pelan-pelan
Contributor
Just got back - a brief report. It was good!
Yes, the viz was variable, but not a problem. You're not looking into the distance for sharks anyway. The wonder of Bocas is really in the variety and abundance of all sorts of coral and brittle stars, and small things. That said - some of the biggest arrow crabs we have seen, and we were closely approached by cobia. The sites are very close so boat rides are short and the water is warm, but with some "interesting" thermoclines.
Does anyone know the hand signals for betting whether the thermocline ahead is freezing, just cold, just warm or boiling? They have them all at Bocas.
We were fortunate that the weather allowed us some dives in the outer area. The swim-throughs were spectacular with sightings of some larger creatures such as a stingray sleeping on the floor in one of the passages.
The dive log for the night dive at Hospital Point reads like a shopping list. Warm water, wall to approx 17 metres, just swim along the wall which is covered in crevices, shine your torch into the holes and there was something in nearly every one. Like browsing the shelves in a supermarket. Lobsters (both sorts), octopuses, toadfishes, crabs, sea horse etc etc. On another dive we found a nudibranch - some kind of sea goddess - that wasn't in the book.
The conditions are ideal for learning, refreshing, critter-spotting and practising the art of relaxed diving. The outer sites offer more challenge, which gives variety.
Jon at Bocas WaterSports and his team were very helpful. They are genuinely interested in showing you their "territory" and talking about what you saw and did. During the dive they not only showed you things but gave you time to linger, and obviously enjoyed it when you pointed out things to them. (Leandro - sorry you missed that unusual nudibranch on the first dive - having seen one, we thought there would be dozens like it.) They are efficient - but relaxed. There was always time to set up carefully. Always help with your gear.
Bocas itself is a very easy place. Lots of places to eat (all types and prices), bars, spanish classes, boat trips to other islands just minutes away, surf beaches, chocolate farms etc. Good selection of supermarkets. Just walk around, no hassle. Wouldn't hesitate to take a family there.
We treated ourselves to staying at Tropical Suites. No hesitation to recommend - it's as good as the descriptions. Just how many clean white towels can a body take? Best view of the bay and waterfront from a very decent-sized balcony. Town-facing balconies are likely to be fascinating if you like to see the world go by. Breakfasts at Lily's out on her shaded dock. You would never feel hungry when you leave Lily's at any time of day. Best places to eat - lots of them. Favourite of ours and very popular is Lemongrass. Delicious Thai and Malaysian curries and plain grilled dishes; veg, fish and meat dishes to suit all tases, the tuna steak is first class and don't mention the Panamanian bread and butter pudding. Buoyancy - what's that? Also try the Panamanian cafes - good filling food at inexpensive prices.
Yes, the viz was variable, but not a problem. You're not looking into the distance for sharks anyway. The wonder of Bocas is really in the variety and abundance of all sorts of coral and brittle stars, and small things. That said - some of the biggest arrow crabs we have seen, and we were closely approached by cobia. The sites are very close so boat rides are short and the water is warm, but with some "interesting" thermoclines.
Does anyone know the hand signals for betting whether the thermocline ahead is freezing, just cold, just warm or boiling? They have them all at Bocas.
We were fortunate that the weather allowed us some dives in the outer area. The swim-throughs were spectacular with sightings of some larger creatures such as a stingray sleeping on the floor in one of the passages.
The dive log for the night dive at Hospital Point reads like a shopping list. Warm water, wall to approx 17 metres, just swim along the wall which is covered in crevices, shine your torch into the holes and there was something in nearly every one. Like browsing the shelves in a supermarket. Lobsters (both sorts), octopuses, toadfishes, crabs, sea horse etc etc. On another dive we found a nudibranch - some kind of sea goddess - that wasn't in the book.
The conditions are ideal for learning, refreshing, critter-spotting and practising the art of relaxed diving. The outer sites offer more challenge, which gives variety.
Jon at Bocas WaterSports and his team were very helpful. They are genuinely interested in showing you their "territory" and talking about what you saw and did. During the dive they not only showed you things but gave you time to linger, and obviously enjoyed it when you pointed out things to them. (Leandro - sorry you missed that unusual nudibranch on the first dive - having seen one, we thought there would be dozens like it.) They are efficient - but relaxed. There was always time to set up carefully. Always help with your gear.
Bocas itself is a very easy place. Lots of places to eat (all types and prices), bars, spanish classes, boat trips to other islands just minutes away, surf beaches, chocolate farms etc. Good selection of supermarkets. Just walk around, no hassle. Wouldn't hesitate to take a family there.
We treated ourselves to staying at Tropical Suites. No hesitation to recommend - it's as good as the descriptions. Just how many clean white towels can a body take? Best view of the bay and waterfront from a very decent-sized balcony. Town-facing balconies are likely to be fascinating if you like to see the world go by. Breakfasts at Lily's out on her shaded dock. You would never feel hungry when you leave Lily's at any time of day. Best places to eat - lots of them. Favourite of ours and very popular is Lemongrass. Delicious Thai and Malaysian curries and plain grilled dishes; veg, fish and meat dishes to suit all tases, the tuna steak is first class and don't mention the Panamanian bread and butter pudding. Buoyancy - what's that? Also try the Panamanian cafes - good filling food at inexpensive prices.
