Tropic Star Lodge Bar/Lounge

Tropic Star Lodge Bar or Lounge Pictures & Reviews (Pinas Bay, Panama)

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... City. She took us through customs and put us in a club bar while she went and got our luggage and loaded into the car...
... a long day fishing, you can go to the pool or the Marlin Bar where you can chill and enjoy your favorite cocktail...
... room was creamed and sweetened to my liking, at the Marlin Bar they knew exactly what I wanted after a long day on the...

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Debby44 wrote a review Aug 2014
Flower Mound, Texas107 contributions97 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband and my boys (19 and 15) have been dreaming of this vacation for 10 years. The trip was fabulous. Tropic Star handles everything in a first class way. A representative met us at the plane when we arrived in Panama City. She took us through customs and put us in a club bar while she went and got our luggage and loaded into the car service which took us to our hotel. We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria in Panama City, which is one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in. Gabriel picked us up in the morning and took us to the smaller airport in town for the 50 minute flight on Air Panama to Pinas Bay. The small air strip in the village is a short bus and boat ride to Tropic Star Lodge. All food and wine with dinner is included in your fare. We had a delicious lunch and then tried the hike over to Playa Blanca. This was a great hike, but not for someone who is not in shape (steep and slippery). What a great beach though. Shyla the lodge black lab joined us on the hike.
We did the three days of fishing, four nights package. TSL has 13 Bertram 31 foot fishing boats that all go out before 6:30a. The boats travel together 15-20 north of the resort in search of dolphins and humpback whales, where the live bait is located. Once 10 are caught, the boat runs for an hour 10-20 miles offshore to the Humbolt current trash line. This is where the marlin, tuna and dorada are found. The boats can also do inshore fishing for cubera snapper, rooster fish and jack.
We were not as lucky as some other anglers. We caught 4 sailfish, 2 dorado, 1 cubera and 1 jack in the 3 days. No black marlin, blue marlin, tuna or roosterfish for us. Maybe this would be one reason to book the 6 days, 7 nights?
The village people came over to the resort one evening to perform and dance and sale their wares. TSL took anyone interested over to the village one afternoon as well. I really enjoyed this. We got to see their houses, school, churches, bars, beach, shops, etc. There are 1,500 people in Pinas, 60% of which are children under the age of 12. They love for you to bring candy, or you can buy it from one of their shops to support their economy.
The rooms are vary spacious and the air con works great! We were in 3A and 3B, a standalone building located up the hill above the pool and building 2. I loved this location. We could see the bay from our deck. You are so remote here, it is very peaceful. They don't lock the room doors and there are no bugs! No tv or phone either. Wifi is available outside the main building/dining room.
The food was very good. The catch of the day (usually mahi mahi for us), and the steaks were delicious. My boys loved the afternoon snacks when you got off the boat - fresh mahi mahi fish fingers and thinly sliced tuna sashimi with wasabi and soy sauce.
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Date of stay: August 2014Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alex T wrote a review Mar 2023
1 contribution3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
First of all, I would give 10 stars if there was such a thing. This trip to the Tropic Star Lodge was so memorable and special.
Right before we came here my husband was diagnosed with cancer. But my husband still insisted on coming with our best friend regardless of the diagnosis.
Well, he made the right decision. We told the doctors to hold on for treatment so we could make his bucket list come true.
This helped him so much spiritually.
On top of that it made him so happy spending time with his best friend and me.
He and his friend talked about this for the past 27 yrs but being in military 32 yrs and being deployed over and over again they finally made it this year. I came along to spend time with him and take care of him and of course our best friend.
So here is what we ALL felt about this trip.
I want future Tropic Star customers to read this so they don’t wait too long like we did.
Life is short and so don’t procrastinate especially, if you are retired and have more free time to do the things you love.

I must say that they have the best staff.
We have been on a lot of trips over the past few years, and I am talking about very high end places, and by far this place is the best. It can only be described as paradise on earth. They totally spoiled us and they are definitely the best of the best!
It amazed us how well they planned and organized everything. They also really want to take care each of you to make your trip as comfortable as possible and for you to not have to worry about anything.
It all starts upon your arrival at the airport in Panama City where they meet you as you exit the airplane and whisk you through immigration and customs. They then take you directly to your hotel which they will make your reservations for you if you ask. The following day, they take you to Albrook Airfield where you fly charter air to Piñas Bay. Upon arrival, you take an open air bus to a boat which takes you to the lodge. After a quick in brief, they assign you to your rooms where your bags are waiting.
Now for the food. They have the best chefs here at the lodge with a staff at the restaurant that is nothing short of AMAZING! I have had a lot of great food in my life but by far the meals at the Tropic Star Lodge are unsurpassed. They have a wide variety of choices such as Asian, bbq, filet mignon, salads, sea food, sushi, etc.
I would like to thank Mr. Patterson who is so amazing. He always makes sure if we need anything it is immediately available and he loves to interact with all the guests.
They are super fast and the service is one of the best for sure. Coffee was delivered to our room every morning at 5:15 AM and breakfast was served at 5:45 AM. Boats leave at 6:30 AM.
Each day the lunch is ready at your boat so you don’t get hungry while you are fishing. Whatever cold drinks you desire are already loaded in the cooler aboard ship. For dinner, which is served at 7:00 PM, it is either an outdoor buffet or an indoor 4 course meal, depending on which night of the week you are here. Everything is so fresh and delicious!
The Cleaning staff is so wonderful and after a long day of fishing you arrive at your room which is clean and cool where the A/C is waiting for you. I also need to mention the laundry service which is on Tuesday and Thursday. I can’t do it as well as the gentleman who took care of our room and our laundry. The laundry is so fresh and folded or hung on hangers so neatly.

