The Best Caribbean Overwater Bungalows in Central America (2024)

Dreaming of staying in a French Polynesian overwater bungalow but can’t fathom the cost? Well, did you know that you can stay in just as beautiful and dreamy resorts in Central America? In fact, some of the most notable and beautiful resorts offer stunning Caribbean overwater bungalows near the US that anyone would enjoy!

While many enjoy Central America further inland, experiencing a tropical vacation in one of the overwater bungalows is one of the best ways to enjoy activities and views in the country you are visiting.

Staying in an overwater bungalow can also be one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating ways to spend your time in Central America. The most beautiful and affordable overwater bungalows in the Caribbean are found in three countries: Panama, Belize, and Mexico. While I know that Mexico is considered North America, it felt right to include it in this article.

Caribbean Overwater Bungalows – in PANAMA:

For those looking the stay in an overwater bungalow on a budget, there is no better place to start your search than Panama. Most of these hotels, lodges, and resorts focus on nature and offer a more eco-friendly approach than the nearby luxury accommodation.

Those who travel to these overwater bungalows near the US plan on spending just as much time outdoors as indoors, making Panama the perfect tropical destination with beautiful beaches, clear Caribbean waters, and lush rainforests.

1. Yandup Island Lodge ** – Currently still closed (Fall 2022)

Yandup Island Lodge is the perfect tropical escape in the Caribbean located in the San Blas Archipelago of Panama. These beautiful overwater bungalows offer relaxing hammocks, refreshing Caribbean air, and the peaceful sound of waves crashing and birds soaring.

The rustic, thatched-roof cottages come with ceiling fans, mosquito nets, and en suite bathrooms (no hot water), plus balconies with hammocks. Some are set on the beachfront. There are no TVs. Airport transfers and 2 daily guided tours are included, as are all meals in the over-water casual restaurant. Drinks are available for an extra cost. Other amenities include snorkeling, fishing, and boat trips.

Located on a private island with soaring coconut palm trees, you will be surrounded by colorful coral reefs and a secluded beach. If you are looking to unplug and discover what tiny island life is like, staying at the rustic Yandup Island Lodge is for you!

A group of picturesque islands inhabited only by the indigenous Guna tribe, the San Blas Islands, also called Guna Yala, make for a magical experience.These Caribbean islands are relatively unknown to most, but they deserve to be much more famous. They host visitors keen to get a taste of island life without the bells and whistles associated with luxury resorts.

Update: Air Panama is currently not flying (COVID-related) to the airstrip located near the Yandup Island Lodge which left the lodge with no other choice than to close. We will update this post as soon as the lodge reopens.

2. Urraca Private Island Eco Resort ***

For a truly exclusive experience, book your stay at the Urraca Private Island – an adults-only eco-lodge found in the most pristine area of the Bocas del Toro archipelago on the northern coast of Panama. With a simple 30-minute boat ride from Isla Colon, you will arrive at this secluded paradise offering some of the best Caribbean overwater bungalows in Central America.

As you relax suspended over the turquoise Caribbean Sea, you will be able to spot the local marine wildlife everywhere you look. Each room features a private balcony, seating area, and a private bathroom to fully relax on your vacation in Panama.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the famous Zapatilla Cays, two idyllic islands located right in front of Urraca, and just minutes away by boat. In between, there’s a barrier reef that provides calm waters, similar to a lagoon. This translates into mirror-like ocean reflections of beautiful sunrises and sunsets year-round. At night, the island is surrounded by bioluminescent waters under star-filled skies.

Urraca Island is 100% powered by solar panels and solar lights. The freshwater resources are collected through a rain catchment system. The gourmet on-site restaurant will captivate your senses with an intriguing and unique fusion style.

3. Aqui Hoy Cabanas ***(*)

Found within a 5-minute boat ride from the bustling Bocas Town in Bocas del Toro, Aqui Hoy offers an unforgettable experience when you stay in one of their beautiful overwater bungalows. As one of the newer resorts offering overwater bungalows in Central America, Aqui Hoy offers upscale meals and spacious suites for guests.

