Where the Jungle Meets the Reef,” CocoVivo is a magical eco-retreat on the southern tip of Isla Cristobal. Six private glamping cabins sit over the water, just meters from a vibrant coral reef for easy snorkeling, kayaking, standup paddle boarding, and exploring our private shipwreck. When night falls, sparkling bioluminescent water makes it feel like you’re in a fairy tale. Twenty years ago, CocoVivo started as a reforestation project, and now our 25 hectares are home to several troops of monkeys and dozens of sloths that are easy to spot while hiking. A thirty minute speedboat ride from the Bocas Town on Isla Colon, CocoVivo is remote and rustic, but don’t let that fool you: you will eat well here. Our talented private chefs create three course dinners from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that rival the best restaurants in town.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.9 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.9)


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
1 extra-large double bed
Bedroom :
1 double bed
and
1 extra-large double bed
Living room:
1 sofa bed
Bedroom :
1 double bed
Living room:
1 sofa bed
Bedroom 1:
1 large double bed
Bedroom 2:
2 large double beds
Bedroom 3:
1 extra-large double bed
Bedroom 4:
1 extra-large double bed
Bedroom 5:
2 extra-large double beds
Bedroom 6:
2 extra-large double beds
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Property practices

This property has told us they implemented certain practices across some or all of these categories: waste, water, energy and greenhouse gases, destination and community, and nature.
Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.9
Facilities
9.1
Cleanliness
9.2
Comfort
9.3
Value for money
9.1
Location
9.9
Free WiFi
5.0
High score for Bocas del Toro
Low score for Bocas del Toro
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Heather
    United States United States
    This was an absolute little paradise in Panama! Such a great location with friendly hosts. Highly recommend staying here. The ffod was excellent, staff amazing, excursion wonderful! Perfect place for some fun! Bring bug spray!!!
  • Harry
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    We only stayed for 2 nights (and would’ve stayed for more), and had an incredible time here. It’s not a 5* luxury hotel by any means, but the nicest place we’ve stayed probably, it’s a great place to unwind and relax- the coral reef and...
  • Angèle
    Italy Italy
    Fantastic eco resort with plenty of activities to do for water lovers, or just enjoy the view and relax. Hosts are very welcoming and the food is delicious. Highly recommend if you are looking for an adventure hors des sentiers battus.

Managed by Elisabeth & Ulrich

Company review score: 9.9Based on 68 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company information

Welcome to CocoVivo Panama! We are your hosts, Elisabeth and Ulrich, an adventurous couple from the US and Germany who've fallen in love with this hidden treasure, Bocas del Toro Archipelago. We have lived here for 18 years and are happy to call this little nook of the world home. Let us answer any of your questions about off-the-grid living and guide you through your stay! Whether it's arranging transportation, picking the right cabin for you, cooking for you in our on-site kitchen or guiding you through a jungle hike, we're here to make your stay magical, and one to remember. We treat our guests like family, and invite you to experience paradise with us!

Property information

Here's what guests say they like best about Cocovivo: The coral is the #1 reason to visit Cocovivo. The reef is healthy, vibrant, and right at your fingertips. Snorkel gear is free at our Reef Center. The food here is not only fresh and local, but prepared by 5-star chefs. The three course dinners rival the very best restaurants in town. See bioluminescence, and better yet—swim in it! A real-life fairy tale. You will see a sloth. Guaranteed! Whether you’re on the paddle board or the hiking the sloth loop, our dogs will be your protectors. You will fall in love with Capitan and Mazoo. Magical encounters with animals are a daily occurrence here at CocoVivo. Not only sloths, but howler monkeys, kinkajous, frogs, and dolphins. Starlink internet: about 40 Mbps in the cabins, and over 200 Mbps in the Reef Center! Here’s what some guests find challenging: Think of your experience at Cocovivo as glamping in the jungle. While our walls keep out the majority of the bugs, it’s not uncommon to find an ant, gecko, or small spider in your cabin. If you have phobias of insects, Cocovivo might not be the best place for you. 

