El Clandestino
isla san cristobal Bocas del toro
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Why people book this hotel
“Free access to paddle boards and kayaks, fantastic food, and friendly staff”
“The owner Andy with the guest, the good vibe and friendly environment”
“If you’re lucky you can see dolphins passing by while eating breakfast”
“Our time at El Clandestino was really nice escape from reality 🥰 We stayed he…”
“Food was excellent and drinks were reasonable priced”
“Keep in mind that prices are ex tax and you pay a 10 dollar fee if you pay by cr…”
“In front of the room there is a beautiful coral reef with lot of fish”
“View from the room was beautiful”
“☺️ Its true the island is not walkable but this allows you to completely immers…”
“Location on isla san cristobal near dolphin bay is remote and peaceful but many …”
“Beautiful area, clean, dolphin spotting from the terrace, free use of wooden can…”
“The unique feature of a coral reef directly beneath the bungalow provides an imm…”
Overview
With sea views, El Clandestino is set in Bocas del Toro and has a restaurant, a shared lounge, bar, garden and terrace. Complimentary WiFi is offered throughout the property. Guests at the lodge can enjoy darts on site, or go snorkelling or canoeing in the surroundings.
Traveller reviews
Gaelle
family_with_children
February 25, 2025
“Serene paradise”
Amazing place with the most serene views. An unforgettable experience. Andy, the owner, goes the extra mile to make your stay personal and memorable. Free access to paddle boards and kayaks, fantastic food, and friendly staff. Dolphins swimming in the bay at dinner time, what more would you want? Good luck Andy 👍
Nessim
solo_traveller
February 19, 2025
“Great time in Paradise”
The owner Andy with the guest, the good vibe and friendly environment
Leah
couple
October 16, 2024
“Beautiful tranquil location”
Beautiful remote setting. Owner and staff are very friendly and welcoming. Free water was a plus. Free use of snorkelling gear, kayak and paddle boards was a brilliant extra. Food was excellent and drinks were reasonable priced. Would highly recommend for a tranquil few days.
Stephan
couple
August 12, 2024
“Peacefully exploring the nature”
Virginia and Julien are great hosts! They made great food and gave really good tips for snorkeling and other trips. In front of the room there is a beautiful coral reef with lot of fish. If you’re lucky you can see dolphins passing by while eating breakfast. At night there is one type of plankton in front of the house which illuminates the water by your own movement. A great experience for everyone!
Robert
couple
June 10, 2024
“Go and indulge yourself in the beauty around.”
Our time at El Clandestino was really nice escape from reality 🥰 We stayed here 4 days and everything was taken care of - they offer homemade food (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and they have free of charge water equipment to use throughout the day - snorkelling 🤿, standup paddle board and a boat for two. Around you can see plenty of fish, sea stars and corals 🪸 The family that runs the place is really friendly and they have great suggestions for places to go around. ☺️ Its true the island is not walkable but this allows you to completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere, take it slow and recharge throughout the days! • Just to be ready, take a sand fly repellent - read about the coconut lotion is effective but didn’t have the chance to try it out myself. If thats the kind of holiday you need, don’t hesitate on spending a few days in this charming place. 🌞
Sebastian
couple
May 20, 2024
“Wouldn´t go back”
The kayaks were a lot of fun Also Christopher, the person in charge while the owner is gone, was super kind and helpful We also saw bioluminescent plankton which was fun
Larisa
couple
May 11, 2024
It’s amazing place built right on the water! Very simple and very special! View from the room was beautiful. It was unforgettable time…
Emilie
family_with_children
March 12, 2024
Food was amazing!
M_BB
couple
March 5, 2024
The best place we have stayed in Panama so far! Beautiful area, clean, dolphin spotting from the terrace, free use of wooden canoe, great snorkeling just around the corner, Sebastian is very kind and a good cook. Keep in mind that prices are ex tax and you pay a 10 dollar fee if you pay by credit card :)
Andrea
extended_group
February 4, 2024
“Very relaxed stayed”
It is an amazing place to stay , very relaxed and beautiful. The beds were confortable and food delicious. Breakfast is very generous and tasty. The staff is very kind and they help You with everything You need.
