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 Bocas Del Toro Panama, From A "locals" point of view |
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| gringoloco |
 Oct 16 2008, 08:59 PM
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First, my creds. I have lived here in Bocas for over two years. I have seen, done and heard everything there is to do here. I can help you choose what ever level of accommodations, meals or tours you may want. I can tell you about the surf breaks and how to get to them. I can tell you all there is to know about how to get here. If you are considering a trip to Panama, you should include Bocas in your itinerary, if you are young or old, a trecker or a suit case type of traveler. If you plan on sailing here, I can give you insight into our marinas as well. In short, I want to be your source of "inside info" about this archipelago of islands off the Panama coast.
Where is Bocas Del Toro? Bocas is about as far west as you can go in Panama without being in Costa Rica. That's right, WEST. Look at a map. Panama actually runs E/W not N/S. We are on the Caribe side, not the Pacific side.
OK, How do you get here? Of course that depends on where you are coming from and your budget. Bocas has an airport with four flights daily out of Panama City and three flights a week out of San Jose, Costa Rica. At the time I am writing this, a one way flight from either is about $75. It takes about an hour from either location. The airlaines out of PC are Aeroperlas and Air Panama. The airline out of SJ CR is Nature Air. All have web sites with schedules.
If that stretches your travel budget, and if time is not an issue, you can get here by water taxi or a ferry. The water taxis leave from two places. Almirante and Changinola. They will cost you about $7 one way and they also take about an hour. Both Almirante and Changinola are on the mainland.
If you are coming from Costa Rica, find the correct bus station in San Jose. There are at least two bus lines that run to or over the border. Be sure to get the bus to Sixaola, or Changinola not the bus to David. Most of the cab drivers in San Jose know which bus station to take you to, there are many. If you get the bus to Sixaola, it is basically an all day trip, and you want to get on the earliest bus in the morning because the international border is not open all night. Remember that there is a 1 hour time difference between CR and Panama, so when it is 4 o'clock in CR, it is 5 in Panama, and immigration WILL BE CLOSED.
Crossing the border from Sixaola is worth the trip alone. Have your camera out. You will need to walk across an old railroad bridge over the Sixaola river. You can look down through the wooden slats, and it is a LONG way down.
Before crossing the bridge you need to clear out of CR at the immigration window. Do not go inside, just go to the window.
Once across the bridge, you need to clear in at immigration, again another window. You may need to pay about $15 for your 90 day visa, maybe not. It depends on if the immigration guy who takes the money is working or downstairs drinking beer, honest.
OK, now you have your visa. Go down a set of stairs across the rail road tracks and find a taxi or mini bus that will take you to "Taxi Sesenta", or just tell the taxi guy "BOCAS, BOCAS" he knows where to go. You will be taken to a park where the water taxis to/from Bocas arrive/leave. Hopefully you are in time for the last one, and hopefully they have space. In low season, no problema, high season? Be ready to spend a night in Changinola. This taxi ride is another kodak moment. You pass through a channel cut out of the jungle about a hundred years ago by the banana company. If you have ever taken the jungle ride at Disneyland, this is the real thing.
If you find yourself in Almirante, there are two water taxi services to Bocas that leave every half hour or so dawn to dusk. OR, if you want to leave at 8:00 a.m., take the ferry. It is a great ride, takes about an hour and a half, and is the cheapest possible way. The taxis will cost you $7 or so, the ferry about $2, and it is more fun. They all leave from the same 100 yard stretch on the water front, and again, any cab driver knows where you want to go as soon as he sees your back pack or surf board.
OK, Now you are here> Where do you stay?
You know the drill if you have traveled much. What is your budget? How long will you be here? Do I want to party and stay up to the beat of disco music all night, or do I want to find a nice beach resort where I can sleep?
Instead of me listing all the possible places in this post, I will gladly answer any inquiries you put up. I will direct you to places you will be happy with if you are honest with me about what you want. I will not only give you names of places, but I will supply phone numbers of the people who run them. I know most of them personally, so like I said, if I know what you want, I will direct you to the perfect spot.
What can I do in Bocas?
Like to surf? in the right months Bocas has quite a few good breaks. I know a couple "locals only" breaks, and if you are nice to me I just might turn you on to them. Otherwise, you surfers tend to find each other and the waves pretty much on your own.
