PREPARE FOR THE NO-SEE-UMS BEFORE YOU GO:

Each person’s biology and anybody’s scent are all factors. For us all, the best prevention is avoidance – cover up with clothing, screens and netting, especially at night. I’m shocked to see bare-skin prowlers in our jungle, fashionably infrared fragrant festoons of pheromone fancies for famished flying funnelers. For average bodies, DEET products (OFF!) are the best repellant. Other stuff (applied, ingested, turned on) is less effective, even for Voodoo dolls. The best bite treatment is... soap. Apply soap, liquid (Joy) or bar (rub-on wet Dial) on bite. It cleans, plus itching stops immediately! So, you won’t scratch, causing infection. All above also applies to our Bocas National Bug: no-see-ums.  Rub Lemongrass on the bites

 

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GETTING AROUND

Bocas Island is a TINY TINY island/town and you can get most places pretty easily by walking. Now, on those hot or rainy days or at night, or for further, taxis are helpful as they tend to be MEGA air-conditioned and take YOU where YOU want to go.  They tend to stay ON the main drags so if you’re staying at a property on the water you may have to walk a block to get to the main road.  Taxi’s here are often a 4-door truck (so you can throw your luggage/goodies in the back easily) or a van.

FROM THE AIRPORT  -  The “official” Bocas taxis (“Transporte Colectivo”) are $1 from the Airport (a 5 block walk but if you don’t know where you’re at and ESPECIALLY if it’s hot or rainy – I think it’s a wise investment in your sanity!  Even when I’m staying just a few blocks away, I usually still take it as it’s easier than schlepping my luggage!

INSIDE OF TOWN  -  50¢ right IN town (between Downtown and I believe the Smithsonian Institute).

DOWNTOWN TO Y GRIEGA  -  $1

DOWNTOWN TO PAUNCH OR BLUFF  -  $8

You can also arrange for one to take you to a beach and come get you at a later hour (do NOT pay them the full amount up front – just 50%!!!).

WARNING – I’ve had some taxi’s try to get more money out of me WITHIN town when I flagged them down late at night.  I stood my ground but that was NOT a scene for the faint-at-heart/wimps!!!  What did help is I wrote down their taxi number and took a picture and they realized I wasn’t one they could manipulate (though a single gal – for some that could have been a bit risky).

 

IF you have some clue on what it is (it's in my notes) - BUT - be forewarned - there are MANY "taxi's" at the airport that WILL try to MEGA rip you off if they see "TOURIST" and ya let them (ahhhh - more reasons for us to do our research BEFORE you go!!  I learned from this trip MORE IMPORTANT questions to ask BEFORE I go!!).  I had no clue how far I was going plus I asked to get a little "mini-tour" which I ALWAYS like to do when I arrive into any town I visit my day.  I usually hire a taxi for 1-2 or so hours (depending on how big the town is though Bocas is TINY!!!) to help get me "Grounded". 

 

The taxi from the airport to the port where I went to pick up the Panga/Water Taxi/Panga I believe SHOULD be $1.  They have vans that will stop wherever you flag them down (I can’t remember exactly how much though I think it depends on the distance you're going).

 

The quite beat up van drove me through town picking up others along the way and dropped me off at their favorite Panga boat place (a LITTLE boat which fyi - at night I didn't see ANY with spot lights!!) which takes you to various islands (Bocas is also a SMALL island). 

 

GETTING AROUND  -  WATER TAXI’s - Pangas

 “Water Taxi’s” are small panga boats with a canvas top.  There are set places ON Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon to get various ones (see below) but you can often just flag one down (even a pirata [pirate/non-legal] one) by just standing on your dock and waving (sometimes you must yell!!)!  Some individual boat captains may stop and pick you up but make sure to set the price before (if you’re just 1-2 people it may be higher than the normal water taxis).  I don’t know how many of these boat captains make money – especially if they only transporting 1-2 people at a time as first they have to buy the boat, invest in life preservers and I’m sure there are other fees and hopefully insurance and then gas is a LOT of $$$. When I was there in Oct. ALL passengers HAD to wear a life preserver.  When I returned in Jan. and July – no one used them.

TO CARENERO ISLAND  -  J&J Boat Tours – Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon  (757-9915 / 6495-3210 / 6675-4749 / transparentetours@hotmail.com)  – takes you over to Carenero Isla (to the Pickled Parrot – which I feel has the BEST Piña Coladas I’ve EVER had in my LIFE!!  TASTY food and some of the best BURGERS around!!!  Also the Cosmic Crab which I’ve been hearing rave after rave about!!!)  BUT be forewarned that OFTEN from 8am-4pm they don’t have boats as they’re often out doing tours.  Say “Hola” to Victor and his babe of a son Ernesto? (both of who speak GOOD English) from Vicki – the Big Beautiful Blonde Gringa from Costa Rica that comes every 3 months  -  $1 each way.  HOURS:  8am till 10:30pm (they have the latest hours I believe).  Other places you can get a boat - Jampan, Taxi 25, or next to Chow Kai’s hardware store.

Philip  (757-9018)

 

TO BASTIMENTOS -  2 docks to the Right of JJ’s (as you’re facing J&J’s) is where you’ll catch a Water Taxi Panga to take you to Bastimentos. $2 each way. 

Private Water Taxis – Geraldo Chola (757-9359) – a REAL cutie/sweetie you can also hire for private Boat Tours.   Also Suki/Gus Hiron (??) (757-9359)

 

PRIVATE WATER TAXIS:   Bocas Marine and Tours  (757-9033)    Taxi 25  (757-9028)    Transporte Lewis  (6568-3306)

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FERRY  - The BIG SLOW Car/Transport Ferry (Ferry Palanga - 6615-6674 / 261-0350 / willifu@cableonda.net)  -  This is a trip!!  Go on a transport ferry with the big trucks (and truckers girls!).  It leaves Almirante at 8am (if you have a car – be there BY 7am since it can get packed) – arriving into Bocas-Isla Colon at 9:30am.  It doesn’t Leave Bocas-Isla Colon until 4pm –  in Almirante at 5:30pm.  You can then choose to wander around this Port town and stay the night/go explore elsewhere or return on the Water Taxi that takes 1 hour leaves every ½ hour between 6am and 6:30pm. Almirante is the Port Town for this area so not much to do but you get to spend some cheap time on the water!!! Passengers - $1 each way (CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT!).  Car $20 + price per person.

 

BETWEEN BOCAS AND ALMIRANTE  -  Take the Water Taxi from Bocas Marine (757-9033 – Located two buildings from JJ’s Marine and Tours  -  (great for being on the water)  -  It’s a ½ hour boat ride that leaves every ½ hour between 6:30am and 6:30pm (Bocas to Almirante – 6am, 7am, 7:30am and then every ½ hour thereafter.  Almirante to Bocas departs at 6:30am, 7am, 7:45am and then every ½ hour after)  -  $3 each way. 

