Once you get there it’s hard to leave Panama’s fabulous Bocas del Toro. It’s a peaceful relaxing place with a funky, romantic charm that has something untamed about it.

It is all about life on the water. There are very few cars and most places are only accessible by boat.

The place is full of colorful people nursing drinks in rustic wood & thatch bars, going fishing or running rustic hotels on remote beaches.

Bocas is beautiful and natural. It has an abundance of emerald islands, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, dense forests, barely explored mountains and rivers, extensive coral gardens, spooky mangrove channels, and exotic wildlife. It’s the kind of Caribbean hideaway one expects to find only in old movies. Here it is though, all very real – a perfect paradise.

Bocas Town

The town is made up of a wide main street (that used to be the landing strip for the planes coming to pick up bananas for United Fruit) and a number of small parallel streets to the side that all follow the coast. There are nice restaurants like the delicious Lemon Grass or L’Ultimo Refugio and small hotels like the Bocas Hotel, along the water as well as a couple of great local eating places on the otherside of the street. Chitre cafe is our favourite for lunch as they have nice meat, chicken and rice with the best chilli sauce you ever tasted and with a glass of home made lemonade your bill will rarely come to more than $2.50.

There are a couple of ATMs in the town as well as a few Chinese run grocery stores and two gourmet stores selling good wine, French goat’s cheese, English muffins, green leafy vegetables as well as the locally grown and home made chocolate. There are a couple of pharmacies, a hospital with a good reputation, a Chinese dentist and a yoga centre as well as 5 or 6 internet cafes and a sports bar with the unlikely name of Baumfalks. There are also a few places renting surf boards,canoes, bicycles and even electric buggies. There are quite a few real estate agents – the best seeming to be Century 21, Beyond Bocas and Pro Bocas.

Thinking of Moving to Bocas?We (the publishers of this site) live in Bocas and if you are thinking of moving here we would be happy to help you on places to live, how to earn money here etc. or put you in contact with other people who can advise you too. To email us go Contact Us from the side tabs.

Bocas is full of glorious lush rainforest and to learn more about the rain forest in Panama go to

Rainforest

An Archipeglio

Bocas del Toro is a province of Panama made up of a group of islands off the east coast, just 20 miles south of Costa Rica. It stretches about 100 kilometres from Boca del Drago in the west to Isla Escudo de Veraguas in the east. Christopher Columbus explored here in 1502 while searching for the passage for the Pasific Ocean.

The archipelago of Bocas del Toro has nine major islands, 59 smaller islands with names and a myriad of unnamed mangrove cays with a total population of 89,300. There is a protected Marine National Park here where four species of turtles come to lay their eggs.

The islands are known for their incredible natural beauty, amazing flowers, animals, parrots & other birds, good weather, warm clear water full of coral, dolphins, colourful fish and sea turtles, great diving, sailing & surfing, great food and chilled out lifesyle all in a stable democratic country with a sound economy and friendly attitude to foreigners.

The People of Bocas

The people help make Bocas special. More ethnicities and nationalities are represented on the islands than anywhere in the country outside of Panama City and you will hear more English spoken here than anywhere in the country.

The islands have long been home to the Ngöbe-Buglé, as well as the descendents of Afro-Caribbean immigrants from the English-speaking islands of Jamaica, San Andrés, and Providencia, many of whom came down to work on the region’s enormous banana plantations.

The pace of life is slow and relaxed with nobody seeming to be in much of a hurry. Locals travel between the islands in dugout canoes, some with motors, but most without. These canoes, or pongas as they are called, litter the waterways and channels, especially in the morning when everybody is either going to the main island or the mainland. Glass fibre taxi boats with space for 8 or so passengers zoom around everywhere and you can flag one down as they pass. They also offer day trips around various islands to special places like Dolphin Bay at the end of San Cristobal Island or to see the little red frogs on Bastimentos.

Most of the hotels and restaurants on the islands are owned by Europeans and North Americans. Long-term expats are already grumbling that Bocas isn’t what it used to be, but so far the new arrivals have mainly just brought a more international flavor and a broader range of lodging, dining, entertainment, and activity possibilities.

For now though, backpackers and surfers can still find a bed for six bucks in a hostel and a meal for $1.50, but those with more money to spend can stay in relatively luxurious surroundings and dine on surprisingly good Thai, Indian, Mexican, Italian, and other international cuisine.

Hotels in Bocas del Toro

There are a number of good hotels in Bocas town. Swan’s Cay is a bit up market and right in the middle of town, Casa Blanca near the airport offers a few nice rooms with internet and tv etc but no breakfast or other services. The one we like best is Hotel Angela. It has rooms from $40 a night, the staff are friendly and helpful, the owner is wonderful and the view over the water from the large covered veranda over the water is perfect! It is close to the airport (you can easily walk) and in a few minutes you are on the main street.

