Thread: Bocas del Toro

Something very interesting in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
YouTube - Bocas Bay Resort - Bocas - Panama // Info 6689 9394

They have a serial killer tour yet?

That might be an idea!!

Originally Posted by EdBowers

They have a serial killer tour yet?

I was always on the edge as to whether to visit Boca del Toros.
After the strikes/riots, crime, home invasions (or is that Chiriqui?) and serial killers... I'm a little turned off.

Originally Posted by Expat123

I was always on the edge as to whether to visit Boca del Toros.
After the strikes/riots, crime, home invasions (or is that Chiriqui?) and serial killers... I'm a little turned off.

I booked my flight for October yesterday on Spirit Air. Pretty decent rates. I was considering a trip to Bocas this trip but have just about ruled it out. The clincher was the ferry boats not running, delivering food or fuel. couple that with the Banana strikes, murder investigations etc... it just isn't worth it. So many other places to spend my time with less drama and not so remote in location.

Bocas really is such a nice place to visit and enjoy. It really is unfortunate some of the things that have happened.

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

Bocas really is such a nice place to visit and enjoy. It really is unfortunate some of the things that have happened.

The place looks gorgeous from the pics I have seen and also your videos (nice job). The expats are not saying nice things about living there and say the service is poor. It is a long way to travel and I am just not so sure it is worth it. The Azuero is closer to PC. what would I really miss by not going to bocas. I have been to the virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Grand Camen, Key West, Cozumel, and Belize. Does Bocas offer something besides similar beaches that I would be missing? If it really worth while I might consider it. Is there any nightlife, girls etc...

Sounds like you have already spent sometime traveling the Carib. Not sure how the boating situation is now? If the regular boat taxi's and ferry's are not back, up and running like they were it would not be as fun. Isla Colon is pretty cool and there is a lot of island to explore. How long do you plan to stay?

I plan to stay about 2 months but have flexibilty to extend out as long as 6 months. with 90 days in states and then back again. I like to scuba so Bocas would be good for that. I honestly don't know what the water taxi situation is currently in Bocas.

Hi fleeted, if you have that kind of time on your hands I would say "go for it". Take sometime exploring the country and find out what's going on. Comparing apples to apples, Bocas is still a bargain compared to the rest of the Carib. There are many things to see and do in Bocas and it can be done fairly inexpensive.

Fleeted, there is decent diving around Pedasi. I had some great dives there last week including one where we listened to the humpbacks singing for the entire 60 minute dive. The viz isn't as good as the Caribbean but there is alot of fish life and everything is BIG....moorish idols the size of dinner plates.

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

Hi fleeted, if you have that kind of time on your hands I would say "go for it". Take sometime exploring the country and find out what's going on. Comparing apples to apples, Bocas is still a bargain compared to the rest of the Carib. There are many things to see and do in Bocas and it can be done fairly inexpensive.

MRWOOHOO, the biggest bargain in the caribbean is definitely Cuba. Right now you can go 1 week all inclusive rom Canada to Cuba(airfare, transfers, hotel, 3 times buffet food/day and unlimited drinks) for $350-$400 canadian . Can you beat that?

Originally Posted by HOSEM1

MRWOOHOO, the biggest bargain in the caribbean is definitely Cuba. Right now you can go 1 week all inclusive rom Canada to Cuba(airfare, transfers, hotel, 3 times buffet food/day and unlimited drinks) for $350-$400 canadian . Can you beat that?

That is def a good deal, no doubt. It is my understanding that "technically" if you have a US passport you are not supposed to go there? Even though if you enter through another country it is my understanding that Cuba does not stamp your US passport. I actually had an invite to go from Canada some years ago but did not make it. I actually wonder if Haiti would be less expensive than Cuba? Not sure if I am about to fly there to find out?