The relatively new four overwater bungalows offered at this quiet, rejuvenating, and unforgettable retreat feature free WiFi, a private bathroom, and a spacious balcony boasting views of the water. All four cabanas built on the water offer spectacular views of the west-facing lagoon, perfect for your adventure inPanama.

Aqui Hoy is located far enough from the main island to allow guests to enjoy solitude and relaxation. Found on Isla Solarte, Aqui Hoy prides itself on offering the best qualities of Panama; a laidback experience with natural surroundings.

4. Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge ***(*)

The collection of eco-friendly Caribbean overwater bungalows found at Punta Caracol offers a refreshing escape on the stunning Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Located on top of the water, these cabins are built on stilts and offer a private balcony equipped with a hammock for every suite.

If you are looking for an off-the-grid experience and don’t mind a more rustic accommodation, these bungalows are perfect for you. The boat ride to the main island of Colon is about 20 minutes which means, you are definitely away from any crowds. It is incredibly peaceful here and the sunrises are unbeatable.

The overwater bungalows each boast palm roofs four-poster beds, private bathrooms, and utilize electricity from solar panels. The hotel organizes plenty of activities, whether you want to go snorkeling, enjoy a dolphin-watching trip, or head out to Starfish Beach.

Punta Caracol is also home to a delicious restaurant that serves Caribbean food and an array of international dishes.

5. Azul Paradise ***(*)

For an eco-friendly and off-the-grid experience in some of the best Caribbean overwater bungalows in Central America, Azul Paradise comes second to none. This beautiful resort offers excellent service, quality thatch-roofed bungalows, and an immersive nature experience. This private tropical escape is set along a pristine white sand beach, where the Panamanian culture mixes perfectly with the exotic landscape.

Each room offers a spacious experience with a beautiful balcony facing the ocean or the lagoon. The Azul Paradise Resort offers guests surfboards and paddleboards to venture further into the turquoise Caribbean waters. If you prefer to stick on land, the surrounding beaches, luscious rainforest, and incredible wildlife will not disappoint.

The hotel is on a remote side of the Bastimentos island and can only be reached on a 45-minute-boat-ride from Bocas Town, Bocas del Toro. The wifi is weak, but the experience is unforgettable. This is the perfect location for those wanting to get away from reality, and looking for a rustic overwater adventure.

6. Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge ***(*)

If you are planning your Panama vacation on Isla Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro, consider staying in one of the most unique Caribbean overwater bungalows. The bed and breakfast Eclypse de Mar is one of the best hotels in Bocas del Toro, Panama’s hidden gem. It offers an ideal mix of value, comfort, and convenience – all while offering a romantic setting with a wide array of amenities.

The seven over-the-water bungalows found at Eclypse de Mar were constructed out of local wood with all-natural materials, providing a cool atmosphere. Each Caribbean overwater bungalow at this beautiful property boasts a private piece of paradise right on the water. The glass viewing floors allow for watching sea life just below your feet from inside the bungalow.Each room also enjoys a ceiling fan and private bathrooms with a hot water shower.

There are plenty of well-kept eco trails nearby where you can discover the local wildlife, including sloths, caimans, and more. Eclypse de Mar also offers guests the use of their kayaks and paddleboards to venture further out into the Sea.

7. Bocas Bali Luxury Water Villas ****

Are you looking for something unique and unforgettable, maybe for your honeymoon? Then this is the perfect property!

Within sight of spirited Bocas Town in Bocas del Toro, Panama, a new waterfront, Balinese-style luxury resort has come to life. Bocas Bali is rivaling the most breathtaking resorts in the world. It is an All-Inclusive adult resort located on Frangipani Island which can be reached by a 15-minute water taxi ride from Bocas Town. Here, you can experience a rare blend of informal naturalness in an elegant Caribbean setting.

Overwater villas

The hotel features 16 custom overwater villas all constructed using natural materials to mimic the gorgeous landscape outside. Treehouses are coming this year. The rooms each come with plush white bedding and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the breeze to flow in. Some even have dipping pools, while others feature windows overlooking the ocean below.