For a list of hotels go to
Bocas Hotels Page

Restaurants in Bocas Town

There are all kinds of restaurants in Bocas Town. Our favoutites for a nice dinner are L’Ultimo Refugio, Om (for Indian curry) and Lemon Grass for Far Eastern. 9 Degrees is very nice too with excellent wine. For more information on restaurants go to
Restaurants in Panama

The weather

The weather is warm and tropical all year round. Bocas’s biggest shortcoming however is the rain. Bocas is one of the wettest regions in Panama.

The rain never completely stops, though the best chance of a dry visit is in the min-dry seasons of September/October and February/March. Happily, that’s during Bocas’s low season, when prices are cheaper and everything less crowded. But as with the rest of Panama, even in the rainy season storms usually blow through quickly. Rainfall tends to be heaviest in December and July.

Panama being less than 10 degrees from the equator means the sun here can be very hot. However, because of its location, Bocas del Toro usually has a cooling breeze. The trade winds blow from approximately December to March but Bocas is mostly sheltered by the outlying islands and the sea is virtually always calm.The water temperature varies only a degree or two year-round from its usual 29C (85F).

Bugs and biting thingsThere are a few mosquitos in Bocas but not too many (no Malaria here for the last 5 years) and most hotel rooms have fly screens however there are lots of pesky sand fleas,otherwise known as no-see-ums. You can just about see them, like a tiny black dot on your skin but really they should be renamed we-feel-ums as they really sink their teeth in. You have to use insect repellent, especially on your feet and legs most of the time. The people living here use coconut oil mixed with citronella and lemon oil which is very effective and probably better for your health then Deet products. Apparently the insects drown in the oil which is good to know too!!

Bocas del Toro Real Estate

There are still some great bargains to be had in Bocas but prices have risen considerably in the past three years as Bocas starts to be discovered for the jewel it is. You can still buy parcels of land for $35,000 though and a house for about $120,000 although many are much more expensive. The lots along the waterfront in town with permission for a dock are some of the most expensive pieces of real estate here naturally.

Getting to Bocas del Toro

Travelling to Bocas can either be as simple as taking a 40 minute flight from Panama City for $75 or as adventurous as going over land by bus and water taxi.

You can fly to Bocas del Toro by Eeroperlas or Air Panama. You will arrive at the Tocumen International Airport and then, to fly to Bocas, you will need to go to Albrook National Airport which is about 30 minutes to an hour from Tocumen. You will probably need to stay over night in Panama City: there are many moderately-priced hotels ($20-$40) near the Albrook National Airport.

By car, take the Interamerican Highway up to entrance to Gualaca (404 Km). Turn to the right and go to the end of the road to Chiriqui Grande (95 Km)nd then, in Punta Peña, the road to Almirante, where you can leave the car in a car park or take it across on the 8am ferry. Roads from Panama City are paved, in good condition with beautiful views in the mountains.

A direct bus from Panama City to Bocas del Toro, via Almirante has recently become available with the opening of a new road. The bus ride takes approximately 9 hours and the cost is $23 US. The bus departs from Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte near Albrook Marcos Galabert Airport. The bus leaves in the evening at 8pm and dumps you off in Almirante around 5am. The bus only stops once around 11.30pm so be careful what you drink after that! Also, go with all the layers of clothes you possess as well as a blanket as the bus is kept at 19C which is freezing if you are in only shorts and a t shirt. Get a taxi for a dollar to the boat taxi and get the first water taxi which leaves at 6am. It takes 30 minutes annd costs $4. If you are really on a tight budget get the taxi to take you to the ferry and catch that at 8am.(Bus tel: 507-232-5803).

Bocas del Toro Marina

This is the newest and most up to date marina in Panama. It accommodates boats up to 100 ft. and the concrete floating docks provide stable platforms for walking and working, with aluminum ramps connecting the slips to the land.

Both short term and long term visitors are welcomed by the owners and staff, whose extensive knowledge will help make your arrival and stay in Bocas del Toro smooth and comfortable. A great advantage to you the yacht owner is that you can leave your vessel in Panamá indefinitely, with NO taxes to pay! The only requirement is that you maintain a current cruising permit.

Tourism in Bocas del Toro

Over the last few years the entire province has seen the beginnings of a tourist boom, with a number of middle range hotels and restaurants being opened in and around Bocas town. The town now boasts of three different PADI dive shops, many different styles of restaurants, a deep sea fishing outfit, numerous sailboat and catamaran cruises, mountain bike and moped rentals and a lot of fabulous seafood. Various half, full and multiple day trips can be arranged that combine different elements of what is available in the region.

IPAT (Tourism Office) has recently opened a new office in Bocas, which is located adjacent to the Police Office. The building is set on the waterfront, pointing towards Isla Carenero. The hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m, however, the office is new and often understaffed. They lack much in the way of promotional material.

