Page 231 - The Rough Guide to Panama (Travel Guide)

ArchipiélAgo de BocAs del Toro Bocas del Toro 229
TOUR OPERATORS small, quiet, on-site hostel.
There are many tour operators in Bocas Town; below is just Boteros Bocatoreños C 3, at Av “A” T757 9760. An
a small selection of the best. association of local boatmen formed to try and compete
Bocas Dive Centre C 4 and Av Sur T757 9737, against some of the slicker foreign tour operators, offering
Wbocasdivecenter.com. Highly regarded Panamanian- the usual tour favourites, often at slightly lower prices, and
owned dive shop emphasizing safety while having fun. with bags of local tales to tell.
Two-tank dives from $110 at various locations and dive La Buga Dive & Surf C 3, at Av “B” T6781 0755,
instructor training on offer. Wlabugapanama.com. Highly recommended, this dive 6
Bocas Sailing C 3 at Av “B” T757 9710, Wbocassailing centre (Open-Water $250) also offers surfing, snorkelling
.com. Excellent-value catamaran trips to see dolphins en and fishing trips as well as SUP and surfboard rental, and
route to Cayo Crawl ($48 including picnic lunch) or to Boca del has a cool bar to boot.
Drago, with private charter possible (minimum eight people). Jampan Tours C 1, at Av “D” T757 9619. You can’t miss
Bocas Surf School Av Norte, between C 5 & C 6 T6852 the bright Jamaican colours of their office or boats, which
5291, Wbocassurfschool.com. Professional private run water-taxi services to Red Frog Beach and the standard
lessons with qualified instructors ($59 half-day, $89 full day-tours ($25–30), with one trip that includes a visit to a
day, including board) at all levels; the same people run a Ngäbe community on Isla San Cristóbal.
accoMModaTIoN
There’s a good range of accommodation in Bocas, and more hostels here than anywhere else in the country outside
Panama City. Even so, rooms are scarce during high season and on holiday weekends. Advance booking is a good idea,
though backpacker lodgings don’t accept reservations, so try to arrive before 11am. A sprinkling of foreign-owned lodges
and guesthouses are now opening up in more remote corners of Isla Colón; staying in these you are close to nature but
generally reliant on their amenities, since public transport is scarce. And it pays to remember that water shortages, power
cuts and floods often affect Isla Colón – and other areas in the archipelago – however much you’re paying.

BOCAS TOWN face the ocean but all have access to a waterside veranda plus
HoTels aNd B&Bs free use of kayaks. Substantial breakfast included. $94
Bahía del Sol Saigon Bay T6695 6286, Gran Hotel Bahía C 3 at Av “A” T757 9626, Wghbahia
Wbocasbahiadelsol.com; map p.224. Situated in a local .com; map p.224. You’re definitely paying more for the
community, a 15min walk from town, this cosy over-the- history than facilities or service (though refurbished rooms
water guesthouse offers a range of rooms and prices from have a/c and cable TV) – the impressive former headquarters
affordable rustic comfort (in the adjoining three-roomed Casa of the United Fruit Company (1905) is steeped in it. Hang out
Rosada) to rustic luxury. The most sought-after suite boasts an on the fabulous first-floor wooden veranda and splash out
ocean veranda with open-air jacuzzi and shower (no a/c). the extra $17 for the larger, brighter rooms upstairs.
Wonderful sunsets, scrumptious breakfasts (included in the Breakfast included. Two-night minimum. $77
rate) and gracious hosts make this place a treat. $80 Hotel Bocas del Toro C 1 between Av “C” & Av “D” T757
Bocas Reef Hotel C 3 between Av Central & Av “D” 9018, Whotelbocasdeltoro.com; map p.224. Attractive
T757 9804; map p.224. Functional, characterless hotel in polished wood abounds here and the eleven rooms (with
a labyrinthine building offering clean en-suite rooms, hot- a/c, cable TV and coffee-maker) are elegantly furnished,
water showers, cable TV, modern a/c and solid beds. Service some with stunning ocean-view balconies. The restaurant
is friendly and efficient and they have a terrace and kitchen deck overlooks the water. They also organize tours, rent
for guests’ use. You can’t ask for more for the price. $40 kayaks and offer massage. Breakfast included. $143
Caribbean Cabañas Saigoncito Saigon T6446 0787, Hotel del Parque C 2 T757 9008, Whdelparque
Wpanamasparadise.com; map p.224. A collection of .webs.com; map p.224. This warm, family-run, no-frills
nicely renovated traditional wooden houses on stilts with place has two balconies: one overlooking the main square
balconies in lush gardens; it’s in a residential area 5min from and another, quieter and hung with hammocks, at the
Bocas Town centre, so bike rental is included to help you get back. Rooms (sleeping one to four) include cable TV, good
about. Some rooms can be rented separately or together as hot-water showers and a/c (or fan); and there’s a small
a whole cabin; others are cabañas with kitchens. All have kitchen. The next-door hostel can be noisy. $50
fans, hot water and cable TV. Good weekly rates. $55 ★ Lula’s B&B Av “H” at C 6 T757 9057, Wlulabb.com;
Cocomo-on-the-Sea Av “H” at C 6 T757 9259, map p.224. Professional B&B offering half a dozen spotless
Wcocomoonthesea.com; map p.224. Popular, comfortable rooms (four doubles, four triples) with private hot-water
four-room B&B (with a/c) in a lovely painted wooden bathroom, a/c or fan, plus a spacious communal balcony,
Bocatorian house, where you’ll be well looked after. Two rooms homely, nicely furnished living room and shared kitchenette.

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