         To catch a bus/van to wherever, exit where the water taxi comes in, go direct up a back alley (grass) behind some buildings (just follow the other people).  When you get to the street (just 100 mts), turn Right and walk down about 2 blocks till you see the Bus Terminal on your Left.  Look for the bus (mine was a big van where people could stand up) that says “Changuinola” and take that to Downtown Changuinola.  This can be quite harrowing (I was sitting next to the window, next to a lady with a baby and I ended up holding the baby because of all the hairpin turns the driver was taking!!  I thought I was an insane driver [like Mario Andretti!!!!]) albeit scenic drive – winding through roads lined with banana fields (wow on what I learned from a former Chiquita exec that sat next to me on the van - about the growing/processing of bananas and ALL the pesticides, etc. that goes into them!!  In some ways, more than your average fruit!!!!  ESPECIALLY those used for exporting!!).  Once in Downtown Changuinola, at the Bus Terminal (mainly vans) you take the van to the Water Taxi (called something like Finca ____) – through HORRIBLE BUMPY dirt roads (not fun for large chested women!!  OUCH!!). (CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT!)

 

BETWEEN BOCAS AND CHANGUINOLA  - Located two buildings from JJ’s Marine and Tours  -  The Water Taxi from Bocas (also Bocas Marine) to Changuinola is a BEAUTIFUL ride!!!  ESPECIALLY when you get out of the bay and in the back part cutting your way through areas that are FILLED with these beautifully flowering Lilly pad like things!!! (of course – sometimes the motor gets caught up in it so don’t be rushing here to catch something else!!).  The day I went on it, both ways had boatS that had broken down!!! HOURS:  Bocas to Changuinola – 7, 8, 9:30, 11am, 12:30, 2 & 4:30pm.  From Changuinola to Bocas – 8, 9:30, 11am, 12:30, 2, 3:30, 5pm.  $5 (I think it’s about 1 hour)  -  $5. (CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT!)

         Once in Changuinola – You can hire the WONDERFUL, VERY knowledgeable & NICE taxi driver Jose (507-759-7909)!  He speaks EXCELLENT English and is VERY helpful!  Ask him about how bananas are grown and processed (SCARY stuff!!)

Note – to ensure your space – especially before 9:30am and from around 3-6pm – arrive early as the boat will go as soon as it’s full.  Also, NEVER plan on catching the last boat unless you have time to stay where you’re at as – they break down!  Personally, from what I’ve seen, I would plan on catching the last 2!!!

 

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THINGS YOU MUST GET•TRY IN  BOCAS!!!!  (things made in/around Bocas)

CARIBBEAN CHOCOLATE COMPANY TongueGasmic organic chocolate rolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   (757-9069 / CaribeanChocolateCompany@yahoo.com)  - The most AWESOME FIND for me in AGES was on Bocas!!  It's ORGANIC and comes in rolls and is quite expensive BUT - it takes like FUDGE (it’s a “Dark Milk Chocolate”)!!!!!!  YUMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!   I'm addicted!!!!!!  (I ESPECIALLY LOVE the ones with walnuts)  FYI - I hear they’re no longer based in Bocas.

WHERE TO FIND IT:  Café Bahia just as you get off the plane in the airport (tell Sasha Vicki the gal that LOVES the chocolate with almonds sends her love!!  When I was there 10/06 our flight was delayed and by the time we arrived she had left and the café was closed but the gal that cleans the placed remembered me and how EXCITED I was over it so she called Sasha at home and Sasha ran right over and sold me 12!!!!  She’s AWESOME and speaks GOOD English!!).   SUPER GOURMET  -  Main St. across from Ferry Dock. Bocas Internet Café (next to the Chinese Market).

 

THE BEST FRESH PINA COLADA I’VE EVER HAD!!!

PICKLED PARROT - Isla Carenero (the first island across from the Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon ) (http://bocasbluemarlin.com/html/pickled_parrot.htm /  / 757-0003  / 757-9093 / 757-9853 / BlueMarlin@cwpanama.net)   -  MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT!!!  YUMMMM food, especially seafood, GREAT BURGERS ($4.50 for a 1/2 lb-er and $6.50 with BLUE CHEESE [MY FAV!!]) and the BEST/FRESHEST Piña Coladas I’ve EVER had (though not the cheapo ones you get at Happy Hours).  Hola to George and Yessica from Vicki in Costa Rica!

 

HOT SAUCES / PEPPER SAUCES  - 

My fav!! Lili’s “Killin’ me Man” Pepper Sauce - $4 (HOT/CALIENTE!!!).  You can buy it at her café (LILI’S CAFE  - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon  - 1st St. in the Clearwater Building next to Tropical Suites  (http://KodiakBocas.com/lilis.html / Lola_Lili2000@yahoo.es)   but only Mon.-Sat. 8am-4pm OR at Super Gourmet and various places around town.

I Be a Bitch – “Patti’s Original Hot Stuff”, Natural Fruit Jellies, Meat Marinades and Pickled Ginger – by Patti  (6604-5888 / 6593-2245 / boozinlady@hotmail.com) - at Super Gourmet and various places around town.

Hot Mama  - Maribel Iglesias’ Pepper Sauce  (757-9029 / 6503-2712)

IMPORTANT NUMBERS / INFO

Most landlines IN Bocas start with “757”. 

Cell phones have 8 numbers (and more expensive to call)

POLICE                      104  / 757-9201  OR  757-9217 (I’ve seen both though 9210 is the same as the ambulance with Bocas Breeze)

Provincial Police Chief – Rigoberto Feuillebois  6672-3143-cell

English/Spanish-Speaking Advocate  -  Giselle Socarraz  -  757-9755 / 6690-4827

FIRE / Bomberos            103

INFORMATION         102 / 757-9642

AIRLINES

Aeroperlas            757-9341

Air Panama           757-9841

NatureAir – Delmira         6527-3859  -  She’s there Tues.-Sun. from 8-4

Airport Administration                  757-9208  -  Arturo Correa

Ambulance                             102 . 757-9201 (somewhere else I saw 757-9814)

Banco Nacional                    757-9230  -  Main Island – Bocas – Isla Colon – Corner of 4^th Street & Aveneda E

Cable/Wireless                     123  (DirecTV – 758-7090)

Dentist  -  Dr. Alvin Wong – main street  (6618-4315 / 757-9280)

Electric Company                  757-9228

Embassies- located in Panama City 

U.S.                          207-7000

Canada                   264-9731

United Kingdom          269-0866

Hospital – Emergency                  757-9201 / 102

Immigration                             758-8651

Port Authority                       757-9447

Pharmacy/Farmacia  -  Farmacia Rosa Blanca – on the main street  (757-9360 / 757-9901)

         Rapifarma y Novidades –located in the Tropical Market on 1st Street  (6695-7968)

Recycling  - Fundacion Universal Panama is working directly with Edgar Wong, of Inversiones Wongsa, to give all the proceeds from the purchase of these recyclables to organizations supporting the youth of Panama. Included among these are the Youth Employment Summit, the Foundation of Social Action, and Global Compact. The objective of the FUP program "Recycle for Life" is to fight malnutrition and improve conditions for the children in impoverished areas of the country.  Those wanting to help in this venture do not need to sort their plastic, glass bottles and cans. Just keep everything in a large garbage bag and deliver it to the Wongsa Corporation at its new waterfront location across from Mondo Taitu. Water bottles, plastic bags, broken plastic flowerpots and everything glass -- all can be dropped off and converted into something worthwhile. Rolando Alvarez (221-0848) or Edgar Wong (757-9950).

BANK and ATMs 

There’s ONLY ONE bank in Bocas – Banco Nacional de Panama (757-9230) – Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon - Corner of 4^th Street and Aveneda E - 3 blocks from the airport  (757-9230)  -  Be prepared to stand in LONG (I mean LONG!!!) lines if you need something!!

