Accommodations
Traveling in Bocas with children
Monday, January 28, 2008
Bocas del Toro is a great place to travel with your
family. Children of all ages will find themselves
entranced by the beauty of the ocean, the beaches and
the rainforest. Once you determine you are going to
travel to Bocas with your family, then there are a few
things to consider based upon the age of your children.
How old are your children? The older children will be comfortable just about anywhere in Bocas. I would look for somewhere that they are going to either have serious interaction with nature or an opportunity to meet other children their age. The younger children are a bit more challenging. Before they are mobile they can stay anywhere that will have them. Once they are mobile then you need to be cautious with any establishment located directly on the water as it may present dangers you would rather avoid. Children who can swim and are somewhat independent would benefit from a place which has plenty of space for them to roam around uninhibited.
Some of the places to consider are as follows:
All ages: Tranquilo Bay eco adventure lodge
Older children: Casa Cayuco
Punta Caracol
La Loma - The Jungle Lodge
Birth to one year: anywhere within the archipelago that accepts children
One to four years: anywhere where children cannot directly access the water
Four years and up: La Coralina
Playa Mango
How old are your children? The older children will be comfortable just about anywhere in Bocas. I would look for somewhere that they are going to either have serious interaction with nature or an opportunity to meet other children their age. The younger children are a bit more challenging. Before they are mobile they can stay anywhere that will have them. Once they are mobile then you need to be cautious with any establishment located directly on the water as it may present dangers you would rather avoid. Children who can swim and are somewhat independent would benefit from a place which has plenty of space for them to roam around uninhibited.
Some of the places to consider are as follows:
All ages: Tranquilo Bay eco adventure lodge
Older children: Casa Cayuco
Punta Caracol
La Loma - The Jungle Lodge
Birth to one year: anywhere within the archipelago that accepts children
One to four years: anywhere where children cannot directly access the water
Four years and up: La Coralina
Playa Mango
Earplugs?
Monday, January 14, 2008
How sensitive are you to sound? Do city noises keep you
from sleeping? How about a snoring partner – does that
bother you? We have had many guestsl whom are sensitive
to sound. Under normal circumstances, they wear
earplugs to protect themselves from unpleasant noises.
Most of them find that they do not need to use ear protection in order to sleep here. Our natural jungle noises are a wonderful “white noise” for those seeking rest. Each evening you can hear the parrots returning from their day’s work. We have Majestic Oropendola who also spend a fair amount of time onsite. These birds also serve as the morning wake up call each day as they serve as the jungle’s alarm clock.
The sweet noises of the different insects blend together to make up a symphony of sorts for you to drift off to sleep. And let’s not forget about the rain which can range from a pitter patter to a downpour. Each change in tempo has a unique sound pattern on the metal roofs of our cabanas.
Now as far as the snoring partner is concerned, we can’t do much about that, but maybe just maybe he or she will be so relaxed that they will sleep without the regular chorus of sound.
Most of them find that they do not need to use ear protection in order to sleep here. Our natural jungle noises are a wonderful “white noise” for those seeking rest. Each evening you can hear the parrots returning from their day’s work. We have Majestic Oropendola who also spend a fair amount of time onsite. These birds also serve as the morning wake up call each day as they serve as the jungle’s alarm clock.
The sweet noises of the different insects blend together to make up a symphony of sorts for you to drift off to sleep. And let’s not forget about the rain which can range from a pitter patter to a downpour. Each change in tempo has a unique sound pattern on the metal roofs of our cabanas.
Now as far as the snoring partner is concerned, we can’t do much about that, but maybe just maybe he or she will be so relaxed that they will sleep without the regular chorus of sound.
Questions to ask before you begin your search for a hotel
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Once you have decided upon the island that is right for
you, you need to decide which type of lodging best
suits your individual requirements. Are you looking to
find a place that is clean and doesn’t cost much? Are
you looking for a nice place that is quiet and has air
conditioning? Are you looking for a place where you are
immersed in nature? Do you want to go out to eat for
each of your meals or do you want a place that includes
some if not all of your meals? Do you want to set up
your own tours? Or do you want someone to handle it for
you? Are you a seasoned international traveler? Do you
speak Spanish?
You need to ask yourself these questions so that when you check out the various portals and other areas to gather information about the available options you know what you need, what you would like and what would be nice to have. One of the nice things about Bocas del Toro Panama is that there is something for everyone. There are places for those backpacking throughout Central America to stay and there are places fit for the pickiest of travelers. Ask questions, make sure that you are getting all the information that you need to make your decision. It is much easier to make sure you are going to be staying at the right place before you arrive in Bocas then it is to make changes after you arrive.
