Bocas Cruising Guide

Cruiser's Guide to Bocas del Toro

Checking in Supplies Services Map Marinas and Anchorages Pictures

Click on the links to see pictures

Bocas del Toro is a great place to leave the boat and travel home or anyplace else. An airport with service to Panama City, David and Changuinola is located here. Don't miss inland travel to Boquete and David. The road back from David to Almirante is spectacular with waterfalls, mountains, jungle and indian villages. With two secure marinas, there will be space for practically all who need a safe place for the boat. The anchorages are in shallow, clear water and yards from town. The people are friendly and helpful. You will find marine chart # 28041 helpful. The Panama Guide (Zydler, 1996) has some useful information, but most of the section about Bocas is outdated and has changed.
This area has many attractions described in Zydler's book. The Panama Page Website provides lots of good information. You'll find good cruising in pristine surroundings at Zapatilla, Bluefields, Kraal (Crawl) Cay, Green Acres and Drago, just to name a few. Surfers will find good waves. Divers will find several spots of interest.
Please email any comments or changes to firststar36@yahoo.com
Click here for English to Spanish dictionary.
General Information
Dinghy docks: There is no public dock yet, but most of the restaurants and shops that have docks will let you tie up free while you are in town. Most cruisers don't lock their dinghies and theft is rare here.
Credit cards, traveler's checks, ATM: Some shops and service stores don't accept credit cards. Travelers checks can be cashed only at Banco Nacional de Panama, where there is also an ATM.
Government and commerce hours: Many stores are open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 am to 12:00 md, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Sundays closed. Most of the restaurants serve dinner only up to 10:00 pm. Government offices open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Post Office also opens on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 md.

Public phones: There are many public telephones in Bocas that accept coins or phone cards. Phone company is Cable and Wireless at 1st. street. Consider buying a phone and using the Bell South prepaid cards. This was a major benefit to us.

Important phone numbers: Police: 104; Fire Department: 103; Hospital: 757-9201; Information: 757-9257; Phone company national operator: 101, international operator: 106, Aeroperlas (Airport): 757-9341.

Local events: New Year: January 1; Carnival: February or March; Easter: March or April; Sea Fair: last week of September; Independence from Columbia: November 3; National Flag Day: November 4; Bocas del Toro Day: November 16; Independence from Spain: November 28; Mothers day: December 8; Christmas: December 25.

Population: 9,883 inhabitants (2000 census) is the population of the Archipelago.

Restaurants are plentiful in Bocas, and offer a variety of foods. El Ultimo Refugio is owned and operated by European cruisers and is very good.

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Cruiser's Guide to Bocas del Toro

Checking in	Supplies	Services	Map	Marinas and Anchorages	Pictures

Click on the links to see pictures
Bocas del Toro is a great place to leave the boat and travel home or anyplace else. An airport with service to Panama City, David and Changuinola is located here. Don't miss inland travel to Boquete and David. The road back from David to Almirante is spectacular with waterfalls, mountains, jungle and indian villages. With two secure marinas, there will be space for practically all who need a safe place for the boat. The anchorages are in shallow, clear water and yards from town. The people are friendly and helpful. You will find marine chart # 28041 helpful. The Panama Guide (Zydler, 1996) has some useful information, but most of the section about Bocas is outdated and has changed. This area has many attractions described in Zydler's book. The Panama Page Website provides lots of good information. You'll find good cruising in pristine surroundings at Zapatilla, Bluefields, Kraal (Crawl) Cay, Green Acres and Drago, just to name a few. Surfers will find good waves. Divers will find several spots of interest. Please email any comments or changes to firststar36@yahoo.com Click here for English to Spanish dictionary. General Information Dinghy docks: There is no public dock yet, but most of the restaurants and shops that have docks will let you tie up free while you are in town. Most cruisers don't lock their dinghies and theft is rare here. Credit cards, traveler's checks, ATM: Some shops and service stores don't accept credit cards. Travelers checks can be cashed only at Banco Nacional de Panama, where there is also an ATM. Government and commerce hours: Many stores are open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 am to 12:00 md, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Sundays closed. Most of the restaurants serve dinner only up to 10:00 pm. Government offices open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Post Office also opens on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 md. Public phones: There are many public telephones in Bocas that accept coins or phone cards. Phone company is Cable and Wireless at 1st. street. Consider buying a phone and using the Bell South prepaid cards. This was a major benefit to us. Important phone numbers: Police: 104; Fire Department: 103; Hospital: 757-9201; Information: 757-9257; Phone company national operator: 101, international operator: 106, Aeroperlas (Airport): 757-9341. Local events: New Year: January 1; Carnival: February or March; Easter: March or April; Sea Fair: last week of September; Independence from Columbia: November 3; National Flag Day: November 4; Bocas del Toro Day: November 16; Independence from Spain: November 28; Mothers day: December 8; Christmas: December 25. Population: 9,883 inhabitants (2000 census) is the population of the Archipelago. Restaurants are plentiful in Bocas, and offer a variety of foods. El Ultimo Refugio is owned and operated by European cruisers and is very good.