ATM Machines  -  Banco Panama above and on Calle 1st, next to the Police Station/Jail, near IPAT  - by the bay

 

BEAUTY SHOP  - 

Tsaba’s  - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon - 2^nd Street – across from La Iguana  (6526-6518)  -  Regular beauty services including Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing++.

 

BULLETIN BOARDS  (where to find/post info)

McDouglas Golden Grill

 

CATERING – Jane Stanbury  (6-788-0033 / Jstanbury8@hotmail.com)  -  also Housekeeping services, Pre-Arrival Prep+

 

CHIROPRACTOR – Dr. Gary J. Skene, D.C.  (6561-9370) 

There’s one on Bastimentos

 

CONSIDERING MOVING TO PANAMA:

Check out the various Message Boards and http://primapassport.com/premium.html

Bocas Newcomers - a newly-formed women’s group - meets the 1^st Wednesday of each month at 2pm (at the Bocas Inn [Ancon]?). Dorreene Reynolds (6642-1911)

 

CURRENCY  -  The coolest thing about Bocas/Panama is they ONLY use U.S. dollars for currency & they take U.S. coins plus they have their own exact coins though they have their own coins (same size/similar look to the U.S. $coin) – the Balboa.

 

FLOWERS – Finca Los Mongos Botanical Gardens, Nursery Plants  and Cut Flowers -  Lin (757-9461 / gillinghamdl@yahoo.com )  -  Closed weekends.

 

GOVERNMENT AND STORE/BUSINESS HOURS   -  Many stores open Mon.-Sat. 9am-noon and 3-6pm-ish (some to 7:30 or 9pm.  MANY things are Closed on Sun.  Most of the restaurants serve dinner only up to 10:00 pm.   Government offices are Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-3:30pm though the Post Office is also open on Sat. from 9am-noon.

 

GUIDES – Hire your own guide IN Bocas:  

Jacob shared Davis Marshall  (00-507-6602-1066 / dmarshall20059@hotmail.com) – a 19 year old from Isla Bastimentos that’s fluent in English, Spanish and several of the indigenous languages. He has grown up on the Isle of Bastimentos, so, of course he knew all of the close beaches for turtle nesting, dolphin bay, surf areas and if you wanted to go by river into La Amistad International Park, he knows many of the tribal leaders. He is just a knowledgeable , friendly young man, who I would recommend to anyone wanting to explore the Bocas del Toro area.

 

GYM

Spa Florabella. – Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon  -  Mon-Sat 9:30am-1:30pm.  Mon, Wed. and Fri. 6:30-8:30pm

Workout Studio Gym  - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon (6616-9007 / 6591-3814)  -  Weight machines, fitness classes, personal trainers. $30/month membership. Across the street from the airport soccer field. (I believe this was recently sold)

 

HOUSEKEEPING – Jane Stanbury  (6-788-0033 / Jstanbury8@hotmail.com)  -  also Catering services, Pre-Arrival Prep+

 

INTERNET CAFEs

There are more and more Internet places around town (Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon) for when you didn’t bring your laptop or if your hotel doesn’t have WiFi.

Bocas Internet Café (next to the main Chinese market) - $2/hour.  They also sell my FAV. Caribbean Chocolate Factory’s chocolate and MANY U.S. candies!!  HOURS:  Daily 8am-10pm

Bravo Center  -  main street opposite the water taxi  (http://BravoCenter@bocasmail.com /BravoCenter@BocasMail.com / 757-9229)  - WiFi $1/hour, International Telephone Calls, Info Center, DVD Rentals, Books, cards, rent Cell Phones, Mailboxes

Mailbox Etc.  -  Also do dvd rentals, copies, office type needs, faxes, etc.  Internet $1.50/hr.  HOURS:  Mon.-Sat. 9:30am-9:30pm

The center inside the IPAT building is the cheapest at $1.50/hour (min).

Bamboo Net  -  Bastimentos  (757-9831)

Don Chicho  (757-9829)

The place by Restaurant El Lorito (same owner) is more expensive at $3/hour but the minimum time is 5mn only ($0.25) and it opens until late at night.

 

LAUNDRY  -  Bubbles  - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – Main Street – across from the park (6591-3814)  - Coin Laundry or Full Service (Pick up and DELIVERY). HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8am-6pm.

 

“MALL”  (“mall-ish”)

Tropical Market  -  Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – 1^st St. and Ave. E  -  Home to Restaurants and Shopping.

 

MARKETS

SUPER GOURMET  -  Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon -  3^rd Street (the main street - across from the Ferry Dock and beside Hotel Bahia  (http://bocas.com/otros/supergourmet.htm / 757-3357 / 757-9357 /  Labocaloca@cwpanama.net)  -  First thing I do after I arrive (of course after I stop at Bahia Café’s place in the airport for a handful ++ of the Caribbean Chocolate Factories YUMMMMY TongueGasmic organic chocolate logs [more details below]) is head straight for Super Gourmet to load up on big bottles of Spring or filtered water (though the water here they say is fine to drink) and other tasty noshes!!  They have a Full Service Deli in this WONDERFUL TINY Gourmet Market where I’ve found numerous gringo goodies that I’ve not even found in Costa Rica!!  They offer an exclusive and vast selection of meats, cheeses, seafood and wine, fresh breads, yogurts, milk, homemade cookies, PIZZAs, Sandwiches and other goodies in their deli.  They’ll DELIVER (I’m sure there’s a minimum and not sure if they’ll do it off the island) and they take special orders/requests.  Next door they have a nice Produce Stand.  This is one of my “dealers”/sources for the Caribbean Chocolate Factories YUMMMMY TongueGasmic organic chocolate logs ($3 but they’re BIG)!!  I LOVE them with Almonds (and often buy them out when I’m in town) and they also have them with coconut and plain.  They’re opening a new store in the Casco Viejo area of Panama City.  OWNER:  Lorelei Kusin.  HOURS:  Mon.-Sat. 9am-7pm

Isla Colon Market  -  Calle 3 caddy corner to Hotel Laguna (Bocas Internet Café is next door). Often referred to as “the Chinese Market” – LOTS of goodies stuffed into a SMALL place!!!  HOURS:  Mon.-Sat. 7:30am-11pm, Sun. 7:30am-10pm

Corporacion Wongsa  (757-9154)   •  Super Victoria #2  (757-9769)   •   Surtidora Gigante  (6618-2133)

 

MASSAGE 

Dana Farchy – San Cristobal Business Center - across from the Bocas del Toro Hotel (6686-0235 / 214-3070 / http://Terapia-h.tk / dfarchy@hotmail.com)  -  Zen-Shiatsu (Japanese massage), Energy Healing/Reiki, Vibrations, Thai Foot Massage, Gymnastic-Stretching-Respiration/Breathing

Flora Bella Massages and Day Spa – behind Bubbles Laundry and across from the Park  -  Certified professional massage therapist doing deep tissue, hot stone, holistic, Swedish massage and reflexology.  They also do Body Treatments, Facials, Hair Cuts and Highlights.  Do it at their location or they’ll come to you. (6591-3814 / islagirly@yahoo.com )

 