Excursions in Bocas

Catamaran

A good example of the type of excursion one can find is a very popular day trip that takes place on a 34-foot catamaran that cruises tourists throughout the archipelago through deeply vegetated islands and coral reefs, stopping along the way at different spots to snorkel and scuba dive. Once they reach their destination, a secluded and deserted white sand beach on the island of Bastimentos, the picnic baskets are unloaded and a typical Caribbean lunch is served with white rice, beans, fish, fruit and juices.

After resting and swimming in the light crystal blue waters, it is time for the jungle hike into the island’s nature preserve. Sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, parrots, iguanas and tiny, brightly colored, poison dart frogs are among the island’s different animal inhabitants. The day trip ends with another cruise through the islands with one more stop for snorkeling and then pulls back into Bocas town just before sunset.

Mountain bikes

A fun and distinct excursion to take on Isla Colon is to rent mountain bikes in Bocas town and cycle into the interior. There is a dirt road that goes from the town all the way through the heart of the island to its other side. Many areas of this 20-mile long and 8-mile wide island are still primary and secondary rain forests with a number of pastures and small pueblos of thatched roofed huts. It is in one of these villages along the road in the middle of the island where you can find one of Bocas hidden treasures.

The Cave

Across the street from the town’s lone soda (small store) is a plain cement walkway that veers off the road and down the slope of a hill. Nestled to one side, at the bottom of the ravine, near the mouth of a cave and a fresh water spring is a shrine to the Virgin Mary. The area is shaded by a grove of trees and is quite cool even at midday in the middle of summer. Situated at the entrance to the cave, and placed all around the statue, are dozens of different colored glass candles. As you enter into the cave, the light from these candles flickers and bounce off the walls in a kaleidoscope of shifting colors. Further into the cave, it is possible to look up and see thousands of small fruit bats sleeping upside down and hanging from the ceiling. There is a quiet serenity to the place that allows visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of its surroundings.

Deep-Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing is a fairly new addition to the different excursions available in the region, but that does not mean that it isn’t world class. For years locals have been fishing in the province’s warm and bounteous waters catching all types of fish and seafood including the local delicacy, langusta, or lobster. For the avid sports fisherman there are sailfish, blue and black marlin, shark, barracuda, red snapper and snook. Half and full day trips are very inexpensive when compared with other sports fishing destinations such as Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Scuba Diving & snorkeling in Bocas del Toro is in some of the best and most diverse waters in all of Central America. The cost however is about half what you would expect to pay in places like Roatan, Honduras. You can find over two dozen different types of corals, hundreds of species of fish, kelp forests, shipwrecks, caves and reefs all within an hour of Bocas town. With so many different types of diving experiences to be had, it is the perfect place to spend a couple of weeks exploring them all.

One popular destination for divers and snorkelers alike, is Hospital Point. At only five minute by boat from Bocas, this point is easily accessible and a great place to get your feet wet. The water is warm and clear and it is possible to see many different examples of coral such as brain and elk.

For those on a budget, a mask, snorkel and fins can be rented in town for as little as $12 for the day. They can then hire one of the many locals along the wharf to take them over by boat and then pick them up later in the day for no more the three dollars.

Bocas del Toro Animals

While the sea and the water are Bocas del Toro’s main attraction, the islands themselves offer their own unique and interesting experiences and adventures. The islands are teaming with life of every kind from the top to the bottom of the rain forest canopy. Troops of howler, white faced and spider monkeys inhabit all of the larger islands of the group. Three and four toed sloths are very common sights as well as numerous different kinds of reptiles, birds, amphibians and sea turtles.

One of the most interesting and unique creatures to be found on the islands is the poison dart frog. These pint-size frogs are no bigger than a man’s thumbnail and have a myriad of different color patterns. Lime greens, day glow oranges, fiery reds, deep purples and bright yellows to name just a few of the different colors. These amazing little creatures get their name from the poison that they excrete from their skin and its use by native Indians to tip their spears and darts in Pre-Colombian times.

They are not really a danger to humans, as the poison has to be injected into the body because it cannot penetrate the skin.
For more information on the Islands of Bocas
click here

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Business Week, July 2008 ranked Boquete in Panama as one of the top-ten dollar-friendly destinations on the planet. It has also become a firm favourite for snowbirds escapng the snow of northern USA and Canada. It is a small town with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and a river running across it, about a six hour drive from Panama City. The town, founded in 1911, is surrounded by steep, lush mountains to the north, east and west, where lies the Baru Volcano, Panama’s highest peak at 3,475 meters.

The slopes surrounding the town are dotted with coffee plantations, flower gardens and orange groves, rising to rugged peaks that are usually obscured by thick cloud that descends on the town in a constant fine mist known as bajareque.