If you are trying to find a vacation spot that offers the best of haute couture and all its accompaniments then Bocas del Toro Panama is not the right spot for you.
You need to ask yourself these questions so that when you check out the various portals and other areas to gather information about the available options you know what you need, what you would like and what would be nice to have. One of the nice things about Bocas del Toro Panama is that there is something for everyone. There are places for those backpacking throughout Central America to stay and there are places fit for the pickiest of travelers. Ask questions, make sure that you are getting all the information that you need to make your decision. It is much easier to make sure you are going to be staying at the right place before you arrive in Bocas then it is to make changes after you arrive.
If you are trying to find a vacation spot that offers the best of haute couture and all its accompaniments then Bocas del Toro Panama is not the right spot for you.
Which island is right for me?
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
How do you choose which island is right for you? Do you
want nightlife or silence? Do you want a beach or a
view?
If you are the type of traveler who would rather get away from it all, consider basing yourself out of Isla Bastimentos. There are lodges concentrated on Bastimentos. Because of the distance from Bocas Town on Isla Colon, most of the lodges include meals as part of a package. There are several which include activities as part of the package as well. Depending upon the location you select, your transfer from Bocas Town may take as long as 45 minutes to reach your destination.
On Isla Carenero there are a variety of places to choose from. You can stay here and find a more tranquil evening than staying on Isla Colon. Carenero is about a two minute water taxi ride from Isla Colon. You can catch a water taxi all day long until about 9:00 pm each night.
Isla Colon is the main island in the archipelago. Here you will find a variety of places to stay. There are many different restaurants to choose from and several bars and nightclubs. It is the best place for people looking to party.
Cristobal and Dolphin Bay are beautiful locations with very limited access to accommodations.
If you are the type of traveler who would rather get away from it all, consider basing yourself out of Isla Bastimentos. There are lodges concentrated on Bastimentos. Because of the distance from Bocas Town on Isla Colon, most of the lodges include meals as part of a package. There are several which include activities as part of the package as well. Depending upon the location you select, your transfer from Bocas Town may take as long as 45 minutes to reach your destination.
On Isla Carenero there are a variety of places to choose from. You can stay here and find a more tranquil evening than staying on Isla Colon. Carenero is about a two minute water taxi ride from Isla Colon. You can catch a water taxi all day long until about 9:00 pm each night.
Isla Colon is the main island in the archipelago. Here you will find a variety of places to stay. There are many different restaurants to choose from and several bars and nightclubs. It is the best place for people looking to party.
Cristobal and Dolphin Bay are beautiful locations with very limited access to accommodations.
Busy Season
Monday, October 22, 2007
During Semana de Santa, Bocas del Toro Panama might be
described by the people who live here as crowded. Many
people living in Costa Rica and Panama take advantage
of the holiday time during that week and come for a
visit. Our sleepy laid back archipelago is filled with
visitors several times of year. Semana de Santa is one
such time.
Semana de Santa marks the end of our busy season, which seems to begin earlier and end later each year. Bocas has a variety of different accommodations for each type of traveler. For the holidays each year, all of the accommodations are full. Reservations for the month of December are definitely required and if you want any options you need to begin early.
Last year, we had reservations for all of our cabanas for the December holidays by the end of September. This year I expect that it will be earlier. However, traveling during busy season is not for everyone. The experience is different during busy season as there are more people. Our natural surroundings are still the same and the number of people here is quite limited compared to other holiday destinations, but you do have to share with other people.
If you travel to Bocas del Toro during the non peak seasons you get the place to yourself (or almost so). So really, it depends upon how private a vacation you want to have. Really private – come some time between April and October. Semi private – head south between November and March.
Semana de Santa marks the end of our busy season, which seems to begin earlier and end later each year. Bocas has a variety of different accommodations for each type of traveler. For the holidays each year, all of the accommodations are full. Reservations for the month of December are definitely required and if you want any options you need to begin early.
Last year, we had reservations for all of our cabanas for the December holidays by the end of September. This year I expect that it will be earlier. However, traveling during busy season is not for everyone. The experience is different during busy season as there are more people. Our natural surroundings are still the same and the number of people here is quite limited compared to other holiday destinations, but you do have to share with other people.
If you travel to Bocas del Toro during the non peak seasons you get the place to yourself (or almost so). So really, it depends upon how private a vacation you want to have. Really private – come some time between April and October. Semi private – head south between November and March.