NURSERY / BOTANICAL GARDENS – Finca Los Monos (the Monkey Farm) Botanical Gardens, Nursery Plants  and Cut Flowers -  on Isla Colon (757-9461 / http://BocasDelToroBotanicalGarden.com / GillinghamdL@yahoo.com  )  -  A beautiful Tropical garden on their 20-acre finca 10 minutes from town, just past the Smithsonian Institute, on the hilltop of “La loma del Idaan.”  TOURS:  Mon. 1pm and Fri. 8:30am - $10 (wear sturdy footwear).  Otherwise, by appointment (closed weekends).  They’re now  affiliated with Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) headquartered in Kew, England.  OWNER: David and Lin Gillingham.  PHOTO COMPETITION - They welcome visitors to enter their contest of photographs of their plants. There are substantial prizes offered in various categories. Closing date - Jan 31, 2009.  The space is also available to rent for various EVENTS like meetings and intimate wedding ceremonies.  Their associate Murray does wonderful carpentry and Dave is an AWESOME metal worker - http://www.BocasDelToroBotanicalGarden.com/photogallery/thumbnails.php?album=5&page=2!  They’re available for wedding flowers & have many plants/flower for sale in their NURSERY!

 

$$ / CURRENCY  -  The coolest thing about Bocas/Panama is they ONLY use U.S. dollars for currency and they take U.S. coins plus they have their own exact coins though they have their own coins (same size/similar look to the U.S. $coin) – the Balboa.

 

PUBLICATION - NEWSPAPER

Bocas Breeze  -  3^rd Street  (http://TheBocasBreeze.com / BocasBreeze@yahoo.com / 6748-0091 / 6683-1369 / 6595-0916)  -  Print and Internet News on Bocas!  Deadline must be submitted by 20^th of the month.  Publisher – Allene Blaker.  Ads – Vickie Hubbard.  FREE publication with news on what’s happenin’ around Bocas!!!  THE publication!!!

“Yellow Pages” type directory  -  Bocas Direct Business Directory (http://BocasDirect.com / 6675-4357 / BocasDirect@yahoo.com)  - A new one comes out every 6 months.  Publisher Phyllis (“Phyl”) McMillan

 

SEWING  -  I’ve been known to bring sewing with me to palces it will be MUCH cheaper – like here!  First see if the Housekeeper/Maid where you’re staying can help you or their office konwns anyone.

Armando Rook  (6568-1337)

Bocas Canvas Works – Cindy (757-9564)

 

WEATHER   -  Yearly average temperature: 27 Centigrades or 82º but it can feel REAL HOT with the humidity. Rainy seasons from May to August and from November to January. Dry season - February to April and September/October.

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IMPORTANT:  GIFTING BACK  -  CHARITIES

BESO - Bocas Educational Service Organization  (http://BocasBeso.info / BocasBeso@yahoo.com)   -  Raises money to support Educational project for the children of Bocas! They help kids with uniforms, backpacks, school supplies and MORE, provide First Aid Kits to the school, helps with teachers salaries (an average teacher makes around $200 a MONTH and most come from far away and teach in outlying areas – sleeping during the week on a bed, collecting rain water to drink, with an outdoor bathroom (I’m thinking either an outhouse or the woods) and a cement stove!) - wherever they find a need.  Their BIG fundraiser is an Auction/Dinner in March (Tues. the 14^th, ’06).  Tickets – Super Gourmet or Buena Vista Realty, Dorreene Reynolds (6642-1911)  or Jan Williams (757-9786).  To Make Donations - Sumayyah McCarren 757-9689 and Marilyn Johnson  (757-9949).  Don’t know why but I also had Kelly Berube 6612-3747 and Karan Schreiber 757- 9671.  Tickets $15 (without dinner just $2 at the door).  Another fundraiser is their Bocas Calendar which features the 12 winners from their Photography Contest of photos taken in/around the Province of Bocas del Toro (deadline for submission is May 15). Do you have something you can donate to the auction?  How about bringing some things to gift to the kids or money?!?!?!?  PLEASE consider donating (you can do it online via http://Paypal.com). 

 

SPAY PANAMA (http://spaypanama.org / and http://spaypanama-chiriqui.org

They’re in GREAT NEED of Medical Supplies: If you have a contact in the USA for donations of veterinary supplies, please contact Pat Chan at Spay/Panama directly to discuss the specialized supplies used in these sterilizations and how to send them to Panama in a way that will avoid customs seizure, diversion and disappearance (yes, this has been a problem.)

Susan Guberman-Garcia  (susanagg1@gmail.com / 6612-1209)

Sally Ramirez  (tashmoo@cwpanama.net / 6614-2220)

Dario Vasquez  (dariovas@gmail.com  / 6617-6444)

For those not in Panama who want to donate but do not have local funds here, you can donate direct to Spay/Panama using PayPal. Donations may be sent through your bank account, credit card or PayPal balance using the email pchan@spaypanama.org through http://PayPal.com. If you do this, please specify that your donation is for BOCAS DEL TORO. (If you do this, please e-mail me at: susanagg1@gmail.com so that I can keep track of the Bocas donations and see how we are doing.)

Ballet - Give it a twirl - by Allene Blaker  -  Last January, Daphne Story, of the Netherlands, started a ballet class in Bocas. She brought donated leotards and shoes from Holland and distributed them among her first students. Classes were held Saturdays in the town gymnasium and she soon had more than thirty dancers in her charge. An entertaining and well-rehearsed recital was held in July with accolades for the dancers and their teacher, but shortly afterwards Daphne was called back to Holland. She turned her classes over to the very talented Kelly Berube de Caro, assisted by Lydia Kimmerling.  Kelly has taken or taught ballet classes for a good part of her life. As all adherents soon learn, this centuries-old dance form is much more than a visual interpretation of music.  On the physical side, ballet teaches posture and coordination while encouraging poise and grace. It promotes fitness and cardiovascular exercise while sculpting bodies and strengthening back and abdominal muscles.  Mentally and spiritually, ballet is a medium that can reinforce one’s self-esteem, provide a creative outlet, teach problem solving and leadership skills, nurture a sense of discipline and, most important, is just plain fun!  Kelly’s classes are open to girls ages 4 to 15 and are absolutely free. They depend on donations, however, and only half of the students have their own leotards and shoes. These are of utmost importance. Hopefully, any and all former dancers or ballet aficionados will take heed and help out. Also, if floor-to-ceiling mirrors could be installed in the new “dance studio” above the fire station, it would make practicing and perfecting the dancers’ movements so much easier.  For enrollment information or to make a donation, contact Kelly: 6612-3747  (from http://thebocasbreeze.com/previous-issues/september-2006-volume-thr.shtml)

 

Many of the communities here described are very poor and lacking of the minimum conditions to have an adequate way of life. If you are interested in help them in the matters of water, electricity, health, sewage, education, trash or production, please contact with Fundacion Promar (promarbocas@yahoo.com)  an environmental organization that can help you to find the right way to do it, through different programs.

