How To Get To BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA from Costa Rica - FLYING

How To Get To BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA from Costa Rica

via FLYING

Flying (on NatureAir) is the ONLY way I see myself EVER going to Bocas del Toro, Panama any more. I did the bus once just to say I've done it and so I can share the info here but it's SOOOO NOT for me!!!

Let's see -

1 hour flight over AWESOMELY BEAUTIFUL/SCENIC trip over miles and miles of lush tropical jungle and beaches and in and out of immigration in less than 10 min.
vs
6 hours sitting on a bus with NO bathroom or air-conditioning (though beautiful scenery also but at eye level), walk across a wood slatted bridge to 3 different areas for immigrations (oh, did I mention the crop dusters flying overhead OFTEN spraying toxic/poisonous chemicals on the nearby bananas fields [which spread wherever the wind blows??]), bus or taxi to water taxi, water taxi to Isle Colon and pain/a stiff body for DAYS = 8+ hours - NOT!!!!!!!

My time, convenience and body are worth money!!!


Flying to Bocas del Toro, Panama from Costa Rica offers a FUN experience in an 19 passenger "puddle jumper planes"!! (I feel more safe on those than a big plane though even though my dad cross-over from fluke plane crashes - I have NO fears of flying [I'd even prefer that be my mode "to go" as long as it's fast like it usually is!! I'm not into suffering and I'm a bad patient!! Hey - when it's my time to go it's my time to go and though I have LOTS of other "Control Issues" - it isn't with planes!!]).

BRING A JACKET/WRAP as it gets COLD up in the wild blue yonder.


AIRLINES:
NatureAir
http://www.NatureAir.com
From the U.S. - 1-800-235-9272. From within Costa Rica - 299-6000

PRICE: If you’re flexible on your dates - Fares can be as low as $82 each way (plus tax - mainly in the low of low season) though this Peak Season it’s running around $160/ow (plus tax)

FROM WHERE:
Pavas - Tobias Bolanos Airport (SMALL, EASY to get to/from!!! I LOVE this airport as it's SOOOOO convenient!!) - in the Rohmesser / Pavas area just 5 min. West of San Jose. Airport Code: PVS
Please note that you are going in/out of PAVAS Airport. Do NOT NOT NOT confuse it with San Jose International Airport [Juan SantaMaria International Airport. Airport Code: SJO).
FYI - depending on traffic - Pavas Airport is about 20-25 minutes between SJO and Pavas Airport). Pavas Airport is about 10 minutes/4 miles from San Jose and 16 minutes / 9 miles from SJO Airport.

DAYS OF WEEK:
Sun., Mon., Wed. Fri.
Meaning, if you’re doing your 90-day, 72-hour Tourist Visa Run, the best day is Fri.-Mon. or Sun.-Wed.

FLIGHT TIMES
FROM San Jose/PAVAS Airport: Departing at 10am - Arriving at 12:10pm (Panama is 1 hour ahead of us – Eastern Time)
FROM Bocas to PAVAS: Departing at 1pm - Arriving at 2:05pm

I've done this run 8 times (so far - #9 coming up in June) and EVERY TIME I was REALLY PLEASED with the level of service I received from ALL people I dealt with at NatureAir!! EVERYONE I’ve ever spoken with at NatureAir spoke VERY clear English!
If you have Residency in Costa Rica you can get a discounted rate so ask!!

LUGGAGE:
Here’s what they “officially” say about luggage:
Each person gets ONE free piece of luggage – up to 30lbs. You pay $1 US$ per POUND for each pound thereafter!!!! (note they offer FREE storage to passengers at the Pavas Airport to store your extra luggage if you need to). You also get ONE carry-on weighing max 10 lbs. BUT – make it a backpack and when YOU STAND on the scales they won’t know how much the bag really is because they add it to your weight (and you don’t need to find out what your weight is that day! [unless you get back on to check like I do sometimes!]). They do this to calculate the amount of gas they need. Bags may not exceed 64 square inches in diameter. Bags that exceed the diameter and/or weight will be subject to space and weight availability, and will be sent in the next weight and space available flight. Surfboards, Golf, Fish Equipment and bicycles are subject to space availability at airport at the time of check in, charges or fee for this articles is $25 US$ per flight. Nature Air is not responsible for connecting sports equipments to international flight with other airlines. Passengers have to pay any additional cost for these articles.

Though it's an "International Flight" you REALLY only need to arrive ABOUT 60 minutes prior to departure (it's a TINY airport with only a couple flights going out at the same time - at the most. On that note they say the flight is closed 30 minutes before departure).

