Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge

Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge offers a stunning, eco-friendly, overwater experience with breathtaking views and a peaceful environment. The bungalows provide a unique connection to nature, but several aspects of our stay left us disappointed. We saved up for this trip to celebrate our anniversary, and while we didn’t expect more than the basics, the unwelcoming attitude of the staff—an issue mentioned in reviews for years—made us feel like an inconvenience rather than valued guests. In an industry built around hospitality, this lack of communication or effort to make us feel welcome was disheartening. We understand there may have been a language barrier, but kindness is universal. With the exception of two older women who worked in the kitchen in the mornings and were always kind and welcoming, the overall staff left much to be desired. We ended up going into town for meals instead of dining at the lodge due to the uncomfortable atmosphere. Additionally, the food is overpriced for what it is, with limited options that don’t justify the premium price tag. While the kitchen is advertised as open until 9 PM, many items were unavailable by the evening, which was frustrating. The boat service to and from the hotel was unreliable, with some guests seemingly prioritized over others. We even had to pay extra for alternative transport to ensure we made it to our destinations on time. The billing also lacked transparency. Instead of charging per meal or activity, everything was added to our bill at the end of our stay, leaving us blindsided by unexpected costs. Furthermore, we were not informed about the free amenities such as kayaks and snorkeling, which guests must physically push and pull from the water using an unstable dock. This process felt unsafe. All charging of electronics had to be done at the reception area, which left very little privacy or convenience. The shower water had a sewage-like smell and left me with a bad rash on my leg. While the setting is undeniably beautiful, the poor hospitality, overpriced food, and logistical issues made our trip far from the dream experience we had saved up for.

This magical place was truly paradise. The staff were so welcoming and kind. The lodge was spectacular! So clean and fresh. Being right on the coral reef was a once in a lifetime experience! The food was incredible and the boat captains kind.

Punta Caracol is an accommodation located near Bocas del Toro on Isla Colón. Secluded, but within walking distance of the main residential area, it offers a break from the stresses of the city for those in need of total relaxation. The boat journey from Bocas to the lodge takes around 15 minutes and the hotel runs a service at certain times between Bocas and the lodge. The lodges are on the water of the Caribbean Sea and have direct access to the sea via a platform set up in front of the balcony of the rooms Breakfast, lunch and dinner are a la carte and offer a variety of good quality food. The resort can organise visits with other operators to other islands in the vicinity. The accommodation has a living room, bedroom, bathroom and balconies at the front and rear. The water available in the accommodation is treated but brackish. The hotel provides plenty of bottled fresh water for guests' daily use. Reception offers guests the chance to charge their mobile phones and Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant area.

Let’s start with the positives, we had accidentally booked one more night than we needed, whilst a refund for the would have been nice, the hotel did instead include our daily breakfasts throughout our stay. My partner and I are vegetarian and after highlighting the limited menu choices, the restaurant did provide a vegetarian pizza on one of the nights which was a welcome reprieve, and generally the staff are quite friendly but I’m afraid that’s where the positives end. Our experience started at the boat jetty on Bocas, I was surprised to see barbed wire adorning the jetty, but I was soon to realise the intention may have been less to keep people out, but more to keep the guests in! On arrival at the complex it was immediately clear just how in need of maintenance all areas are. The entire structure is quite frankly, one strong wind away from total collapse. We had booked the Master Suite, so the largest of the room types. The layout and decoration inside was at best, eclectic. There was only two of us, I’m not really sure how any more could be comfortably accommodated. There was a musky smell, it was very dark, and in line with the rest of the complex, very rickety. There is no AC and the thatched roof does an exceptional job at keeping the heat in. There’s three woeful fans, but they have no impact. The bed itself was very uncomfortable and I barely slept for three nights. The power outlets don’t work and everyone has to charge their devices at reception. The rear doors did not close at all, and the front door lock didn’t work. Every day someone was asked to fix these issues, but we left with neither being addressed. I am eternally thankful that we were not robbed or that no one tried to enter the room. The master suite has the perceived benefit of being further away from the other bungalows, but this affords no privacy or peace. Owing to the dilapidated state of the structure, every movement is fully audible, and if that wasn’t enough, the restaurant blasts music for most of the day too. Owing to its location, unless you go to Bocas for lunch, you are restricted to the on-site restaurant. It’s hard to accurately describe just how bad this is. Some easy tweaks could go a long way in rectifying this. Eg if you offer a burger also have a veggie option and who doesn’t love a margarita pizza? It’s also confusing that you must make your dinner order by 5:30pm each day, it’s unclear what control this affords them as it seems all deliveries are already completed by then. I asked for a portion of fries on the first night and was told no (as it wasn’t ordered at 5:30) Anyway, as I mentioned, you’ve no choice so in trying to make the best of it, my partner and I found ordering a starter and two main meals each was the optimal configuration. Yes it’s expensive, doesn’t taste great but at least you don’t go to bed hungry as we did on the first night. I’m sure at this stage you won’t be shocked to hear the drinks aren’t great either. I bitterly regret wast

Beautiful lodge with invidual cabins over the water you can swim and snorkel right off your deck. The staff is very nice and accommodating. The resturant is lovely and the food is very good. This is an ecolodge so very little electricity in the cabins so no appliances. They have a charging station near the restaurant. There is a shuttle to boca town three times a day. The downside is the place is in disrepair all walkways and decks could use some work as well as the roofs. We still had a great time. Tips if you go book through their website and breakfast will be included . Also if you take the shuttle to boca town have a cab waiting because it is a two mile walk from dock to town.

Beware do not book here! I placed a booking with *********** that claims you can cancel up to 14 days before your arrival with no charge. I cancelled 3 months before my arrival date 4/7/2023 and was charged $900 to my CC which after 3 weeks of being told by a representative of Punta Caracol via WHAT'S APP it will be returned I am still waiting.