Ocean front property
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Year-round oceanfront access. It can be yours.
What do you want to do with it? Do you want to launch a kayak and head out for a paddle in the calm waters? Or do you want to jump into the bathtub warm Caribbean and snorkel for a while? Perhaps you prefer to while away the afternoon from the dock overlooking the sparkling sea. Maybe if you look up at the right moment you will spot a few dolphins at play in the bay. Or perhaps you might take a boat ride for your guided excursion over to another island for a great hike through the jungle.
Really the choice is yours. You can do as much or as little as you want. It is your vacation and you can do whatever it is you like. You may choose to wake up early and enjoy the sunrise with a cup of delicious Panamanian coffee. Or you may choose to wake up with the sun and begin your day. Then there are those who choose to sleep in and catch up on some much needed sleep. Depending upon the length of your stay and the activities you would like to experience you may begin your day differently each day. You decide.
What do you want to do with it? Do you want to launch a kayak and head out for a paddle in the calm waters? Or do you want to jump into the bathtub warm Caribbean and snorkel for a while? Perhaps you prefer to while away the afternoon from the dock overlooking the sparkling sea. Maybe if you look up at the right moment you will spot a few dolphins at play in the bay. Or perhaps you might take a boat ride for your guided excursion over to another island for a great hike through the jungle.
Really the choice is yours. You can do as much or as little as you want. It is your vacation and you can do whatever it is you like. You may choose to wake up early and enjoy the sunrise with a cup of delicious Panamanian coffee. Or you may choose to wake up with the sun and begin your day. Then there are those who choose to sleep in and catch up on some much needed sleep. Depending upon the length of your stay and the activities you would like to experience you may begin your day differently each day. You decide.
Dirty secret v. Nice Surprise
Saturday, September 08, 2007
What is more important about the place you choose for
your vacation? Its dirty little secret or any nice
surprise you might find? I think it depends upon what
the dirty little secret is and what the surprise might
be.
For instance, is the secret that the airport bathrooms leave a bit to be desired? Because really, how much time do you spend in the regional airport when you arrive and before you return home? The bathrooms at the airport in Bocas del Toro do leave something to be desired. However, how different is that from many of the small airports in Latin America?
What if the surprise is that the food is way better than you ever expected it to be? When you go to a small Caribbean town you generally do not expect to find good food. Here we are fortunate in that we do have good food – really good food.
What if the dirty secret is that Bocas is experiencing a major drought? And then what if nice surprise was that your lodge didn’t get its water supply from the municipal water supply? Unfortunately Bocas is having problem with its water right now. The government is doing what it can to correct the problem in the short term as also determine a plan for a long-term correction. However, most of the lodges on the outer islands are self-sufficient so for anyone selecting any of the small personal accommodations on those islands the water supply isn’t a problem.
For instance, is the secret that the airport bathrooms leave a bit to be desired? Because really, how much time do you spend in the regional airport when you arrive and before you return home? The bathrooms at the airport in Bocas del Toro do leave something to be desired. However, how different is that from many of the small airports in Latin America?
What if the surprise is that the food is way better than you ever expected it to be? When you go to a small Caribbean town you generally do not expect to find good food. Here we are fortunate in that we do have good food – really good food.
What if the dirty secret is that Bocas is experiencing a major drought? And then what if nice surprise was that your lodge didn’t get its water supply from the municipal water supply? Unfortunately Bocas is having problem with its water right now. The government is doing what it can to correct the problem in the short term as also determine a plan for a long-term correction. However, most of the lodges on the outer islands are self-sufficient so for anyone selecting any of the small personal accommodations on those islands the water supply isn’t a problem.
Island Options - 1
Thursday, August 30, 2007
On your Panama adventure vacation, what do you expect
from the lodging you chose? Do you want a main building
with lodging in several private buildings? Do you want
everything consolidated under one roof? Do you want to
be right on the beach or do you want to have access to
both beach and jungle? Do you want creature comforts
inside or do you want to be in the open air? Do you
want to lie in your bed and be able to check out a
breath taking view?
Here on these Panama Islands there are several options for both the adventure traveler and the traveler seeking rest and relaxation.
Isla Colon which is the main island in the archipelago has mainly small hotels and hostels. About half of the smaller hotels have air conditioning and the other half have ceiling fans for ventilation. Most of these hotels have on demand hot water heaters which is as it sounds. Water heated upon demand and in some instances right at the shower head. A few of the hotels have beds with orthopedic mattresses. Isla Colon has quite a few restaurants and bars for its nightlife. Most excursions leave Isla Colon and head toward the outer islands.
