Name: Surf Break at Paunch
Address: Paunch Beach Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro, Bocas del Toro, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Rating: 10

Smoking areas

Smoke-free property

Ticket assistance

Garden

Terrace

Private check-in/check-out

Outdoor furniture

Adults Only

No elevators

General

Non-smoking rooms

Room service

Rooms

Laundry

Safe-deposit box

Concierge services

Luggage storage

Services and amenities

Diet menu (on request)

Bottled water

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

Airport transportation

Transfer

Spanish

English

Multi-language staff

Languages Spoken

Tour assistance

Tourist services

Free bicycle rental

Hiking

Picnic area

Fishing

Sun Deck

Recreation

Offsite parking reservations required

Parking

Next to the beach

Pool and beach

Diving

Cycling

Snorkelling

Yoga

Sports

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Additional measures against COVID-19

Health and Safety Measures

Location

At the hotel

Bocas Del Toro

Surf Break at Paunch

Bocas del Toro

child-bed

child-bed-fee

external-private-bathroom

private-bathroom

shared-bathroom

10-beds

11-beds

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4-beds

40-beds

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7-beds

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9-beds

king-bed

queen-bed

limited-time

lounge

treatment

no-window

bay-view

bosphorus-view

canal-view

city-view

courtyard-view

garden-view

golf-view

harbour-view

inland-view

lake-view

land-view

mountain-view

ocean-front

ocean-view

oceanside

panoramic-view

park-view

partial-ocean-view

partial-sea-view

partial-view

pool-view

river-view

sea-front

sea-view

street-view

sunrise-view

sunset-view

water-view

with-view

annex

basement

main-building

1-bedroom

2-bedrooms

3-bedrooms

4-bedrooms

5-bedrooms

6-bedrooms

not-guaranteed

wired-internet-access

smoking

sauna

duplex

safe

mini-bar

breakfast-for-1

breakfast-for-2

pets-allowed

wi-fi

kitchen

Stayed here for 3 nights this summer. We had 3 people in one room, as stated in our reservation, however one person was stuck sleeping on a makeshift futon. None of the amenities you see in pictures or online were available. No breakfast/food, no hammocks, no bikes, etc. If these were available for purchase, we wouldn't know as the option was never given to us. The location is remote, a good ~20 minute drive from town, with much of it being on a rough dirt road. However, the worst part was the pillows, blankets, sheets, etc, given to us were absolutely disgusting. The smell was atrocious and there were visible stains on everything, they were unusable. When leaving my review of this property on Google, we were insulted by the owner for leaving a negative review. Extremely unprofessional. The host was not gracious at all and provided zero information about the location and things to do. He seemed bothered we were even there. Based on the past positive reviews, either the ownership has recently changed or these people are family/friends of the owner. 

Dirty place and obnoxious host

Do not stay here! I have never written a bad review for a “hotel” but it is only fair to warn other travelers. The room we stayed in at Surf Paunch was filthy. The bed had stains on it, pillows and towels dirty and the sheets had holes/stains on them too. Not to mention the sheets smelled disgusting and were not washed. None of us used the sheets/blankets.  

The host was shocked that we checked in 3 people even though the reservation stated three. Apparently the number of people correlates to why we could not have a curtain over the windows in the bathroom (you could then see into the bathroom/shower from outside our room). 

It should be stated that the sofa bed is an old couch. A sofa bed typically has a metal frame and thin mattress that can be unfolded or opened up to make a bed. In addition, there was no shampoo or conditioner.  

I wish I could say the room was inexpensive and that would make this experience slightly better but it was beyond expensive for what it was.  

Lastly, our host was unfriendly. He wasn’t welcoming and couldn’t be bothered mentioning anything about the area/hotel. He made us feel uncomfortable and ignored our complaints. It is concerning when locals would say what is going on there is not good. We were the only ones on the property... wonder why.

Stay somewhere else

What an experience! A beautiful wooden cabin in a dense jungle, included a howler monkey alarm clock. Comfortable beds and a on site host to help with any needs…..thanks David! Great tips about the island from David and a kitchen in case one of the local restaurants (they are amazing) doesn’t do.

