Beyond Panama’s most famous landmark, the Panama Canal, this Central American country has a world of opportunities awaiting each visitor. With an idyllic location that features two stunning coastlines, rain forests, and bustling cities, Panama is a destination that captivates all who visit. When planning a trip to Panama, there is no doubt that staying in one of the country’s fabulous overwater bungalows is a must – after all, there are many to choose from.
Just a short flight from the US, Panama makes the perfect destination for those who seek a luxurious, tropical getaway without having to fly to the South Pacific or Indian Ocean. Moreover, Panama is a haven for over-water bungalow accommodation, so there are many to choose from, depending on the standard of luxury, the location, budget, and the overall vibe you seek.
Luckily, we have made this part easy for you by listing the best overwater bungalows in Panama since there are various options, which can be overwhelming. We will explore what each resort offers and who it is best suited to and unveil the best budget-friendly, family-friendly, and adults-only options.
So, without further ado, here are Panama’s 9 best overwater bungalows to suit everyone.
The 9 Best Overwater Bungalows In Panama
1. Viceroy Bocas del Toro
One of the best luxury overwater bungalows in Panama
If you seek luxury, you will get it when choosing to stay at Viceroy Bocas del Toro. This hotel chain is world-renowned for its high standards, exciting locations, and ultra-luxurious accommodations, and, of course, its upcoming Bocas del Toro location is no different. That’s right, this incredible resort is still in the making and is set to open its doors and welcome visitors to paradise in 2026. While that might seem a world away, this is a resort you must watch since it will be in high demand.
So, what makes it so special? As you can imagine, Viceroy Bocas del Toro will be located in the most exotic location and span 457 acres (about twice the total floor space of the Pentagon), making it a haven for those seeking a travel experience like no other.
The resort will feature some of the best overwater bungalows in Panama, 42 in total, all of which will promise an ultra-luxe experience and will be the first of its kind in the region. Guests will have access to eight on-site restaurants, complimentary watersport equipment, and guided tours encompassing the ‘Viceroy vibe with a tropical twist.’
2. Nayara Resort
An award-winning eco-friendly resort
If you want to enjoy a Balinese vibe without the long journey, a stay at Nayara Resort must be on the cards. This stunning adult-only resort is a paradise on a private island and is the perfect place for a honeymoon or romantic escape with your partner. The award-winning hotel has caught the attention of many and has been recognized by Forbes as one of the best all-inclusive resorts. Afar has also awarded it one of the best new hotels in the world in 2023.
This is a perfect place to stay if you seek a sustainable off-grid adventure, and guests visiting the resort should undoubtedly opt for the fabulous overwater bungalows. With direct access to the pristine waters below, the option to have your private pool and oversized glass panels to observe the variety of marine life, this resort seems to have gotten it right.
Guests can enjoy an all-inclusive stay at this adult-only resort while accessing various tours and activities in the nearby jungle, reefs, and mangroves, making this an excellent choice for a sustainable, romantic adventure vacation.
3. Azul Over-the-Water Resort
A fantastic family-friendly option
Azul Over-the-Water Resort offers some of the best overwater bungalows in Panama, each oozing the feeling of a charming tropical paradise. The best thing about these bungalows is the variety of options and the fact they are family-friendly, which can sometimes be hard to find when searching for this accommodation category.
From their lead-in overwater bungalows to their two-bedroom options, which are ideal for families and groups, this resort is the perfect choice for an exciting and rustic stay.
The two-bedroom overwater bungalow features two levels, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms, ideal for up to six guests. It boasts a living room with a glass-paneled floor to observe marine life below. Moreover, the bungalows are steps away from the private beach, and there is direct access to the water from the private deck.
Upgrade to an all-inclusive package is a great way to enjoy this resort’s perks, and your stay can be customized to suit your needs and preferences.
4. Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge, Panama
For a sustainable adventure in paradise
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge in Panama is genuinely one of a kind in the area, and when you arrive, you will see why. Boasting an unmatched charming feel and cute and traditional-style overwater bungalows with direct access to the sea, this rustic resort is an experience like no other. Moreover, this is a fully sustainable eco-lodge, with plentiful solar panels and organic toiletries, so it is a far cry from many of the hotel chains you will see around the Caribbean.
This is the perfect place where nature and tradition meet luxury, where guests can spend their days kayaking, cooling off in the sea below, or enjoying a good book on the open patio. What makes this resort so picturesque is the colorful hut-like bungalows with thatched roofs and wooden furnishings, including a rustic wooden deck with a wooden ladder leading to the water.
This is the place to escape the crowds, offset your carbon footprint, and switch off from everyday life, but one thing to note is that the air con is a no-go, so it is best to visit when the weather is not hot and humid.
5. The Sea Monkey
An affordable, local experience in Panama
Who said overwater bungalows need to be expensive? The great thing about Panama is the variety of budget-friendly options (from just $109 per night) without sacrificing the experience. The Sea Monkey is an excellent example of this and is a brilliant option for an affordable stay in an authentic old Caribbean village, perfect for cultural enthusiasts.
The Sea Monkey encourages guests to live locally and experience the traditions and customs of the region while staying in a beautiful rustic overwater bungalow, encompassing nature and comfort. Offering four spacious overwater bungalows, each with its private deck, overwater hammock, and spacious interiors, The Sea Monkey is a top choice for budget travelers seeking a memorable experience.
If that isn’t enough, guests can book all four bungalows, suitable for up to 11 guests and perfect for group getaways or family gatherings. Beds are made from solid wood and feature luxury linens. At the same time, the air-conditioned bungalows also boast collapsible glass front walls to allow panoramic views of the stunning surrounding islands, sunsets, and dolphin watching. Oh, and to top it all off, a complimentary daily breakfast is included for all guests to set you up for the day’s adventures.
6. Sol Bungalows
For a laid-back, barefooted experience
This boutique overwater bed and breakfast in Panama is a one-of-a-kind choice, and you should consider staying here for many reasons. Far from the luxury modern resorts often associated with, this B&B offers a laid-back, local experience where the owners are eager to share their local tips with guests. Owned by a Swiss and American couple, Sol Bungalows is a laid-back accommodation where guests can enjoy the comforts of some fabulous overwater bungalows without breaking the bank.
Moreover, these affordable (from $298 per night) bungalows have features that can also be found in 5* resorts, like deck hammocks, glass-paneled flooring,and exceptional views without the hefty price tag. This casual and relaxed, barefooted B&B has two overwater bungalows and a two-story overwater common area, where meals are also taken, with sensational sea views.
Because of its small size, this is an excellent choice for friends and family to relax, unwind, and learn about the local culture – from the locals. And did we mention you can book both bungalows to secure your private overwater hotel, which is ideal for groups or special occasions?
7. Faro del Colibri Acqua Lodge
A rustic resort on tranquil Caranero island
Situated over the sea on Carenero Island, just a few minute’s boat ride from the lively Bocas town, Faro del Colibri offers cozy and affordable overwater bungalows in Panama. Offering excellent value with bungalows starting at just $140, including breakfast, Faro del Colibri is a fantastic choice for its convenient location, exceptional amenities, and variety of activities on offer. So, let me tell you a little more about this Caribbean gem.
The property features five bungalows, and each overwater bungalow is decorated in a modern style. It features beds with comfortable orthopedic mattresses and all the mod cons to ensure a home-from-home experience. The views from the bungalows are beautiful, and guests can enjoy some relaxation time on their private deck, complete with beach chairs and sensational backdrops.
Adventurous guests can enjoy surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the local area, which is well-known for its crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, and variety of marine life. Regarding food, the resort has an on-site restaurant serving delicious local specialties to complete the Panamanian experience.
8. Eclipse de Mar Acqua Lodge
An excellent value honeymoon destination
If it’s an accommodation that puts the environment and biodiversity you seek first, then look no further than the eco-friendly Eclipse deMarAcqua Lodge, built on stilts about the sea. This stunning overwater resort has some of Panama’s best overwater bungalows, each carefully crafted using sustainable local materials.
