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COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this property is taking.Read more
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Travel safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your stay
- All linens sanitized in high-temperature wash
- Face masks required for staff in public areas
- Hand sanitizer available to guests & staff
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Staff required to regularly wash hands
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Updated 20/08/12 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from Tropic Star Lodge
Updated 20/08/12 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
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Tropic Star Lodge: World Class Fishing Adventures TROPIC STAR LODGE has been Rated the #1 Saltwater Fishing Resort in the world by the Robb Report. Fishing the legendary waters off Piñas Bay, Panama is an adventure of a lifetime for all anglers. Fulfill your fishing fantasy! Tropic Star Lodge has provided the ultimate in offshore and inshore fishing adventures for our guests for the past 50+ years. We invite you to discover why we’ve been named “the Best Fishing Resort in the world.” Tropic Star Lodge is a veritable paradise cut out of the side of a mountain at the edge of the Darien Jungle on the Pacific coast of Panama. The Lodge is situated 150 miles south of Panama City. It can only be reached by boat or plane, since there are no roads within a hundred miles. A charter plane lands on an airstrip in Piñas Bay. You then take a ten minute boat ride to Legendary Tropic Star Lodge.
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Free internet
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Free breakfast
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Non-smoking hotel
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131Reviews13Q+A37Room tips
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Just wanted to take a minute to pass on my thanks for an absolutely fantastic trip last week!! My nephew and I had the trip of a lifetime. I can not think of anything that could have been better. The Attention to Detail displayed by the entire staff was impeccable. Everything from the service, to the food, not to mention the fishing was Top Notch! Hayden, Richard and the team at the lodge treated us like kings the entire trip. Our crew of Mario and Eli were exceptional as well putting us on fish and managing the boat to get us in position to cast (No small task with my casting skill) was unbelievable. Also, I wanted to call out your driver Eddie. A finer tour guide, I have never met!! We felt like family during the time we spent with him. He practically read my mind in taking me to the sites I wanted to see. His local knowledge of History etc. led to some really great conversation and much learning for us. I am already planning my next trip to TSL and plan to make it at least a yearly event!…
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Date of stay: March 2021
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Response from Mallory White, Guest Services / Front Office at Tropic Star Lodge
Responded 1 week ago
Dear 62edwardo, Thank you for taking the time to leave your review of your recent trip to Tropic Star Lodge. We’re happy to know that the service on land and on the water was Top Notch and you were treated as you should –as kings! Eddie is one of a kind and we’ll certainly pass along the compliments. We can’t wait to see you back for your next fishing adventure soon, after all, you’re now part of the family. All the best wishes, Mallory and Richard White
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From Richard, the best fishing director of all time, to each and every one of the Tropic Star staff, captains, and mates. They all do anything and everything it takes to make your your fishing dreams come true, and your trip to Tropic Star one of a lifetime! The accommodations, the food, and service are all incredible and first class! Richard asks when you arrive what you want to accomplish while you’re at the lodge as he will help you check off as many boxes in your bucket list as he can. In our case, like everyone, we wanted to catch fish and lots of them! And we did. Massive Dorado, a monster Cubera, and many Sailfish! However, my dream was for my boys to experience a Black Marlin. But, five full days of fishing and not a single Marlin bite. Richard, rather than trying to console and explain that it’s just part of fishing, came up with a plan. We split up into 2 boats each with two fisherman. Not only did we double our odds, but we also had the pleasure of having Hannes Ribbner, the world’s best professional photographer on one of our boats! Not an hour went by with baits in the water on our last day, and my son hooked up with Her Majesty! A beautiful 12 foot, 500 lb black marlin!!! To see my boys watch in disbelief as she rose from the depths, jumping completely out of the water and showing us all her glory instantly made my dream come true! She was absolutely awesome!! Not only did my dream come true, but Hannes captured it forever in a perspective that a fisherman rarely, if ever, has seen before! Check out the website as that pic is front and center for all to enjoy! I hope you enjoy Tropic Star as much as we did! And, forget the trip of a lifetime, we are going back to do it again!! Tom M.…
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
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Response from Mallory White, Guest Services / Front Office at Tropic Star Lodge
Responded 18 Feb 2021
Dear tmagardino, We really appreciate you taking the time to write your review of Tropic Star Lodge and leave such kind words of our staff. Tropic Star is very fortunate to have a team that is extremely passionate about what they do and it is great that you got to see that come through. We want to make your fishing dreams come true just as much as you want to achieve them. We can’t wait to see you back here again soon! Congrats again to your son on that spectacular Black Marlin! Hannes does some incredible work and we're so happy that the memories has the photos to match. All the best wishes, Mallory and Richard White
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+1