NOTE: They say that all Costa Rican passenger flying international need valid passport, good for at least 6 month more (this freaked me out as mine was to expire 2 months after my first trip but there was NO problemo!!).

WHEN CHECKING IN – Look for the cutie Mario at the desk & say “Hola” from Vicki!!

HINT: Check for your tickets online as sometimes you’ll find some AMAZING specials – ESPECIALLY last minute that you can’t find elsewhere!

PILOT: If you have the VERY HANDSOM pilot Marvin (with the sexy salt and pepper hair), tell him "Hola from Vicki!!! (and why hasn't he come over to try out my massage chair???)



AT PAVAS AIRPORT
When you arrive, BEFORE you go to the airline counter – make an IMMEDIATE Left (like going to the NatureAir counter) but instead make another immediate Left – to the place you pay your $26 Exit Tax (US$ or colones) to the glassed in Booth (I believe it says “Banco”). Give them your passport (remember your passport!! I say this as someone was on my flight that forgot his but luckily he lived close enough and arrived early enough!). Get the receipt and then go to the NatureAir counter to check in.


GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT:

Need a TAXI from/to Pavas Airport – Chalo (Gonzalo) is your man and he speaks REALLY GOOD English!!! (8-394-6683) (tell him Vicki sent ya! (FYI - Chalo is also a former champion and a Master Surfer!!)


ARRIVING BACK IN COSTA RICA VIA THE PAVAS AIRPORT
You’ll have to go through IMMIGRATIONS when you return. Look for my special friend - the cutie/hottie Eder (pronounced eah-dahr) and say “Hola” from Vicki!!



FLYING FROM SAN JOSE

AIR PANAMA www.FlyAirPanama.com
In Costa Rica – 2-222-0712 / 2-222-0753-fax / 8-392-4256 / 2-601-1007 – HOURS: 8am-5pm.
In Panama - 507-316-9000 / 507-315-0439)

FROM WHERE: Juan SantaMaria INTERNATIONAL Airport - the main airport in San Jose (actually Alejuela - which means LOTS more traffic and ya need to get there earlier).

WHAT DAYS OF WEEK: Mon., Wed. and Fri.

FLIGHT TIMES: 10am – arriving at 1:30pm (you MUST make a stop in David).

PRICE: Around $200 round trip (BUT - remember – it’s with a stop)
+: They allow up to 2 suitcases - 70-lbs total (plus a carry-on up to 10 lbs and 99¢/lb thereafter). They have 40 passenger plane with air-conditioning, free snacks, no penalties for changes and all tickets are fully refundable and you can change the route (though you must redeem within 30 days). Karol Vargas is the CR Rep.

FLYING FROM WITHIN PANAMA

AeroPerlas (owned by TACA and SANSA) flies into Bocas from WITHIN Panama in these funky planes that look like they’re from World War II (I want to try them just for the experience – it just made me smile!!).

Panama City to Bocas: Monday –Friday - 8.30am and 1pm. Saturday 7am and 2.30pm. Sunday 8am and 2.30pm.
Bocas to Panama City: Monday-Friday - 9am and 2.30pm. Saturday 8:10am and 4.30pm. Sunday: 9.50am and 4.30pm

Mapiex - Panama City to Bocas: Mondays to Friday: 8.40am. Saturday - 6.30am. Sunday - 1.30pm
Bocas to Panama City: Mondays – Fridays - 10am. Saturday - 8am. Sunday - 3pm

ARRIVING IN BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA

FLYING - The Landing is a trip as you land practically in people backyard!!

WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE INTO BOCAS AIRPORT

When you get off the plane you wait on the tarmack till everyone’s together and proceed inside (they usually bring your luggage in separately).
If you’re arriving from a flight that is NOT within Panama and you do NOT have a Panama Visa AND you are from the U.S. or Canada - IMMEDIATELY (well – after you’ve stopped by Café Bahia to get your Caribbean Chocolate Factory’s TongueGasmic Organic Chocolate [I LOVE the Almond one] from Sasha [though she’s been closed for lunch the past 2 trips I’ve made – boooo!!]) – go to NatureAir’s counter and pay Delmira (she’s there Tues.-Sun. from 8-4 6692-1983) or Enrique $13 for an Entry Stamp (this used to be good for 90 days but that’s changed & EVERYONE MUST pay each time).

Then collect your luggage, passport (and stamp) and the completed Immigracion Form to “Immigrations” and let Edwana or Pleneo search ALL your bags and either Guillermo or Virginia will register you and stamp your passport. Felix is there with the DGA, Andrew takes care of Quarantine situations and there’s Raul or Sam.

