Hospital Point (snorkeling) - Image 1
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Hospital Point Snorkeling

4.4
·94 reviews·Bastimentos Island, Panama

Discover a secluded beach with a vibrant coral reef, perfect for snorkeling and free diving, just a short trip from Isla Colon.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer waters

CrowdLow
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Hospital Point (snorkeling) - Image 1

Hospital Point Snorkeling

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer waters

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a secluded beach with a vibrant coral reef, perfect for snorkeling and free diving, just a short trip from Isla Colon.

4.4
(94 reviews)

"Underrated spot with a lovely reef for snorkeling, lots of different fish, and nobody else around."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤿 Bring Your Own Gear

Snorkel gear is highly recommended as it's not always readily available on-site. Renting in advance is wise .

⚠️ Use a Dive Buoy

Essential for visibility to boats. A bright buoy ensures your safety while you explore the reef .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Coral Reef

Vibrant Coral Reef

Offshore from Hospital Point beach

Discover a diverse underwater world teeming with colorful corals and a variety of fish species, including barracudas.

Secluded Beach Access

Secluded Beach Access

Hospital Point beach

Enjoy a quiet, often empty beach with direct access to the reef, offering an intimate snorkeling experience.

Sharp Reef Drop-Off

Sharp Reef Drop-Off

Nearshore reef edge

An exciting feature for free divers, the reef drops off sharply just a short distance from the shore.

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Planning Your Visit

Snorkel Smart: Reef Depth & Boat Awareness

The coral reef at Hospital Point starts further out, so be prepared for a swim. Crucially, boats frequent this area; always use a dive buoy to ensure visibility and safety while snorkeling or free diving.Reddit

Respect the Reef: Pack It In, Pack It Out

While Hospital Point boasts a beautiful reef, some visitors note litter in the surrounding forest and shallow waters. Please help preserve this natural gem by taking all your trash with you and avoiding touching corals or marine life.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good visibility for snorkeling
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🤿 Bring Your Own Gear

Snorkel gear is highly recommended as it's not always readily available on-site. Renting in advance is wise.Reddit

⚠️ Use a Dive Buoy

Essential for visibility to boats. A bright buoy ensures your safety while you explore the reef.Reddit

🗑️ Leave No Trace

Help keep this beautiful spot pristine by taking all your trash with you.Reddit

🐠 Respect Marine Life

Avoid touching corals or disturbing any sea creatures you encounter underwater.Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🤿 Bring Your Own Gear

Snorkel gear is highly recommended as it's not always readily available on-site. Renting in advance is wise.Reddit

⚠️ Use a Dive Buoy

Essential for visibility to boats. A bright buoy ensures your safety while you explore the reef.Reddit

🗑️ Leave No Trace

Help keep this beautiful spot pristine by taking all your trash with you.Reddit

🐠 Respect Marine Life

Avoid touching corals or disturbing any sea creatures you encounter underwater.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Forest Trail

A trail offers shade and a different perspective, though be mindful of potential litter.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(94 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hospital Point offers a secluded beach with a fantastic coral reef, praised for its diverse marine life and unique drop-off for free diving. Visitors enjoy the quiet atmosphere and quick access from Isla Colon. However, some note litter in the surrounding areas and the need to swim out to reach the best snorkeling spots.

"We went to Hospital Point while cloudy, rainy weater conditions.
So the water wasn't very clear, but we saw lots of fish and corals.
The places is actually very nice, however the beach is completly flooded by the waves.

In the Forest next to it, there is plenty of rubbish, what meaks the expirence a little bit disappointing.

PLEASE take your rubbish with you and don't touch the corals or any other sealife. Thank you!"

Beny Stamm

"I came to hospital point by recommendation of our boat guy. It is a small smal beach but it is empty. Underrated spot to be honest. Very fast trip from any hotel in Isla Colon. Aparently you can snorkel here because I saw a lot of people doing it. I should bring some snorkel gear next time."

Harry Quinn

"Secluded beach with a lovely reef for snorkelling on. Lots of different fish including barracuda. Nobody else around. It had been raining though so there was some rubbish in the shallow water."

Jenna Hall

What People Like

Secluded, empty beach
Great reef and fish
Sharp reef drop-off

What People Dislike

Litter in forest/water
Beach sometimes flooded
Reef is further out

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hospital Point is a quick trip from Isla Colon. Many visitors arrive via taxi or a short boat ride arranged with local operators. Some recommend asking your boat captain for a stop here.Reddit

Yes, it's considered a very fast trip from most hotels on Isla Colon, making it a convenient snorkeling destination.Reddit

While possible, it's generally more convenient to take a taxi or boat to reach Hospital Point efficiently.

