This half day tour takes you up close to some of the Caribbean Sea’s most dramatic wildlife
Bahia Honda River and Cave Tour
| Location: | Isla Bastimentos |
The stunning 20 minute boat ride to the bay of Bahía Honda is just the start of this adventure. Your guide, a member of this Ngöbe community with a profound knowledge of the local culture and wildlife, will meet you at the entrance to the village in a traditional cayuco - a dugout canoe made from a single tree trunk.
Paddling silently through the mangroves at the mouth of the creek, you will increase your chances of seeing some of the spectacular Bastimentos wildlife, such as sloths, snakes, exotic birds, and maybe even a caiman!
The expedition continues on foot, through abandoned cacao plantations frequented by hungry capuchin monkeys, and through the forest of Bastimentos National Marine Park to the Bat Cave. You’ll need your flashlight as you enter the cave, where thousands of white bats hang from the roof and swirl around in the darkness. Your guide will show you some of the most spectacular rock formations as you contiune between the stalactites, to a waterfall and rock pool deep in the heart of the cave.
After all that trekking, a freshly prepared lunch is served with local ingredients back at the community restaurant, and you will have the opportunity to purchase traditional bags, dresses and intricate jewellery handmade by the Bahía Honda women’s group, before returning to Bocas town.
Highlights
- Switching off the boat’s motor and cruising peacefully up the creek.
- Keeping an eye out for sloths, snakes and wading birds.
- The cave is scary but exciting! Wade through the cool water while the bats flap around the rocks.
Itinerary
Times are approximate and depend on visitors’ preferences. This tour can also take place in the afternoon, with lunch before the tour.9:15 Depart from Bocas town
9:35 Arrive at Bahía Honda
9:45 Begin boat tour
10:45 Begin hike
11:15 Arrive at Bat Cave
12:00 Leave Cave, return to community
1:00 Lunch at Bahía Honda
2:00 Free time to visit community and see local crafts before returning to Bocas town
What to Bring
Rubber boots, flashlight, sun screen, insect repellent, plastic bags to protect cameras and other equipment, clothes that can get wet in the cave, dry change of clothing optional.Price
$10 per person for the guided boat and cave tour, plus $6 for lunch and $3 entry to the Cave trail.
The price of transportation to and from Bahía Honda depends on the number of passengers and the collection point - please inquire for details.
Reservations
This tour can be booked by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Sustainability
The profits from this tour support the small community of Isla Bastimentos. The women's tourism group benefits directly from working in the restaurant, and from the sale of crafts on display there.
The food served in the restaurant is sourced locally from around the village.
This is a low impact tour - the boat motor is switched off for the river tour which reduces pollution and disturbance to the wildlife. The local family who maintain the trail through Bastimentos National Marine Park to the cave profit from the small entrance fee.