WHEN YOU’RE DEPARTING - First go to the office marked “Administracion” and pay Arturo Correa (he’s the Airport Administrator - 757-9208. Tell him “Hola” from Vicki – the Big Beautiful Blonde [now burgundy] Gringa from Costa Rica that comes every 3 months) - $15 /hour (I believe it’s called an “Impuesto de Salida” (Exit Stamp?).

(fyi – every time I’ve been in the public bathrooms at the airport they don’t have toilet paper so plan accordingly plus the water is naturally yellow)

There’s a card holder rack in the corner – check to see if you can find any cards for discounts as you often will (including for a FREE COOKIE at !

FYI – The airport is just 5 blocks from the main street of Bocas so heat towards down at to go to the main part – turn Right at El Lorito Restaurant (a block before is THE bank. See notes on banking below). ESPECIALLY if it’s hot, rainy or muddy – I ALWAYS take the “taxi” to where I’m going – even if it’s just 3 blocks away! Worth the $1!



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A BIG Reason to fly/support NatureAir - They have the World’s First Carbon Neutral Airline program!!!

100% of NatureAir's carbon emissions are compensated through the protection and reforestation of tropical forests in southern Costa Rica's rich biodiversity zones of the Osa Peninsula.

For more info go to:
http://www.NatureVacations.com/carbon_neutral.aspx

http://www.NatureAir.com/presentation/index.html





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NEEDING TO STAY IN A HOTEL CLOSE TO PAVAS AIRPORT?

The closest to Pavas Airport - check out:

THE FOUNTAINS GUESTHOUSE
(8-378-6679 / http://FountainsGuesthouse.com) - A MAGICAL TRANQUIL OASIS set on 2 acres of lush vegetation just 7 min. from Pavas Airport (depending on traffic) , on one of THE major roads in the Central Valley, yet set back 300 feet! Within 15 blocks either direction you have over 50 restaurants (and many deliver!) as well as markets, gyms, shops, dentists, doctors - just about anything you could need! LOTS of hammocks, FREE WiFi, FREE phone calls to the U.S. and Canada, FREE PARKING (even while you're out traveling) and FREE Storage (to store things from your shopping spree), computer to check your emails, FREE Welcome Tropical Smoothie and FREE Spin on our FABULOUS Massage Chair. 6 rooms. It's a real "Me Casa es Su Casa" kinda place where you have full roam of the house including a gourmet kitchen you can cook from! Beds can be on the hard side OR with a Memory Foam topper - some that you just melt into! Same with pillows - what YOUR needs are their desires!!! Details! Details! Details and QUALITY features are what The Fountains are about!! Cell Phone available to rent.
Your Host has access to good English-speaking taxi drivers, LOTS of helpful info for tourist and people thinking of moving to CR plus they have an in-house Travel Agency/Tour Operator (Frank Chicas' Enjoying Costa Rica Tours).
RATES: $45/$65/$90 (though they

Casa Roland
(2-231-6571 / 2-520-1900 / http://Casa-Roland.com) - A REALLY NICE hotel with queen beds (one has 2 twins and one has 2 queen beds), cable tv, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, 21 rooms and 2 adjacent 3-bedroom homes each with a jacuzzi, American-style breakfast from 7-10am, exercise room, just 5 min. to Pavas Airport in Rohrmoser. Paragon Restaurant on site. RATES: $95/$145/$200 + 16.39% tax

El Caracol B&B
(2-232-9864 / 2-231-7439) - Use of kitchen, parking, cable tv, private bathroom. Rohrmoser. RATES: $45 (includes continental breakfast)

Isla Verde
http://HotelIslaVerde.com - Chinese Restaurant (11:30am-10:30pm), WiFi in lobby. queen bed, 20 rooms, cable tv, private bathrooms. 500 meters West of the U.S. Embassy. Rohrmoser. RATES: $53 (includes breakfast)

How To Get To BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA from Costa Rica - BY BUS

HOW TO GET TO BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA FROM COSTA RICA

Doing the bus route to get to Bocas del Toro, Panama takes time - LOTS & LOTS of time but it IS wayyyyyy cheaper than flying if that's an issue to you!!!!

I HIGHLY suggest you buy your ticket in advance (note how to do it depending on which bus you take in their description).

The #1 reason I do NOT take the bus to Bocas is that my time and convenience/easy/body are worth money to me. #2 (and a BIG reason) is there are NO BATHROOMS on these bus and my bladder has it's own mind (though with not drinking liquids for 2 days before traveling, I did GOOD!! Now, if you're a guy, I found that if they wanted to "go", they'd just tell the driver & he would just pull over, they got off and whipped it out on the side of the bus for ALL to watch!).

