Covering 132 square kilometres of lush Isla Bastimentos and surrounding tropical waters and cays, this marine park was established in 1988 to protect the most extensive coral reefs and Caribbean mangrove swamps in the country. Superlative snorkelling and spectacular wildlife viewing are key appeals.

Girding the wide waist of Isla Bastimentos, the park covers one-third of the island. Along the shores, channels braid through vast expanses of mangroves whose stilt roots rise from translucent waters. Inland, dense moist tropical forest makes a fecund habitat for capuchin and night monkeys, sloths, agoutis, and 28 other species of mammal.

The freshwater lagoon is a hangout for turtles, caimans, and crocodiles: Swimming is not recommended. You may spy the strawberry poison dart frog, one of 28 reptile and amphibian species in the park. Trails into the forest are basic.