaxing on the deck. What an amazing place!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gerald D.

Most Excellent
We have stayed twice before at houses in Bocas, that were "off the grid", so we had to be very careful with the electricity. Not so much here, as the solar system was more than adequate. All of the appliances were high end, and all in great working condition, another thing that is not always found in the Bocas area. The only limitation was that they asked that you only run the washer and dryer during the daylight hours. The snorkeling right out front of the house was also great. We were at the house for 8 days, and never got tired of snorkeling. As for the "team" that is watching over the place, we can't say enough. Everyone was nice, and were very helpful making arrangements for local tours (Erika was tops). We especially liked the tour of the chocolate farm across the bay. Be sure to make a stop at the "no name" bar and restaurant. Although they try their best to help you avoid the noseeums at peak times, we recommend that you bring your own lightweight outer garments for the early morning and early evening when they are most active. coconut oil is provided, and is helpful at these peak times, but the lightweight garments are also helpful. We also recommend that you bring your own hiking boots or rubber boots if you plan on hiking. Although they provide several pairs, it's always best to have your own. We also appreciated all of the things they provide. This would include various spices, coffee, laundry soap, shampoo, conditioner, and maid service for longer stays. Would we recommend staying here? absolutely. We hope to return.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Toni M., Germany

PuraVida
Perfect place to relax, snorkling right from the deck, animal watching behind the house (sloths, monkeys, tons of birds). The house has everything you need, staff is very responsive. If you like Bocas del Toro hull-gully, this is not where you want to go. If you like a serene place in the middle of nowhere, go here.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mike L.

Perfect family getaway!!!!
First, it was wonderful. Second, it was wonderful. Third, it was exactly as described (pictures and amenities). Convenient, yet secluded. The locals who help run the house were awesome. Erika checked in regularly, and the Joses’ there were 3 or 4 were all especially helpful from boat transfers to shopping, massage and more. I highly recommend this place for its simple beauty, locale and tranquility!
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne J.

" A piece of heaven on the water with a backdrop of the jungle"
Casita Del Mar is equipped with everything you could want and more; lovely people, our host Julie and the Murillo family was there for any possible request, a massage on the deck, a secret snorkel site, great food, lovely sunrises, well maintained and good quality equipment. ( even boots supplied for hiking trips ) We would be up early, quick bite to eat, reef snorkel off our deck, paddle board or kayak, and the clock would read 10 am ! Don't miss the opportunity for dinner prepared at Casita, "No Name Bar & Grill" experience, Green Acres Cacao Tour with Robert, trip to Bocas town. We also think we would have enjoyed the Drunken Monkey visit on Mondays. There is lots to do but there is also a special paradise just staying at Casita and enjoying its surroundings. So relaxing and peaceful. Thank you Julie, Erica, Katrina, Jose's for your undivided attention to make our trip so memorable.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mark B.

Perfectly organised. Amazing house and location.
A wonderful escape. Stunning. Just go!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth G., Aromas

A wonderful and unique vacation
This is our first international family vacation and we were nervous going some place so remote. We had no issues with the house or transportation and greatly enjoyed our stay in the Bocas. The biggest benefits of this property are 1) location and 2) the ability to customize your trip. The location is to die for, truly beautiful and virtually untouched compared to other Caribbean destinations. The house is exactly like the pictures, it's nicer than in photographs. We saw dolphins right off the deck two mornings and fish/coral/starfish right in front of the house. I found a huge conch, saw octopus and a barracuda. We had Jose cook for us 4/5 nights, and the food is better than the 2 restaurants we tried. Dishes included octopus pasta, fried barracuda, lobster tail with curry, and chicken. Sides include salad, fried plantains or rice. He made passion fruit vinaigrette for the salads. It's REALLY good, don't miss out! You can hike right behind the property. I did not see one sloth or howler monkey! No birds except the black ones. I tried sunrise and sunset, nothing. :( But I did hear them, so I know they are there. The ability to customize your day trips is great. We often wouldn't decide where we wanted to go until the morning. When you see the tour boats stuffed full of people, you appreciate your own private transportation - especially with the weather changes! We took a tour to Isle Zapatilla II and the Chocolate Farm, highly recommend both. The chocolate farm is one of the best tours we've ever done. Things to be aware of: The price to go everywhere by boat adds up quick. Waterproof luggage/seabag is useful, we got stuck in a storm on our way to the property and all our belongings got soaking wet. No valuables in your checked luggage, and Air Panama likes to cancel flights if they aren't full. During certain times of year there are jellyfish EVERYWHERE. I had to snorkel with a rashguard and pants to keep from being stung. Things I think would be helpful to guests: Create a menu for meals that can be used as a starting point, a better system for defining what you're spending on excursions and food because we had no idea until the last day. And an option for kayaking or paddle board lessons, we were clueless! All in all we had a fantastic time and will definitely be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sloane S.