There are 2 buses that take you to Bocas del Toro (note – Bocas del Toro is a Province PLUS there is a “city”/island of Bocas [like San Jose is the Province/State and say Escazu is the “city”]):

NO TOILETS!!

Standard for all buses: NONE of them have toilets on them!!

WHICH BUS WORKS BEST FOR YOU?

Vicki's #1 Choice (IF I were to bus it again [though I doubt it]) would be THE FASTER, EASIER BUS that takes you from

Downtown San Jose to CHANGUINOLA, Panama

BUS COMPANY: Transporte BocaTore (CR - 2-259-1325 / 8-385-7551 / Panama - 507-758-8127)

DEPARTS FROM: Downtown San Jose near the Hotel Cocori on Calle 14 between Avenida 3 and 5 (NOTE: It is NOT NOT NOT a good/safe area around here though I felt ok being there with the 2 gals I was waiting with!!!!)

DEPARTURE TIME: DAILY at 9am (often "ish").

WHEN TO ARRIVE TO GET THE BUS: Depending on the day of the week and holidays (obviously weekends [Fri.-Sun.] are more full. Thurs. and Mon. can be tighter), many people arrive about 30 or so min. before departure and just stand in line.

HOW/WHERE TO GET TICKETS: I've heard MANY versions of how you get tickets, the main one being you could only get it that day but that was NOT MY experience (luckily I trust my intuition!!). I went down the DAY BEFORE and waited for the bus. There were 2 ladies on it that sold tickets - one for going TO Changuinola and the other RETURN (2 totally different looking tickets). I was actually only taking the bus TO Panama (and flying back on NatureAir [more on that later]) but because at the Costa Rican border re-entering CR, they often ask you for proof that you are leaving CR within 90 days again (that is if you're not a resident). My understanding is that a ticket is good for 30 days so I bought a ticket for then. I HIGHLY welcome people to buy their ticket in advance as ya never know if a bus would be full and if you're on day 90 of your Tourist Visa Run, you're screwed (or have to pay for an expensive last minute airline ticket!!).

TIME: The bus take 6 hours, PLUS in Changuinola you take a taxi (find a few other people to share it that are going to the same boat dock) or bus/van to catch the water taxi so about another 1 1/2-2+ hours.

COST: Bus - $10 each way (plus other bus/taxi/water taxi costs in Panama).

ROUTE: The BEST PART of taking the bus is the scenic drive (though after about 2 hours of it I was ready to see other things but that's just me). The bus heads East to Limon (about 2 1/2 hours) a Cloud Forest (beautiful but it can VERY LIKELY be foggy and/or rainy [especially later in the day]) where it stops for a snack/bathroom break. Josh share that just outside the door (to the left) of the main stop/restaurant is a Mus Anni panaderia/bakery where you can get a nice bakery snack & drink for less than 2,000 colones.
Then South, along a beautiful drive along the Caribbean Coast (beautiful though at times it can be on a dirt road!!).
At Cahuita you go inland to Sixaola and DRIVE across the bridge in Panama and are dropped off at the Changuinola Bus Depot (more on what happens after that below).

SAN JOSE TO SIXAOLA, Costa Rica

NOTE: THIS BUS MAY BE CHEAPER (by about $1), but it's longer (with stops in Limon, Bri-Bri – ending in Sixaola on the Costa Rica side) AND IT’S LOTS MORE OF A HASSLE – ESPECIALLY IF IT’S RAINING - BUT, there are LOTS more choices on buses/times and you can get there earlier (hence can take Finca 63 Water Taxi which the route is is WAYYYY prettier but twice as long and $1 more).

NOTE: Need a GOOD ENGLISH-SPEAKING TAXI DRIVER TO TAKE YOU TO/FROM THE CARIBENO BUS TERMINAL (he's usually hanging there)?
James Francis Brown - 375-5558 / 245-2489 (JaimeFB@costaricense.cr) - REALLY GOOD English and a NICE person! HOURS: 8am-6pm++++ Mon.-Sat. 1-10pm-Sun. (he will work whatever hours he needs to if you make arrangements ahead of time). Tell him Vicki in Casa Naranja in Escazu referred you!