 While every cabin has a pee-toilet, the full service toilets (one flush, two composting) are a short walk away and shared with other guests. This is for eco-reasons (it would not be sanitary to have septic directly at the waterfront where we all swim). Sandflies. Not everyone is affected by them, but many are. Be prepared. We try to keep them away with bug spray, smoke, and incense coils. The weather can be an adventure here. We have both sweltering heat and torrential rain—often on the same day! There is no AC in the cabins. We have no hot water in the showers, but this is the tropics where it is hot all the time. You won’t miss it.

Neighbourhood information

Isla San Cristóbal is the best kept secret of the Bocas del Toro islands. We are a 30-minute boat ride from the main town on Isla Colón, set on a quiet lagoon off the beaten path. The boat ride is included in the nightly rate, but please contact us to arrange your pickup time and location. Coral reef surrounds the banks of the island, along with mangroves and calm, clear water. Our island is home to two indigenous communities, as well as a small community of expatriates. Take a kayak to the nearest restaurant, or join us for a private tour of the local beaches!

Languages spoken

German,English,Spanish

Property surroundings

Restaurants
1 restaurant on site

  • Restaurant #1
    • Cuisine
      Argentinian • Caribbean
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Brunch • Dinner • Cocktail hour
    • Ambiance
      Family friendly • Romantic
    • Dietary options
      Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Facilities of CocoVivo
Great facilities! Review score, 9.1

Most popular facilities
  • Free WiFi
  • Family rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Bar
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Towels/sheets (extra fee)
  • Bath or shower
  • Shared toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Shared bathroom
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
  • Extra long beds (> 2 metres)
View
  • Mountain view
  • Garden view
  • Sea view
  • View
Outdoors
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Sun terrace
  • Patio
  • Balcony
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Room Amenities
  • Socket near the bed
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Clothes rack
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.
Activities
  • Tour or class about local culture
    Additional charge
  • Walking tours
    Additional charge
  • Water sport facilities on site
  • Snorkelling
  • Hiking
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
Living Area
  • Desk
Food & Drink
  • Coffee house on site
  • Fruits
    Additional charge
  • Wine/champagne
  • Kid-friendly buffet
  • Kid meals
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Snack bar
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
Internet
WiFi is available in the rooms and is free of charge.
Parking
No parking available.
Reception services
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Concierge service
  • Tour desk
Entertainment and family services
  • Kids' outdoor play equipment
  • Board games/puzzles
Cleaning services
  • Daily housekeeping
    Additional charge
  • Laundry
    Additional charge
General
  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Grocery deliveries
    Additional charge
  • Mosquito net
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Private entrance
  • Packed lunches
  • Fan
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
Wellness
  • Yoga classes
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Public Bath
  • Open-air bath
Languages spoken
  • German
  • English
  • Spanish

House rules

CocoVivo takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in

From 15:30 to 18:00

Check-out

From 10:00 to 10:30

 

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

Children 18 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

No age restriction

There is no age requirement for check-in

Maestro Mastercard Visa UnionPay credit card Discover JCB Diners Club American Express Cash CocoVivo accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.


Quiet hours

Guests must be quiet between 23:00 and 06:00.

Pets

Free! Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please note this property has two dogs and two cats and is not recommended for people with allergies.

Please inform CocoVivo in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

Payment before arrival via bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

Quiet hours are between 23:00:00 and 06:00:00.

Legal information

This property is managed by a private host. EU consumer law relating to professional hosts might not apply.

FAQs about CocoVivo

  • The prices at CocoVivo may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • CocoVivo offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Hiking
    • Snorkelling
    • Fishing
    • Canoeing
    • Open-air bath
    • Walking tours
    • Yoga classes
    • Public Bath
    • Water sport facilities on site
    • Tour or class about local culture

  • Yes, CocoVivo is popular with guests booking family stays.

  • CocoVivo is 8.1 miles from the centre of Bocas del Toro. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • CocoVivo has 1 restaurant:

    • Restaurant #1

  • Check-in at CocoVivo is from 15:30, and check-out is until 10:30.