Set in the far north of the Chiriqui Province, Boquete is only 7 km (3.3 miles) from the border with the Bocas del Toro Province and close to the border with Costa Rica. While small compared to David, Boquete is the most populated and developed highland community, with many stable businesses geared towards tourism. Coffee and dairy farming are popular local businesses here too.Complete with a wide variety of hotels and restaurants,it can satisfy both backpackers and more demanding travellers alike. Hotels range from $10.00-$100.00, and restaurants include Mexican and Italian, in addition to numerous local establishments.

Weather in Boquete

Roughly 1000ft above sea level, it is up in the highlands and has a superb climate, with temperatures 10-20F cooler than down below, and not as humid. There is a regular gentle breeze making even the hottest day comfortable.

Things to See and Do in Boquete

Coffee Tours

The Kotowa coffee tour is the best coffee-estate tour in the area. The 3 hours long tour describes the estate’s history (emphasis on the estate’s environmentally friendly methods of coffee production), shows the production facilities and the estate’s processing mill with all the original machinery followed by a tasting session, during which guests learn what to look for in high quality coffee. Try to make reservations 24 hour before desired tour date. Tel. 720-3852.

Bird watching

For bird watching try Coffee Adventures. Hans & Terry offer a wide range of birding tours in and around Boquete. Tel.720-3852

Gardens to visit

Mi Jardin es Su Jardin, just uphill from Café Ruiz, is a magnificent garden surrounding a luxurious private estate. There is no entrance fee, and the garden is open every day of the year. Only a 45-minutes walk from the center of Boquete is El Explorador.

There is a cafeteria which serves breads, hot chocolate and many more of food and beverages and behind the cafeteria there is a garden like a page ripped from Alice in Wonderland. El Explorador is open only on weekends and holidays and the entrance costs about $1.00

Horseback Riding Tours

Try a friendly guide called Franklin who speaks Spanish and English who offers horseback riding in the beautiful area of the Hot Springs/Caldera. Tel. 720-1750

These natural hot springs are famous for their health-giving properties. Located near Boquete make the access easy. Enjoy a half day tour to the hot springs in a very relaxed atmosphere.

Hiking Tours

The mountainous area surrounding the town is ideal for walking and exploring. There is a difficult hiking tour called Sendero Los Quetzales which lasts seven to eight hours. You can hike the trail either from Bajo Mono to Cerro Punta or the other way. For this tour you need to arrange a local guide.

River Rafting

The Chiriqui Viejo is a World Class River that has all. Located near the Panama-Costa Rican border. It has virgin forest, water falls, and wild life that is not surpassed anywhere in Central America. Best of all, it has some of the best rapids anywhere in the world. This river can be run on day trips or two night camping trips are available from Panama Rafters – Tel. 720-2712. E-Mail rafting@panamarafters.com.

Also recommended is Chiriqui River Rafting. They offer different river rafting tours with professional guides in the Chiriqui River. It is promised unforgettable memories and the tours are very safe. Tel. 720-1505. Cell 6618-0846

Tree Trek

Boquete Tree Trek gives you a chance to safely experience the thrill of a zip-line canopy tour that can be compared to the most famous in the world. You will glide through the trees and encounter a world unknown. The tour is divided into 11 different zip-line cables over 3 kilometers in total length. Tel. 720-1635

Tour the Isla Boca Brava

Tel. 720-1635. You will experience the full sea side of the pacific coast in Chiriqui while still being close to shore.

Tour the Volcano – Vulcan Baru

Tour to the Volcano, at 3,475 meters altitude, when fair weather you will be able to look at the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans both at the same time. Tel. 720-1635.

Mountain Safari Tours

Boquete Mountain Safari sets itself apart from all other tours in Boquete by providing the only open air tour, in vintage Yellow Jeeps. It’s not just a tour—it is an adventure. Trek to see Howlers, Sloths, the Quetzal, or just have fun driving in the Cloud Forest to see Coffee Plantations and the beauty that makes Boquete the “Valley of the Flowers”. They are the only tour company in Panama allowed to visit Boquete’s award winning Specialty Coffee Estates (similar to the Napa Valley Wine Tours).

Blog: http://boquetesafaritours.typepad.com/

E-mail: carol@boquetesafari.com

Cell Phone: 507-6627-8829

Golf

Quebrada Grande Golf Course

This course is in the Valle Escondido Resort. You will definitely be challenged by this 9 hole executive golf course. Imagine playing golf in Panama in air conditioned comfort!

At 3,000 feet above sea level, you are in the cool mountain air and it is the only no sweat golf available in Panama. The course is not only challenging, but most people agree that it is one of the most beautiful courses in the country. You play across the Quebrada Grande river on nearly every hole. There are two tee boxes for each hole making a two round 18 hole par 60 course.

There are clubs and golf carts for rent. There is a training center with driving range where you can warm up or brush up on your game.

Cielo Paraiso Golf Course

The first 9 holes at Cielo Paraiso are expected to open by January 2009 and the entire golf course will open for play by July 2009.