Isla Carenero is about a two minute boat ride from Isla Colon. It has a few small accommodations which are similar to those found on Isla Colon. There are a few restaurants on Isla Carenero. It is possible to get to and from Isla Colon at night up until about 9:00 pm.
I will tell you more about the other islands tomorrow.
Here on these Panama Islands there are several options for both the adventure traveler and the traveler seeking rest and relaxation.
Isla Colon which is the main island in the archipelago has mainly small hotels and hostels. About half of the smaller hotels have air conditioning and the other half have ceiling fans for ventilation. Most of these hotels have on demand hot water heaters which is as it sounds. Water heated upon demand and in some instances right at the shower head. A few of the hotels have beds with orthopedic mattresses. Isla Colon has quite a few restaurants and bars for its nightlife. Most excursions leave Isla Colon and head toward the outer islands.
Isla Carenero is about a two minute boat ride from Isla Colon. It has a few small accommodations which are similar to those found on Isla Colon. There are a few restaurants on Isla Carenero. It is possible to get to and from Isla Colon at night up until about 9:00 pm.
I will tell you more about the other islands tomorrow.
Island Options - 2
Friday, August 31, 2007
Let’s see, we have Isla Bastimentos, Isla Solarte and
San Cristobal remaining with public housing.
On Isla Bastimentos, there are several different kinds of lodging available. In Bastimentos town there are a variety of basic hotels and hostels. There are a limited number of restaurants and bars, but no shortage of music. There are several other areas on Bastimentos with accommodations as well. These other accommodations are mostly all-inclusive as they are too secluded to allow you to get to a restaurant or bar in the evening. It is possible to get to and from Bastimentos town at night, but most of the other areas of Bastimentos do not have transportation available after dark.
Isla Solarte is mainly private housing but there is a bed and breakfast on the island that is operational some of the time. This island does not have any restaurants or bars for you to access for meals, etc. Depending upon the water taxi, you might be able to get a ride back to Isla Solarte in the evening, but you wouldn’t be able to find a ride from the island over to town without arranging such in advance.
San Cristobal is a rather small island with a few options for lodging. Like on Isla Bastimentos, most places are all inclusive as it is difficult to travel to and from other islands for you meals. Transportation to and from Isla Colon and the other islands is somewhat limited as there is not much business to draw from.
On Isla Bastimentos, there are several different kinds of lodging available. In Bastimentos town there are a variety of basic hotels and hostels. There are a limited number of restaurants and bars, but no shortage of music. There are several other areas on Bastimentos with accommodations as well. These other accommodations are mostly all-inclusive as they are too secluded to allow you to get to a restaurant or bar in the evening. It is possible to get to and from Bastimentos town at night, but most of the other areas of Bastimentos do not have transportation available after dark.
Isla Solarte is mainly private housing but there is a bed and breakfast on the island that is operational some of the time. This island does not have any restaurants or bars for you to access for meals, etc. Depending upon the water taxi, you might be able to get a ride back to Isla Solarte in the evening, but you wouldn’t be able to find a ride from the island over to town without arranging such in advance.
San Cristobal is a rather small island with a few options for lodging. Like on Isla Bastimentos, most places are all inclusive as it is difficult to travel to and from other islands for you meals. Transportation to and from Isla Colon and the other islands is somewhat limited as there is not much business to draw from.
Welcome to the jungle
Friday, August 17, 2007
Welcome. Peaceful. Tranquilo if you will. This is how I
feel each time I step into the jungle and let its
enormity swallow me. It is almost impossible to feel
anything but calm in the jungle. The vast amounts of
flora and fauna surrounding you exude a type of
serenity that is hard to describe.
We have a walkway that leads from the main building of our eco adventure lodge over to four of the cabanas which are up on a hill with views of the ocean and mountains beyond. The majority of this walkway is in the jungle. It gives one easy access to the benefits of the jungle. I have an eight-month old daughter. She is a bit high strung as babies sometimes are. Whenever she is crying and comforting her is proving to be a bit difficult, I walk on the walkway and into the jungle. She stops crying immediately as we enter the canopy. This is the kind of calm and serenity that one experiences.
Our guests have frequently mentioned similar experiences in the jungle. They cannot get over how you truly feel like you are a part of something much bigger than you by merely stepping into the canopy.