Bocas Customs Inspector Shot | The Panama Digest

At this point I am waiting for a meteor to strike Bocas (knock on wood). That is the only thing that hasn't happened yet. I would still recommend checking it out if you have the time. Panama is a pretty diverse place and you will find the Carib and Pacific sides are two completely different worlds. At this point "Wild Bill" is no longer a problem, I am guessing there is probably ways to get from the mainland to Isla Colon by boat (somebody correct me if I am wrong), you can always fly, and if you are worried about getting shot I would be more worried in PC: http://www.panama-guide.com/article....00905172620238

Just found this on "Panama Newsroom"

Teacher denies knowledge of weapons cache

Wednesday, 08 September 2010 15:20


A teacher has told prosecutors that a large cache of weapons found behind a false wall in his home in Boquete, Chiriqui, were put there by a former owner. The cache was found in April in the home of Jorge Jiménez. Jiménez, 57, who also happens to be a former owner. Prosecutors believe the cache belongs to FARC, a Colombian revolutionary organization.
Prosecutors cliam they have evidence to connect Jimenez to the weapons, which included 24 machine guns, 47 assault rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Jiménez owned the house in 1994, but sold it and bought it back in 2004.

Is there no limits to what we don't know about Panama?

Originally Posted by topspinnn

Just found this on "Panama Newsroom"

Teacher denies knowledge of weapons cache

Wednesday, 08 September 2010 15:20


A teacher has told prosecutors that a large cache of weapons found behind a false wall in his home in Boquete, Chiriqui, were put there by a former owner. The cache was found in April in the home of Jorge Jiménez. Jiménez, 57, who also happens to be a former owner. Prosecutors believe the cache belongs to FARC, a Colombian revolutionary organization.
Prosecutors cliam they have evidence to connect Jimenez to the weapons, which included 24 machine guns, 47 assault rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Jiménez owned the house in 1994, but sold it and bought it back in 2004.

Is there no limits to what we don't know about Panama?

Lol, at least it wasn't in Bocas.

I think I will just play Bocas by ear once I get in country. I hear it is like a monsoon there in Oct and Nov of year anyway. Pedasi may be a bit more dry.

Thanks for the info. Who do you recommend for renting equipment. Should I pack my own regulator? What about a wetsuit, is the water cold? I think it would be so cool to listen to the whales.

Hi fleeted...I stayed at Sports Club Pedasi and they have their own dive / sports center called Buzos de Azuero. Rental gear is Mares and looked in good condition...I'm an instructor so carry my own gear. The dives at Isla Iguana (15-20 min. boat ride) are not deep dives but there was lots of life. I think the whales are only around until end of this month. There is deep diving off Isla Frailes (40+ min. ride) with alot of pelagic action...sharks, rays etc. but also has a fair amount of surge. I used a 3mm full suit and it was plenty warm. Contact Bobby : divenfishguy@yahoo.com. Hope this helps!

Thanks Marcomac for the valuable info. I will be sure and check them out. Shallow water diving is fine with me.

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

That is def a good deal, no doubt. It is my understanding that "technically" if you have a US passport you are not supposed to go there? Even though if you enter through another country it is my understanding that Cuba does not stamp your US passport. I actually had an invite to go from Canada some years ago but did not make it. I actually wonder if Haiti would be less expensive than Cuba? Not sure if I am about to fly there to find out?

An American would be breaking US law by travelling to and spending money in Cuba without prior permission. The Cubans won't put a stamp on your passport and stamp the visa card instead. They are very welcoming to visitors from the USA but Cuba is not a particularily inexpensive destination apart from the kind of deals that JOSEM1 has pointed out. My only caveat would be to select one of the most expensive all- inclusives as the food can be unappetising in the cheaper ones. Haiti you don't really want to think about unless you have a strong stomach for poverty.

Yes, it's funny how you can brake US laws in so many countries :-).

Originally Posted by EdBowers

Yes, it's funny how you can brake US laws in so many countries :-).

Imperialism.