“Construction of the golf course at Cielo Paraiso is progressing nicely and we anticipate completion by July 2009. Having designed over 200 courses around the world and in virtually every climate, I can truly say that the Cielo Paraiso site is one of the most spectacular that I have had the privilege of working on. Our design and construction team is committed to the creation of one of the finest, most enjoyable and visually stunning courses in all of Central America. The 18-hole championship-quality golf course will, without question, be the centerpiece of the beautiful new Cielo Paraiso residential community in Boquete, Panama.”J. Michael PoellotGolf Course Architect

Retiring in Boquete

Boquete for retirement is ideal and it has become a firm favorite with retiring Americans for many reasons, not just the great weather.

The countryside is as beautiful as anywhere found in Central America. No fewer palm trees or striking colors! The mountains and coffee plantations are stunning.

 

Not only that but there are lots of things to do: fishing, horse riding, walking, bird watching etc.

Recently new places have been opening up in the town – like international style bars, hotels, museums, a nine-hole golf course, and gyms.

Given the rising popularity of this place, there are various constructions underway to appeal to tourists too like visitors’ centers and shops.

There are a lot of people here who speak English, and creating a good social life is easy.

Labor is cheap in the area, with $7 a day as a good base salary for gardeners, maids, cooks etc.

Life is not expensive (try a haircut for $2!) and retirees benefit from the very generous retirement package offered by the Panamanian government.

For more on the benefits of retiring in Panama go to
Retiring

Real Estate in Boquete

There are not as many upscale choices for property as Panama City, but with the influx of 50-80 million baby–boomers in the next 10 years, well, “the times, they are-a-changing’!

Boquete offers both town living and country living.

You can build your own dream home here to your exact specifications or buy a ready built property.

This towm’s greatest asset really is the cost of real estate. For $45 a square foot for a US style home, massive 2,500 square foot homes are available for less than $80,000. Wow!

If doesn’t lure you enough to actually live there, many people are investing in real estate here to sell later or rent.

For more on Real Estate in Boquete click here

The Baru Volcano

The view of the Baru Volcano is amazing!

It is 11,000 feet high. You can take a hike up to the top in about 4hrs, or rent a jeep, and it will take you 45 minutes. Once you reach the top and with good weather conditions you can see both oceans (Pacific and Caribbean).

You can also take some of the trails leading to the different craters of the Baru volcano and see birds that can only be seen here.

Temperatures may drop as low as 68 degrees! Burrrr!!! . Some fast flowing rivers like the Chiriqui Viejo, winding its way through the agricultural lands of Boquete are used for rafting or canoeing.

Some other places like El Respingo near Cerro Punt are excellent for bird watching, especially the Quetzal (phraromacrus mocino) and the Toucan (ramphastos swainsonii), or for collecting some of the many Wild Orchids, ferns or moss that grow in this area.

Restaurants in Boquette

Delicias de Peru – Seafood

Restaurante Hibiscus. Tel.720-2652. Internacional cuisine specialized in French style

Restaurante Hotel Panamonte. Tel.720-1327. International cuisine

Restaurante Gran Francés. Tel. 720-2556 / National cuisine

Restaurante Lourdes. Tel. 720-1031 / Local Panamanian

Restaurante Bistro Boquete. Tel. 720-1017

Restaurante La Casona Mexicana. Mexican Food

Restaurante Antojitos. Mexican Food

Restaurante Tacos & Tacos. Mexican Food

Restaurante y Pizzería Salvatore. Pizza / Italian food

Pizzería La Volcánica. Tel. 720-1063. Pizza. / Local

Java Juice – the best hamburgers and shakes/juices

Panama Roasting Company – Breakfast and Lunch

Neli Coffee Shop – Coffee and little things

Hotels in Boquete

Mstrong>Panamonte Inn & Spa

Charming New-England-style Country Inn located 4 blocks from center of town, in Chiriqui Highlands. The Panamonte Inn & Spa is famous for its gracious hospitality, antique charm and exquisite cuisine. The Panamonte is not a hotel or a lodge, but the true definition of a country inn: a warm and friendly place for travelers seeking a comfortable ambiance and personalized attention, a home away from home. There are 16 rooms including garden cabins, standard rooms, suites and an apartment. Prices range from $98 to $280 a night. Phone 011(507) 720-1324 • Fax: 011(507) 720-2055 e-mail: reservation@panamonte.com

Valle Escondido

Valle Escondido, or Hidden Valley, is a Residential Resort Community of unprecedented tranquility and beauty. www.valleescondido.bizTel: (507) 720-2454

Valle Prima Vera

Accommodation at reasonable rates in a very tranquil and laid back atmosphere. Their rooms are large, clean, comfortable, including private bathrooms with hot water. Just a 6 minutes walk from downtown Boquete. Prices are around $40 a night. Tel: (507) 720-2881Mobile: 6674-5761

