Provincia de Bocas del Toro Travel Forum

My husband and I with our two young girls would love to explore Bocas del Toro and I am having trouble finding an economical way to get there from Ohio, USA. I saw on this forum that some of you traveled to Costa Rica first and then crossed the border via boat/land to get there. Can you tell me what city would be best to fly into if I go through Costa Rica? Flights from Ohio to Panama City are pricey. Any ideas on getting there cheaply would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

hello all;
going to Bocas del Toro next week, i've heard of difficulty in using credit cards in far off places in Panama. are credit cards accepted widely around Bocas del Toro? hotels, restaurants etc...

Thanks.

I just stumbled across this hotel La Coralina that looks pretty good and is ranked #1 on Tripadvisor has anyone been?

gracias!

I am planning a honeymoon in Bocas del Toro for mid-August of 2008. SO far I only have Punta Caracol or Al Natural as possible accomodations. How are they? Will there typically be good conditions during that time of year? DO you have any other suggestions on where to stay in Panama for a honeymoon during that time of year?

Thanks in advance!

I have two places that I can't decide between and I guess I'm wondering if either of these places have good swimming at all...Teirra Verde and Dolphin Bay Hideaway. Also, is one location much better than the other? We like to feel a million miles away yet be able to go and get a drink and talk to some folks and then lie back in our hammocks...on the days we're going to take off from other excursions. I know we do not want to be in Bocas so taht was out from the start, but any suggestions or opionions would be lovely!

How common is it to see sloths in the Bocas Del Toro area in late July/early August? How common is it to see sloths in Puerto Viejo? We are going to Bocas and are wondering if we need to make a side trip to Puerto Viejo to make sure we see some sloths.

Hi,

I heard you can see turtles laying eggs on some beaches in Bocas Del Toro, but you can only see them at night. Is this correct? Since water taxis don't run at night, what's the best/cheapest way to see them?

Could we pay some guy with a boat to take us to the turtles at night and then take us back to town the same night? How much would that be?

Has anyone done this before?

Thanks!

This is my first trip to Panama. This is my plan so far. My husband and I will spend 2 or 3 days in PC. Fly to Cortadora Island (or is another Pearl Island better-looking for expatriates but not in a compound or gated resort) for one night. Then from PC fly to David and rent a car to drive around a few days, then fly from David to Bocas. After our stay in Bocas, fly back to PC.
What do you think? We want to go in May, but I haven't book anything as yet,for it's hard trying to coordinate flights, lodging, etc. Do you know a good travel agent in Panama who could coordinate for a reasonable price? I've been using guide books dated 2004 plus what I could find on googling. Thanks, appreciate any help.

Does anyone know how long it would take to drive from Cayo Coco to Havana?

I have found a ton of info on how to get from Puerto to Bocas but none from Bocas to Puerto...

Can someone let me know from Bocas del Toro how to get to Puerto Viejo.
If bus times could be included that would be great. About how long is the trip? Cost (including boarder crossing for Americans)

I am trying to figure out what time we would need to leave to arrive at a decent hour in Puerto Viejo. I heard there was a time difference as well? so I need to take that into account.

Thanks so much!

What is best for transportation from Tocumen Airport to the ferry ports departing for Boca Del Torres?
How long is the journey? What is the cost? Can you reccomend good accomodations for a single Mom with two teenage boys in Boca? Thank you very much

looking for a 2 bedroom home in bocas, bastimentos or almirante.
sea side, furnished, preferably with dock. cat friendly.
looking to rent starting september 1st. $700 range for at least 4 months.
any input would be greatly appreciated. thank you.

Three of us girls are going down to Bocas for July 7-10 and needs 3 nights accommodation on Isla Colon. There are a lot of places out there but would like something recommended as we think we should make reservations beforehand but dont want to get stuck with a bummer.
We are looking to spend $15 or less per person per night with taxes so that would be a triple under $45 a night. Cleanliness is number one and would also like a private bath. Hot water would be nice but A/C and tv are definitely not required at all. Also would like it to be in town.
Dont want to stay in a hostel like Mondo Taitu as we can go there to party but dont want a dirty party in the place we would like to rest.
Thanks!

I'm looking for Rogelio Antonio Morales Jr. I understand he is real estate in Bocas Island

One of us is pregnant and we'll be travelling in August to Bocas. We've come across some CDC and other travel warning websites that have described bocas as an area to be careful about concerning malaria.

In all of the websites that I have come across for and by tourists, as well as the local Bocas websites, the worst I've heard is that some places could use mosquito netting, not anyone mentioning malaria.

What has been the experience of people on this website concerning this?

I'll be in Bocas del Toro this weekend - 4/22-25. I have a feeling this is going to be the first of MANY more jaunts & who knows - possibly more!

I'm still gatherin' info & lookin' to connect with other more like-minded folk!!

As of now I have no reservations - just plan on getting off the plane & seeing where the Universe takes me (which so far in life has ALWAYS led me to some puuuurdy AWESOME experiences though I welcome ideas!!! Know of any Funky/special places to stay (hi-speed internet/wi-fi is CRUCIAL at least 2 of the nights. I'm open for budget - between $35/n up to $100 for something special)?