BUS:
DEPARTS FROM: Gran Terminal del Caribe / Caribeno Bus Terminal - In front of the Ulacit University on the main road to Tibas - on the East side of the Children's Museum/Museo de Ninos.
6am-Arrives around 2pm-ish - Direct to Sixaola
10am - LOTS of stops along the way including the entrance to Cahuita and Puerto Viejo
noon - Direct to Sixaola
2pm - Direct to Sixaola
4pm - Direct to Sixaola
TIME: Direct buses are 5 1/2 hours (plus the time to cross the border) and only "officially" stop at Cahuita Center (unless some passengers want to get off in between)
COST: 4,930-c /$10 (though the currency they use in Panama is the U.S. dollar, I think you can also pay with colones. If using dollars, please try to have the exact change. Their ticket booth is the last on on the right hand side of the terminal (hours pending). It will make your life MUCH easier!!).
CONTACT: San Jose (2-257-8129), Limon (2-758-1572), Sixaola (2-754-2097). HOURS: 5:30am-5pm.

Another Option:
Take the bus from San Jose to Limon (?).
Then catch a Route 725 bus to Sixaola from Radio Casino at: 5am, 7am, 8am, 10am, noon, 1pm, 4pm, 6pm.
COST: 1,465 (not poz on this new price as all buses have gone up)
TIME: 3 hours (from Limon)

NOTE: In the rainy season the bus schedule can EASILY change so you might want to call Transportes Mepe to verify the bus. San Jose (2-257-8129), Limon (2-758-1572), Sixaola (2-754-2097)

ROUTE: The BEST PART of taking the bus is the scenic drive (though after about 2 hours of it I was ready to see other things but that's just me). The bus heads East to Limon (about 2 1/2 hours) a Cloud Forest (beautiful but it can VERY LIKELY be foggy and/or rainy [especially later in the day]) where it stops for a snack/bathroom break. Josh share that just outside the door (to the left) of the main stop/restaurant is a Mus Anni panaderia/bakery where you can get a nice bakery snack & drink for less than 2,000 colones.
Then South, along a beautiful drive along the Caribbean Coast (beautiful though at times it can be on a dirt road!!) to Cahuita then Puerto Viejo and Bri Bri to let off passengers going to those points. Once you leave Bri, Bri you head to Sixaola and the border crossing.

THE BORDER - THE BRIDGE

In Costa Rica - you cross the boarder into Panama from Sixaola. On the Panama side, you arrive at Guabito.

WALKING ACROSS THE BRIDGE . . . This is a HORRIFIC BEYOND rickety bridge with slats of wood going across it so you can see the water below in between the horizontal wood slats (WATCH WHERE YOU'RE WALKING. Because you have to walk so carefully, it could take you 10 min. to cross. This is NOT good if you’re pulling a suitcase on wheels behind you or aren’t good at the balance bar at times) and railroad tracks down the middle. Also note, they are OFTEN spraying HORRIBLE POISONOUS/TOXIC pesticides overhead/by plane over the banana fields throughout the day and trust me, it DOES go EVERYWHERE (my heart goes out to all the workers in this area as they have to live with that day in and day out).
(when on one of these horrible bridges heading to Manuel Antonio a few years ago, I got a BIG "Ahhh haaaa" that in at LEAST a couple past lives I must have died somehow connected with bridges as I have VERY FEW fears in life but one of them is when crossing ANY bridge [even the Golden Gate which I did weekly when I lived in San Francisco], without realizing it, I hold my breath till it's over. Of course when you see some of these bridges, past life or not, you'll probably do the same thing!!!).

There are always English-speaking guys at the border/bridge willing to help you with your bags crossing the bridge and/or with the process. Most people I've spoken with tipped him $5-$10. Here are a couple:
Jairo Jimenez in CR (507-335-8881) - WONDERFUL Spirit!!
I used a guy I can't remember his name but he had one leg and used a bike to support him. A REAL sweetheart!

CRUCIAL CRUCIAL CRUCIAL INFORMATION!!
THE BRIDGE/BORDER HOURS!!
(see "Crucial Note" under each location below for hours)

IMMIGRATION - COSTA RICA

On the Costa Rica side, BocasToro Bus will drop you off right in front of Costa Rica's Immigration Office. Taking the Sixaola bus you just get off and walk to Immigration.

There you present them with your ORIGINAL Passport (don't laugh, I know a few people that have forgotten it) and they will have you fill out an Immigration Form and they will stamp your Passport with their exit stamp. MAKE SURE they STAMP YOUR PASSPORT OR your life could be quite a bit of hell when you're coming back into Costa Rica (a guy on one of my flights crossed the border when they were closed and Immigration MADE him go BACK to that border to deal with whatever it was he had to deal with it)(NOTE: I did NOT pay any Exit Tax leaving Costa Rica this way vs. the $26 exit fee you pay leaving Costa Rica by airplane).

CRUCIAL NOTE: The Costa Rican Immigration Office is ONLY OPEN from 7am-5pm and on Sat. and Sun. they close SOMETIME (??? of the hour) for lunch so ONLY go during those hours, especially if you're doing the Costa Rica Visa Run as you'll NEED that stamp/proof you've left CR.

