RSS10 Tips For Visiting Bocas Del Toro Panama
Nov 24
Central America Bocas Del Toro, Central America, holiday, panama, vacation No Comments
If you’re reading this article, odds are good that you’ve decided to visit Bocas Del Toro, Panama. Congratulations! Not only is Bocas beautiful, but it’s quite possibly the perfect vacation destination in Central America. Do you like the beach? Bocas has some of the most magnificent beaches you’ll find in the Caribbean, including world-famous Red Frog beach (named for the tiny Red Frogs that are found there). What about adventure tourism? Mountain biking, scuba and snorkeling, sea kayaking, zip-line jungle canopy tours, and all types of water sports are readily available in Bocas. If you like night life, you’ll find that Bocas Town has dozens of bars with great dining, dancing, and drink specials.
A Bocas del Toro stay is a cross between the fun you can expect from an Aruban beach vacation and the adventures offered by a Costa Rican jungle resort. And it doesn’t cost as much as the two put together, either. For about $50 a night you can get a decent standard room in Bocas Town, and for about $20 you can buy dinner for two.
Anyways, there’s a good chance you already know all of that. Bocas is great – that’s why you’ve decided to visit. Here’s a list of tips and advice for anyone new to Bocas Del Toro:
1) If you’re planning to go underwater, bring your own waterproof camera. The place has the goods: clear waters, colorful fish, and coral reefs that go on and on, and the only way you can take them with you is to snap a few pictures. Bringing your own waterproof camera (disposable cameras are OK) means that you’re sure you have it when you need it, and it won’t cost you as much than if you buy a camera in Bocas – assuming you can even find one for sale.
2) The weather is hot (around about 90 degrees F), and the streets in town are narrow. That means you will end up doing some – okay, a lot of – walking (it’s better to soak in the culture of the place that way) in very unfamiliar stuffiness because the humidity is perennial. So, unless you’re used to hot weather, be sure to bring a good pair of sandals you don’t mind taking to the beach along with some shorts and t-shirts.
3) U.S. Dollars are just fine. Most tourist destinations in Central America will readily accept U.S. dollars, but many of these places will give you a less-than-favorable exchange rate. What makes Bocas different is that the U.S. dollar is essentially the national currency, so there’s no need to worry about currency exchange. The Panamanian national currency is technically known as the “Balboa,” but since the Balboa is tied to the value of the U.S. dollar (one Balboa equals exactly one U.S. dollar), US currency is used across the country.
4) If your stomach is sensitive, it’s best to stick to purified bottled water since these are readily available, anyway. Most of the water in this tropical country comes from collected rainwater. Although it is generally safe, collected rainwater might not always agree with your system. Bottled water isn’t expensive or hard to find, so why risk it?
5) Bring your passport, not just because it is your primary ID and proof of nationality, but you really can’t get into any country without it, can you? The good news is that if you’re from the US or Canada, a passport is all you’ll need. Other than a tourist stamp, which can cost between $8 to $12, there are no visas or special permits. Extensions after 30 days are also easy to get for a nominal fee. Your driver’s license will only be needed if you want to rent a car (which you won’t need to do while in Bocas).
6) Get some supplies when you arrive. Once you’ve had a chance to check in to your hotel or bed and breakfast, visit one of the many grocery stores in Bocas and buy some snacks and water for the beach. Most of the beaches in Bocas can only be reached by the water (this is a good thing, by the way), so there aren’t a lot of beach shops, restaurants, or convenience stores. Be sure to buy lots of bottled water and sunscreen (just in case you forgot to pack some). This is also a good excuse to try Balboa, Panama’s favorite national beer.
7) English is A-O-K. An English-Spanish dictionary can be helpful, but if you don’t speak a lick of Spanish that’s perfectly fine in Bocas. From the hotel staff to the restaurant workers, you will find most Bocas residents speak excellent English. In fact, many of the people you’ll meet in Bocas are native English speakers from the US and Canada that have decided to move for good.
You can’t bring everyone with you, but you can keep in touch. There are Internet cafes in town where you can rent a computer for about $3 an hour. Many of them offer free VOiP calls to the US or Canada. If it’s a really long vacation, you can buy a disposable or prepaid cell phone.
9) Cross the border and visit Costa Rica. It’s not that Costa Rica is very different from Panama (unless of course you go a lot further into the Costa Rican jungles), but a quick hope to Costa Rica is a great way to get another stamp on your passport. Costa Rica is only about an hour away, and there are day tours which will take you into the jungle in Costa Rica. You can be back in Panama by nightfall or the next morning.
10) Bring a vacation mindset. Leave the hustle and bustle behind and slow your pace. You can try to hurry things up in Panama, but you’re likely to fail. Life in Bocas del Toro is easy and laid back, so always remember that YOU are the visitor there. There are things that the locals will do differently, and it won’t be because they’re rude or mean; it’s just the way they’re used to doing things. Don’t be surprised by slow service at the restaurant or a general indifference – no one in Bocas takes anything too seriously. Remember that, and you’re likely to appreciate the slow pace.
I really enjoyed my time in Panama, and I hope that these 10 tips helped so that you can enjoy yours, too.
About the Author: Jason Lancaster has spent some quality time in Panama and is happy to share what he knows about Bocas del Toro. Learn more about Bocas del Toro restaurants and hotels.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.