Hotel reviews

Panama weather is relatively mild in that the highs and lows year-round are within about 10 degrees of each other. While temperatures vary depending on the region, Bocas del Toro experiences a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Bocas del Toro experiences relatively low humidity, with light breezy days and light temperate nights. From our quiet dock by the water to our wrap-around porch, relaxing outside and enjoying the weather couldn’t be more delightful.

The rainy season in Bocas takes place from December through January and then again June through August, however this season rarely produces enough rain to ruin a vacation. The dry season runs from February through May and during this period it is not uncommon to miss the raindrops all together. However, since we are in the tropics, short storms can come and go at any time. The great part about this tropical positioning though, is that we enjoy warm temperatures and light ocean breezes all year round.

Sometimes small storms can swing through but they usually do not last very long. More often, are the stretches of bright sunlight and clean skies. The most common wind direction in Bocas del Toro, Panama is North and there are several popular spots for surfing.

For the most part, Bocas enjoys calm sea conditions. Because Bocas del Toro is an archipelago, many of the islands protect it from rough weather and high seas. These outlying islands also make for a picture perfect horizon line.

Most people say that the best time to visit Bocas del Toro is in the Fall and Spring when there is the least rain and the clearest waters. But in reality, almost year-round you can find a sunny beach to enjoy. Bocas’ terrific climate is perfect for snorkeling and boating trips as well as all other water-related activities. For the less adventurous members of your family, this may simply translate into relaxing afternoons at the beach.

Matt works with the best Bocas del Toro hotel as well as another Bocas del toro panama hotel

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The islands of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago have been called the Galapagos of the Caribbean. They are located in the extreme western part of the country, only 25 miles from the Republic of Costa Rica. This Archipelago has the perfect combination of historical and cultural traditions, with a charming variety of aquatic species, coral reefs, mangroves, beaches with crystal clear water and undisturbed jungles with all the flora and fauna you can imagine.

Without any doubt, the most famous visitor to this piece of paradise was the Admiral Christopher Columbus on October 6, 1502 on his fourth and last trip to the Americas. He entered with two vessels into a wide bay, now called Almirante Bay, took in provisions on the present Bastimentos Island and careened a ship in the vicinity of Carenero Island.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the brothers “Snap” arrived from Jamaica with their slaves, at the same time with the “Shepherd” family that inhabited Shepherd Island.

A few years later various Scottish and English families emigrated from the San Andres and Providencia islands, also together with their slaves, in order to evade tax payments. An important commercial exchange started with the settled Indians of the region trading live turtles, turtle shells, cocoa and mahogany with the English people that came from Jamaica.

Bocas del Toro possesses a rich, ethnic culture that is reflected in its traditions, customs, gastronomy, music, dances and other afro-antillean manifestations; combined with the indigenous culture that remains intact.

It is not known for certain from where the name of this incredible Archipelago, forgotten by time, comes. It is said that when Christopher Columbus landed at one of the fantastic beaches, he saw various waterfalls in the form of “bocas del toro” (mouth of the bull). Columbus also distinguished a large rock on Bastimentos Island that has the form of a bull that is lying down. The sound of the immense waves hitting the large rock is similar to the roaring of a bull. On the other hand, there are locals that assure us that the last “cacique” (chief) of the region was known as “Boka Toro”.

Matt Landau works at a Bocas del toro hotel and rides on a flight to bocas del toro

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