Bocas del Toro
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| Bocas del Toro Port of Entry
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 Map of Bocas del Toro |
Bocas del Toro is the capital of the Panamanian province of Bocas del Toro. It is city and a world-renowned tourist resort located on the island of Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago in the Caribbean Sea off the northwest coast of Panama. Relatively few Panamanians live on the island, opting for cheaper housing on the mainland of Panama. Its white, sandy beaches, ecological parks, diving keys, restaurants and food, nightclubs, attractions, thematic parks, music and dances, shops and markets both in the zone and the downtown make it a popular tourist destination year-round for tourists from the North, South, Central America, Europe, Oceania and Asia alike.
The official language in Panama is Spanish but English is widely spoken in Bocas del Toro.
Charts
See Panama.
Weather
Yearly average temperature: 27 Centigrades or 82 grades Farenheit. Rainy seasons from May to August and from November to January. Dry seasons from February to April and September/October.
See also Panama.
Passages
See Panama.
Communication
- Local English language net on vhf 68 at 7:45a.m. Daily
- Movistar has good cell coverage and they have an unlimited plan for tethering or cell modems for $40 (as of 12/2019)
See also Panama.
Add any navigation notes such approaches, dangers etc here. If this section does not apply remove it.
Entrance
Bocas del Toro is a port of entry for Panama. For details see Entrance: Panama.
Berthing
Describe here the berthing options of this port. Are there moorings or you have to anchor? Do most boats moor side-to, stern-to, or bow-to? Etc.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
- Bocas Marina - is the main marina in Bocas, located on Isla Colon. Excellent concrete warfs; electicity, wi-fi, water, Diesel Fuel, showers, laundry, restaurant/bar, etc. Very well run, and out of hurricane zone. Rates reasonable
- Red Frog Marina
- Agua Dulce Eco Marina
- Marina Carenero
Bocas Del Toro has two main anchorages in town, the north and south anchorage. Holding in the south can be iffy with areas of coral rubble, but it's pretty quiet.
The north anchorage is right off town, very convenient to everything.
All around the archipeligo are tens and tens, if not a hundred possible anchoring locations.
Amenities
| Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Water | In the marinas |
| Electricity | In the marinas |
| Toilets | In the marinas |
| Showers | In the marinas |
| Laundry | ? |
| Garbage | ? |
| Supplies | |
| Fuel | In some of the marinas |
| Bottled gas | ? |
| Chandlers | ? |
| Services | |
| Repairs |
|
| Internet | In the marinas |
| Mobile connectivity | ? |
| Vehicle rentals | ? |
Provisioning
There are at least 15 super markets plus smaller grocers and food shops in town. Many expats, so many foreign brands. For special items, there is nearly day delivery from David through Bocas Express.
Super gourmet has all sorts of other items you won't find in other stores including organic veg and meat.
There is a well stocked chandler in town as well as many hardware stores that also stock marine items.
We'll stocked liquor stores are around, and given its a surfing town, there's a good supply and demand.
Eating out
My goodness, where to start. There are restaurants up and down the streets in all price ranges.
Some we've been to:
- Cosmic crab
- El Ultimo Refugio
- Pane e Vino
- Bocas Falafel for authentic Israeli falafel, schnitzel and shawarma. Run by the Chabad House
Transportation
List transportation (local and/or international.)
Tourism
History
Give a short history of the port.
Places to Visit
List places of interest, tours, etc.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
- Lin Ronald (lived here since 2005), Tel: 6481 6252. Isla Carenero (small yellow house next to the large new hotel called Los Balcone). I am originally from New Zealand and have many years cruising experience. Email
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Bocas del Toro at the Wikipedia
- Bocas del Toro at the Wikivoyage
References
See Panama.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Bocas del Toro and this page's details validated:
- Compiled from research (pilot books, internet, etc.) March, 2017 --Istioploos
Travels with S/Y Thetis
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Names: Lighthouse |