Like to Party? If you are 20 something type of traveler, Bocas has wall to wall disco/pick up joints. Just follow your ears after 11 P.M. The beer is cheap, and no one waers much in the way of clothing.
Like nature? Bocas has many organized tours. You can go see dolphins. You can go snorkeling (we have great coral reefs). You can hike thru the jungle and find frogs of many colors and even more birds.
Like to Chill? No problema. Hammocks are every where, bring a good book.
Want a nudist resort? I know of two. Very private, very nice.
What is the weather like?Basically it is always 80 degrees. In the sun, in the shade, in the rain and in the water, 80 degrees. So is the humidity. All year long.
Internet cafes?Dude, you trip over them.
Where do I eat?Again, we have everything from $3 meals of rice and chicken to $30 meals of lobster. Your choice, your budget. There are plenty of supermarkets to buy stuff to make your own sandwiches if you so desire. We will soon have a SUBWAY! I am SO excited!
Best Time of year?No importa. The weather is always here. Unless you surf, it does not matter.
Do I need to speak Spanish?Not really, but it always helps. There is a very nice Spanish language school here that also has rooms. You can stay there and get lessons every day. Or just drop by for an hour lesson and learn how to order a beer or chat up that person you saw in the disco last night.
The only people I suggest DO NOT come here is if you are traveling with young kids or elderly. This place is not set up for either.
OK, now I am ready for questions. Look again, because I will be postings some images soon.
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| gringoloco |
Nov 11 2008, 04:58 PM
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QUOTE(gringoloco @ Nov 11 2008, 04:52 PM)  QUOTE(wintersun @ Nov 6 2008, 06:14 AM)
Hola Grigoloco, my wife and I are planning to be in Bocas del Toro soon. Can you give me your best suggestions for a good, upscale nudist resort please? In your posting, you mention that you know of two good ones.
We'd love to get an informed local perspective from someone who's been there such as yourself.
What can you tell us about about these places? Do they actively promote a positive nude-friendly atmosphere on the hotel premises? Or is that aspect compromised at times by having to cater to non-nudists who may have (mistakenly) chosen the wrong hotel?
What were your overall impressions during your stay there?
Looking forward to your insight. many thanks, WS
wintersun The best place is called Garden of Eden. It is a very private resort on its own island, not too far from the town of Bocas. If you go Google and enter "Garden of Eden bocas del Toro" you will find it. The owners names are Bob and Helena, very cool people. They do their booking on line, and they meet you at the airport, or the water Taxi if you come that way. Please tell them that Forrest sent you to them. i dont get a commision or anything, but it is nice to know that they know. Anything else, just write back Have a good time here.  |
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| wintersun |
Nov 13 2008, 08:45 AM
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QUOTE(gringoloco @ Nov 11 2008, 04:58 PM) QUOTE(gringoloco @ Nov 11 2008, 04:52 PM) QUOTE(wintersun @ Nov 6 2008, 06:14 AM)
Hola Grigoloco, my wife and I are planning to be in Bocas del Toro soon. Can you give me your best suggestions for a good, upscale nudist resort please? In your posting, you mention that you know of two good ones.
We'd love to get an informed local perspective from someone who's been there such as yourself.
What can you tell us about about these places? Do they actively promote a positive nude-friendly atmosphere on the hotel premises? Or is that aspect compromised at times by having to cater to non-nudists who may have (mistakenly) chosen the wrong hotel?
What were your overall impressions during your stay there?
Looking forward to your insight. many thanks, WS
wintersun The best place is called Garden of Eden. It is a very private resort on its own island, not too far from the town of Bocas. If you go Google and enter "Garden of Eden bocas del Toro" you will find it. The owners names are Bob and Helena, very cool people. They do their booking on line, and they meet you at the airport, or the water Taxi if you come that way. Please tell them that Forrest sent you to them. i dont get a commision or anything, but it is nice to know that they know. Anything else, just write back Have a good time here. Hi again, Thanks for your reply and the helpful information. We'll mention you when we get there. I visited the website and the place looks wonderful. In your experience, is everyone generally happy to be nude there or is the atmosphere compromised at times by non-nudists who may have (mistakenly) chosen the wrong hotel? thanks, WS |
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| la_bolt_fan |
Mar 11 2009, 10:34 PM
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Thanks for the info Gringo,
We have gone to Costa Rica several times in the Off season (Late May) and we have never needed to make hotel reservations. In Bocas this time of year, late may, do you think we can just wing it and find places as we see them??