 

WHAT IS THE ASILO?  (http://BocasAsilo.googlepages.com / BocasAsilo@gmail.com)   by Pat Quayle  -  The Bocas Asilo is a government-sponsored nursing home with 31 residents; 21 men and 10 women. Five of the residents are in wheel chairs and 6 are blind. Many of the residents speak English. There are 8 caregivers who work there during the week, usually two or three at a time. They have their hands full cleaning, cooking and caring for all the residents.  One of the residents is Lydia Peña de Silva. Lydia is 98 years old and sharp as a tack. I noticed her right away when Professor Luis Palacios (singer, guitar player) asked her to sing a solo during our Panamanian music sing-a-long. Lydia was born in 1907 in Nicaragua. Back in 1931 she and her husband came to Panama on a vacation. They fell in love with Panama and decided to make this their home. First they lived in Colon and next in Chitre, later settling in Guabito, where her husband was a policeman and musician. Lydia has been at the Asilo since 1991  There are many opportunities to lend assistance and help make the Asilo a brighter place. For example, some of the residents asked us to bring snacks for the evening. (The main meal, usually chicken and rice, is served at noon, with only a light fare for dinner.) The residents love music, so a CD and/or cassette player with music CD’s and/or cassettes would be a good gift. A soft lap blanket or knit poncho for some of the ladies would be nice. Another idea would be to “adopt” one of the residents and visit occasionally to listen to their stories and tell them about the outside world.  If you would be willing to help out in any way, please contact Jo Ellen Jeffers (6-622-4042 or email JoJeffers@aol.com) for ways you could help. Josefine Bilanfanty, who is the translator and leads the singing for the Sunday morning worship services at the Asilo, can also be contacted at 6-481-9243 for information on ways to help.

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NIGHTLIFE and BARS

Do you drink much?  Someone created a GREAT idea for those partiers!  For $20 you buy a special t-shirt “Gratis Camisa de Bebida 2007” at various bars around town that are featured on it, you go to the bar, get a “FREE” drink & they color in the logo (to check it off).  FUN idea for those that drink and/or are in Bocas to PARTY!!  Bars listed – The Plank, Bongos, 

The PLANK (at The Black Olive Restaurant)  - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon  -  I LOVE this NEW RESTAURANT and Bar!!  The fun décor from outside this new building is a wood ship where you walk up the “plank”.  Inside they have a POOL TABLE.  They have seating outside as well as inside (with GOOD STRONG ceiling fans)!  Drinks wise they have GREAT Drink Specials at various times of the day.  Cheap Shots – 50¢ - Green Apple or Watermelon Schnapps, $1.50 – Kamikaze, Slippery Nipple or Tequila.  $2 – Jagermeister.  The Jamaican Root Beer (ice cold root beer with spiced rum) is tasty ($2).  All House Specialty Drinks have at least 3 ounces of alcohol and are around $4.  They’re also one of the few places that carries Café Ruiz COFFEE which  I hear is one of the BEST around! I’m hearing they now have their restaurant open – GREEK food (Josh said the Falafel is EXCELLENT!).  HOURS:  Mon.-Thurs. noon-mid., Fri. and Sat. noon-whenever (3am if the people are there and buying!).  OWNERS:  George (a REAL sweetie!!) and Gladys. 

Barco Hundido / The Wreck Deck - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – 1^st Street next to the Cable and Wireless Building/Tower  (http://Barco.Hundido.com / 757-9695)  -  “The Ultimate Tropical Bar” with LIVE MUSIC often (to dance to!!) from the 80s, salsa, merengue, bachata.  They claim they’re the most popular nightlife on Bocas!   They have a good mixture of tourist, locals and Nationals!   LATE NIGHT MUNCHIES & DANCING till 3am!!!!  HAPPY HOUR:  Daily 4:30-6:30pm – Cervezas 50¢, Rum/Ron $1, Vodka $2.  HOURS:  Daily 4:30pm till late night

Big Bamboo Restaurant & BAR (CLOSED)  - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon  -  next to Super Gourmet - across from Ferry pier (6691-9078 / 6648-9237 / PanamaCoach@yahoo.com)   -   OWNERS:  Steve and Vickie Hubbard

LA IGUANA BAR  -  Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – on 1st Street right on the water (http://bocas.com/laiguana.htm)  -  One of the HOTTEST BARs in Bocas.  Thurs. – LADIES NIGHT 9:30-11:30pm – Ladies drink FREE!!  Fri. – REGGAE NIGHT.  Sat. – Special Night.  HAPPY HOUR: 6:30-7:30pm - 2x1.  I was there for their Anniversary Party – July 28, ‘06

Mondo Taitu Bar - Main island “Bocas” - Isla Colon – Turn Left after Artisan Stands and Hotel Las Brisas – 50 mts. (757-9425)  - The bar has an international mix of surfers and younger travelers with young, hip, friendly bartenders service you here with a diverse menu of specialty island cocktails-- mojito with a twist.   SURFBOARD RENTALS.  HAPPY HOUR:  7-8pm – 50¢ beers, $1 mixed drinks.  Cocktail Hour 8-9pm - $2 cocktails.  “Best Cocktails on the Island”. Tasty VEGETARIAN fare.

Flip Flops Bar and Grill  - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon –  Waterfront at 3^rd Street  (757-9675 / http://TheVillageAtPlayaPristina.com)  -  HAPPY HOUR:  7-9am and 4-7pm.  Smoked Seafood, PING PONG, MOVIE NIGHT with a 60’ Screen, WiFi, GREAT for BREAKFAST!

BOHMFALK’s SPORTS BAR and Restaurant -  (757-9711)  -   Quite the Gringo hangout!  STRONG ceiling fans in this open setting helps keep the smoke away. SPORTS BAR – Satellite TV, WIFI.  They often host various some local events.  Food Wise - TASTY Pull-Pork Sandwiches!!  Chicken dinner $7, B’bque Ribs $8, Ribs, Rotisserie Chicken, Wings, Hot Dogs, Cheese Fries, Whole Rotisserie Chicken To-Go $8 (Roasted Chicken runs out early so don’t wait!!). HAPPY HOUR: 4-7pm. OWNERS: Newly-weds Sharon and Bill Bohmfalk from Canada.

Atlas Billar Kosobo is a seedy place frequented by locals with POOL TABLES.

JUST to the left of Atlas Billar -  A REALLY SEEDY bar with LOUD music and MEGA DARK!

Hotel La Rumba Sports Bar and Restaurant  – main Bocas island – Isla Colon – Big Creek outside of town but a taxi should be only $1) (I-griega)  (757-9361 / http://HotelLaRumba.com)  -  Restaurant features International cuisine in front of a swimming beach with Satellite TV with Surround Sound, Electronic Dart Board, Horse Shoe Pits.  EVENTS:  Sun. and Mon. – NFL Football, Food and Drink Specials. Tues.-Closed. Wed. – 8pm - Texas Hold’em, All in $$.  Thurs. 9-11pm – Ladies Night – Free National Liquors for the gals.  Fri. and Sat. – Happy Hour ALL DAY and Night.  Beer/Beer 75¢, National Liquors $1.50, Tropical Drinks $2.  HAPPY HOUR – Wed.-Mon.  4-6pm.  HOURS:  Wed.-Mon. 8am-10pm  (rooms from $10-$70)

Templo Bar (formerly Blue Nasty Mermaid at Piña Colada)  - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon  - Waterfront  (6526-6436).