Jungle paradise

Our stay was incredible and we would recommend this spot to anyone who is looking for a great location outside of the business of town! We were immersed in nature, with tucans and howler monkeys right off of our balcony! Waking up to the sound of rain some mornings and animals every morning and then throwing on a pot of coffee is the best way to start a day! There’s an excellent wave about a 3 minute walk away too which makes it very ideal for anyone who surfs! Directly below is a place you can buy surfboards, have one custom shaped, or have repairs done too so that’s convenient! I would suggest renting an atv or bicycle to explore further on the island as apposed to taking cabs. This is a very central location for surfers especially. Dave was extremely accommodating to us and he’s a hard guy not to like! If you have any questions I’m sure he can answer them for you. You really feel like you’re on vacation there!!

Jungle Oasis

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Charming room and deck, in a jungle setting, just overlooking a great surf break. Our hosts were very helpful and accommodating with setting up and recommending fun adventures. Be ready for big, healthy breakfasts with fresh juice, fruit bowls, pancakes, eggs and more. Lots of fuel for the day, which I needed due to my obsessive surf habit. Definitely rent a quad while you’re there, as taxis get expensive quick. We definitely had an amazing time. If you’re looking for a resort style hotel- this isn’t the place. But if you’re good with a rustic, cabin villa style bed and breakfast with a warm friendly vibe, it’s a no brainer. Oh and the Wi-Fi worked well too.

Surf Trip Getaway

We loved our stay here!! We had the tree cabin and with the jungle sounds and nature views we were in Heaven! We ventured out on the bikes while we were there and enjoyed a couple of the best breakfasts that we have ever had!   Dave was the best host ever, he’s very cool and made sure everything went without a hitch, we really enjoyed Bocas and hope to venture out there again some day!

Awesome!

My boyfriend and I stayed for four night at Surf Break @ Paunch and we absolutely loved our time there! Dave is a wonderful host, super cool and hospitable. He made sure we had everything we needed for a perfect stay in Bocas. Surf Break is nestled in the jungle in Bocas off a dirt road that runs along the beach.  We stayed at the Tree Cabin room and I enjoyed laying on the hammock on the deck and listening to the sounds of the birds and monkeys of the jungle. There is no AC but you don't need it in this room as you get plenty of breeze and have a fan in the room. Mosquitos were not a problem either.  Rooms are super cute.  Dave lets you use the bicycles for free to ride around town and the included breakfasts  were delicious!! We always looked forward to starting our day eating breakfast and drinking coffee and smoothies on the breakfast deck. I wish we never had to leave!

Awesome Experience!!

My wife and I stayed here for our honeymoon and had a fantastic time.

David and his team did an excellent job of making us feel welcome and safe in our new home away from home.  We can't wait to get back to Bocas!

Fantastic Location, Amazing Staff, Clean, Quiet, Safe, and Fun!

I stayed at Surf Break @ Paunch with my husband a few weeks ago when we were vacationing in Panama and it was wonderful! The rooms are cute and the bed was very comfortable! We appreciated the fact that our room had a fridge and a functional kitchen. There was no AC but it was not a problem because of the wonderful ocean breeze!
 We saw so much wildlife, there was a monkey family in the trees right in front of our deck. We even got to see a baby monkey! So cute! The location was perfect, we were able to walk to the beach and get food easily and we biked to town several times with the free bikes.
David, our host was great! He helped us arrange whatever we needed and gave wonderful recommendations. The free breakfast was delicious! We had yogurt with fruit, smoothies and hot breakfast every morning to start our day! My favorite was the Elvis Presley French Toast, a must try! Menu was different every day which kept it fun as well! I would highly recommend this property to anyone that wants a fun beach meets jungle adventure on Bocas! We will definitely be back!

Great Experience!

Surf Break at Paunch was perfect. Nestled in the jungle with daily visits of birds and monkeys, AMAZING breakfasts, free bicycles, David was amazing and gave first class service, rooms were awesome. The place is a short 10 taxi ride to town, or 25 min bike ride (the best way to go), passing amazing off the beaten path spots you would not see if you stayed in town. David can help organize taxi rides, excursions, has great island/restaurant tips, and takes great pride in his place.  There is no reason to stay anywhere else.

Surf Break at Paunch

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