Thanks!
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| dankolar |
Mar 24 2009, 04:38 PM
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So I am on a budget, so I would like to skip flying from PC to Bocas. What is the best way to get to Bocas from PC? More specifically, how would one get to Almirante from PC? How long of a trip is it? QUOTE(gringoloco @ Oct 16 2008, 08:59 PM)
First, my creds. I have lived here in Bocas for over two years. I have seen, done and heard everything there is to do here. I can help you choose what ever level of accommodations, meals or tours you may want. I can tell you about the surf breaks and how to get to them. I can tell you all there is to know about how to get here. If you are considering a trip to Panama, you should include Bocas in your itinerary, if you are young or old, a trecker or a suit case type of traveler. If you plan on sailing here, I can give you insight into our marinas as well. In short, I want to be your source of "inside info" about this archipelago of islands off the Panama coast.
Where is Bocas Del Toro? Bocas is about as far west as you can go in Panama without being in Costa Rica. That's right, WEST. Look at a map. Panama actually runs E/W not N/S. We are on the Caribe side, not the Pacific side.
OK, How do you get here? Of course that depends on where you are coming from and your budget. Bocas has an airport with four flights daily out of Panama City and three flights a week out of San Jose, Costa Rica. At the time I am writing this, a one way flight from either is about $75. It takes about an hour from either location. The airlaines out of PC are Aeroperlas and Air Panama. The airline out of SJ CR is Nature Air. All have web sites with schedules.
If that stretches your travel budget, and if time is not an issue, you can get here by water taxi or a ferry. The water taxis leave from two places. Almirante and Changinola. They will cost you about $7 one way and they also take about an hour. Both Almirante and Changinola are on the mainland.
If you are coming from Costa Rica, find the correct bus station in San Jose. There are at least two bus lines that run to or over the border. Be sure to get the bus to Sixaola, or Changinola not the bus to David. Most of the cab drivers in San Jose know which bus station to take you to, there are many. If you get the bus to Sixaola, it is basically an all day trip, and you want to get on the earliest bus in the morning because the international border is not open all night. Remember that there is a 1 hour time difference between CR and Panama, so when it is 4 o'clock in CR, it is 5 in Panama, and immigration WILL BE CLOSED.
Crossing the border from Sixaola is worth the trip alone. Have your camera out. You will need to walk across an old railroad bridge over the Sixaola river. You can look down through the wooden slats, and it is a LONG way down.
Before crossing the bridge you need to clear out of CR at the immigration window. Do not go inside, just go to the window.
Once across the bridge, you need to clear in at immigration, again another window. You may need to pay about $15 for your 90 day visa, maybe not. It depends on if the immigration guy who takes the money is working or downstairs drinking beer, honest.
OK, now you have your visa. Go down a set of stairs across the rail road tracks and find a taxi or mini bus that will take you to "Taxi Sesenta", or just tell the taxi guy "BOCAS, BOCAS" he knows where to go. You will be taken to a park where the water taxis to/from Bocas arrive/leave. Hopefully you are in time for the last one, and hopefully they have space. In low season, no problema, high season? Be ready to spend a night in Changinola. This taxi ride is another kodak moment. You pass through a channel cut out of the jungle about a hundred years ago by the banana company. If you have ever taken the jungle ride at Disneyland, this is the real thing.
If you find yourself in Almirante, there are two water taxi services to Bocas that leave every half hour or so dawn to dusk. OR, if you want to leave at 8:00 a.m., take the ferry. It is a great ride, takes about an hour and a half, and is the cheapest possible way. The taxis will cost you $7 or so, the ferry about $2, and it is more fun. They all leave from the same 100 yard stretch on the water front, and again, any cab driver knows where you want to go as soon as he sees your back pack or surf board.
OK, Now you are here> Where do you stay?
You know the drill if you have traveled much. What is your budget? How long will you be here? Do I want to party and stay up to the beat of disco music all night, or do I want to find a nice beach resort where I can sleep?
Instead of me listing all the possible places in this post, I will gladly answer any inquiries you put up. I will direct you to places you will be happy with if you are honest with me about what you want. I will not only give you names of places, but I will supply phone numbers of the people who run them. I know most of them personally, so like I said, if I know what you want, I will direct you to the perfect spot.