If you take the BocaToro Bus, the driver (we had Elvis! He was a hoot!) usually gives you the option to walk across the bridge (note my description of that bridge below before choosing to walk across!) or he'll drive you over.

IMMIGRATION - PANAMA

You'll come to the Desarrollo Agropecuario building on your LEFT (a beige building).
First walk into the Ministerio de Gobierno - Migracion/Migration office where they stamp you.
If you're from countries withOUT agreements with Panama (like Canada, the U.S.), you then walk next door to IPAT - Instuituo Panameno de Turismo - Tourist Information where you pay a $5 Tourist Visa.
You then walk BACK to Migracion for the final stamp of approval (this is all WAYYYYY loosy goosy).

Josh said "Don't be shocked if the tourismo card has more than one name on it. Just make sure they have your passport # on it."


NOTE: Panama's Immigration office CLOSES EVERY DAY for lunch (not poz on time right now. I'll get that later) and from 6pm to 7am so you'll have to wait it out with everyone else (hope it's not toooo hot and toooo much of that poison going overhead). When I did this in March '08, it was a BREEZE!! NO wait other than the few gringos that were on the bus with us (it was 98.9% non-gringos).

If you're on the bus from San Jose to Changuinola, you get back on the bus again and your driver will take you to the Changuinola Bus Station/Terminal (Sincotavecop).

GETTING TO THE CHANGUINOLA BUS STATION / TERMINAL (Sincotavecop)

Unless you're on the SJ-Changuinola bus, the only way I know of so far to get to Changuinola is to take a "taxi" (it's usually one of those 4-door trucks [if it's raining, you may want to bring a BIG plastic bag like a big black trash bag, to cover it and/or you up]). After you've crossed the bridge and have done all your official stuff, keep walking forward and at the stairs, walk down the STEEP steps (with no railings [NOT fun when you're hauling luggage or in the rain!!]) to catch a taxi to take you to the Changuinola Bus Station/Terminal (Sincotavecop). I want to say that was about $3-$5 per person (NOTE: they will usually wait till they have 5 other people in the taxi before he goes]) OR you can hire the driver to take you directly to Finca 63 (I want to say that was $15-$2o or so depending on the driver I guess)

An EXCELLENT, VERY informative (ask him about how bananas are grown and processed [SCARY stuff!!]), English Speaking/VERY helpful TAXI DRIVER you can hire at the border (either privately or you can wait till he has 5 people to cram into his 4-door taxi truck) - JOSE (507-759-7909)!

WHAT YOU DO ONCE YOU'RE IN CHANGUINOLA

There are now water taxis that depart right from Changuinola en route to Isla Colon, Bocas. So, you really don't need to make the trip from Changuinola to Almirante. The water taxi takes about 1 hour each way and costs $5.00 per person.
Bocatoreno bus direct from from San Jose to the Bocas docks in Almirante and then a boat over -- From central Almirante it shouldn't cost more than $1.00 to get to the water taxi port. (This posting seems questionable as I could find no other reference for a direct bus to Almirante)
To reach Bocas islands there are also two ways, through Almirante or through Finca 63.
(THANX TicoCan Thor!!)

WATER TAXI TO ISLE COLON - BOCAS

There are 3 boat rides that take you to Isla Colon (the main island in Bocas del Toro).

FINCA 63 WATER TAXI
This is the SCENIC (as it travels SLOWLY through a BEAUTIFUL estuary / marsh filled with floating islands of water lettuce and water hyacinths [thanx Josh!]), ROUGHER (the bus takes you on REALLY BUMPY back roads [I have a BIG tush with LOTS of padding and MY tush/tailbone were sore!!!]), LONGER (the boat takes about an hour), more expensive route.

GETTING FROM CHANGUINOLA TO FINCA 63: At the bus depot in Changuinola you can catch a small van/bus marked "FINCA 63" which takes about 15 min. to the boat dock. COST FOR BUS: If memory serves me (I'll verify later) cost around $1. You can also take a taxi which I want to say is around $15.
At Finca 63 there is NOTHING nearby to eat most of the time (sometimes you'll get lucky and the little store will be open or a neighboring soda). Here you'll wait (and sometimes wait and wait) for this water taxi.

DIS-ADVANTAGES OF THIS WATER TAXI. This only comes every other hour or so (once I find it I'll post the schedule) and the last boat is at 5pm (so this does NOT work for people taking the BocaToro bus from San Jose to Changuinola). MOST IMPORTANTLY, I've also known of it to not show/break down (the one Josh took his first trip was a 2 hour delay and mine was 3 one of the ways) OR the tide be too low - so if time is NOT of importance - this is a cool option!
SCHEDULE: ___________ The last departure is at 5pm.

