ABOUT ZONA TROPICAL HOMESTAY
Zona Tropical Homestay is an eco-conscious rental option for travelers and explorers looking to experience a taste of island living. We're surfers with over 17 years of living in the local community of Carenero. We are committed to helping the community and source many of our products and food in our house from local artisans and farmers. We want you to experience Bocas del Toro with local knowledge and hospitality while we provide the modern comforts you need to fully relax into the slow pace of island life.
We're ocean-lovers at heart. We offer surf board rentals and free use of our SUPs, kayaks and snorkel gear. We also provide surf lessons and tours with our experienced surf guides. We offer private rooms, event spaces for retreats, and guided tours of the area. We also offer home cooked dinners for our guests.
ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATION
ABOUT THE HOUSE
Our property is located on the main walking path on the east side of Isla Carenero. The large, grassy front yard meets the sandy beach and our private boat dock. The backyard organic garden backs up to the untouched jungle. We are truly integrated with nature and rely on rainwater for all of our showers, sinks, etc. From the patio you can watch a variety of tropical birds, hear the sounds of the breaking waves, and feel the island breeze as it rustles through the palms. Wildlife is abundant here. From fish, crabs, and birds to the occasional sloth, you will feel close to nature when you stay here.
MODERN LIVING IN THE JUNGLE
Our house and all of the private rooms are air conditioned and have ceiling fans. Our wifi extends through the whole house. Each room has a TV equipped with Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube. The communal kitchen comes stocked with oils and spices for you to cook meals with on our stove. Use our outdoor grill to enjoy a barbecue in the yard. Sign up for our nightly dinners and we will prepare a communal meal for you with fresh, local ingredients. All rooms have safes for your valuable items. We have racks for you to store your surf boards or can rent you some of ours.
FOR NATURE LOVERS AND SURFERS ALIKE
Zona Tropical Homestay is great for surfers and eco-conscious travellers who enjoys a bit of independence and adventure. We are located a few minutes walk from some of the best surf breaks in Bocas. Black Rock is a 5 minute walk away and is perfect for beginners! Carenero Point is a 10-15 minute walk with waves for intermediate to advanced surfers. We are perfectly located for you to relax into island life, yet just a few minute boat ride to the bustle of Bocas Town, with boats coming directly to our private dock to pick you up. Families, solo travelers, and groups will all enjoy Zona Tropical Homestay.
ABOUT THE AREA
OUR ISLAND
Isla Carenero is just a 3 minute water taxi ride from Bocas Town on Isla Colon. Because we are out of the main town, you will experience truly relaxed living. We walk around the island barefoot, enjoy the sounds of birds and waves outside, and watch serene sunrises every morning from the east side of the island. Our house is a 3 minute walk to beachside restaurants and bars like Bibi's on the Beach, Coquitos, or the vegetarian restaurant Leafeaters by Francesca Petelle. Carenero has beautiful sandy beaches for sun bathing and snorkeling just 5 minutes from our house. For more information about visiting Bocas del Toro, check out this great travel guide from our friends at Sol Bungalows
GETTING AROUND
Bocas del Toro is an archipelago of many small islands. Isla Colon is the biggest island and offers the most stores and restaurants and is also where the airport is located. You can rent bikes or take a taxi to travel throughout the main island. To travel to the other islands, you can take a water taxi for a few dollars from any of the docks in Bocas Town. We will assist you on your first water taxi rides to help you learn how to travel throughout the islands. Our island has many restaurants, a dive school, and a small market, but you may want to explore other parts of Bocas by boat.
THINGS TO DO
There are endless natural wonders to see in Bocas del Toro. Our favorite thing to do around here is surf. We have surf boards available to rent and can organize surf lessons or guided surf tours for you during your stay. Our house is just steps away from world class surf breaks that professional surfers frequently visit. You don't have to be an experienced surfer to visit! Black Rock is an excellent choice for those learning to surf, and is just a 5 minute walk from the house. There are countless other fun activities to do here too! Take a boat tour to Islas Zapatillas, Starfish Beach, Dolphin Bay, or Red Frog Beach. Scuba dive, snorkel, or sail around the islands. For more information on things to do in Bocas del Toro, visit this guide.