We have a walkway that leads from the main building of our eco adventure lodge over to four of the cabanas which are up on a hill with views of the ocean and mountains beyond. The majority of this walkway is in the jungle. It gives one easy access to the benefits of the jungle. I have an eight-month old daughter. She is a bit high strung as babies sometimes are. Whenever she is crying and comforting her is proving to be a bit difficult, I walk on the walkway and into the jungle. She stops crying immediately as we enter the canopy. This is the kind of calm and serenity that one experiences.
Our guests have frequently mentioned similar experiences in the jungle. They cannot get over how you truly feel like you are a part of something much bigger than you by merely stepping into the canopy.
Bocas del Toro Resort
Monday, August 13, 2007
We built our eco adventure lodge inside the rainforest
overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Our location within the
archipelago of Bocas del Toro allows us to explore some
of the most biologically diverse areas within Panama.
Bocas del Toro, Panama includes an archipelago of some
68 tropical islands that are excellent for beach
combing, birding and exploring. Around the many reefs
and inside the lagoons you may fish, snorkel and surf.
There are beautiful spots perfect for sitting back and
letting the cool ocean breeze wash over you.
Bocas del Toro hosts two national parks. Bastimentos National Marine Park, covers a large portion of the archipelago and is home to a variety of ecosystems which thrive at or around sea level. Palo Seco Nature Reserve is part of La Amistad which is a nature reserve crossing both Panama and Costa Rica and is designated as a world heritage site. Palo Seco Nature Reserve is on the mainland and reaches through the cloud forest up to and beyond the Continental Divide.
Our eco adventure lodge is your home base to explore the islands and highlands of Western Panama. Our guests unpack, settle in and experience our unique tropical location. We provide you with six deluxe air-conditioned cabanas, beautiful views, adventure activities, personal attention and fine cuisine.
Bocas del Toro hosts two national parks. Bastimentos National Marine Park, covers a large portion of the archipelago and is home to a variety of ecosystems which thrive at or around sea level. Palo Seco Nature Reserve is part of La Amistad which is a nature reserve crossing both Panama and Costa Rica and is designated as a world heritage site. Palo Seco Nature Reserve is on the mainland and reaches through the cloud forest up to and beyond the Continental Divide.
Our eco adventure lodge is your home base to explore the islands and highlands of Western Panama. Our guests unpack, settle in and experience our unique tropical location. We provide you with six deluxe air-conditioned cabanas, beautiful views, adventure activities, personal attention and fine cuisine.
Pleasant Surprise
Monday, October 29, 2007
Humble exterior. Please do not be deceived by the
humble exterior of our eco adventure lodge’s
facilities. We designed the buildings to allow us to
build them without heavy equipment using the local
workforce. We also designed and built them to withstand
Mother Nature. As such, some might say they have a
rather humble exterior.
Step inside one of our cabanas or turn around and check out the view when you are standing on the porch of one of our cabanas and you will want to stay past your planned departure date. Each cabana is simply furnished. Most of the furniture was made especially for us from local hardwoods. The bathrooms have local granite countertops and large showers with full size hot water heaters. We provide both air conditioning and ceiling fans so that you can choose how to cool your cabana. Metal roofs allow you to enjoy the sound of the rain during our night time showers. We have a calm color palette in order to focus on what is going on outside the cabana.
The views from the cabana are spectacular. Look up and you see incredibly tall trees with a variety of birds and animals living amongst them. Look out and you can see the Talamanca range in the distance over the beautiful blue Caribbean waters. Look down and you might find a red frog or some other curious jungle animal.
As humble as our exterior may be, all of our guests are pleasantly surprised by what awaits them from within our eco adventure lodge. You will be too.
Step inside one of our cabanas or turn around and check out the view when you are standing on the porch of one of our cabanas and you will want to stay past your planned departure date. Each cabana is simply furnished. Most of the furniture was made especially for us from local hardwoods. The bathrooms have local granite countertops and large showers with full size hot water heaters. We provide both air conditioning and ceiling fans so that you can choose how to cool your cabana. Metal roofs allow you to enjoy the sound of the rain during our night time showers. We have a calm color palette in order to focus on what is going on outside the cabana.
The views from the cabana are spectacular. Look up and you see incredibly tall trees with a variety of birds and animals living amongst them. Look out and you can see the Talamanca range in the distance over the beautiful blue Caribbean waters. Look down and you might find a red frog or some other curious jungle animal.
As humble as our exterior may be, all of our guests are pleasantly surprised by what awaits them from within our eco adventure lodge. You will be too.
