Casita del Mar 'Over the water' Villa

What a fantastic experience for our family of five (kids ages 4, 7, & 9)! The most well-equipped kitchen we encountered in several weeks in Costa Rica & Panama & so many thoughtful touches like pajama pants for the chitras, house clogs & rain boots for the forest, ample water toys & snorkeling gear, soap, shampoo & conditioner. Hot water was plentiful & the rain water was delicious to drink. The staff was exceptional… very responsive to our questions & so incredibly helpful. Papa Jose took us on 2 half-day boat excursions (snorkeling to coral cay & Zapatilla) & then to starfish beach & a secluded beach on Isla Colon that can only be reached by boat a few months out of the year when the ocean is calm. It was absolutely spectacular & we always felt safe in his hands. Leaving early in the morning (9am) also meant that we had calmer waters & missed all of the other tour boats & had most places to ourselves. We also went into Bocas Town for dinner one night & the boat ride back in the dark felt like we were in a snow globe of stars! We had 2 lovely massages on our front deck & Jose Jr prepared us two incredible dinners. All of that being said, there were a few things outside of Julia & her staff’s control that made our stay a little challenging. First, the process to cross the Costa Rica/Panama border from Sixaola took us ~3 hours each way, & the taxi van was $35 there & $50 on return. Flying in & out of Bocas would have been much easier if we would have better planned for that! Second, the chitras (no-see-ums) were brutal & we all left with dozens of bites even though we followed their advice & lathered coconut oil & covered up at dawn & dusk. You’re ultimately at the mercy of the wind. Lastly, it was reallly hot & stuffy upstairs at night until the breeze picked up again in the early morning hours & it was hard to sleep even with the windows open & fans going full blast. Again, not much that they could do… just the nature of the season & this type of adventure accommodation. Weighing the good & the bad, we would go back in a heartbeat!

What an amazing spot. We loved this place and highly recommend. So much attention to detail.

This is a great place and value for money. Julia and her local team are superhosts, we booked last minute and all arrangements were in place within very short notice. Beautiful spot, quiet, a stunning coral reef on your doorstep.

Our trip to Bocas and our stay at Casita Del Mar is one for the books and has left us with lasting memories! Having stayed in many different Airbnb’s - this home was beautifully and perfectly built to meet all your needs and more. The house has character, you know it was designed by a woman and it feels like home away from home! It comes equipped with literally everything. First aid, extra beach towels, the most amazing bed and pillows, outdoor shower, bbq, full kitchen, snorkels, cooler, paddle boards kayaks hammock indoor outdoor living I can go on. The house is built to be secure airy and well circulated even on your most still nights. You are surrounded by coral and the wildlife that you will see and hear makes it all the more magical!! We cannot stop singing praises for Julia and her team who took such amazing care of us. They were above and beyond in care, communication and patience with us! Erika first and foremost made us feel right at home, safe and really hooked us up with the best of the best. She gave us sooo much of her time we are deeply grateful. Her family were amazing and so accommodating as well! Jose took such good care of us!!! He’s the happy car pool dad who has your back! We were in such thoughtful kind and capable hands. We went out on a fishing excursion with Maurice and caught black tuna and barracuda. Maurice came with expertise and passion we learned so much! We recommend having the chef come! We had Jose jr come and cook us an amazing meal with our catch as we got to relax after being out at sea and try authentic flavors! So many memorable experiences it’s hard to list everything. For those who are prone to bug bites, the coconut oil works! We also found that vinegar helped clean the bites! Pack loose long clothes to save yourself. Casita del mar had loose comfy pj bottoms equipped as well. They thought of it all!! We loved every moment of being off the grid and had the most amazing experience!! We went out on as many excursions and checked out all the different beaches! Our favourite was red frog beach on Bastimentos! The night life on the main island, getting to wake up to dolphins and sloths! There is so much range in Bocas and having the most amazing crew to help us along the way - We really cannot wait to be back:)

The house was great and perfect for "unplugging" given its location over the water in a very peaceful area, yet close enough to the main town of Bocas. The house keepers are super friendly and helpful both regarding the house and for traveling back and forth to the nearby town (by boat). We had a great time and definitely recommend it!

Do not hesitate to book this place, it’s perfection!! The staff are so helpful and so lovely to be around. Get Jose to cook for you his skills as a chef are phenomenal! This place is idillic , it’s like living on your own peace of paradise! Go you will not regret. We loved every minute... minus the chitras 😁

We had a wonderful stay! The house is incredibly clean, all the amenities and supplies you need are there, and everything has been thought out. Jose was a wonderful boat captain who always showed up on time (early, actually, which is very rare in Panama) and Erika was a wonderful manager who helped us with anything we needed. We would definitely recommend staying here!

Didn’t get to stay yet, but the host went above and beyond to help us cancel once we realized we couldn’t

Julia’s Casita is spectacular! She has an several people assisting her with her property. They are all so quick to respond, offer suggestions, and assist with scheduling activities and boat rides. They are all amazing. We had the best time. Fantastic place to come dive, snorkel, and enjoy the town. There’s also a really nice hike through the jungle behind the casita that is a must see.