I have traveled fishing the world and Tropic Star Lodge is one of the finest lodges I have had the great opportunity to visit. The Lodge staff from the time you step onto the pier immediately make you feel as though you are family. The captains are the best in the business of off-shore fishing. You will not be disappointed. While the fishing is incredible, marlin galore and a diversity like none other, the food and an accommodations just top it all off!!! Made to order breakfasts, a huge assortment of lunch options and gourmet dinners that delight. Did I mention the yummy spicy fried chicken they offer for lunch? Or the TSL tradition of Baked Alaska....mmm so good. After a fun day of fishing, Richard and Marvin, the bartenders, learned “my drink” and greeted me with it every day after fishing with yummy apps and a cold towel. Afterwards, the gorgeous jungle surrounded pool and day spa (I had the hot stone massage 👍🏼) were great ways to end the day with a delicious cocktail in hand. Five Stars for sure!!!…
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
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Response from Mallory White, Guest Services / Front Office at Tropic Star Lodge
Responded 31 Jan 2021
Dear mmonthefly, Thank you for the time and your thoughtful review of your visit to Tropic Star Lodge. We’re so glad you felt like family because, well, you are! We appreciate you mentioning our delicious food, accommodations, facilities, staff and crew, and of course the fishing. We very much look forward to your next visit! All the best, Mallory and Richard White
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There are thousands of places to fish in the World, but there is no place like Tropic Star Lodge. If you want 5 star service and accommodations, then Tropic Star is your spot. The staff treat you like family. I'd go there even if I hated fishing. But, I love fishing. And, for those who love to fish, the fish are as accommodating as the staff (Blues,Blacks, monster Tuna, Monster Roosters, Monster Dolphin, Sails, Cubera). My son and I abandoned a tuna and black marlin bite just to rest up with some inshore fishing and spent the day catching two 50+ pound rooster fish, a 40+ pound Cubera and more Pompano than I could count -- on spinners and bait casters. INSANE. No rest for the wary I guess. Let me put it this way, catching bait is better fishing than most people experience in their entire lives. . If you don't want to become addicted to fishing, you need to avoid this place. Do yourself a favor and narrow your bucket list down to this one spot -- it has it all. P.S. these guys and gals are super COVID aware and conscientious. For them, your health, well being and peace of mind are second only to your fun and happiness -- as it should be.…
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Date of stay: December 2020
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Response from Mallory White, Guest Services / Front Office at Tropic Star Lodge
Responded 14 Jan 2021
Dear bvergnolle, It makes us so happy to know that you feel the same way about Tropic Star Lodge as we do. Thank you for taking the time to leave your review and we really appreciate you mentioning our staff and accommodations as we’re very proud of the service we provide as well as the upgrades made to our rooms over the past years. We’re in the business on fulfilling bucket lists! We’re fortunate the Lodge is at the doorstep to such a diverse fishery. We look forward to seeing you again in the near future! Best wishes, Mallory and Richard White
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+1
This place is absolutely amazing. Richard & Malory run a top-notch operation from the time you step foot onto the property until you depart. They made a point to make our two boys (8&9 yrs old) feel welcome and they were entertained at all times. They went kayaking, night fishing, swimming, fishing from pangas, a trip over to a secluded beach, etc... Now to the best part... the fishing... We fished on "Skandia" which is an updated late 60's/early 70's 34' Bertram. We caught 2 for 3 Blue Marlin 300+lbs, 5 Sailfish 100+lbs, 2 Yellowfin Tuna (one was 174 lbs.), 1 Almaco Jack, 6 Mahi-mahi (one 70lbs) & 1 Bluefin Trevally. That is 3 great days of fishing! Cheers to our captain Jose & mate Eladio which made this fishing trip a special memory that we will never forget. Also, if you have the chance to book Hannes Ribbner (a professional photographer from Sweden who specializes in shots for magazines like Marlin Mag) do so. He got some awesome pics of my wife's first Blue Marlin & a number of other great shots for our family. We stayed in one of the upgraded villas and it was updated & very comfortable for a family. The food & staff were excellent in every way. You just can't beat the 5:30am wakeup call in your room with hot coffee being delivered and hot chocolate for our two boys. Again, I can't say enough good comments about Tropic Star Lodge! They are GREAT!!…
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Date of stay: November 2020
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Room Tip: Upgraded Villas were great. Highly recommend.
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Response from Mallory White, Guest Services / Front Office at Tropic Star Lodge
Responded 07 Dec 2020
Dear wferg54, We are so thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your fishing adventure with your family at Tropic Star Lodge. We appreciate you taking the time to leave your review and highlights from your stay. We love having families here and sharing in the excitement and thrill of your family’s catches and making memories is what fishing and Tropic Star is all about. Congratulations again on all those special catches and releases! Thank you for your positive comments about our accommodation, food, and staff. Can’t really beat the wakeup call service in the morning! It was such a fun week for us and we very much look forward to having you back soon for some amazing fishing fun! All the best, Mallory and Richard
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ALSO KNOWN AS
tropic star hotel pinas bay
LOCATION
PanamaDarien ProvincePinas Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Tropic Star Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Tropic Star Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Tropic Star Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Tropic Star Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Tropic Star Lodge have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Tropic Star Lodge offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.