The Coffee Estate Inn

Luxury bungalows in a coffee plantation facing the Baru volcano, 800ft above Boquete. The hotel offers candlelit dinners and excellent cuisine as well as some of the freshest coffee you will ever have the pleasure to drink. A bungalow for two is $145 a night. Only 7 guests can be accommodated at any time. The owners can organize trips from here. Tel (507) 720-2211 www.coffeeestateinn.com

Boquette Garden Inn

Boquete Garden Inn was included in Frommer’s ‘Best of Panama’ section as one of the top nine Small Hotels and B&Bs in Panama! This unique Panama B&B is the perfect escape for your vacation, honeymoon or special celebration. Double rooms are $85 to $100 a night including tax. Phone (507) 720-2376 www. boquetegardeninn.com

La Huaca Inn

A new hotel in Boquete town, right on Central Avenue, close to restaurants, shops, public transportation, Caldera river, and more. Six beautiful rooms with a coffee and wine bar on the premises. $40 per night for double occupancy. Tel: (507) 720-2515 www.lahuacainn.com

Isla VerdeThe hotel is situated just 3 minutes walking distance from Boquete centre. There are six open, bright and spacious roundhouses and 2 suites. All lodging is situated in a lush tropical garden setting. Every unit is outfitted with bath and kitchen as well as hot and cold water along with Direct TV service. Free high-speed wireless Internet is also available to guests. Double rooms are between $80 and $100 not including breakfast or tax. Tel: 507-720 2533 www. islaverdepanama.com

Boquete Paradise Hotel

Just 5 minutes from downtown Boquete, these cabanas are surrounded by gorgeous gardens located next to a roaring mountain stream with a breathtaking view of the 11,500 ft. Volcano Baru. There are 7 two bedroom suites, accommodating up to 8 people, complete with full kitchen/dining area; or 4 single queen bed suites with kitchenettes. All include satellite TV, wireless internet and complimentary continental breakfast.

Hotel Ladera

Newly opened in July 2008 this modern hotel has 20 rooms of which 2 are suites. Tel:720-1791 www.hotel-ladera.com

Cheap Places to stay in Boquete

Refugio del Rio Known in town as the “luxurious” hostel, you will surprised to discover that such a beautiful house has been transformed into a hostel. The house has been carefully furnished and decorated and has 4 bedrooms all of which have private bathrooms. 2 of the bedrooms are dorm rooms that can accommodate up to 6 and 10 people each. The other 2 bedrooms have a double bed and one of them also has a single bed with a beautiful view to the garden and to the creek behind the property. The communal areas are the best amongst the low budget hostels in Boquete Tel: (507) 720 2433 / 720 2088 www.refugiodelrio.com/Boquete.html

Hotel Palacios by the bus stop, in front of the Parque / $6.50 per person. With shower it is $10 or $15 for two. Go there for the friendly owner, the small garden, the kitchen & the backpackers’ atmosphere. What you may not like : the rooms are not very clean, the whole place is rather messy, the water is cold, the mattress uncomfortable and it is very noisy, thanks to the lovely neighbors and their five dogs ! Tel: 7201653

Hostal Boquete, east of the Parque, toward the bridge by the river. Rooms with a shower are. $8 for one or $13 for two. Go there for the excellent deal, the nice comfortable rooms and the setting, with a tiny flowered garden by the river. Not all the rooms offer a river view. Tel: 7202573 Hotel Rebequet one street South of the Parque . Rooms with a shower are $10 per person or $15 for two in main building. Around a garden prices are $20 for a single and $30 for a double plus tax. Go there for the large pleasant rooms in a spotless environment. Tel: 7201365

Pension Marilos opposite the above. Only $6.50 for a single or $10 for a double room. With a shower it is slightly more. The house is charming, well decorated and has a homely atmosphere. The rooms are rather small, the furniture basic and not all have a window. Tel 7201380

Topas Pension one street South of the above. From $10 for a double room. Go there for the great setting in a relaxed garden w. swimming pool and volley net, the good rooms well decorated, the excellent info from the German owner or if you are a Tintin fan (look for the murals) / Bike for guests at $5 per day. Tel: 7201005 (schoeb@chiriqui.com),

Medical Services in Boquete

Centro Médico San Juan Bautista.

Dr. Leonidas Pretelt. Tel. 720-1881 Cel. 616-2177 / Fluent English

Clinica Valle Boquete Dr. Basilio Markaw, Tel. 6673-3305 Dr. Augusto Sitton Tel. 6675-0422. / Some English

Consultorio Alfa. (Al lado de La Reina / Next to La Reina store). Dr. Alfonso Mou Tel .720-2434 Cel. 675-8393. / Good Enough English

Ministerio de Salud. Dr. Jeffrey Joyner Tel. 720-2341. Cel. 673-9908. / Bilingual

For more on Panama Health click here

Mountain Safari Tours

Your Path to Adventure!

