The 3 Best Reasons to Visit Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Bocas Del Toro is located in the Northeast corner of Panama.  The islands appear to be as much part of the Caribbean as they are Panamanian.  With its colorful buildings and warm tropical breezes it has a much more festive feel than the rest of the country.  Another separating factor from the mainland is the number of U.S. citizens and the common use of the English language versus the almost one hundred percent Spanish speaking population found elsewhere.

There are countless ways to enjoy the area, however the reason most people come here is as follows:

1. Surfing –
   
   without a doubt, the sport put this area on the map.  Bocas offers both reef and beach breaks.  Along with choice of bottom also comes skill level.  Although it is an annual stop over for the pro circuit, beginner waves can be found.  Most of the waves to be found that are waist high or lower are at La Punta, Paunch Reef, and Wizard Beach.  If you are an experienced surfer then you have discovered your paradise.  Waves often exceed 12 feet in the winter season that runs from November thru March.  Most breaks are accessed by water taxi.  For only a few U.S. dollars the boatmen will drop you off and pick you back up at an arranged time.
2. Snorkeling & Diving - 
   
   The abundance of reef acts as a magnet for underwater life.  The sea levels between islands is fairly shallow and allows for one to jump in almost anywhere with their face mask and flippers.  If you feel the need to go deeper, then stop in at any of the 12 dive shops in the area.  Certified instructors from all accredited disciplines are available.  New to diving?  No problem, fun dives, or open water certifications are available for those with the time and interest.
3. 
   Relaxing - If you want to slow down, then Bocas Del Toro is the spot for you.  The weather, hot and humid during the day acts as an inhibitor for anything other than water sports or lying on the beach.  Bring a book, find a hammock or beach chair, settle in and enjoy.  However, the breezy nights bring a cooling trend that allows for a rejuvenation and enticement to enjoy the evenings.  An array of restaurants lines the streets.  With limited traffic walking to any of the eating establishments can be done in less than 10 minutes.  A slew of culinary options await.  The must popular are La Casbah, Om Café and Beso del Dragon. Want to feel what it would be like to live here?  Check out the ex-pat hangout at the Rip Tide.

Sleeping with Mark Twain - San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

The best thing about travel is coming upon the unexpected.  San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua is known for surf.  Big, heart pounding waves are the custom.  Most travelers here were the nomadic surf types.  With boards in tow, they moved up and down the coast of Central America in search of the perfect wave.   Other than these well tanned watermen few if any knew of the region’s beauty and remoteness.

That all changed in 2010 when Hollywood found its way to southern Nicaragua and filmed its Survivor Nicaragua season.  Quickly the town became more than just a dot on the map.  Restaurants and hotels sprang up to accommodate the flood of tourists.  Even an upscale resort has been built that overlooks the city’s bay.  Rooms at the Pelican Eyes Resort and Spa are pricy and not what most have become accustom to paying when in this developing country.

All of the above I knew.  In fact I was drawn by the siren of the world class waves with third world prices.  I did find that.  While prices in San Juan del Sur are not what they used to be, they are still affordable.  A decent meal with waterfront dining can be had for under $15 dollars per person.  Beer and rum are equally cheap and seemingly run without end to the majority of the youthful visitors.

One hotel stands apart.  Built in 1902 the Victoriano Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in town.  The structure is of Victorian Architecture and was built using cedar.  The smell is both romantic and intoxicating.   The entry doors are like a portal into a different era.  Ceiling fans whirl overhead and the wooden floors creak out your arrival.  Old black and white photos adorn the hallway walls.  Most depicting either pictures of the once sleepy fishing village or of the hotels most famous guest, one Samuel L. Clemons.

What we learn is that before the Panama Canal was built, in an attempt to bypass the arduous trip around the bottom of South America travelers cut across Nicaragua.  Debarking at San Juan del Sur, they traveled by horse drawn wagons to Lake Nicaragua.  Here they boarded boats that ferried them to the opposite side of the large body of water and down the San Juan River until they hit the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Like most travelers, Twain spent his first night ashore at the Victoriano Hotel.  The lodge has memorialized the room and for an additional $10 dollars over the normal rate you can sleep there.  With hopes that some how, some way the great authors ability or spirit would in some shape or form rub off on me I was happy to pay the extra.  As you can tell, it was money misspent.  Regardless, it was an added extra surprise to our travels in this wonderful country and a brush with history that will long add to my wealth of memories.