A nature lovers dream!
Our experience- from booking to departure- was wonderful! Julia was incredibly flexible, fast to reply, and so helpful with booking and planning. She then hands you over directly to the on-site (as she is not) property manager and support team. All of whom were truly lovely people who have a wealth of local lineage and knowledge. We took advantage of the in-home meals, having dinner cooked for us twice during our stay. We are vegetarians (had vegan meals), so this could have ended with a tasteless flop...but both dinners were fantastic and filled with local flavors. We spent time on the private boat w/ José...visited many snorkeling spots and islands and enjoyed learning about the area. The reef and wildlife just outside the casita (both sea and jungle) are pure magic!! In the sea just off the house deck we saw manta rays, starfish, jelly fish (including some with tentacles-they can sting- so be mindful - but they’re easy to spot), conch, beautiful colorful coral varieties and sea cucumbers, urchins, a great variety of fish, baricuda and more! I was not expecting one of, if not the, BEST reef in the area to literally be outside the front door! Such a treat! In the jungle behind the home, we spotted sloths, howler monkeys, birds and more. Nature certainly stole the show, though the home itself was beautifully crafted and maintained as well. I very frequently use rental homes and I’ve never seen one so well stocked with high quality extras as this home is (kayaks, SUP, boots, snorkel gear, and more). Just one closing request to all future renters...please both enjoy, and deeply respect, what a special place this is. Please mindfully use the waters and jungle so as not to disturb the wildlife, kill the corals, or scare off all that makes this place wonderful. I look forward to visiting again! Much thanks to Julia, both José’s, Erika and Katherin!

10/10 Excellent

ray C.

Just the best!
This was our third time staying in one of Julia’s properties (the other being Casa Del Mar) and the second time in that many months! What can we say - there really is no better way to experience this incredible part of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. From the exceptional craftsmanship and functionality of the house, to its stock of all the outdoor gear one might need (ocean and jungle), nothing is missed. Situated perfectly on the boundary of a reef and jungle, you can hike and spot monkeys and sloths after breakfast (they hang out back) and explore the reef (gear available!) or paddleboard before lunch! Not to be outdone, the incredible community of folks in Finca Buena Vida and Bocatorito are an amazing resource, whether you are looking to source a local meal, find a cool hiking spot, or explore by boat an isolated island (thanks Jose!). If you are looking to experience something incredible this is it!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Aparna S.

Casita Del Mar
We loved staying at Casita Del Mar. Jose is amazing, and Erika was so attentive and communicative. We were able to take day trips to the Cocoa plantation and had dinner at Erika's sister in laws little restaurant. We also had dinners cooked for us. The stand up boards were very fun, as were the kayaks. My four year old swam with the fish every day! We saw dolphins, flying fish, and the reef was incredibly full of gorgeous life. We did not have any problems with the noseeums (we used the coconut oil and covered up from 5PM-6PM). I also want to thank Julia for her assistance before, during, and after the trip, she is so openly communicative that everything worked out perfect! It was also so cool to only have boats as transport. I highly recommend staying there. Also, the island is so quiet and remote that it is a perfect place to unplug.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Melissa R., Boulder, CO

