Whew! It was a bit of a trip to get here. We took the bus, about 4 1/2 hours though mountains and Panamanian countryside. They had to turn off the air conditioning in the bus so it would have enough power to make it up the mountains, and it still was a struggle. We ended up literally in the clouds! Then we made it down the other side, through the hills to Almirante. There we took one of the cabs waiting at the bus stop, and he took us to the water taxi. The water taxi was probably another 1/2 hour and then we were in Bocas!
The bus drove up into these clouds!
We saw a dam and this lake up in the mountains
Beautiful sleeping child on the bus with her dad and brother.
There did not seem to be a dry season up in the mountains. It was thick with lush, green vegetation everywhere.
This baby was SO cute when he smiled. Notice his sister is in front of him between dad’s knees, and there were two more kids with mom who was sitting beside dad. We didn’t hear a sound out of any of them.
The local houses were interesting. I wish I had gotten better photos but we were in the fast moving bus with tinted windows. The houses are built up on stilts, made of wood, usually not painted, often with much of the living space open to the outdoors, and almost always with laundry hanging everywhere.
We were waiting for the water taxi, and this is what it looked like in the area.
In the water taxi, ready to go! (before we actually went and they made us put on the life jackets)
Coming in to Bocas!
The islands around the area look beautiful.
I believe this is the ferry that will take your car. We could see some trucks on it.
This Indian woman paddled her dugout canoe with her home made paddle over to the water taxi.
The three kids got in to the canoe, and she paddled off again. Notice how clear and beautiful the water is.
We can see Bocas in the distance.
We have arrived. Our first look at the town as we leave the water taxi station.
The view in the other direction as we leave the water taxi station.
It is getting late in the day and the water is beautiful.
The restaurant that was recommended wasn’t open yet so we walked through a residential area. The boxes stacked up were full of chickens. It’s interesting to see the tourists in their hotels, not far from the locals who live in very basic and simple conditions.
We wait for dinner and watch the water taxi’s come and go.
A cold beer, a warm breeze, a beautiful view… yep, this works for me!
Joel seems to be feeling OK too.
This parrot was above our table. He was very quiet but others told us that earlier he was making a racket and swinging in circles on his perch.
Just for fun, here’s some video of our water taxi ride. He was more intent on getting us there than making a smooth ride!
The Panama Adventure 
Thanks for sharing Kris! Bocas is on my bucket list! Hope you’re having a good time. 🙂
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It might be worth a visit. It’s a lot different than anything else I’ve seen in Panama so far, more like Key West, Florida.
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looks like a great trip, never been there myself, so far away from Europe!!
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That’s the wonderful thing about blogs. You can see places you can’t get to yourself. I didn’t know anything about Croatia until I found your blog!
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We just returned a couple of weeks ago from a (scouting) vacation in Bocas Del Toro. Loved it! If you’re feeling adventurous, I recommend renting an ATV from Flying Pirates and explore the jungles. A burger from Paki’s Point is also a must! Enjoy! Looking forward to your photos.
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We just returned from a week in Bocas Del Toro – it was a bit of a scouting vacation (maybe one day). We loved it! If you are feeling adventurous, I recommend renting an ATV from Flying Pirates in order to truly get off the beaten path. Also a burger from Paki’s Point is also a must. Enjoy your trip. I look forward to your photos.
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Ahh excellent. Thanks so much for the tips! This is our first time and we’re scouting too 🙂
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Ahhhhh Bocas!!!! Spent some time there several years ago. Stayed at a place right next to the park and listened to the howler monkeys all night. It made us feel like Tarzan and Jane. I met a number of expats there mostly from Canada and England. Also fondly remember a group of “tree climbers” from the Atlanta area. What a kick!! Hope you have a fabulous time. Just loved the Reggai Caribbean feel of the place.
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Monkeys in the park?! We aren’t far from there, will have to go check that out. We’re having a very good time. More posts will be coming!
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OOps… So sorry the park if I remember correctly was north of Bocas in Costa Rica Cahuita (sp?) I believe. So sorry. But Bocas was incredible. The birding was fabulous.
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Ahh good! No wonder I couldn’t spot any monkeys. There are places around here that have monkeys, and I want to go to Costa Rica too so I know I’ll be seeing some before long.
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