OR

ALMIRANTE
(Note: This is the ONLY Water Taxi you can take if you take the San Jose to Changuinola)
At the bus depot in Changuinola you can take a bus (I want to say it was 50¢) to Almirante which, if memory serves me, takes about 45 min. There you walk forward out of the depot and turn Right. Go down about 150 meters (1 1/2 blocks) to a dirt alley road and go LEFT to the docks.
OR you can hire a TAXI ($15) (find up to 3 others going there also to share the cost). This is MY preferred way as it takes you RIGHT to the dock.
There are now 2 Options for Water Taxis taking you to Isle Colon - the original Bocas Marine Tours which goes at ______
COST FOR WATER TAXI: $5
LENGTH OF TIME: 30 min. boat ride

Jampan is the new kid on the block.
DEPART ALMIRANTE AT: 6:30am, 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 7pm and 9pm.
On Isla Colon/Bocas island, their dock is a red with blue trip to the left of the center.


OR

The BIG SLOW Car/Transport Ferry - Ferry Palanga
(507-6615-6674 / 261-0350 / willifu@cableonda.net)
This is a trip!! Go on a transport ferry with the big trucks (and truckers girls!). It leaves Almirante at 8am (if you have a car – be there BY BY BY 7am since it can get packed) – arriving into Bocas-Isla Colon at 9:30am.
It doesn’t leave Bocas-Isla Colon until 4pm – arriving in Almirante at 5:30pm.
This is an interesting CHEAP THING TO DO if you're traveling through Panama and don't have much time or want to overnight in Bocas as you you can take the boat then choose to wander around this Port town and stay the night/go explore elsewhere or return on one of the Water Taxis. Almirante is the Port Town for this area so not much to do but you get to spend some cheap time on the water!!!
COST: Passengers - $1 each way (CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT!). Car $20 + $1 per person.
Note – to ensure your space – especially before 9:30am and from around 3-6pm – arrive early as the boat will go as soon as it’s full. Also, NEVER plan on catching the last boat unless you have time to stay where you’re at as – they break down! Personally, from what I’ve seen, I would plan on catching the last 2!!!

RETURNING TO COSTA RICA FROM PANAMA

IMPORTANT NOTE!!!!: RETURNING to Costa Rica? Make sure you carry your Original Passport AND take some sort of proof you are leaving Costa Rica WITHIN 90-days!!! They are REALLY cracking down on this!! You can either buy a full coach fare on an airline (and cancel it and be re-credited immediately) OR buy a one-way BUS ticket from Costa Rica to Nicaragua (I believe this is cheaper) or Panama and either throw it away or better yet, gift it to someone. I did this once with a ticket I got at the Panama/CR border and it was an open-ended ticket good for 30 days. The throw-away ticket I bought in March in San Jose (for San Jose to Panama) had a date (again, only good for 30 days). It was just $10.

MAKE SURE IMMIGRATION ON BOTH END STAMPS YOUR PASSPORT OR . . .
I have SEEN people be refused entry INTO Costa Rica because they just walked across some random border where no one was working so they were sent back there to deal with it. I’m SURE that was not a pleasant thing!!



GETTING TO BOCAS FROM THE BORDER
Since Bocas is an island – the main way to get to Bocas is via Water Taxi. If you are traveling with a car, you may want to take the Ferry (I feel it would be MUCH safer in Bocas than in any other area).
FROM ALMIRANTE

Jampan is the new kid on the block.
DEPART ALMIRANTE AT: 5:30am, 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30pm, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 8pm.
On Isla Colon/Bocas island, their dock is a red with blue trip to the left of the center.