Aerial Beach

Plus, discover the world’s first aerial beach. Step from the expansive boardwalk directly onto Kupu-Kupu beach, featuring the soon-to-be-famous Tipsy Bar. Soak up the sun and the breeze and make sure to experience the pool-like stairway leading to the eternally warm crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean for an afternoon swim.

Restaurants

The Elephant House over-the-water dinner restaurant and The Coral Café feature dishes from around the world with an emphasis on seafood and a subtle touch of Panama. They also offer menu items inspired by local Bocas Del Toro cuisine. The poolside Coral Café is a cheerful alfresco setting for a leisurely breakfast, lunch, and snacks. All food and premium beverages are included in your Bocas Bali experience.

The resort operates completely off-grid using solar power, rainwater, and an environmentally friendly wastewater system. Perfect for any ecotourist with an eye for luxury.

Best start packing for Panama! Rates start at $900 per night during the green season. That fee includes all meals, drinks, and non-motorized water sports.

Let us help you plan your Bocas Bali luxury experience.

Caribbean Overwater Bungalows – in BELIZE:

While many may think of Fiji, Bora Bora, or the Maldives when contemplating their dream vacation in an overwater villa, Belize is home to one of the most beautiful overwater bungalow resorts in the world!

In addition to offering a far more diverse landscape and eco-system, Belize is one of the most affordable tropical destinations for you to visit. With cheap flights and plenty of free attractions, staying in a Caribbean overwater bungalow in Belize may be more budget-friendly than you initially thought!

8. Tobacco Caye Paradise **(*)

Welcome to Paradise. Belize’s best-kept secret:Tobacco Caye Paradise is the perfect tropical getaway, a location unlike any other along the Barrier Reef. Considered one of thebest bargain hotels in Belizeby TripAdvisor readers, Tobacco Caye Paradise is located on Tobacco Caye, one of the tiniest islands in Belize.

Tobacco Caye Paradise offers six rustic overwater bungalows that are painted in bright Caribbean colors. Each bungalow has a private deck overlooking the Belize barrier reef, and a private bathroom. These quaint rustic beach cabanas are the perfect jumping-off point to explore the South Water Caye Marine Reserve.

Your private deck is outfitted with a couple of lounge chairs and a hammock. There is no better place to unwind than the deck, watching the waves crash over the barrier reef, or the giant stingrays gliding by.

The cabanas are equipped with a fan to keep you cool on those warm tropical nights. The resort is off the grid so there is no air conditioning. But the Caribbean tradewinds blow consistently off the barrier reef, so open your window and enjoy the breeze.

9. Thatch Caye Resort ***

If you are looking to stay in a Caribbean overwater bungalow in Belize, Thatch Caye Resort is one of the best options! This luxurious private island brings eco-adventure and comfort to the next level. Located 9 miles from Dangriga, the main town in south-central Belize, Thatch Caye All-Inclusive Private Island Resort can be found two miles into the beautiful barrier reef.

The 8 overwater bungalows boast the typical Caribbean vibe, complete with a private balcony featuring a hammock either over the water or on top of the roof. Most suites offer a choice between a king bed or two twin beds configuration to fully customize your stay in Belize.Each bungalow has individual bathrooms with a shower and air-conditioning (but you likely won’t need it).

Thatch Caye offers adventure and island fun in a barefoot casual environment. This is a special place offering incredible experiences that you cannot find anywhere else. The accommodations are breathtaking with a rustic Belizean feel but only include the necessities, unlike your typical luxury hotel suite.

The island is limited to 30 guests at a time, so prepare for a vacation that few ever get the chance to experience. Welcome to your private island.

10. St. George’s Caye Resort ***

St. George’s Caye Resort is a 30-minute boat ride from Belize City, making it easily accessible from the mainland yet worlds away. The resort offers a semi-private island experience boasting no roads, no cars, and no crowds.