What can I do in Bocas?
Like to surf? in the right months Bocas has quite a few good breaks. I know a couple "locals only" breaks, and if you are nice to me I just might turn you on to them. Otherwise, you surfers tend to find each other and the waves pretty much on your own.
Like to Party? If you are 20 something type of traveler, Bocas has wall to wall disco/pick up joints. Just follow your ears after 11 P.M. The beer is cheap, and no one waers much in the way of clothing.
Like nature? Bocas has many organized tours. You can go see dolphins. You can go snorkeling (we have great coral reefs). You can hike thru the jungle and find frogs of many colors and even more birds.
Like to Chill? No problema. Hammocks are every where, bring a good book.
Want a nudist resort? I know of two. Very private, very nice.
What is the weather like?Basically it is always 80 degrees. In the sun, in the shade, in the rain and in the water, 80 degrees. So is the humidity. All year long.
Internet cafes?Dude, you trip over them.
Where do I eat?Again, we have everything from $3 meals of rice and chicken to $30 meals of lobster. Your choice, your budget. There are plenty of supermarkets to buy stuff to make your own sandwiches if you so desire. We will soon have a SUBWAY! I am SO excited!
Best Time of year?No importa. The weather is always here. Unless you surf, it does not matter.
Do I need to speak Spanish?Not really, but it always helps. There is a very nice Spanish language school here that also has rooms. You can stay there and get lessons every day. Or just drop by for an hour lesson and learn how to order a beer or chat up that person you saw in the disco last night.
The only people I suggest DO NOT come here is if you are traveling with young kids or elderly. This place is not set up for either.
OK, now I am ready for questions. Look again, because I will be postings some images soon.
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| mirandahewitt |
Mar 25 2009, 11:24 AM
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Gringoloco...we are heading to Panama in May and was planning to head straight to Bocas for some relaxation with our two small children...why do you not recommend it for them...? I am interested in your opinion before i book internal flights. Many thanks
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| moranex |
Apr 1 2009, 09:49 PM
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Hey whats up. I am planning a surf trip with some of buddies to Boca at the end of april through the beginning of may and have never been. First off, I know it can get good there but is it consistent enough that time of year to be worth going. I am not mr. money bags if you know what I mean. Where would you suggest to stay. Do you have suggestions for boat trips to surf spots. I will be flying in from Florida and was wondering if you had any suggestions. Thanks
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| moranex |
Apr 5 2009, 12:15 PM
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Does anyone have any info on panamaprivatetours.com and if they are good or not?
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| moranex |
Apr 5 2009, 10:08 PM
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Can anyone help me book a trip to bocas so we are able to get from Panama city to bocas, have a hotel and are able to have a guided surf tour each day? Thanks
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| blakes |
Apr 21 2009, 12:34 PM
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Hola Gringoloco, I was wondering if you know of a place close by where we can do a zip line/canopy tour. Muchas Gracias, Blakes QUOTE First, my creds. I have lived here in Bocas for over two years. I have seen, done and heard everything there is to do here. I can help you choose what ever level of accommodations, meals or tours you may want. I can tell you about the surf breaks and how to get to them. I can tell you all there is to know about how to get here. If you are considering a trip to Panama, you should include Bocas in your itinerary, if you are young or old, a trecker or a suit case type of traveler. If you plan on sailing here, I can give you insight into our marinas as well. In short, I want to be your source of "inside info" about this archipelago of islands off the Panama coast.
Where is Bocas Del Toro? Bocas is about as far west as you can go in Panama without being in Costa Rica. That's right, WEST. Look at a map. Panama actually runs E/W not N/S. We are on the Caribe side, not the Pacific side.
OK, How do you get here? Of course that depends on where you are coming from and your budget. Bocas has an airport with four flights daily out of Panama City and three flights a week out of San Jose, Costa Rica. At the time I am writing this, a one way flight from either is about $75. It takes about an hour from either location. The airlaines out of PC are Aeroperlas and Air Panama. The airline out of SJ CR is Nature Air. All have web sites with schedules.
If that stretches your travel budget, and if time is not an issue, you can get here by water taxi or a ferry. The water taxis leave from two places. Almirante and Changinola. They will cost you about $7 one way and they also take about an hour. Both Almirante and Changinola are on the mainland.
