Bocas del Toro, Panama

[Sandpiper921]

Looks like I'm buying a boat in Bocas and wondering if anyone has advice, comments, experience, or even a 2-cent opinion on cruising that area. Thanks...clyde

[FamilyVan]

It rains a lot on the east coast of Panama, so have an eye for moisture related problems and leaks.

[model 10]

Nice area but little wind. Crazy hot in the summer with lots of no see-ums.

[belizesailor]

Yep, little wind, lots of rain during rainy season (mostly afternoon-evening though), but a likeable area none the less...Bocas is fun little tourist town with lots of bar/resturant choices and good provisioning options (if a bit pricey), good hardware stores, decent mini-cruising ground around the Bocas archipeligo, expat community, a numer of good anchorages, beaches, places to explore, two marinas, some basic yachtie services available like mechanic; canvas work; and a boat yard, Marine Warehouse ships to Bocas Marina, a few good fishing areas on the outside along the coast, some good snorkeling spots...but you will do it all under power because there is rarely decent wind and if there is it doesnt last long.

[svadagio]

Do not miss the San Blass before you leave Panama.
Bob

[Dulcesuenos]

Some cruisers were just robbed there so be cautious.

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[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

Some cruisers were just robbed there so be cautious.

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In Bocas? Hadnt heard of that. More info or link?

[Dulcesuenos]

Here is one link the couple was robbed right in the marina lounge, but if you Google it or search Facebook there are several more . Also in July of 2012 am American couple was brutally attacked and robbed.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=152961



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[Dulcesuenos]

Phones not letting me edit. Here is a link to their blog.
The assault happened right in Bocas marina. I don't think it's been reported on noonsite as they have no means to do so as all their computer gear was stolen. Jus t a caution to always be aware.

http://running-downwind.tv/logbook.html


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[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

Here is one link the couple was robbed right in the marina lounge, but if you Google it or search Facebook there are several more . Also in July of 2012 am American couple was brutally attacked and robbed.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=152961



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Yes, I remember the 2012 event, first of such a violent nature Ive ever heard of in Bocas.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

Phones not letting me edit. Here is a link to their blog.
The assault happened right in Bocas marina. I don't think it's been reported on noonsite as they have no means to do so as all their computer gear was stolen. Jus t a caution to always be aware.

http://running-downwind.tv/logbook.html


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Not Bocas Marina according to the blog, but Carenero.

Unfortunate event, at least no one was seriously injured, sucks to loose your data though...especially knowing they are going to fence your gear for pennies on the dollar. Good motivation to install anti-theft software to at least make it difficult for someone more sophisticsted to get at your data (still on my todo list).

At least this sort of thing is a rare occurance in Bocas. I heard the guys from the 2012 event were busted, hopefully they get these guys too.

[Dulcesuenos]

Try sitting on a bench in South beach miami after sunset with the same amount of gear sitting out and see if you don't get robbed ..

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[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

Try sitting on a bench in South beach miami after sunset with the same amount of gear sitting out and see if you don't get robbed ..

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Yes, we cruisers are a bit naive sometimes. Parts of the village behind Carenero are not so nice...quite a contrast to the "rich" cruisers with their big boats and fancy computers.

[Sandpiper921]

Thanks. I was there with a friend on his boat about 8 years ago, in the winter. Nice weather. But what I remember about cruising around was that the water was green and not clear. Is that the way it is or was it just where we went?

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Sandpiper921

Thanks. I was there with a friend on his boat about 8 years ago, in the winter. Nice weather. But what I remember about cruising around was that the water was green and not clear. Is that the way it is or was it just where we went?

Depends where you are in the archipeligo. Closer to mailand run off = less clear. But there are many places iniside the archipeligo which are clear enough for good snorkeling. Outside along the coast is usually clearer, like around Zapatilla keys.