Ms. Cheyenne was so wonderful to work with. She is professional and courteous. If you have any questions she has the answers.
We met Mr. Richard and he is the BEST! He goes above and beyond to accommodate you and your travel companions. We have been watching him on Tropic Star Lodge’s videos so we felt like we knew him already. In those videos he seems like a nice person but in person he is WONDERFUL.
My recommendation is to watch their videos as it will help you so much. He is so funny and knowledgeable. On top of that he really enjoys what he does and the Tropic Star is so fortunate to have him.
Also, Mr. Ross and his lovey wife are so helpful and if you want any extra information they have the answers for you.
When we arrived at the village, Mr. Rex was there and he makes sure your bags, other belongings are safe and make it to the room.
After a long day fishing, you can go to the pool or the Marlin Bar where you can chill and enjoy your favorite cocktail prepared by one of the awesome bartenders. Early in morning all these gentlemen are outside and greet you and wish you an amazing fishing day!
Our Captain (Mr. Mario) and his Mate (Rambo) are wonderful Panamanians.
They know where to go. You can see their smile each morning when you meet them at the dock. They work so hard for you!
We were so lucky to meet them and we will request them each time we come.
Daily greetings by hard working Panamanians and different nationalities are the best combination that will make your trip special so those of you who haven’t had a chance, or don’t know where to go for big game fishing, I highly recommend the Tropic Star Lodge. Make sure you book your reservations at least a year in advance. Two years if you want to go during the prime months of December, January, and early February. They are booked so fast and you will understand why once you spend 6 days here at the Tropic Star Lodge.
It’s worth every penny you spend.

Alex Turner
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded 07 Mar 2023
Dear Alex T,

Thank you for leaving such a kind review on your recent trip down to Tropic Star Lodge. We love hearing that we were able to give you and your husband a memorable and special fishing trip. This lodge is an extraordinary place made extraordinary by our passionate staff and wonderful guests like you and your husband. Thank you for mentioning our staff by name. We’re very glad to know that they made your trip that much more special. We hope to see you back for a return visit soon!

All the best wishes,

Mallory and Richard White
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Matthew W wrote a review Oct 2022
Stamford, Connecticut, United States6 contributions1 helpful vote
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The hotel staff were all exceptional, the personalized service we received is the best I have ever experienced. They all remembered you and your preferences so within two days the morning coffee brought to my room was creamed and sweetened to my liking, at the Marlin Bar they knew exactly what I wanted after a long day on the water. The Chef was extraordinary; evening meals were extravagant, breakfast was perfectly prepared to order, and the "boat lunches" we perfect. I have only been home 3 days and already with I could return.
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Date of stay: September 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded 07 Nov 2022
Dear 218mattheww,

Thank you for taking time to leave your five star review of your stay at Tropic Star Lodge. We love hearing how our staff provided an excellent and personalized service -thank you for mentioning that aspect of your trip! Thank you for also commenting on Chef Gabriel and his team's fabulous food. We look forward to welcoming you back to Tropic Star Lodge for your next fishing adventure! We hope to see you again soon.

Best wishes,
Mallory White
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Ron S wrote a review Jun 2017
6 contributions6 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a place that's all about the fish...
Our grandson Max chose Panama for his 12 year old trip. Wanted to see the the canal, jungle, surf, dive, and fish. This is the last part of our two week adventure in Panama. From the moment we were picked up at our hotel in Casco Viejo, we knew this was going to be something special. The flight down to Pinas Bay was beautiful. Upon landing, we looked around and thought "who found this place in the middle of the jungle?"Our first view of the lodge from the pangas was spectacular. Had a nice reception at arrival and a Captains meeting that afternoon. Big buffet by the pool that night. Good food! Neither my grandson or I slept well that night in anticipation of the next day fishing. Wake up call at 5:45 with coffee and hot chocolate, then down to breakfast at 6. On the boats by 6:30. Discuss the plan for the day with Flaco while Juan readies the gear. Made bait and headed out for billfish the first day. Raised a sailfish, got bill wrapped and spit it. That was it for us for the day. A little down, but that's fishing. A dip in the pool and few cold ones cured that. Dinner in the dining room that night. Good food! Day 2's plan was to fish inshore. Rich gave us rooster tags from Guy Harvey'sFoundation in case we were lucky. Max landed a couple of Snappers early and then a 40 lb Rooster. I was lucky and caught a Rooster as well. Both "firsts" for us. A good day. Lot's of fish tales at the bar that afternoon and a swim in the pool. Buffet by the pool that night. Good Food! Max was still smiling when he went to sleep. Day 3 saw us back offshore in search of billfish. Got a double on sailfish early in the morning and Flaco handled the boat perfectly to get both to leader. An hour or so later the starboard rigger goes off and from the bend in the rod, this looks like the right kind. Max is up and an hour later releases a 250 lb blue marlin. In the middle of the fight, he wasn't convinced he could get it in, we simply said "it's you or the fish", he gritted his teeth, bowed his neck and got it done. Flaco tossed Max off the dock that afternoon for catching his first marlin.

