Exclusive Eco Island Hideaway with Coral Reef

Island in Bastimentos, Panama

  1. 2 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 1 bed
  4. 1 bathroom
Rated 4.82 out of 5 stars.17 reviews
Hosted by Graham
  1. 11 years hosting

Listing highlights

Exceptional check-in experience

Recent guests gave the check-in process a 5-star rating.

Unbeatable location

100% of guests in the past year gave this location a 5-star rating.

Garden and bay views

Soak up the views during your stay.
Some info has been automatically translated.
Escape to paradise on Jinja Island – a rustic, off-grid private island at the entrance to Dolphin Bay, surrounded by lush mangroves and vibrant marine life. Snorkel in clear Caribbean waters, explore the coral reef or unwind in hammocks over the sea. After sunset, watch bioluminescent plankton light up our little bay. Simple, natural and unforgettable – your island adventure begins here.

The space
Situated at the entrance to Dolphin Bay, Jinja Island is a private, off-grid paradise surrounded by protective mangroves and fringed by its own coral reef – one of the best preserved in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. By day, the reef is alive with colourful fish and sea creatures, perfect for snorkelling straight from shore. By night, the waters glow with magical bioluminescence that sparkles as you swim.

Though remote and eco-friendly, the island still offers comfort. The cosy island house comes with a hot shower, flush toilet, solar-powered AC electricity and USB charging points. Clean sheets and towels are provided, and the kitchen is fully equipped with a fridge-freezer, oven, gas stove, pots, pans and cutlery so you can self-cater with ease.

You’ll have the house entirely to yourself and total freedom to explore. You won’t be isolated, though – the island’s caretaker, Ismael, lives in a separate cabaña with his family and is always nearby should you need help, local tips or a friendly chat.

Guest access
Guests reach Jinja Island by boat. You can either take a local water taxi ($25 each way) or arrange a pickup with our boat, the Jinja Ninja ($15 each way). If you’re staying 7 nights or more, your arrival and departure boat trips are free – just let us know your travel plans in advance.

Once on the island, you’ll have full access to enjoy:

🏝️ The entire island to yourself

🪸 Our private coral reef for snorkelling

😎 Hammocks on the boat dock for over-water relaxation

🍳 Full use of the house, kitchen and facilities

🚤 A boat and driver you can hire to explore the archipelago

Jinja Island is your private escape – explore, unwind and enjoy total freedom in nature.

Other things to note
A stay on Jinja Island is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience – a peaceful private escape surrounded by nature where your visit directly supports the local Ngäbe-Buglé indigenous community. I won’t be on the island during your stay, but you’ll be well looked after by Ismael, the friendly island caretaker and your main point of contact.

Jinja Island offers an authentic tropical adventure in the heart of the Central American Caribbean. With that natural beauty comes a real island environment – expect warm rain showers, dramatic tropical thunderstorms and the amazing diversity of local wildlife, including insects. Most guests find this all part of the experience and charm of staying somewhere truly wild and unspoilt.

As an off-grid eco-island, Jinja runs on collected rainwater and solar power, so sensible water and energy use is essential. In return, you’ll enjoy a sustainable stay close to nature while still having the comforts you need.

Where you'll sleep

What this place offers

Bay view
Garden view
Waterfront
Kitchen
Private patio or balcony
Unavailable: Carbon monoxide alarm

Select check-in date

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4.82 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews

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Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 88% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 6% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 6% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value

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Where you’ll be

Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama

The Bocas del Toro archipelago is a tropical dreamscape – a dazzling world of emerald mangrove islands, crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. Here, sloths nap in the treetops, red frogs hop along jungle trails, parrots streak across the sky and playful dolphins cruise alongside your boat. And right in the heart of it all sits Jinja Island – your private base of adventure with unbeatable boat access to everything this Caribbean paradise has to offer.

Meet your host

Host
20 reviews
4.75 out of 5 average rating
11 years of hosting
Born in the 70s
My work: Lonely Planet, National Geographic Adventure, BBC Worldwide, Travel Channel
Hi there! I'm a British adventurer, filmmaker, television presenter and Guinness World Record holder. From 2009 to 2013 I successfully visited all 193 United Nations member states (and several other territories) without flying. I then won a private island on a gameshow... JINJA ISLAND!!

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within a day
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in: 12:00 – 17:00
Checkout before 11:00
2 guests maximum
Safety & property
No carbon monoxide alarm
Nearby lake, river, other body of water
May encounter potentially dangerous animals

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