St. George’s offers the ultimate in privacy, relaxation, and rustic beach elegance with 12 beautiful thatch cabanas and three private suites in an oceanfront villa. For over-the-water accommodations, the resort has six overwater bungalows with private porches and individual hammocks overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

These six cabanas are situated on a half-moon dock with incredible sunset views. They feature work-of-art Belizean hardwood ceilings in the bedroom area to keep you cool and comfortable. They include a private bath, air conditioning, and ceiling/floor fans, and sleep 2-3 people (can be furnished with one king or two beds).

You choose where you want to be on the island – oceanfront, over-the-water, or nestled in the gardens. This resort is a top choice on our list of Caribbean overwater bungalows in Central America.

11. Cayo Espanto Island Resort *****

Located just 3 miles off the coast of San Pedro, Cayo Espanto is a luxurious private island resort in Belize. It is the ultimate retreat for anyone seeking pampered relaxation, privacy, and world-class service. Here, paradise and luxury come together as one. This 5-star resort is one of the priciest on this list of Caribbean overwater bungalows in Central America but it’s for good reason: It is known as a celebrity hotspot hosting celebrities and billionaires such as Bill Gates and Tiger Woods.

Along with just one overwater bungalow for couples, the resort also has six larger beachfront villas for families. But the unique Casa Ventanas bungalow is the most intimate, romantic, and most popular accommodation on the island.

The overwater bungalow is located at the end of a dock that stretches over 150 feet off the island for the ultimate in privacy.Surrounded on all sides by the beautiful, turquoise blue Caribbean Sea, Casa Ventanas is a picture-perfect window into the exotic water world of Belize.

A stay at Cayo Espanto is about discovering the tropical islands and enjoying the water. Come to relax in privacy, or spend your time exploring– by land or sea.You can dive the world’s second-largest barrier reef system, where diving is truly exceptional. But you can also go bonefishing, or partake in water sports off the beach, like windsurfing or catamaran sailing. Other activities include bird watching tours, private cruises, picnic excursions, or exotic jungle tours.

Caribbean Overwater Bungalows – in MEXICO:

The best part about the Caribbean overwater bungalows in Mexico is that most are all-inclusive! By hopping on an affordable direct flight from Cancun, you will find yourself near some of the most amazing overwater bungalows in the Mexican Caribbean.

You do not need to fly to Bora Bora or the Maldives anymore to experience the pristine luxury of overwater bungalows, instead, head on over to Mexico’s Caribbean coast to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adults-only experience.

12. El Dorado Maroma *****

For those looking to visit Mexico through an adults-only All-inclusive getaway, do not miss out on what Dorado Maroma has to offer with their Caribbean overwater bungalows, called Palafitos. Wake up to the beautiful turquoise waters right below your feet in their Elite Overwater Bungalows. Each suite boasts unobstructed views of colorful sunrises and sunsets from private decks and infinity pools.

Whether enjoying a romantic outdoor shower or peering through the glass bottom floors, you will be able to fully relax and enjoy your stay at Dorado Maroma. Further, each of the Caribbean overwater bungalows on the property offers direct access to the crystal-clear waters found below your feet – a perfect way to hop in and discover what lies beneath the warm surface.

El Dorado Maroma is located on Maroma Beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico, and considered one of the Top 10 Best Beaches in the world by both Travel Channel and Discovery. The resort is just 10 minutes north of Playa del Carmen and right in the heart of many of Mexico’s most exciting attractions. El Dorado Maroma is a great option as one of the best Caribbean overwater bungalows, but also one of the priciest on this list.

Conclusion:

It goes without saying that often when someone thinks ofoverwater bungalows, the places that first come into mind are Fiji, Tahiti, or the Maldives. But getting there takes forever and you better be very well off!

So why needlessly take a trip across the world when you can stay at an overwater bungalow much closer to the US, in the Caribbean of Panama, Belize, or Mexico! Overwater Bungalows near the United States are a great way for budget-conscious travelers to get the overwater experience.

Get in touch with us today to plan your family vacation, romantic getaway, or honeymoon, in one -or more- of these beautiful Caribbean overwater bungalows in Central America! We’d love to organize a unique and once-in-a-lifetime vacation for you. Ask us for a free quote and you could be on your way very soon.

Have you stayed in an overwater bungalow? How was your experience?

Let us know in the comments.

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