El Ultimo Refuigo

 

See “Things to Do – Night Jungle Tour” below

 

 

 

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CALENDAR

 

Mon. –                  9:30am-1:30pm -  WORKOUT STUDIO –Spa Florabella

      1pm  -  Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden Tour - $10  -  on Isla Colon 10 minutes from town, just past the Smithsonian Institute, on the hilltop of “La loma del Idaan.” (757-9461 / http://BocasDelToroBotanicalGarden.com / GillinghamdL@yahoo.com  )

         6:30-8:30pm  - WORKOUT STUDIO –Spa Florabella

         NFL Football, Food & Drink Specials  - Hotel La Rumba Restaurant & Sports Bar  – main Bocas island – Isla Colon – Big Creek outside of town but a taxi $1)

Tues.  -  9:30am-1:30pm - WORKOUT STUDIO –Spa Florabella

Wed. – 9:30am-1:30pm - WORKOUT STUDIO –Spa Florabella

         6:30-8:30pm  - WORKOUT STUDIO –Spa Florabella

         8pm - Texas Hold’em, All in $$  - Hotel La Rumba Restaurant and Sports Bar  (757-9961) – main Bocas island – Isla Colon – Big Creek outside of town but a taxi should be only $1)

Thurs.  -   9:30am-1:30pm - WORKOUT STUDIO –Spa Florabella

Noon-6pm  -  Thirsty Thurs. – 2 x 1 drinks  -   Cosmic Crab – Isla Carneros

         3pm  -  Smithsonian Tropical Research Institutes Open House and Tour.

         8pm  -  OPEN MIC with FREE BAR TAB for participants so come sing, speak your mind or play at Blowfish!  Also, Buckets of Beer for $7, FREE Sushi Samples

         9-11pm – FREE Sushi Samples at Blowfish!  (see also 8pm Open Mic & Buckets of Beer for $7)

         9-11pm – Ladies Night – Free National Liquors for the gals  - Hotel La Rumba Restaurant and Sports Bar  – main Bocas island – Isla Colon – Big Creek outside of town but a taxi should be only $1)

9:30-11:30pm  -  Ladies Night – Girls Drink FREE!! –  La Iguana Surf Bar. 

CAIPARINHA NIGHT  - Caiparinhas’ made with 100% Brazilian Cacacha for $2.50  -  El Ultimo Refuigo

Fri.  -  8:30am  -  Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden Tour - $10  -  on Isla Colon 10 minutes from town, just past the Smithsonian Institute, on the hilltop of “La loma del Idaan.” (757-9461 / http://BocasDelToroBotanicalGarden.com / GillinghamdL@yahoo.com  )

9:30am-1:30pm -  WORKOUT STUDIO –Spa Florabella

         3pm  -  Smithsonian Tropical Research Institutes Open House and Tour.

         6:30-8:30pm  - WORKOUT STUDIO –Spa Florabella

REGGAE NIGHT –  La Iguana Surf Bar. 

         Happy Hour ALL DAY and Night.  Cervezas/Beer 75¢, National Liquors $1.50, Tropical Drinks $2  - Hotel La Rumba Restaurant and Sports Bar  – main Bocas island – Isla Colon – Big Creek outside of town but a taxi should be only $1)

Sat. –  9:30am-1:30pm - WORKOUT STUDIO –Spa Florabella

         10-11am  -  Spanish-English Exchange at Spanish-By-The-Sea School (757-9518)  -  Coffee and conversation topics prepared.

         ALL DAY and Night  -  Happy Hour.  Beer/Beer 75¢, National Liquors $1.50, Tropical Drinks $2  - Hotel La Rumba Restaurant and Sports Bar  – main Bocas island – Isla Colon – Big Creek outside of town but a taxi should be only $1)

         2^nd Sat. of month – Garden Club Meeting  -  Linda 6638-8961 / Dorreene 6642-1911.

Sun.  -    4pm - Texas Hold’em, All in $$  - Hotel La Rumba Restaurant & Sports Bar  – main Bocas island – Isla Colon – Big Creek outside of town but a taxi $1)

 

 

 

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EVENTS

Special Reasons/Time to Visit Bocas:

Jan. 31, ’09  -  Closing Date  -  PHOTO COMPETITION of photographs of Finca Los Monos plants. There are substantial prizes offered in various categories. Lin (757-9461 / gillinghamdl@yahoo.com )  -  Closed weekend

Feb. 14  -  Chocolate Bake-Off Contest – Starfish Coffee

March  -  TURTLES COME  (Clara – TurtlesVolPanama@yahoo.com / 658-42451)  -  Get close and Volunteer - $20/day for 3 days plus $16 entrance – includes 3 meals a day and ultra-basic accommodations.

                  Tues. the 14^th, ’06 - BESO Auction/Dinner Fundraiser (for Bocas Educational Service Organization).  Tickets – Super Gourmet or Buena Vista Realty, Dorreene Reynolds (6642-1911)  or Jan Williams (757-9786).  To Make Donations - Sumayyah McCarren 757-9689 and Marilyn Johnson  (757-9949).  Don’t know why but I also had Kelly Berube 6612-3747 and Karan Schreiber 757- 9671.  Tickets $15 (without dinner just $2 at the door)

                  17-07 – Bocas Boat Poker Run  -  Sounds like a rotating Poker game!  Started at 9am at the Pirate, then onto Hacienda del Toro in Dolphin Bay with a dip in the pool and libations!  Next onto Alphonso’s Restaurant in Crawl Key.  A pool party was fun at Garden of Eden in Bahia Honda and finally to Crazy Charley’s  with Corned Beef and Cabbage celebrating St. Patty’s Day!  People either brought their own boat or took the party boat equipped with a bar!!!

April  - TURTLES (see March)

                  21-22, ’06 (April 20-21, ’07?)  -  International Clean-Up Day  -  Project Aware helps coordinate beach and underwater cleanups around the world.  Starfleet Scuba was the local organizer.

May  - TURTLES (see March)

                  Sat. May 14, ’07  -  Chili Cook-Off at Big Creek Beach – TO enter (in advance) contact Buena Vista Restaurant.  Founders, Jerry Johnson (757-9949) and John Lang (757-9824). David Cadwell (757-9786), Clay Blaker (6615-7709)

                  15  -  Deadline for Bocas BESO’s Photography Contest!  Photos MUST be taken in the Province of Bocas del Toro.  The 12 winners will be featured in a calendar of Bocas!    Proceeds from the sales of the calendar go to BESO to support Educational project for the children of Bocas!

                  19  -  Fishing Tournament (’07)  -  $50/boat.  ‘07’s first time event was organized by Lee Glaser and met at the Pirate at 7am & weigh-in was at 4pm at the Buccaneer on Carenero.

GREAT FISHING TIME (tuna, wahoo) -  last couple of weeks in April around the first two weeks of May. 

June  - TURTLES (see March)

Sept. –Mid.  - FERIA DEL MAR / FERRY OF THE SEA  -  SEA FAIR Sept. 11-16, ‘07

Nov. – 1^st weekend offers a feast for the senses with parades, marching bands, school and provincial colors all in honor of the various dates in November that celebrate Panamanian and Bocaterno Independence (a fun thing to do a couple of weeks before this event is to go to the school after hours (like 3-4pm-ish) and listen to the kids practicing their drums!!).

Dec.  -  Bocas Xmas Boat Parade.

