nankivell
Registered
Just returned from 9 days in Panama. Spent 5 days in Bocas and did some diving. September and October are the times to go so you can travel to the outer reefs. Bocas is largely a surfing destination most of the year--although diving is available --especially for novice divers taking some inexpensive courses.
We stayed in Bocas town and would recommend that as the dive sites are nearby and most of the restaurants and bars are in Bocas Town. We dove with La Buga--highly recommended. Jill and Taylor -- both competent and fun dive masters.
we had one really good day of diving at Tiger Rock-- an all day trip -- good viz, healthy corals-- although fish life was not that abundant. Closer in, the diving was not that great -- lower viz 25- 30 feet, algae, less healthy coral and even less fish life. Except for Tiger Rock, the diving just isn't worth the time it takes to get here.
Otherwise, I liked the vibe in Bocas. Lots of funky restaurants and bars. Some idyllic islands nearby that are great to visit--Bastimentos and Island Carenaro are both lovely and very picturesque. You can rent bikes and ride around Isla Colon. And things are reasonably priced. Best restaurant we hit was Ultimo Refugio-- very good and reasonable-- but expensive by Bocas standards.
Go to Bocas--but don't expect great diving.
We stayed in Bocas town and would recommend that as the dive sites are nearby and most of the restaurants and bars are in Bocas Town. We dove with La Buga--highly recommended. Jill and Taylor -- both competent and fun dive masters.
we had one really good day of diving at Tiger Rock-- an all day trip -- good viz, healthy corals-- although fish life was not that abundant. Closer in, the diving was not that great -- lower viz 25- 30 feet, algae, less healthy coral and even less fish life. Except for Tiger Rock, the diving just isn't worth the time it takes to get here.
Otherwise, I liked the vibe in Bocas. Lots of funky restaurants and bars. Some idyllic islands nearby that are great to visit--Bastimentos and Island Carenaro are both lovely and very picturesque. You can rent bikes and ride around Isla Colon. And things are reasonably priced. Best restaurant we hit was Ultimo Refugio-- very good and reasonable-- but expensive by Bocas standards.
Go to Bocas--but don't expect great diving.