This is the place to book!
We've traveled all over the world and this was a really special place. The coral reef just outside your deck is reason alone to choose this house. I've never seen a reef like that. There's weren't a ton of fish but the colors made it one of the best reefs we've ever seen. Jose and the rest of the staff were amazing. Jose drives the boat and he took us to some amazing snorkeling places where there was nobody around. We hired Jose's son to cook dinner every night for only $25 a night...I would highly recommend that. The place is beautiful in a nice quiet area. It's really the perfect place! Lots of trails for walking and we saw monkeys, a sloth, really cool birds and then Victorio cut down some fresh coconuts for us to drink. Hope to go back soon with our kids.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018

6/10 Okay

Tina Z., Minneapolis, MN, USA

Could have been so much better. Not enough room allowed below to fully explain all the good and bad.
There were things we loved about this stay. The home was beautiful, and the staff we did meet were wonderful. If the owners or caretakers had communicated more to us before the trip it would have been much better! Examples: The no-see-ums. If they had told us beforehand, we would have packed lightweight long sleeve shirts & pants. Instead, they told us when we walked in the door, and showed us a basket of long pants and told us to use those and coconut oil to protect ourselves. We did the best we could, but we were still covered in welts from the bites. If we had known, we would have packed accordingly. Also, it would have been nice to know that waterproof rain boots or hiking boots are required for hikes. They had several pairs, but the 3 of us all wear the same size (only 1 pair of that size), so we were either in tight boots or over-sized ones. My daughter and I did take a long hike one day and really enjoyed it, though it would have been even better if we had known and came prepared. We did a tour of Green Acres Chocolate farm which was fabulous, other than wearing the bad fitting boots. The other thing that REALLY should be communicated is "bring your own hard bottomed water/river shoes". They had 3 pairs and only 2 sort of fit. I had a pair, but they were soft on the bottom. There are sea urchins every 5 inches in the water, so no bare feet. It was very tricky getting on and off the paddleboard or kayak without stepping in the water. There were jellyfish everywhere for several days, but no mention in the "book" if they were stinging ones or not, so we just avoided going in the water. You can paddle out and swim past the coral, but you need to get on a kayak or SUP first. It rained on several of the days, which is fine, it is still beautiful, but we were stuck in the house- with one game, and 3 books (now 4 because I left one). Wifi only works sometimes. I did see the other house and saw that is where all of the books and games are. Why they couldn't move some of them to the newer house is beyond me. I emailed the caretaker about a beach trip, and she said she would plan it, but didn't get back to me because she was at the hospital with a friend. They told us to use Whatsapp, but since the Wifi didn't work most the time we couldn't. There was a phone, with numbers of some of the staff in it, but nobody ever made it clear who to call for what. Better pre-trip communication, and more attention given to casita guests. Never met caretaker.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
Tina, Thank you for your detailed review. Most of our guests are experienced world travelers that carefully research and prepare for their trips. We are always available to answer guest’s questions. No see-ums: Unfortunately, we share this paradise with no see-ums. For unprepared guests, we provide light long pants as well as coconut oil and instructions on how to protect yourself at dusk and dawn. Rain boots and Water shoes: Provided as a curtesy but not required. It is unreasonable to expect us to provide multiple pairs in each size. Trail conditions vary greatly in a tropical rainforest. The fragile reef should not be stepped on, sea urchins help to ensure this. Jelly Fish: On occasion, these fascinating creatures swim the reef, it is best to avoid the ones with tentacles. If contacted, mild skin irritated may last for an hour. Books/Games: Based on your recommendation, we will increase our selection. Wi-fi: Panama is a developing country and the Bocas area is considered remote. Speed and reliability is outside of our control and not to the same standards as your home country. Beach Trip: This trip was scheduled twice, both times you backed out at the last minute. Both properties have private boats and captains available 24/7. Communication: A local phone is provided with names and numbers saved in it. The guest book lists staff’s positions. There were 30+ emails in addition to numerous phone calls and in-person meetings with property staff. Most importantly, it is critical that guests speak there wishes or concerns so that our staff can do everything possible to accommodate guests. We are very disappointed that you did not fully enjoy your stay. We pride ourselves in exceeding our guest’s expectation and love our part in creating a once in a lifetime experience.