 

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HAPPY HOURS

4-6pm. Wed.-Mon.  -  Hotel La Rumba Restaurant and Sports Bar  – main Bocas island – Isla Colon – Big Creek outside of town but a taxi should be only $1)

 

 

ART GALLERY

Artesania Bri-Bri  - main Bocas island – Isla Colon – across from Chow Kai  -  Specializing in handicrafts of this Panamanian Indigenous tribes like the Chocoes, Emberas, Wamas, Kunas, Guaimis, Teribes and the BriBris.

 

 

 

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THINGS TO DO / SEE - TOURS (LOTS to add to this in time)

http://bocas.com/btisturi.htm#eventos

 

 

CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT / THINGS TO DO

ON THE WATER  -  CHEAP

Take the BIG SLOW Car/Transport Ferry (Ferry Palanga - 6615-6674 / 261-0350 / willifu@cableonda.net).  It leaves Almirante at 8am (if you have a car – be there BY 7am since it can get packed) – arriving into Bocas-Isla Colon at 9:30am.  It doesn’t Leave Bocas-Isla Colon until 4pm – Arriving in Almirante at 5:30pm.  You can then choose to wander around this Port town and stay the night/go explore elsewhere or return on the Water Taxi that takes 1 hour leaves every ½ hour between 6am and 6:30pm. Almirante is the Port Town for this area so not much to do but you get to spend some cheap time on the water!!! Passengers - $1 each way.  Car $20 + price per person.

 

BETWEEN BOCAS AND ALMIRANTE  -  Take the Water Taxi from Bocas Marine (757-9033 – located next to JJ’s Marine and Tours) from Bocas to Almirante (great for being on the water)  -  It’s a 1 hour boat ride that leaves every ½ hour between 6am and 6:30pm  -  $3 each way.  For a little variety, you can exit where the water taxi comes in, go direct up a back alley (grass) behind some buildings (just follow the other people).  When you get to the street (just 100 mts), turn Right and walk down about 2 blocks till you see the Bus Terminal.  Look for the bus (mine was a big van where people could stand up) that says “Changuinola” and take that to Downtown Changuinola.  This can be quite harrowing (I was sitting next to the window, next to a lady with a baby and I ended up holding the baby because of all the hairpin turns the driver was taking!!  I thought I was an insane driver [like Mario Andretti!!!!]) albeit scenic drive – winding through roads lined with banana fields (wow on what I learned from a former Chiquita exec that sat next to me on the van - about the growing/processing of bananas and ALL the pesticides, etc. that goes into them!!  In some ways, more than your average fruit!!!!  ESPECIALLY those used for exporting!!).  Once in Downtown Changuinola, at the Bus Terminal (mainly vans) you take the van to the Water Taxi (called something like Finca ____) – through HORRIBLE BUMPY dirt roads (not fun for large chested women!!  OUCH!!).

 

BETWEEN BOCAS AND CHANGUINOLA  -  The Water Taxi from Bocas (also Bocas Marine) to Changuinola is a BEAUTIFUL ride!!!  ESPECIALLY when you get out of the bay and in the back part cutting your way through areas that are FILLED with these beautifully flowering Lilly pad like things!!! (of course – sometimes the motor gets caught up in it so don’t be rushing here to catch something else!!).  The day I went on it, both ways had boatS that had broken down!!!  This trip is about ______ (I think it’s about 1 hour)  -  $5.

Note – to ensure your space – especially before 9:30am and from around 3-6pm – arrive early as the boat will go as soon as it’s full.  Also, NEVER plan on catching the last boat unless you have time to stay where you’re at as – they break down!  Personally, from what I’ve seen, I would plan on catching the last 2!!!

 

BACKGAMMON Club  -  Call Chris (757-9885)

 

Oscar’s BAT CAVE TOURS  (6515-9276 / 6486-4152 / Roots014@hotmail.com)

 

BEST BEACHES

Note: A number of Bocas beaches are not safe for swimming beyond waist deep because of seasonal undertows. Before you swim out into the waves consult your tour operator and/or the locals regarding the safety of swimming at a particular beach.

Bluff Beach: On Isla Colon where most of the hotels are. You can take a taxi or bicycle a few miles to Bluff Beach, the easiest one to reach and the first really pretty beach. Just before Bluff Beach is Punch Beach , a less scenic beach but one with a reputation for great surfing. Neither of these beaches are safe for swimmers- just for getting wet.

Bocas del Drago: This is Bocas best swimming beach, also on Colon Island just a bit farther away. When the seas are calm, the snorkeling is also good. Get there by car or boat.

Red Frog Beach: On Isla Bastimentos, this is Boca's most beautiful beach. The cheaper way to get here is to take a Water Taxi from Bocas Isla to Bastimentos then trek through the jungle a bit to the beach (this way you might get to see the red frog with black polka dots who calls out to you as you walk through the rainforest).  The MUCH more expensive way is to hire a panga to take you out via the ocean side and pick you up (I think that’s about $20 vs. $2 each way/per person in the Water Taxi). Isla Bastimentos is the only place in the world where this scarlet creature lives.

Playa Larga: Another lovely beach on Isla Bastimentos and if you camp out you may see the famous sea turtles.

Cayos Zapatillos Beautiful white sand beaches lined with palms and away from it all.

 

BIKE RENTALS

Bocas Bikes  (6482-0113)

 

BOTANICAL GARDENS – Finca Los Monos (the Monkey Farm) Botanical Gardens, Nursery Plants  and Cut Flowers -  on Isla Colon (757-9461 / http://BocasDelToroBotanicalGarden.com / GillinghamdL@yahoo.com  )  -  A beautiful Tropical garden on their 20-acre finca 10 minutes from town, just past the Smithsonian Institute, on the hilltop of “La loma del Idaan.”  TOURS:  Mon. 1pm and Fri. 8:30am - $10 (wear sturdy footwear).  Otherwise, by appointment (closed weekends).  They’re now  affiliated with Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) headquartered in Kew, England.  OWNER: David and Lin Gillingham.  PHOTO COMPETITION - They welcome visitors to enter their contest of photographs of their plants. There are substantial prizes offered in various categories. Closing date - Jan 31, 2009.  The space is also available to rent for various EVENTS like meetings and intimate wedding ceremonies.  Their associate Murray does wonderful carpentry and Dave is an AWESOME metal worker - http://www.BocasDelToroBotanicalGarden.com/photogallery/thumbnails.php?album=5&page=2!  They’re available for wedding flowers & have many plants/flower for sale in their NURSERY!

