ABOUT BOCAS

ABOUT BOCAS DEL TORO

Things to Do On and Around Carenero Island and Bocas del Toro

 

There’s plenty to do right here on the resort which is based on Carenero Island in the region of Bocas del Toro, and there are many more places to go, sights to see, beautiful beaches and nature activities, in nearby Bocastown and the surrounding Islands.

Each of our cabins has a water view porch for relaxing, quiet reading and enjoying the antics of the Hummingbirds who frequent the feeders at each cabin and the Geckos and Crabs who abound and are simply a fact of life.


We have 6 1/2 acres of semi cleared jungle and a night walk (we’ll provide you with a flashlight if you didn’t bring your own) is a nocturnal nature adventure steps away from your own front door. Fish eating Bats, Ghost Crabs, Toads, and eyes in the trees, are easy to find.

Our guests enjoy sunning, reading, swimming and fishing off our docks or in the ranchos situated over the water. We are happy to provide Indian style fishing equipment and bait catching advise. The small Fiddler Crabs who populate the island make great bait for the yellow snapper who dwell around the docks, Catching the crabs for bait is a giggle in itself!!!


Our small fleet of Kayaks will let you be captain of your own ship! Use of Kayaks is free for our resort guests.

We have cards and board games. Set up a game of Scrabble, Rummicub, Yahtzi, Chess, Backgammon, in a rancho for a game over the water with a warm Caribbean breeze. We have an extensive library of books and over 200 DVD’s, including recent theater releases as well as movies for the whole family.

Facing west, we enjoy spectacular sunsets at the end of every day. Immerse yourself in the natural light show in a rocker on the porch of your own cabin, or join us at the Cosmic Crab and sip a happy hour special, “the Cosmic Sunset”.

Many people enjoy walks around the Island of Carenero. There are sandy beaches on the east side of the island with beautiful views of Bastimentos and Solarte. Stop in at Bibi's or the Pickled Parrot for a drink and a great view under traditional thatch roof. If you venture just a bit farther north, the area is uninhabited and shells and coral washed ashore are easy to find. The northern most tip of Carenero has some of the world’s best surf!! Take a bottle of water (or a beer!), a towel, sunscreen and a good book and discover Caribbean treats on your own island!!!

 

Things to do around Bocas

Of course, many water sports activities are available. You can choose from a selection of day tours and visit numerous islands in the spectacular Bocas del Toro archipelago.

 

Super Gourmet

The Best grocer in Bocas by far for things you miss from outside Bocas! Located

across the street from the ferry dock. Our favorite product is the frozen food section where many of the Cosmic Crab Cafe delicacies are available for  take home or provisioning your boat. Just heat and serve! Also available are our Cosmic Crab T Shirts, Coolantro Hot Sauce, and Cosmic Crab all natural Bug Off.

www.SuperGourmetBocas.com

 

Boating Day Trip  

By far one of the most popular day activities is a day long snorkeling and beach trip by boat. Very easy to organize with independent water taxis in Bocas. If you’re willing to join others to fill a tour boat (8-10 people), average cost is $20/pp.  If you are a group of 4 or more, we can recommend trusted boat captains to take you on a private tour.  Perhaps stop by the Super Gourmet and stock up on delicious deli sandwiches and munchies for a picnic lunch at the beach

The most popular circuit includes Dolphin Bay (yes, you usually do see dolphins), Coral Cay (exceptionally beautiful reef, lotsa fish! Then lunch in one of the restaurants over the water) and then an afternoon sunning, swimming or surfing at Red Frog Beach. Including Zapatilla, gorgeous! uninhabited island, part of the Bastimentos National Marine Park, will increase your fare to $25/pp. Day Tours are also available to Boca del Drago, Starfish Beach and Bird Key.

 

Catamaran Sailing

Day Tour with a licensed, experienced captain, sails around various islands in the archipelago and can include snorkeling. Can accommodate up to 20 people, $40/pp and includes lunch. Reservations are recommended during the high season.

www.bocassailing.com

 

Booze Cruise

The Barco Loco is a uniquely outfitted pontoon boat for sippin’and sailin’ around the islands!!! Reservations recommended.

 

Snorkeling

Some of the most pristine, unspoiled reefs in the world are found right here in the Bocas archipelago. Beautiful reefs are near to Carenero. While we can provide masks and snorkels, we do recommend you bring your own.

Diving

2 PADI certified Dive Centers, Bocas Water Sports and Starfleet Scuba are located in Bocas, just a 2 minute boat ride from Careening Cay.
www.bocaswatersports.com
www.starfleetscuba.com

 

Go Jetskiing

Available for hourly rental. Arrange prepayment in Bocas, Can be delivered to Careening Cay. 

 

Surfing

Magic Sea Weed       http://magicseaweed.com/Careneros-Surf-Report/913 

is our favorite spot for weather and surf reports

World Class surfing around Bocas del Toro. The northern tip of Carenero, 20 minute walk from Careening Cay, has an impressive reputation for challenging waves. Check out Paunch Beach, Bluff Beach, Wizard’s Beach.

Surf boards are available for rent in Bocas at Tropix.  Several places offer rentals and lessons.

 

Isla Carenero Home of Great Surfing

 

Bird Watching

Hummingbird feeders right here on Careening Cay brings the flying dancers right to your porch and the Cosmic Crab. Herons, egret, pelicans, eagle, hawks, Parrots all nest on Carenero. Bird Key is a must see stop for Bird watchers. A beautiful,small island rising 50 feet out of the water, inhabited only by wildlife including hundreds of species of birds.

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Center

 

Beaches

Red Frog,Starfish Beach,  Boca del Drago, Zapatilla are favoritesFor big waves and surf,  try Bluff Beach

Pools

Playa Mango has a small beach area and a great pool. Poolside bar/restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Swan’s Cay Hotel has a pool with bar/restaurant and beautiful view of Carenero and open seas.  Hacienda del Toro on San Cristobal, worth the 20 minute boat trip, especially if you include horseback riding. Most have small fees for using the pools, usually $5/pp.

 

Learn Spanish

Spanish by the Sea offers private and small group lessons. www.spanishbythesea.com

 

Spa Treatments and Massage

Relax and enjoy a massage, facials, manicure/pedicures and a variety of Spa Treatments with certified estiticians and massage therapists.

 

Eco Tours

Soposo Rainforest Adventures offers 1-5 day tours up the Teribe River and into the mountains. Visit Naso Indian communities, native crafts people, organic medicinal gardens, enjoy white water rafting.
www.soposo.com

 

Real Estate

 Coral Coast Cristobal

 land lots of 1/2 an acre beginning from just $39,900, and entire private islands starting at a mere $199,000, Coral Coast Cristobal offers you an affordable way to be part of the relaxed culture and tropical paradise lifestyle of your dreams. Call Direct 011-507-6561-0693 Stephen

In Bocas 6561-0693 Stephen 
Visit  Coral Coast Cristobal    for More info

 

 

Banana Hill

Lots on Bastimentos Contact Capt. JB now to retain your place in paradise.
Call direct 011-507-6583-0037
(If you are already in Bocas, just dial 6583-0037.)
Visit   www.bocasbananahill.com/Home_Page.html   for more info


 

 

Online Newspapers (Panama in English)

Bocas Breeze

Best News source for Bocas del Toro:

Visit:http://www.thebocasbreeze.com/current-issue/index.shtml

 

Panama Guide

Best news source for all of Panama

Thousands of Articles in English is just the beginning of the most comprehensive collection of news and info that will help you in Panama

Visit:               www.panama-guide.com