Boca(s)(?) Del Toro, Panama

[Krazy Kruizers]

Has anyone ever been to this port?

 

I know it is on the Caribbean side of the Canal. Is it near Colon?

[Papa Dick]

Hi Krazy Kruizers

 

Unless the vessel you are on actually docks in Bocas del Toro, it would be virtually impossible to do a one day tour from either the Pacific side (Panama City/Balboa) or the Atlantic side (Colon) ports.

 

Bocas del Toro is well worth the journey if you can stay overnight, enjoy some soft adventure (e.g. small boat excursions to islands with decent snorkeling), and do not mind basic sleeping and eating possibilities rather than 5 star (or even 3 star) hotels.

 

Best way to get there is from Panama City by small commercial regularly scheduled airplanes.

 

As a point of interest, the last couple of years has seen an increase of expatriates from the United States of America, Canada, and Europe deciding to make their retirement homes in Bocas. Personally, the wife and I prefer theater, dining out, and other benefits of a big city. The trips to exotic locations are just part of the total package rather than the main event.

 

Papa Dick

 

Papa Dick

[Pudgesmom]

We have just returned from a Windstar trip that included a stop in Bocas del Toro, which is both a town by that name and an area of islands on the Atlantic side of Panama.

 

The town itself is small and poor, but those who went it said it was interesting. Several on our ship went on a dolphin excursion, which was with dolphins in an area where they actually live, not confined. The snokeling was good, and the dolphins were exciting. Our family took a one-tank dive.

 

Water clarity in this area is only so-so, due to the tremendous amount of run-off from local rivers. We were there during the dry season; it is my understanding that a tremedous amount of rain falls in the wet season in this area.

 

Bocas del Toro was a one-day sail from the Panama Canal entrance.

 

Hope this Helps.

 

Beth

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks

 

We are looking at a cruise where the Prinsendam stops there.