If you are coming from Costa Rica, find the correct bus station in San Jose. There are at least two bus lines that run to or over the border. Be sure to get the bus to Sixaola, or Changinola not the bus to David. Most of the cab drivers in San Jose know which bus station to take you to, there are many. If you get the bus to Sixaola, it is basically an all day trip, and you want to get on the earliest bus in the morning because the international border is not open all night. Remember that there is a 1 hour time difference between CR and Panama, so when it is 4 o'clock in CR, it is 5 in Panama, and immigration WILL BE CLOSED.
Crossing the border from Sixaola is worth the trip alone. Have your camera out. You will need to walk across an old railroad bridge over the Sixaola river. You can look down through the wooden slats, and it is a LONG way down.
Before crossing the bridge you need to clear out of CR at the immigration window. Do not go inside, just go to the window.
Once across the bridge, you need to clear in at immigration, again another window. You may need to pay about $15 for your 90 day visa, maybe not. It depends on if the immigration guy who takes the money is working or downstairs drinking beer, honest.
OK, now you have your visa. Go down a set of stairs across the rail road tracks and find a taxi or mini bus that will take you to "Taxi Sesenta", or just tell the taxi guy "BOCAS, BOCAS" he knows where to go. You will be taken to a park where the water taxis to/from Bocas arrive/leave. Hopefully you are in time for the last one, and hopefully they have space. In low season, no problema, high season? Be ready to spend a night in Changinola. This taxi ride is another kodak moment. You pass through a channel cut out of the jungle about a hundred years ago by the banana company. If you have ever taken the jungle ride at Disneyland, this is the real thing.
If you find yourself in Almirante, there are two water taxi services to Bocas that leave every half hour or so dawn to dusk. OR, if you want to leave at 8:00 a.m., take the ferry. It is a great ride, takes about an hour and a half, and is the cheapest possible way. The taxis will cost you $7 or so, the ferry about $2, and it is more fun. They all leave from the same 100 yard stretch on the water front, and again, any cab driver knows where you want to go as soon as he sees your back pack or surf board.
OK, Now you are here> Where do you stay?
You know the drill if you have traveled much. What is your budget? How long will you be here? Do I want to party and stay up to the beat of disco music all night, or do I want to find a nice beach resort where I can sleep?
Instead of me listing all the possible places in this post, I will gladly answer any inquiries you put up. I will direct you to places you will be happy with if you are honest with me about what you want. I will not only give you names of places, but I will supply phone numbers of the people who run them. I know most of them personally, so like I said, if I know what you want, I will direct you to the perfect spot.
What can I do in Bocas?
Like to surf? in the right months Bocas has quite a few good breaks. I know a couple "locals only" breaks, and if you are nice to me I just might turn you on to them. Otherwise, you surfers tend to find each other and the waves pretty much on your own.
Like to Party? If you are 20 something type of traveler, Bocas has wall to wall disco/pick up joints. Just follow your ears after 11 P.M. The beer is cheap, and no one waers much in the way of clothing.
Like nature? Bocas has many organized tours. You can go see dolphins. You can go snorkeling (we have great coral reefs). You can hike thru the jungle and find frogs of many colors and even more birds.
Like to Chill? No problema. Hammocks are every where, bring a good book.
Want a nudist resort? I know of two. Very private, very nice.
What is the weather like?Basically it is always 80 degrees. In the sun, in the shade, in the rain and in the water, 80 degrees. So is the humidity. All year long.
Internet cafes?Dude, you trip over them.
Where do I eat?Again, we have everything from $3 meals of rice and chicken to $30 meals of lobster. Your choice, your budget. There are plenty of supermarkets to buy stuff to make your own sandwiches if you so desire. We will soon have a SUBWAY! I am SO excited!
Best Time of year?No importa. The weather is always here. Unless you surf, it does not matter.
Do I need to speak Spanish?Not really, but it always helps. There is a very nice Spanish language school here that also has rooms. You can stay there and get lessons every day. Or just drop by for an hour lesson and learn how to order a beer or chat up that person you saw in the disco last night.
The only people I suggest DO NOT come here is if you are traveling with young kids or elderly. This place is not set up for either.
OK, now I am ready for questions. Look again, because I will be postings some images soon.