I'd LOVE info on Cool/tasty places to eat, where it is & what you like about it!!

Where are some fun places to hang at night?

Any interesting people to connect with (the more self-empowerment/evolved/non-drunk/non-big druggy types please)?

Are there any more Metaphysical/Self-Empowerment group gathings on Sunday (or any other day)?

What is the weather "prediction" for this weekend? (anyone have a link to weather for Bocas? I've been searchin') Have they been having afternoon rain (like we seem to have goin' on early this year in the Central Valley).

How's the mosquito scene??

Anyone have a contact for a panga captain as I'd LOVE to hire a little panga for a few hours & explore the coast.

Any special coves to check out (just to swim/see as I'm not a diver)??

Even if you see this message in a few days - still e- me as I'll be stayin' connected via the internet but please make sure to also e- me personally at VallartaVicki@ aol. com OR Vicki@ DoinItRight. com since I probably won't have time to check the message boards while I'm there!! THANX!!!

We are considering buying and eventually retiring in Bocas Del Toro. Any suggestions would be appreciated a lot!
Thanks

any info will be welcome, i will be visiting the province of chiriqui at the end of june 2006.Thanks

Looking for accomodation on Isla Bastimentos for Feb 14 and 15th : tomino@cwp.net.pa ( for Pension Tio Tom ) is sending me to a wireless site that needs a user name and password - has it been changed? Anyone have an e-mail address for Hospedaje Sea View , or Beverly's Hill ?
Gracias from the Florida Keys

anybody knows what the weather and diving conditions are like there in late december? any ideas into which town to flight into and what the major airline carriers are?v

I'm booking a rod trip in Panama for Feb 2006. So far, I'm considering Los Las for 1 week, then travelling to Bocas del Torro and spending a night at the Buccaneer Resort and Pargo Rojo. Has anyone been to these resorts? Are they good.

In particular, how about Los Olas. We're planning on getting married there...Feb 14th.

Thanks,
Jodine

Does anyone have any information on what is best / easiest / fastest / not too expensive way to get to Boquete from Bocas del Toro. Everything I can find in guidebooks seems to say I have to ferry/bus or fly all the way to David and then turn around and go back to Boquete!
Isn't there a better, more direct way of getting there?
Thanks!

Any news on Punta Caracol? We are planning a trip in April...any one heard anything good? Bad?

My family and I will be traveling to Panama early in April and we plan to spend a few nights in Bocas del Toro. There are so many options for lodging that it's hard to choose. We are looking for a nice, quiet, smallish, secluded place with a great beach and snorkeling from the shore. We prefer cabanas on or close to the beach. A good restuarant is important also. Our budget is $50/person/night, but we are willing to pay more if necessary. Also, is anyone familiar with Solarte del Caribe Inn? Thank in advance for any ideas, suggestions.

Has anyone been to Isla Solarte to look at property there? I'm impressed by all the info I have found on it. Also, what is the best time of year to travel to this area? My wife and I plan on spending a week or more in that area, and considering it as a possible investment oppurtunity. Thanks for any replies.

Greetings All,

I hope this post finds you all well and happy. My name is Michael and along with wife, we would like to spend 2 to 3 years in the Bocas area. I really like what I have seen thus far on Carenero and Bastimentos Islands.
We currently live in Uruguay so are sort of accustomed to not having many facilities etc close by and we both love peace and quite, the ocean, palm trees and boats. It costs us around $500-$700US per month to live where we are now. We live quite a simple lifestyle. What I wanted to know is, could we live somewhere on the above islands for $500-$700US per month in a basic little house or hut.
Any help you guys could give would be much appreciated as we are very serious of making the move for a few years.

Thank you in advance!

Take Care,

Michael

I am coming to bocas del toro for a month. I would like to know where is the better places to go. I also want to take Spanish lessons while I am there.This will be my first time visiting boca del toro. I am also am interested in looking at some property in bocas del toro. Excuse my spelling and puncuation. Thankyou ED.

I've found a few web sites like http://bocastown.com which is well laid out but can anyone recommend some other Bocas local web sites where i can find information on bocas town, bocas del toro panama. I'm interested in a good laid back holiday for a few week over the upcoming winter months.

I was intereste din info on the locals, living arrangements and the local food. I guess everyone wants good food when they travel :). Can northerners drink the water in a place like bocas del toro or is this much the same as mexico... drink the beer stay away from the water.

Thanks
fred holiday

Hello,

My name is Kelly, and I am writing on behalf of my brother Scott. Scott recently moved to Panama after retiring from the Orlando Police Department (Scott retired at the age of 33 after sustaining a career ending gunshot injury during a hostage rescue). Scott has spent time in Panama City, and is currently visiting Bocas del Toro.

I am hoping you can provide me with some insight into the area (Panama) and maybe suggest some cool places to visit, as well as an ideal place to reside permanently.

Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you.

How is the fishing in bocals del toro? Are there any just laid back to visit - not the resorty type