Giving a rustic feel and a tropical vibe, this sustainable resort is a world away from bustling resorts you may have stayed on previous trips, so if you seek a laid-back atmosphere, this is the place to go. Oh, and it’s excellent value too!
Not only are their beautiful overwater bungalows the perfect viewing point for Bocas del Toro sunsets, but the glass-paneled flooring ensures you won’t miss the colorful fish floating by – a real highlight, we must say! Each bungalow has natural Penca roofs and has been built to create cross ventilation; plus, there is a ceiling fan for those extra hot days.
Boasting a unique overwater location, Eclipse de Mar is a fantastic choice if you want to secure a memorable honeymoon stay, where you can soak up the romance from the comfort of your luxurious private bungalow.
9. El Clandestino
A rustic, remote retreat in Bocas del Toro
Located in a remote area of Bocas del Toro, El Clandestino is a rustic resort with a fantastic appeal. As you can imagine, the sense of returning to nature and getting off the beaten path is alive and well here, attracting those who want to detach from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the slow life.
The resort has a variety of laid-back and traditional overwater bungalows with thatched roofs, which feature all the mod cons, like a private deck with direct water access, open-air bathtubs, and plenty of space to relax and unwind.
When you are not chilling in your overwater bungalow, you can dine at the overwater restaurant or enjoy the on-site lounge, bar, or garden. Activities include on-site darts, snorkeling and kayaking in the surrounding area, and paddle boarding, which is a must-see, given the area is known for its rich biodiversity.
From its pristine surroundings to its romantic setting, El Clandestino is a remote paradise worth exploring, where going back to basics never looked so good.
FAQs About Best Overwater Bungalows In Panama
What is the best time to stay at an overwater bungalow in Panama?
The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season between December and April. It is ideal if you plan on enjoying a winter escape from the north. This is the peak season because of its perfect weather, with sunnier beach days and almost no rain, so if you don’t mind a little company, this is the best option to guarantee a pleasant vacation.
The low season is the best time to travel if you are on a budget and want to find the best deal; as with any destination, hotels have special offers, and flights are generally cheaper. While there are good deals and less crowds, it comes with a catch – it is the wet season. During May – November, there are high chances of sporadic downpours, typically over and done quickly. If you don’t mind, you could grab an excellent deal for an overwater bungalow experience in Panama.
What is the most luxurious overwater bungalow in Panama?
One of Panama’s most luxurious and best overwater bungalows is the upcoming Viceroy Bocas del Toro,which is set to open in 2026. This incredible resort will have all the usual luxuries of any Viceroy hotel worldwide, ensuring the best service, modern amenities, exceptional overwater bungalows,and so much more. Alternatively, Nayara Bocas del Toro is another excellent resort if you cannot wait for the Viceroy to open.
This beautiful resort is located on Frangipani Island, and its stunning overwater bungalows are the only ones in Panama that feature private pools. With added extras like glass paneled flooring, top-class resort facilities, and exceptional dining options, this adult-only all-inclusive resort is an excellent choice for couples seeking a luxurious experience.
What is the best budget-friendly overwater bungalow in Panama?
Compared to destinations like Bora Bora or The Maldives, Panama offers a wide range of affordable overwater bungalow options, allowing you to pick and choose the right one to suit you. Suppose you are not seeking an ultra-luxe getaway but want a local experience while staying in a paradise destination. In that case, you must consider opting for a budget-friendly overwater bungalow in Panama.
The best options are El Clandestino (from $70 per night), Eclipse de Mar Acqua Lodge (from $110 per night),and Faro del Colibri (from $140 per night), which are excellent affordable options. While these are budget-friendly options, you will notice that the experience is just as incredible as any 5* resort, with many bungalows featuring private decks, glass-paneled flooring, comfortable amenities, and plenty of activities to enjoy. Staying in an overwater bungalow in Panama never looked so good for your bank account.