Hiking Tours • Horseback Riding • Cloud Forest •Hot Springs • 4 x 4 Jeep Tours • Wildlife • Coffee Tours • Quetzal Trail

Boquete Safari invites you to discover this unspoiled region of Panama filled with natural and cultural riches with a legacy that has shaped the world’s history. The Chiriqui Province of Panama is filled with wonderful biodiversity found within ancient rainforests, spectacular seas and indigenous cultures. A land of mystery and enchantment.

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E-Mail: carol@boquetesafari.com
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Panama is a maritime country with both history and its economy linked to the sea. It has coasts both on the Caribbean (1207 km) and the Pacific Oceans (1700 km) and many many places where you can scuba-dive or snorkel. The privileged geographic position of the country has generated important marine and coastal zones full of aquatic and land ecosystems like marshes, beaches and coral reefs that form incredible landscapes of submarine flora and fauna on both coasts. Here you can scuba and snorkel in warm water all year round and be surrounded by beauty as well as memories from the past.

Under the Water in Bocas del Toro

Photo by Christian Scuba in the Islands of Bocas can be enjoyed throughout the year, with most of the dive spots no more than one hour boat ride from Bocas town. The water temperature is tropical and constant, so full or even short wet suits are not required. Water visibility varies from one dive spot to another, and is always dependent on weather conditions. The months of September and October are traditionally the better months, due primarily to more suitable climatic conditions. During this period there is less rain and wind, allowing for clearer water. Even experienced and well traveled divers are astonished with the extraordinary submarine beauty of the North and South Zapatilla Keys in the province of Bocas del Toro within the Maritine National Park of Bastimento Island, as well as around the waters of Punta Vieja (Old Point), Punta Hospital ( Hospital Point), Donato, Crawl Cay, Stern Island, Tiger Cay, Wild Cane Cay and Agua Oeste Cay. On Colon Island tour operators provide equipment and guides for safe scuba diving any time of year.

Bocas – Tiger Rock

Photo by Christian This is perhaps the furthest dive spot from Bocas down, with the boat ride lasting approximately one hour. It lies just off the mainland to the right of Zapatilla Cays. There is a large rock formation that stands above the surface, and descends well below 100 ft. Your adventure will begin with a descent to approximately 35 ft., where there is a sandy shelf, littered with stones and coral. From here you’ll head north and to the right, around the rock, descending as you do to between 80 -100 ft. The rock wall itself has a steep slope, and you can cruise alongside the rock at whatever level you feel most comfortable. The rock is covered with plentiful amounts of soft and hard coral, and has numerous small crevices or caverns. One can expect to see moray eels, bristle tree worms, anemones, sponges, and small schools of groupers, etc. There is not much in the way of large pelagic sea life here, so concentrate on the wall. Once circling the rock and reaching the far side, you’ll return back around the rock at a shallower depth, perhaps 50 – 60 ft. en route to the anchor. Depending on your air consumption, extra time can be spend near the anchor, looking through the crevices and coral formations that litter the floor and make up the rock wall. The dive lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Bocas – Coral Cay

Photo by Christian

This start site is situated just off the southeast portion of Isla Bastimentos, near the famous Coral Cay restaurant; perhaps 30 minutes from Bocas town. It’s a shallow water dive, perhaps 20 – 35 ft., over an enormous garden of soft and hard coral, separated by sandy bottom.

It’s much like a drift dive, in that the pick up point is far from where you enter the water. Your dive will last upwards of one hour and will be spend gliding along the coral formations. This dive is wonderful for those interested in photography, as there is plenty of bristle tree worms, crabs, anemones, and Christmas tree worms. There is not much here in the way of large pelagic fish.

Bocas – Hospital Point

This spot is located just at the tip of Isla Solarte, only 5 minutes by boat from Bocas town. Frequented by snorkelers for its shallow reefs, the rocky point descends along a subtle slope to approximately 40ft, where it reaches the maritime channel. Along the slope you can find lobsters, moray eels, squid, and various species of soft and hard coral. Nurse sharks have been seen here, as have puffer fish, groupers and other colorful fish species. For more on Bocas del Toro and the islands go to Bocas del Toro

Snorkeling in San Blas

The San Blas Archipelago is famous all over the world for its wonderful islands of coral and its crystalline waters where scuba and snorkeling are some of the main activities of the area. San Blas is also known as Comarca Kuna Yala – “365 islands, one for each day of the year” say the Kuna Indians that inhabit these white sanded specs on the northeastern shores of Panama. While it’s entirely possible to reach areas of San Blas by land, most who visit San Blas travel by plane, departing from Panama City. With daily, early morning departures, virtually the entire Comarca is accessible, as there are a countless number of airstrips that dot the coastline that stretches hundreds of miles to the Colombian border. Porvenir, the most frequently visited community, serves as the gateway to San Blas. There, and elsewhere though out the Comarca, small thatch roof, Kuna Style bungalows can be found at reasonable prices. In addition, a limited number of more upscale resorts offering more modern amenities can be found on the outerlying islands. Friendly, hospitable, unspoiled and clean define San Blas, which is ideal for snorkelers thanks to the vast area that these 365 islands encompass. SCUBA-diving is not permitted on these islands, only snorkeling. Don’t miss it though. The best months for diving are April, May, November and December.