Taxis are a common and easy option. Alternatively, arranging a boat tour that includes Hospital Point is also popular.

Local taxi services can take you to the general area, and boat tours often include it as a stop. It's best to arrange transport in advance.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are typically no entrance fees for Hospital Point itself, but you may incur costs for transportation or gear rental.

Hospital Point is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's an open natural area, so there are no strict opening or closing times.

Snorkeling itself is free. The main costs are associated with getting there and any equipment you might need.

Rental options at Hospital Point are limited or non-existent. It's highly recommended to rent your snorkel gear in advance from Isla Colon.Reddit

While it's a natural reef, there are no specific entry fees for Hospital Point. Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible tourism.

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

You can expect to see a variety of colorful corals and numerous fish species, including barracudas. The reef is quite diverse.Reddit

The coral reef at Hospital Point starts a ways out from the shore. You'll need to swim a moderate distance to reach the most vibrant sections of the reef.Reddit

Yes, Hospital Point is noted for its sharp drop-off on the reef edge just about 40 feet from shore, making it suitable for free diving.Reddit

Be mindful of boat traffic, as it's an active area. Using a dive buoy is crucial for your safety.Reddit Also, be aware of the reef's depth and potential currents.

The beach can sometimes be flooded by waves, especially during certain weather conditions. However, the snorkeling access remains.Reddit

🎫 🗑️ Environmental Responsibility

The most important thing is to avoid touching corals or any marine life. Also, please take all your trash with you to prevent pollution.Reddit

Some visitors have noted litter in the forest next to the beach and occasionally in the shallow water, especially after rain. It's important for everyone to be responsible.Reddit

Touching corals can damage their delicate structures, which are living organisms. This can lead to their death and harm the entire reef ecosystem.

Practice 'leave no trace' principles: take out everything you bring in, avoid disturbing wildlife, and respect the natural environment.

While specific organized efforts might not be visible, the responsibility lies with individual visitors to practice conservation and report any significant environmental issues.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hospital Point offers a unique snorkeling experience, but families should be aware that the best coral reefs are located a swim away from the shore.Reddit This might be challenging for very young children or weak swimmers. Consider bringing floatation devices for added safety and comfort. While the beach itself can be beautiful, it's sometimes affected by waves and can have litter, so keeping a close eye on children is advised.Reddit It's a great spot for older kids who are confident swimmers and interested in marine life.

💰 Budget Travelers

Hospital Point is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as there's typically no entrance fee for the site itself. The primary costs will be for transportation to get there, such as a taxi or boat ride from Isla Colon.Reddit Bringing your own snorkel gear can also save money, as rentals might not always be available or could add up. The opportunity for excellent snorkeling in a relatively secluded spot makes it a high-value experience.

🐠 Snorkel & Dive Enthusiasts

For those passionate about underwater exploration, Hospital Point is a must-visit. The reef's sharp drop-off just 40 feet from shore is particularly appealing for free divers.Reddit Snorkelers will appreciate the extensive coral coverage and the chance to see diverse fish species, including barracudas.Reddit Remember to bring your own gear and a dive buoy for safety, as boat traffic is present.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Hospital Point: Getting There and Staying Safe

Hospital Point is a popular snorkeling spot easily accessible from Isla Colon. Most visitors arrive via a short taxi ride or a boat trip. Many recommend it as an 'underrated spot' that's a 'very fast trip' from hotels.Reddit When planning your visit, remember that the coral reef begins a significant distance from the shore, requiring a good swim to reach the prime snorkeling areas.Reddit This makes it ideal for those comfortable with open water swimming.

Safety is paramount at Hospital Point. Due to boat traffic in the area, it is strongly advised to use a dive buoy while snorkeling or free diving. This ensures that boat operators can easily see you, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.Reddit The reef also features a sharp drop-off close to shore, which is a unique draw for free divers but requires awareness of depth changes.

The Underwater Ecosystem: What to Expect

The main attraction at Hospital Point is its vibrant coral reef. Visitors consistently praise the abundance and diversity of marine life. You can expect to see a wide array of colorful corals and numerous fish species, including notable sightings of barracudas.Reddit The reef floor is described as being 'covered' once you reach the deeper sections.Reddit

While the underwater scenery is a major draw, it's important to be mindful of the environmental condition of the surrounding area. Some reviews mention litter in the adjacent forest and shallow waters, particularly after rainy weather.Reddit This highlights the importance of responsible tourism. Visitors are urged to take all their rubbish with them and to avoid touching the corals or any other sealife to help preserve this delicate ecosystem for future visitors.Reddit

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