Martín
couple
January 11, 2024
“Best Place Ever in Central América”
Sebastian was a exelent host, I must recommend this place to another visitor, if you like snorkeling or sigthseen , there is good wifi if you need to grab your phone and make some business calls or work
Patricia
couple
January 8, 2024
“Cute accommodation directly on the water and with a great cook as a host”
Patricia
couple
January 8, 2024
“Cute accommodation directly on the water and with a great cook as a host”
Chrostek
family_with_children
December 4, 2023
The overseas bungalow in Bocas del Toro offers a serene escape, with a tranquil ambiance perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from party tourism. The unique feature of a coral reef directly beneath the bungalow provides an immersive experience, akin to having a personal aquarium teeming with vibrant fish and sea stars. The frequent sightings of dolphins add a touch of enchantment to each day. The meals served are as fantastic as the overall experience. The hosts, a very friendly Belgian couple, contribute significantly to the warm and homely atmosphere. Their hospitality goes beyond expectations, as they readily assist with any needs, ensuring a delightful and memorable stay. Don’t forget something against mosquitoes!
Julia
solo_traveller
November 28, 2023
“Take a mosquito net with you.”
The staff. A lovely young couple with a warm welcome. Delicious food, beautifully presented. Kylian and Noelis were very thoughtful and kind.
Steve
couple
November 17, 2023
“Perfect stay in beautiful location”
Very peaceful and time to relax. Food was fantastic and hosts made us feel very welcome and did everything they could for us
Pamela ruth
solo_traveller
October 20, 2023
“abusive treatment that I was singled out to pay extra for, awful experience, no apology from owner”
Location on isla san cristobal near dolphin bay is remote and peaceful but many sea urchins on ladder to enter water made it bit dangerous. Booked around new moon to experience bioluminescence but the native left in charge while owner in Belgium was horrible and did not want me to take kayak at night although the sisters from Mexico were allowed to.
Radka
family_with_children
June 2, 2023
“A marine, submarine & gastronomic experience that feels surreal”
This environmentally cautious place is an experience. Living at 0.75m above sea level, you’re really close to the nature, sea, birds, gorgeous colorful coral and dolphins that show up practically every day. The view from the waterfront cabin is so calming and charming and the thoughtful windows let you enjoy it every minute day and night. The place is quite minimal yet has a lot of character and appealing aesthetic. The owner somehow anticipates his guests’ needs and desires, and every day culminates with his gastronomic art as a chef of your dinner. I wasn’t sure about being so secluded, but in the end it was perfect.
Pamela
extended_group
May 8, 2023
“Excellent unique, quiet getaway for relaxation.”
Excellent stay.... Food was amazing, bar had good prices, included breakfast was great. Atmosphere laid back and chill. Elegant presentation for dining- service was outstanding. Bungalow on water was very nice and a bonus for us. We were upgraded to a bungalow on the water for 2 of the 3 nights and it was fantastic. Nice place to get away from it all. Saw dolphins out in front all three days!
Michaela
extended_group
March 13, 2023
It was amazing. You will have to factor in some costs for the food and transportation, but then you get an amazing little hideaway in paradise. We saw dolphins, stingrays, so many starfish and corals. We did SUP, we took out the kayak and swam in the crystal clear water. We saw a gigantic moon rise and even the bioluminescence and just had a really nice time.
Facilities
Activities
Fishing, Darts, Canoeing, Hiking, Cycling, Diving, Horse riding, Snorkelling, Water sport facilities on site, Walking tours, Bike tours, Happy hour, Tour or class about local culture
Cleanliness & disinfecting
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays, Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning, Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Entertainment and family services
Board games/puzzles
Food & Drink
Kid meals, Wine/champagne, Fruits, Coffee house on site, Breakfast options, Special diet menus (on request), Snack bar, Breakfast in the room, Restaurant, Bar
Food & drink safety
All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized, Physical distancing in dining areas, Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
General
Non-smoking rooms, WiFi available in all areas, Family rooms, Designated smoking area
Internet
WiFi, Free WiFi, Internet services
Outdoors
Garden, Terrace, Sun terrace, Outdoor furniture
Physical distancing
Cashless payment available, Physical distancing rules followed
Safety & security
24-hour security, Key access, Smoke alarms, Fire extinguishers
Safety features
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed, Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, First aid kit available, Face masks for guests available
Services
Shuttle service, Concierge service, Private check-in/check-out, Shuttle service (additional charge), Airport shuttle (additional charge), Shared lounge/TV area, Daily housekeeping, Grocery deliveries, Airport shuttle, Laundry, Express check-in/check-out, Tour desk, Fax/photocopying, Packed lunches
Transport
Airport pick up, Airport drop off
Double Room with Sea View
The double room provides a private entrance, soundproof walls, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 2 beds.
King Room with Sea View
The double room offers a private entrance, soundproof walls, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Hotel Policies
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