Panama

[BOBSWAY]

Hello sailors, I was wondering if anyone here has any local knowledge about sailing in Panama, specifically Bocas del Toro.
I'm looking into moving there and was wondering if there's much wind normally.
Seems like in all the videos I watch there just isn't much wind blowing.
Thanx!

[belizesailor]

Yes, we have cruised Panama since 2012. Have spent a lot of time in Bocas. What do you want to know?

[belizesailor]

Re wind in Bocas/Panama:

Western Panama, including Bocas, is almost always light and variable. Except Bocas can get a light to moderate sea breeze in the afternoon.

The NE Trades only fill in seasonally in Panama and then only in Eastern Panama...so no Trade Wind sailing to or in Bocas. The seasonal Trades fill in around January till May and then go light for the summer months. They only fill in from about Colon to the east. Which means Bocas gets none, but the the amazing San Blas islands get full on Trade Winds thru the season.

[belizesailor]

It is possible to sail in Bocas if you plan it right. Attached is a pic from the annual regatta a few years ago.

[BOBSWAY]

Thanks for the info, good to hear from someone who has actually spent time there.
Sounds like roughly what I expected.
I will look into the San Blas area more.

[belizesailor]

Cruising in the San Blas:


https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rdn4xwjkrh2h95hzydpeo/San_Blas_HD.mp4?rlkey=3s1fv1r0cl5im9yin1vibr7lz&st =krxerxxl&dl=0