10/10 Excellent

Heather D.

Natural Treasure
My family recently returned home from what is undoubtedly the most relaxing vacation we have ever had. Casita del Mar's setting and surroundings are like nothing we could have ever imagined. Better than the pictures. Beautiful. Tranquil. The house was immaculate and had everything we could want -- paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkeling gear were key. Plus comfortable beds. So much love, thought and care went into this place. We were mesmerized by the resident sloth, the daily dolphin sightings, and hearing the howler monkeys. The sheer nature of the isle is incredible. Julia, Erika and Jose were wonderful hosts. Attentive, reliable, knowledgeable, good people. Location and experience best for those who desire and love off-the-beaten-track experiences. For travelers not tourists. Chitras were brutal, but precautions can be made. Such a special place!
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Marcela A.

Wonderful place!!!!
We couldn't ask for more!!!! The house was impeccable And fully equipped The place was perfect. Has a coral reef in front of the house The owner was so helpful The hosts Jose, Katherine, Victoriano were so nice and easy access to be in touch with them for anything we needed And the best of all: we even have a private parrot ! He came one day to the house and stay there til we left Thanks to everyone!!!! I recommend this place without a doubt
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rob W.

Trip of a lifetime!
We stayed at Casita Del Mar for my 50th birthday, it was amazing! We loved snorkeling the reef 2 feet from the deck, no need to go to starfish beach when there were so many right off the front porch, and there was so much marine life including jellyfish that you could actually swim with. :} I was under the assumption that the dolphins would play in the bay, they were there mostly there to eat so they barely skimmed the top of the water but they were there all the time. We booked a time to go to the chocolate farm and paddle boarded there, I wouldn't recommend doing that unless you are sure the wind is not in your face, it is 3 miles away and the trip over was exhausting (the way back was much easier). I do have to say that Erica, Jose and Victoriano were great hosts- we didn't want for anything. The perfect off the grid vacation, wish we could have stayed for 2 weeks.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ronita G., Cherokee, Iowa

So amazing...once in a lifetime experience!
We stayed at the Casita del Mar for 5 days with another couple. This house was absolutely perfect and we loved every moment here! We loved snorkeling right off the deck and it was absolutely breath taking! So much to see! While we stayed at this home we saw lots of starfish, sting ray, octopus, jelly fish and dolphins jumping in the bay! I highly recommend getting up early and going kayaking while the water is like glass, so relaxing and calming. We also hiked some on the path behind the house. It was amazing, but being forgetful as I am, I forgot to bring water, so we didn't so as far as we would have liked to. This place is amazing and I highly, highly recommend it! We drove from Panama City (8-9 hour drive) and left the car in Alimarante and had Jose (the boat captain) take us to the house. We brought most of our food with us. We ate at the family restaurant that is really close and the food was AMAZING! We visited the town of Bocas one night, went to Red Frog Beach one day and took a quick trip to Zapatilla one day, but didn't stay long since there was rain coming. Most of our time there was cloudy and rainy, but it didn't seem to matter at all. We had such an amazing time! Booking was super easy with Julia, Jose was wonderful, Erica was fantastic to deal with and does an amazing job! You definitely can't go wrong with this place!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey K.

