Snorkel· Isla Bastimentos· Other Caribbean
Coral Cay Snorkel Gardens
9° 14.7′ N · 82° 8.2′ W · approximate
Shallow, sheltered coral gardens around Crawl Cay — among the best easy snorkeling in Bocas, with rays, lobster, tropical fish and clear water over the reef.
Practical
Position approximate (reef beside the GeoNames Cayo Crawl island point, 9.24395, -82.13802). Easy snorkeling over coral gardens with rays and tropical fish (Ocean Posse; Visit Panama). Tourism Panama's dive list includes 'Cayo Coral', 20 minutes by boat from Bastimentos, with caves, tunnels, sponges and barracuda. Dinghy over from the anchorage; avoid standing on coral; watch for tour-boat traffic. Visit Panama's itinerary rates Coral Cay among the best snorkeling in Bocas and notes the Coral Cay restaurants serve Caribbean lunches, so a lunch stop and a snorkel pair naturally; it sits inside or beside Bastimentos National Marine Park, so book through a local operator or follow park rules.
Best for
Easy reef snorkeling
Nearby
- Crawl Cay (Cayo Coral) Over-Water Restaurants0.1 NM away
- Cayo Coral Reef Dive (Crawl Cay)0.2 NM away
- Coral Cay Anchorage (outside the marine park)0.3 NM away
- Bocas Weather Windows (dry Jan–Apr & Sep–Oct)1.3 NM away
- Fishing Rules & Closed Seasons (Bocas del Toro)1.3 NM away
- Isla Popa Anchorage (off Popa 2 / Sandubidi)1.5 NM away
- Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park (permits & rules)2.3 NM away
- Sea Turtle Nesting Season (Bocas)2.3 NM away