Diving in Portobelo

There are meeting sites for scuba and snorkeling like Portobelo Bay, Isla Mamey and Isla Grande. Here you dive in waters full of the history with pirates and privateers from the XVII century, where stormy battles took place and where the mortal remains of the famous pirate Sir Francis Drake, were laid to rest at sea in a leaden casket. Along the main road, just before entering town, you’ll find several dive operators that service the local waters. Common sites include “Buena Ventura Island” for shallow and deep diving, with an intriguing drop-off. Or, if your interest is in looking for pirates history, then “Drake’s Island” is your site. A short boat ride can take you to “Salmedina Reef”, a semi-submerged reef that has taken its share of wooden vessels. Not far away lies “Three Sisters” islands, with varied underwater terrain, sea flora and fauna. The best months are April, May, November and December.

The Beautiful Waters of Isla Grande

Isla Grande is a small, typical Antillean community popular with surfers, snorkelers, divers and sunbathers alike. Several guest houses and hotels line the shoreline can attend to your rooming needs. On its western end, a unique labyrinth of canyons offer a beautiful dive. Along the main road, just before entering town, you’ll find several operators that service the local waters. Common sites include “Buena Ventura Island” for shallow and deep diving, with an intriguing drop-off. Or, if your interest is in looking for pirates history, then “Drake’s Island” is your site. Said to be where Sir Francis Drake was set to rest, divers still look for Drake’s coffin among the encrusted coral. A short boat ride can take you to “Salmedina Reef”, a semi-submerged reef that has taken its share of wooden vessels. Not far lies “Three Sisters” islands, with varied underwater terrain, sea flora and fauna. For more on Portobelo and Isla Grande go to Colon

Diving in the Amazing Waters of Coiba Island

In the Pacific Ocean there are ample zones of subaqueous beauties like Coiba Island, in the Coiba National Park, that has the most extensive coralline reefs of the Central American Pacific becoming a great natural aquarium. This virgin island boasts several beautiful white sand beaches, ideal for snorkeling. Below, one can expect strong currents, moray eels, large pelagic and dramatic rock formations. For more on the fascinating and rather grusome history of Coiba Island go to Colon

Scuba in the Province of Chiriqui

Another possibility is to visit the Chiriquí Marine Gulf National Park where there are species of great size like whales and dolphins among others, or enjoy scuba in what seems like a multicolored aquarium. In these two areas the best months for diving are December to March. For more about Chiriqui got to Chiriqui

The Pearl Islands

The Islands of Contadora and Taboga in the Archipelago of las Perlas (the Pearl Archipelago), are the diving sites nearest to Panama City. In the Wild Life Refuge of Iguana Island there are very well preserved coral reefs that can easily be observed at shallow depths, an excellent and calm site to dive. For more on islands go to the Pearl Islands

Diving with Marlin in Darien

The Coast of Darien is the realm of the Black Marlin, huge Amberjacks and “Dog-Toothed” Snappera and is a spear fisherman’s paradise. You can reach the area by either flying into the town of Jaque, or by private boat. It has been known of economy conscious divers loading a zodiac with a small engine onto one of the cargo boats and go there for four or five days. Although no formal scuba operation exists, some outfitters will gladly customize a tour for your group and guide you through the area. Be prepared to see blue and deep waters, with large inquisitive fish coming at you as if you were just driftwood. For more about the province of Darien go to Darien

Experiencing the Pacific Coast of Panama

The Azuero Peninsula, situated on Panama’s pacific coast, has various aluring waters including Isla Iguana, Punta Mala, Cambutal, Santa Catalina, Los Frailes and Isla Cebaco. The underwater terrain and sea life is somewhat similar to the other areas in the Pacific, with current diving, wreck dives and underwater seamounts nearby.

The best time to go is between April and December, however, the sport can be enjoyed year round; water conditions between January and March are less predictable and are more day to day as a result of upwelling currents coming from the south.

Whale watching (Humpbacks) is best done between July and September as the whales migrate from South America to the warmer waters of the Caribbean. Whale sharks and pods of Orcas, while not common occurrences, can be seen at certain times of the year further out. As well, sea turtles are present year round and are very common between the months of September and October when they arrive in larger numbers to lay their eggs.

Dive shops in the area can take you any of the dive spots.

Exploring Gatun Lake

The waters next to the Panama Canal, specifically Gatún and Alajuela lakes are also a unique destination. This is a different under water experience as you get to see remains of the first trans-isthmian railroad and the old dredges that excavated the Canal pathway as well as old villages submerged under the waters.For more on Gatun Lake go to Colon

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