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| tcraig |
Aug 9 2010, 09:57 PM
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Gringoloco, my wife and I are planning a week trip to Panama. We're flying in to the city and planning on checking out the canal, but then want to branch out. We're looking to travel to the Bocas area and hopefully scuba diving, hanging out on a beach, hiking, whatever, with comfort and adventure packed in one. Any insight you've got will be greatly appreciated as to where we might stay for a reasonable price (not cheap, but not hundreds of dollars either), who to contact, etc. Our flight arrives in Panama City on Sept 8th and we return to the states on the 14th. Thanks,
Tim
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| jbcarnwath |
Feb 16 2011, 06:46 PM
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Your article has been the best I've come across. I’m planning a bachelor party and we were looking at Costa Rica and of course you can only learn as much as you can from what you find out on line. And everything pointed to Jaco Beach as best place to have bachelor party but have heard it's not that safe and maybe we should look elsewhere.
One recommendation was to head to Bocas Del Toro. So you seem to have everything down on this place. There would be 10-15 of us guys and we'd either be looking at renting a house or the best place for mid 20's to 30's and more of an upbeat atmosphere rather than seclusion.
And we'd be looking to stay at a place that would be closest to the most bars/discos/restaurants.
Also for trips other than to the other islands and maybe some deep sea fishing what would you recommend for us to do during the day besides beach. We are looking at getting in on a Wednesday and leaving Sunday or Monday.
Thanks,
Brant Carnwath
jbcarnwath@gmail.com
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| jurgen2 |
Dec 15 2011, 09:19 PM
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OK, now I am ready for questions. Look again, because I will be postings some images soon.
[/quote]
Thanks for the informative piece on Bocas. Here is my particular situation and what I am looking for. Perhaps you can help steer me to the right accommodation.
I have signed up for a 6-week Spanish course, the first 4 weeks to be given in Bocas; the balance in Boquete. The school is Habla Ya and the Bocas location is at Ave. G and Calle 9.
I hopt to pick up Spanish in order to do voluntary humanitarian work in Central America afterwards and even a little while in Panama, teaching kids English.
I am looking for a moderately expensive place to stay for the month of February, 2012. Since I'm Canadian and over 50, I think it's best if I stay in a condo that has aircon (AC). I'm also a daily swimmer to keep me in reasonable health, so I want to be near a beach where it's safe to swim and within walking distance of my condo. The condo needs to have a normal size fridge and a kitchen so I can make my own meals to cut down on costs. The school has offered me to stay at the Monte Carlo in the Junior Suite for $970. for the month. Can you suggest anything less costly that is not too far from school location and beach? Needless to add, I would like not to be in the noisiest part of Bocas. Have I made too many requirements? Looking forward to your reply with any suggestions.
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| funinthesand |
Feb 15 2012, 11:16 AM
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Hi...thanks for your info! I'm wondering if you or others could give an update on the Garden of Eden resort. Most of things I've read that were written recently give it a big thumbs up but don't mention that it is still nude or at least clothing optional. Therefore, is it? I like to be nude occasionally on the beach and in the pool and wife enjoys topless. Is that allowed at this resort? Thanks! QUOTE(gringoloco @ Oct 16 2008, 09:59 PM)
First, my creds. I have lived here in Bocas for over two years. I have seen, done and heard everything there is to do here. I can help you choose what ever level of accommodations, meals or tours you may want. I can tell you about the surf breaks and how to get to them. I can tell you all there is to know about how to get here. If you are considering a trip to Panama, you should include Bocas in your itinerary, if you are young or old, a trecker or a suit case type of traveler. If you plan on sailing here, I can give you insight into our marinas as well. In short, I want to be your source of "inside info" about this archipelago of islands off the Panama coast.
Where is Bocas Del Toro? Bocas is about as far west as you can go in Panama without being in Costa Rica. That's right, WEST. Look at a map. Panama actually runs E/W not N/S. We are on the Caribe side, not the Pacific side.
OK, How do you get here? Of course that depends on where you are coming from and your budget. Bocas has an airport with four flights daily out of Panama City and three flights a week out of San Jose, Costa Rica. At the time I am writing this, a one way flight from either is about $75. It takes about an hour from either location. The airlaines out of PC are Aeroperlas and Air Panama. The airline out of SJ CR is Nature Air. All have web sites with schedules.
If that stretches your travel budget, and if time is not an issue, you can get here by water taxi or a ferry. The water taxis leave from two places. Almirante and Changinola. They will cost you about $7 one way and they also take about an hour. Both Almirante and Changinola are on the mainland.