Amazing Paradise Oasis!!
Our 5 night stay was incredible, the house is unlike anything you will ever see on a remote island. The furnishing and design will make you feel like you're at a high end rustic cabin. Has all the amenties and comforts or a 5 star resort! We loved our stay and the manager Erika was so helpful and really made us feel at home! A few notes : - DO THE CHOCOLATE TOUR. Was so fun and a great 1/2 day activity - Wear the coconut oil, the little sand flies are so tiny they an get in the window the screens. - Bring a small speaker ( or house note, would have been nice if a blue tooth speaker was there) - Boat Rides - maybe connect with the neighbors if they're are guests staying in the other house and coordinate your trips. The gas is actually quite expensive for your rides. To give you an example, our captain hourly bill by the end of the trip was $130 which was great BUT we had another charge of $100 or gas. So just factor that its actually about $40-$50 hr on the boat once you factor in gas. - GO TO ZAPATILLA ITS AMAZING - CHECK OUT ERIKAS FAMILY RESTAURANT - Opening a coconut is really hard and honestly not worth it.. but a can in town ;)
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
Thank you so much for the review and taking the time to add additional notes to help future guests. We are so sorry you did not find the blue tooth speaker - it was in a basket on the shelf in the kitchen - we will place it somewhere that is easier to spot for the future guest. We will certainly give some more considering to the separate boat fuel charge. We don’t include it as part of the hourly rate as some guests have the boat for the day but only travel to and from the beach so the fuel usuage is minimal but others sitesee in the boat all day so this burns a lot more fuel so we felt it would be much fairer to guests to only pay the fuel they use. I think the option of a boat share if there are 2 small groups at both houses is a great suggestion. Thank you again for staying at Casita Del Mar. It was a pleasure to host you.

10/10 Excellent

Mike B.

Peace and transquilty in a stunning location and villa
I stayed with my wife in the brand new Casita del Mar in Dolphin Bay. The house is beautiful, we especially enjoyed the large open kitchen and bar as well as the outdoor dining. The outdoor lounge area is very comfortable and we enjoyed coffee on the deck each morning as the sun came up. The water was crystal clear and we saw big ray fish, octopus, crab and puffer fish to name a few. We paddle boarded, kayaked and snorkeled daily in the calm waters. We even did a night snorkel! The dolphin watching was AMAZING during our stay. The locals said it was breeding season so the Dolphins were extra playfully and fun to watch! We hiked around the neighborhood, we saw lots of cool spiders, lizards, birds and even a baby sloth! The chef Jose cooked dinners for us every night and the food was incredible, we loved the coconut flavors and local fruits and veg. Erika arranged for us to have homemade passion fruit cheesecake from a local bakers and it was delicious! The boat captain Mr. Murrillo was very prompt in picking us up for our excursions and was an excellent captain, he stayed with the boat during our trips and was ready to leave whenever we were which was nice. He was a great tour guide as well. The house was well equipped with snorkel gear and water toys, lots of towels and we could even do laundry. A home away from home in paradise - we should have stayed longer! Until next time Casita del Mar!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Darrin O.

Amazing
Had an incredible stay at Casita Del Mar. The private boat with Jose as Captain was great. Saw all the islands and sights we wanted to see and spend time at. They also ran into town and picked up a birthday cake and flowers and delivered in the morning to surprise my girlfriend. The food that chef Jose made was also out of this world, and no-name bar/restaurant was delicious. The house is comfortable and sits in the beautiful dolphin bay. Would stay there again in a heartbeat! Thank you all for an incredible experience we will never forget. -D.O.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Bradley S., Suwanee, GA

Even Better than Expected!
We wanted a romantic adventure for our honeymoon and Casita del Mar turned out to be the perfect place. The house is brand new, well equipped, and very comfortable. We spent most of our days relaxing in the hammock, reading on the deck, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up boarding, etc. The living coral reef is right off the deck and is absolutely amazing. Jose and his family were the perfect hosts....from picking us up at the airport, taking us to the market, and even preparing our meals and of course cleaning up. They also took us to their family restaurant which was an unforgettable experience in itself. The house is not air conditioned, but it's not needed because of the constant tropical breeze that flows thru the place. We saw dolphins and a wide variety of reef fish. We also hiked the trails adjacent to the property for exercise and saw many types of wildlife. The outdoor hot shower is a very nice touch. This property is very private (except for the locals who paddle and motor by in their small watercraft). We very much recommend this property.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2017