It's funny how in one simple act of catching a fish a boy can grow so much. Priceless.

More fish stories at the bar that afternoon with a dip in the pool. As this was the last night of the trip, an awards presentation was held after dinner acknowledging everybody's accomplishments. Max was pretty pleased with his certificates. His family's probably going to find it hard to live with him.
I've fished for forty years in some pretty exotic places. This is the best overall experience I've had. The boats were well maintained, the gear was top notch, Flaco and Juan were both fishy and good with a kid. The rooms are big, clean, and well maintained. Every staff member was helpful and friendly. You can tell they really enjoy working there. And did I mention the food? Really good!

A special thank you to Rich who made the trip special for a twelve year old. This is truly a "bucket list" thing. And we'll be back...
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Date of stay: June 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded 06 Jul 2017
Dear Ron S,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed account and great review from your stay. We couldn’t agree more that Tropic Star Lodge is a spectacular experience. Over 100 miles from the nearest road in the heart of the Darien – Max chose his fishing destination well! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the amenities at the Lodge as well as our boats and world-class fishing tackle. Thank you for the kind words regarding your crew, land-based staff, and our amazing kitchen staff lead by Chef Gabriel.
It was so special for us to see Max come back to the Lodge after a great day of fishing to hear his fishing stories and see his photos, especially that last day with his Blue Marlin release! There were so many highlights for us from your stay. We look forward to seeing the results of your tagged Roosterfish and also your return to Tropic Star.

All the best,
Mallory and Richard White
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Robert S wrote a review Apr 2014
San Jose, California3 contributions9 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Well, it took me about 30 years to get there, and stuffing alot of money into the safe deposit box over a long time, but we finally made it there the first week in March. Getting into the small plane to depart for the lodge with our fellow anglers was a complete thrill. Flying over the various Panamanian islands and then descending into the triple canopy rain forest was like we were in Jurassic Park. We step off the plane and see the native indians watching us we knew we were a long way from home. Pulling into the lodge dock from our canoe ride from the landing strip, it was unbelivable to actually see the Bertram's all lined up at the dock with the crews working to get them ready (this was Saturday, the day they work on the boats and don't fish). Then to step on that long dock that I had looked at for years in pictures and TV shows was surreal. The service was impeccable from the moment we arrived. Within the first two hours it felt like everyone knew our name. Our room was very nice, 2A and 2B I think are the nicest units, kind of bythem selves with a nice porch that overlooks the pool and the dock in the distance. They took our full week's lunch orders on day one which was great, instead of having to do it every night like in Mexico. You have to prepare yourself however, that despite everything you have heard fishing can be slow ! The guys who were leaving the Lodge as we were arriving told us it had been slow. Only 19 blacks the week before. We did end catching Sails, Cubrera Snapper, and best of all, my biggest desire, a 500 pound black that we successfully released. Strongest thing I have ever been on in my life, and I have been on some big fish. Took the right rigger down three times on a live ten pound bonito before the captain throttled up and stuck the hook. The thing was pissed. The captains are extremely aggresive with their boat handling. They immediately started backing down on this thing, and we had her leadered within 30 minutes. Leadered her three times before we got the hook out. The fact that we got her to the boat fast left her in really good shape, as with one swipe of her giant tail she was gone. Probably the best billfish release I have had. Prepare yourself for the Panamanian sun it is brutal. When you are on a big fish like that and standing out on the deck in full sun, you are dying. To give you some idea, the crew whose skin is actually black,wear full sun screen, and have total face masks on. Again it is brutal. The food is very good with the best thing being the fresh fish caught every day. They cooked up one of our dorado and we had it for hor dourves before dinner out at the deck bar. Make sure you are careful when are down there as essentially if you get hurt or are sick you are in big trouble. You are a LONG way from anything. Never the less the place is absolutely spectacular, you feel complete solitude from all of the craziness here. Slept like a baby every single night. Maybe the fishing was not as good as we would have liked, but it was a trip of a lifetime. Definitely will enjoy yourself, the scenery is again like being in Jurassic Park.
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Date of stay: March 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: 2A or 2B are the best, unless you take the palace on top. The palace is boucou bucks but...
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.