If you are coming from Costa Rica, find the correct bus station in San Jose. There are at least two bus lines that run to or over the border. Be sure to get the bus to Sixaola, or Changinola not the bus to David. Most of the cab drivers in San Jose know which bus station to take you to, there are many. If you get the bus to Sixaola, it is basically an all day trip, and you want to get on the earliest bus in the morning because the international border is not open all night. Remember that there is a 1 hour time difference between CR and Panama, so when it is 4 o'clock in CR, it is 5 in Panama, and immigration WILL BE CLOSED.
Crossing the border from Sixaola is worth the trip alone. Have your camera out. You will need to walk across an old railroad bridge over the Sixaola river. You can look down through the wooden slats, and it is a LONG way down.
Before crossing the bridge you need to clear out of CR at the immigration window. Do not go inside, just go to the window.
Once across the bridge, you need to clear in at immigration, again another window. You may need to pay about $15 for your 90 day visa, maybe not. It depends on if the immigration guy who takes the money is working or downstairs drinking beer, honest.
OK, now you have your visa. Go down a set of stairs across the rail road tracks and find a taxi or mini bus that will take you to "Taxi Sesenta", or just tell the taxi guy "BOCAS, BOCAS" he knows where to go. You will be taken to a park where the water taxis to/from Bocas arrive/leave. Hopefully you are in time for the last one, and hopefully they have space. In low season, no problema, high season? Be ready to spend a night in Changinola. This taxi ride is another kodak moment. You pass through a channel cut out of the jungle about a hundred years ago by the banana company. If you have ever taken the jungle ride at Disneyland, this is the real thing.
If you find yourself in Almirante, there are two water taxi services to Bocas that leave every half hour or so dawn to dusk. OR, if you want to leave at 8:00 a.m., take the ferry. It is a great ride, takes about an hour and a half, and is the cheapest possible way. The taxis will cost you $7 or so, the ferry about $2, and it is more fun. They all leave from the same 100 yard stretch on the water front, and again, any cab driver knows where you want to go as soon as he sees your back pack or surf board.
OK, Now you are here> Where do you stay?
You know the drill if you have traveled much. What is your budget? How long will you be here? Do I want to party and stay up to the beat of disco music all night, or do I want to find a nice beach resort where I can sleep?
Instead of me listing all the possible places in this post, I will gladly answer any inquiries you put up. I will direct you to places you will be happy with if you are honest with me about what you want. I will not only give you names of places, but I will supply phone numbers of the people who run them. I know most of them personally, so like I said, if I know what you want, I will direct you to the perfect spot.
What can I do in Bocas?
Like to surf? in the right months Bocas has quite a few good breaks. I know a couple "locals only" breaks, and if you are nice to me I just might turn you on to them. Otherwise, you surfers tend to find each other and the waves pretty much on your own.
Like to Party? If you are 20 something type of traveler, Bocas has wall to wall disco/pick up joints. Just follow your ears after 11 P.M. The beer is cheap, and no one waers much in the way of clothing.
Like nature? Bocas has many organized tours. You can go see dolphins. You can go snorkeling (we have great coral reefs). You can hike thru the jungle and find frogs of many colors and even more birds.
Like to Chill? No problema. Hammocks are every where, bring a good book.
Want a nudist resort? I know of two. Very private, very nice.
What is the weather like?Basically it is always 80 degrees. In the sun, in the shade, in the rain and in the water, 80 degrees. So is the humidity. All year long.
Internet cafes?Dude, you trip over them.
Where do I eat?Again, we have everything from $3 meals of rice and chicken to $30 meals of lobster. Your choice, your budget. There are plenty of supermarkets to buy stuff to make your own sandwiches if you so desire. We will soon have a SUBWAY! I am SO excited!
Best Time of year?No importa. The weather is always here. Unless you surf, it does not matter.
Do I need to speak Spanish?Not really, but it always helps. There is a very nice Spanish language school here that also has rooms. You can stay there and get lessons every day. Or just drop by for an hour lesson and learn how to order a beer or chat up that person you saw in the disco last night.
The only people I suggest DO NOT come here is if you are traveling with young kids or elderly. This place is not set up for either.
OK, now I am ready for questions. Look again, because I will be postings some images soon.
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