 

Cap’n Don’s  (http://CapNDons.com / rental@CapNDons.com / 6596-2622 / 6591-3814)

 

CHOCOLATE TOUR   -  Dave and Linda Cerutti`s Cacao farm Green Acres (greenacresfarm@hotmail.com) on the mainland at Dolphin Bay  -  will show you the start-to-finish process of making chocolate (more a cooking chocolate) and if lucky – witness up close their “pet” ocelot.  Wear long pants and rubber boots while visiting the farm – especially in rainy season.  FREE (though please buy something)

 

INSECTS AT NIGHT  -  1 hour walking trip to  see insects, reptiles, frogs, kaiman and more, then they set up a special insect lamp to attract insects so you can study them.  $20pp.  Mondays at 8pm and midnight!  Erwin Strouwen  6471-2760

 

NIGHT JUNGLE TOUR   -  Roger Cogan at Blue Marble Tours - Isla Bastimentos at the Blue Marble Café next to Roots (6632-6269 / bluemarbletours@aol.com)  -   $35.  Roger is a biologist guide and owner of Blue Marble Tours.  Here’s what one attendee wrote of it (sorry – I can’t find who it was to give him proper credit)  -  Roger invited several of us on his guided night Jungle Tour. We left Bocas Town at dusk in his boat and journeyed to San Cristobol Island where he has a 50-acre nature preserve. Trails are laid out in a safe and orderly manner. Powerful flashlights were distributed and the “hunt” was on.  Following the trail system, the jungle came alive after becoming acclimated to the dark. Crossing several creeks, we saw many red eyes belonging to fresh water shrimp, followed by the red eyes of spectacled caiman. Shining the lights up in the tall trees, we observed a three-toed sloth, a woolly opossum and some kind of cat that moved too fast to be identified. Concentrating on the tropical vegetation along the trails, we observed several amphibians, marine cane toads, strawberry dart frogs, dink frogs and a web-footed frog. One of the favorites of the group was watching the amazing night trail of cutter ants climbing and descending a 40 foot Laurel tree with their leaves in tow and depositing their cargo into a small hole next to the tree. Watching this at night was a totally different experience than seeing it during the day.

Lightning bugs and beetles with florescent eyes, and giant crickets, grasshoppers and spiders also added to the event. At one point we all turned off our lights and let the jungle envelope us. The sounds were unforgettable. This experience made us feel very small and insignificant in the world as a whole. Totally unique!

We observed no snakes that night; however, Roger is an experienced handler and he goes first on the trail with the proper tools so we all felt very safe the entire time. You might see blunt-headed tree snakes, boa constrictors or sleeping brown vine snakes. At night a lot of different animals are out and about, and you never know what you might see! The jungle really does come alive at night!!

So if you are looking for an exciting and enjoyable evening, more of a Discovery Channel moment than a “Wild On E” segment, then load up on “OFF”, wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt, hiking boots, and give Roger a call! The trip usually starts at 5:30pm and you’re back by 10:30pm. The trip is $35 per person with special group rates available.

 

Some Tour companies we’ve heard positive things about – Livingston Tours

 

Photo Exhibition  -  IPAT – Ongoing  -  Bocas wildlife photos by Terry Hit

 

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has an incredible database of flora and fauna in the Bocas archipelago. Researchers are constantly adding to it but right now there are 2542 animal species, 550 plant species and 156 species of algae and one-celled organisms. They give FREE TOURS on Thurs. & Fri. from 3-5pm (it’s in English & Spanish depending on the people that are there).  Give the site a browse. http://striweb.si.edu/bocas_database  (from http://thebocasbreeze.com/HomePage-News/october-issue.shtml)

 

TOURS  -  Note – many are not overly expensive BUT lunch is NOT included & if you choose the lunch option they give you – plan on spending LOTS & LOTS of $$$!!!  Hint – bring your own (you can get a tasty sandwich made for you at Super Gourmet!!).

 

WORKOUT STUDIO

Spa Florabella. – Mon-Sat 9:30am-1:30pm.  Mon, Wed. & Fri. 6:30-8:30pm

Workout Studio Gimnasio with weight machines, fitness classes, personal trainers. $30/month membership. Across the street from the airport soccer field.

 

WATER SPORTS

Bocas Water Sports (BWS)  - Main island “Bocas” - Isla Colon – Main Street  (http://BocasWaterSports.com / 757-9541 / bws@BocasWaterSports.com)  -  PADI Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Tours, Kayaks, Surfing, Water Skiing, Fishing, Houseboat+

Land, Sea and Air Adventures  (http://Land-Sea-Air-Adventures.com / LandSeaAirAdventures@yahoo.com)  

Cap’n Don’s  -  at Hotel Las Brisas  - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – North end of Main Street  (757-9549 / 6591-3814 / Hotel_LasBrisas@yahoo.com)  - GIANT TRAMPOLINE in the Water!!  Windsurfers, Snorkeling, Tours, Kayaks, Hobie Cats, Pedal Boats.  When I inspected it they had the crew from one of the international Survivor sets staying there for 2 or so months & it was QUITE worn!

Hotel Olas  (http://HotelOlas.com / 757-9930 / info@hotelolas.com)   -  ON the water across from the Marina  -  WATER SPORTS CENTER (including Jet Skis) and CHEAPEST prices on most tours!!    Salsa Brava (the name of the boat captain) does boat tours from here to Dolphin Bay, Coral Key, Zapatia, National Park – Daily from10am-4:30pm for $18/pp (he needs to have a min. of 16 people to go out. max. 20 people).  Rent the boat privately $200/9am-4pm.  Or $100/hour. (so far I’ve not seen him go out much)  67-247970

Jampan Tours  (http://JampanResort.com / 757-9619 / from U.S. 1-561-352-0469 / JamDutch@aol.com)  -  TOURS – Dolphin Bay, Coral Cay and Red Frog Beach; Dolphin Bay, Zapatilla and Coral Cay; Star Beach, Bird Island and Boca del Drago.  Special Tours to Salt Creek to visit an Indian Village and see monkeys in the wild; Scropta Jungle Tour; Beaches – Red Frog and Polo Beach;  San Cristobal, Hospital Point and other tours.   TRANSFERS to Carenero and Bastimentos from 6am-11pm (note – they are NOT a regular water taxi.  They’ll charge you $5 from Bastimentos to Carenero [vs. the $1 the water taxi’s charge you] as well as a Night Fee)

BOAT CRUISE (DAY) – CLEAR SAILING!!!  NEW!!!

Robert Downes is starting a Day Cruise on his boat the Mystic Wind which is moored in Marina Carenero  (robertdownes@hotmail.com)  -  $49 from 9:30am-4:30pm.

 

JET SKI  -   (http://land-sea-air-adventures.com / 684-4418 / 684-4824 / landseaairadventures@yahoo.com)

 

SCUBA DIVING!!  - EXCELLENT SPOTS at Hospital Point, at the tip of Solarte Key, is just opposite Bocas town and a few minutes away by boat. So rent a kayak instead and pack your snorkeling gear to explore some of the archipelago's nicest shallow water diving. The reef here is in good shape, a hangout for familiar faces (parrotfish, angelfish amidst colorful corals and sponges). Serious snorkelers can explore a wall dive here near the cliff to about 45 feet and then relax on the small beach near the point.

 

SURFING  -  Locals like a left on tiny Carenero Island just off Bocas town - it's a long (200 yards) zippy ride over a shallow (and sea urchin-lined) reef.  Reports indicate that a big reef break called Silverbacks on Bastimentos island can hold a Hawaiian-like 25’ right (mostly a big drop and short tube ride). 

http://TropicalReservations-cr.com/b/2008/11/27/bocas-del-toro-surf-report-panama

 

 

SURF BOARD RENTALS  - Mondo Taitu Bar - Main island “Bocas” - Isla Colon – Turn Left after Artisan Stands and Hotel Las Brisas – 50 mts. (757-9425) 

 

SURF CAMP  -  Bocas Blue Wave  (BocasBlueWave@yahoo.com / 6590-2187)

 

SURF SHOPS  - Surf Shop Flow  - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon   - 2^nd Street – Below Om Café!

Tropix Surfshop  - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – Main Street – across from the Park (http://TropixSurf.tripod.com / 757-9415)  -  Also make CUSTOM BOARDS!

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