Bocas del Toro

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We write this on our last day in Bocas del Toro. Its an archipielago at the far north west of Panama. We're staying on the biggest island, Isla Colon and, wait for it, we're staying in the premier room at the Hotel Boca del Toro. I have to tell you, this is our most incredible accommodation yet. Andy pulled out all his negotiating skills to get us the best room in the hotel, usually $275, for $85 - I'm sure that must be some sort of record. Anyhow, it's wonderful. Front, sea view of the other islands, Satellite TV, Bose docking for our ipod, aircon, hot water and loads of big comfy beds. (Sorry to rave but you can tell we've been on the road for a while now...). So, as far as accommodation, we couldn't ask for more.

Bocas town is probably a little better than expected. We'd heard stories of dirty streets and unfriendly locals, but in fact the locals are nice (some of them are a bit overbearing but what do you expect when their livelihood depends on selling a tour/hotel/something to a tourist). The streets are a bit muddy, but hey, they get a lot of rain here. It had quite a nice vibe to it actually. But we weren't here for the town, we were here to see some beautiful islands.

Our first day was almost a washout. It rained and rained, but finally late afternoon there was a break in the weather so we caught a taxi to Bocas del Drago to go in search of Starfish beach. In order to get to the beach we had to wade through the shallows of the sea as there was no beach as such, but that aside, it was a beautiful walk and when we got to the beach and started seeing the starfish it was of course well worth it. We'd been told it was OK to pick up the starfish, as long as it was for 30seconds max and then they need to go back in the water. Good thing there were a lot of starfish as they all got a turn at being photographed with us! Amy loved them, but wasn't prepared to hold one, just give them a little stroke. We ate dinner at the seaside restaurant later (octopus and red snapper creole style) then back to town to our luxury pad.

Our first boat trip was fab. It started with a trip to Dolphin Bay where, not surprisingly, we saw dolphins. They made lots of appearances but only briefly - hey would you stick around if there were 5 tour boats chasing a glimpse of you? So the dolphins were plentiful, but shy. Then some snorkelling nearby at a spot with some beautiful, colourful soft coral. Sadly the underwater camera has died so no great shots of the underwater garden. There were some fish (but not plentiful like in Coiba or San Andres) and they were small and colourful, so it was quite a different snorkelling experience to other times. Final leg of the tour was to Red Frog Beach where, again not surprisingly, there were little red frogs. They were gorgeous and Amy got to hold one. The surf was too strong for us to do anything but roll around in the shallows but that was fun.

Our second boat trip (minus Andy who stayed in with a bad tummy) was out to Bird Island. It was a hair-raising journey to stay the least with a huge swell which terrified me. Amy thought it was fun however as we kept getting splashed by the big waves ... Bird Island was probably really interesting but I was too nauseous and terrified to enjoy it. Back on dry land later and another trip to starfish beach where Amy did get to hold a starfish briefly.

Our final day here and we've done nothing really expect have a really good lunch at the local grill.

Off to Costa Rica tomorrow so adios Panama - it's been a wonderful 5 weeks, better than we ever hoped for! First stop, Puerto Viejo (3 hours or so from the border).

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Comments

[Clare Nicklin/Olsson]

love the pic
Hi guys, Just had to say loved the pic of Fiona jumping into the sea. Are you laughling or screaming!!!? Hope the rain's stopped. Clare. xx