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.
There's something in Bocas for everyone. After all, it's the best of both worlds. You have the beaches of Aruba on one hand, and the wildness of the jungles of Costa Rica on the other. The best part about it is that you won't have to file for bankruptcy to enjoy anything that tickles your fancy. Judging from the "bare essential" needs like shelter ($50 for a standard room) and food ($20 for a decent meal for two), it's also extremely affordable.
Now that you know that, we might as well cover a few more bases to make your trip to wonderful Bocas del Toro more enjoyable. You might want to take the following to heart:
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) No, you don't have to bring bottled water from your home country to Bocas del Toro, but once you get there, it's better to err in the side of caution and always have one with you. These are available everywhere, and the price is pretty low, especially if you consider your health. Tap water in the area comes from rainwater, and though they're generally safe, you'll never know where those clouds have been!
5) Know the immigration policies. If you're from the US or Canada, you don't need anything other than a passport and perhaps your driver's license if you want to rent a car (and renting a car likely isn't necessary). The only obstacle when you arrive - you'll need to pay for the tourist stamp which is $8 to $12 U.S. dollars, depending on where you land. Extensions of stay are also pretty easy to get.
6) On beach days, be sure to pack a lunch. When you get to Bocas, make a trip to the store and stock up on some basic foodstuffs before hitting the beaches. Most because can only be reached by boat (technically a water taxi), so you want to bring food with you because there won't be anyone at the beach selling snacks. Always have water with you, and why not pack up some Balboa too (Balboa is a solid local beer in Panama).
7) The two major languages used in Bocas are English and Spanish. If you speak either language, then you're in good shape. If you don't, a phrase book or two would be a good idea.
8) 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) Pop over to Costa Rica when you visit. Bocas del Toro is less than 1 hours drive from Costa Rica, and many tour operators offer a package that includes a visit to Costa Rica along with a jungle tour. You won't see much that's different in Costa Rica (not unless you venture farther anyways), but you can say you visited two countries on your vacation. Not bad.
10) Chill. You're on vacation! If a waitress doesn't run to you immediately to get your order, don't sweat it. That's just the way things are in Boca Del Toro - slower paced and more laid back. They aren't doing it to be rude or insulting or to irk you. Besides, there's enough time to sit back and relax. Isn't that why you're going, after all? Leave the hurry at the door, and live the lazy island life.
I really enjoyed my time in Panama, and I hope that these 10 tips helped so that you can enjoy yours, too.
There's something in Bocas for everyone. After all, it's the best of both worlds. You have the beaches of Aruba on one hand, and the wildness of the jungles of Costa Rica on the other. The best part about it is that you won't have to file for bankruptcy to enjoy anything that tickles your fancy. Judging from the "bare essential" needs like shelter ($50 for a standard room) and food ($20 for a decent meal for two), it's also extremely affordable.
Now that you know that, we might as well cover a few more bases to make your trip to wonderful Bocas del Toro more enjoyable. You might want to take the following to heart:
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) No, you don't have to bring bottled water from your home country to Bocas del Toro, but once you get there, it's better to err in the side of caution and always have one with you. These are available everywhere, and the price is pretty low, especially if you consider your health. Tap water in the area comes from rainwater, and though they're generally safe, you'll never know where those clouds have been!
5) Know the immigration policies. If you're from the US or Canada, you don't need anything other than a passport and perhaps your driver's license if you want to rent a car (and renting a car likely isn't necessary). The only obstacle when you arrive - you'll need to pay for the tourist stamp which is $8 to $12 U.S. dollars, depending on where you land. Extensions of stay are also pretty easy to get.
6) On beach days, be sure to pack a lunch. When you get to Bocas, make a trip to the store and stock up on some basic foodstuffs before hitting the beaches. Most because can only be reached by boat (technically a water taxi), so you want to bring food with you because there won't be anyone at the beach selling snacks. Always have water with you, and why not pack up some Balboa too (Balboa is a solid local beer in Panama).
7) The two major languages used in Bocas are English and Spanish. If you speak either language, then you're in good shape. If you don't, a phrase book or two would be a good idea.
8) 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) Pop over to Costa Rica when you visit. Bocas del Toro is less than 1 hours drive from Costa Rica, and many tour operators offer a package that includes a visit to Costa Rica along with a jungle tour. You won't see much that's different in Costa Rica (not unless you venture farther anyways), but you can say you visited two countries on your vacation. Not bad.
10) Chill. You're on vacation! If a waitress doesn't run to you immediately to get your order, don't sweat it. That's just the way things are in Boca Del Toro - slower paced and more laid back. They aren't doing it to be rude or insulting or to irk you. Besides, there's enough time to sit back and relax. Isn't that why you're going, after all? Leave the hurry at the door, and live the lazy island life.
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:
The author Jason Lancaster has spent some quality time in Panama and knows a thing or two about Bocas del Toro. Learn more about Bocas del Toro real estate and hotels.
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