BETWEEN BOCAS AND ALMIRANTE - FERRY - The BIG SLOW Car/Transport Ferry (Ferry Palanga - 6615-6674 / 261-0350 / willifu@cableonda.net) - This is a trip!! Go on a transport ferry with the big trucks (and truckers girls!). It leaves Almirante at 8am (if you have a car – be there BY 7am since it can get packed) – arriving into Bocas-Isla Colon at 9:30am. It doesn’t Leave Bocas-Isla Colon until 4pm – in Almirante at 5:30pm. You can then choose to wander around this Port town and stay the night/go explore elsewhere or return on the Water Taxi that takes 1 hour leaves every _ hour between 6am and 6:30pm. Almirante is the Port Town for this area so not much to do but you get to spend some cheap time on the water!!! Passengers - $1 each way (CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT!). Car $20 + $1 per person. Note – to ensure your space – especially before 9:30am and from around 3-6pm – arrive early as the boat will go as soon as it’s full. Also, NEVER plan on catching the last boat unless you have time to stay where you’re at as – they break down! Personally, from what I’ve seen, I would plan on catching the last 2!!!
BETWEEN BOCAS AND ALMIRANTE - WATER TAXI - Take the Water Taxi from Bocas Marine (757-9033 – Located two buildings from JJ’s Marine and Tours - (great for being on the water) - It’s a _ hour boat ride that leaves every _ hour between 6:30am and 6:30pm (Bocas to Almirante – 6am, 7am, 7:30am and then every _ hour thereafter. Almirante to Bocas departs at 6:30am, 7am, 7:45am and then every _ hour after) - $3 each way.
To catch a bus/van to wherever, exit where the water taxi comes in, go direct up a back alley (grass) behind some buildings (just follow the other people). When you get to the street (just 100 mts), turn Right and walk down about 2 blocks till you see the Bus Terminal on your Left. Look for the bus (mine was a big van where people could stand up) that says “Changuinola” and take that to Downtown Changuinola. This can be quite harrowing (I was sitting next to the window, next to a lady with a baby and I ended up holding the baby because of all the hairpin turns the driver was taking!! I thought I was an insane driver [like Mario Andretti!!!!]) albeit scenic drive – winding through roads lined with banana fields (wow on what I learned from a former Chiquita exec that sat next to me on the van - about the growing/processing of bananas and ALL the pesticides, etc. that goes into them!! In some ways, more than your average fruit!!!! ESPECIALLY those used for exporting!!). Once in Downtown Changuinola, at the Bus Terminal (mainly vans) you take the van to the Water Taxi (called something like Finca ____) – through HORRIBLE BUMPY dirt roads (not fun for large chested women!! OUCH!!). (CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT!)


BETWEEN BOCAS AND CHANGUINOLA - Located two buildings to the Right of J&J’s Marine and Tours - The Bocas Marine Water Taxi between Bocas and Alimarante and Changuinola. is a BEAUTIFUL ride!!! ESPECIALLY try to do the Changuinola ride at least one way as though it takes an hour, when you get out of the bay and in the back part cutting your way through areas that are FILLED with these beautifully flowering Lilly pad like things!!! (of course – sometimes the motor gets caught up in it so don’t be rushing here to catch something else!!). The day I went on it, both ways had boatS that had broken down!!! HOURS: Bocas to Changuinola – 7, 8, 9:30, 11am, 12:30, 2 & 4:30pm.
COST: $6
TIME IT TAKES: It’s about 1 hour
CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT!

BETWEEN BOCAS AND CHANGUINOLA - Located two buildings from JJ’s Marine and Tours - The Water Taxi from Bocas (also Bocas Marine) to Changuinola is a BEAUTIFUL ride!!! ESPECIALLY when you get out of the bay and in the back part cutting your way through areas that are FILLED with these beautifully flowering Lilly pad like things!!! (of course – sometimes the motor gets caught up in it so don’t be rushing here to catch something else!!). The day I went on it, both ways had boatS that had broken down!!! HOURS: Bocas to Changuinola – 7, 8, 9:30, 11am, 12:30, 2 & 4:30pm. From Changuinola to Bocas – 8, 9:30, 11am, 12:30, 2, 3:30, 5pm. $5 (I think it’s about 1 hour) - $5. (CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT!)


Once in Changuinola – You can hire the WONDERFUL, VERY knowledgeable & NICE taxi driver Jose (507-759-7909)! He speaks EXCELLENT English and is VERY helpful! Ask him about how bananas are grown and processed (SCARY stuff!!)

FROM CHANGUINOLA TO SAN JOSE (to me, BY FAR the BEST way [IF you're choosing to do the bus route])
Leaves Changuinola at 10am and arrives in San Jose at 4pm – 5 hours.
COST: $
CONTACT: 507-758-8127 (in Panama).





CHANGUINOLA TO SAN JOSE:
Transporte Bocatore
DEPARTS: From the Changuinola Bus Terminal at 10am, arriving back into San Jose at 3:30pm.

SIXAOLA (on the Costa Rican side) TO SAN JOSE:
DEPARTS: 5:30-Arriving 11am, 7:30am-Arriving 1pm, 9:30am-Arriving 3:30pm, 2:30-Arriving 8:30pm

SIXAOLA (on the Costa Rican side) TO BRI BRI
5, 5:30, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11am. Noon, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6pm. 6, 8, 9, 10am & noon-4pm and 6pm stop in PUERTO VIEJO (507-758-8127)
Met a couple that informed me they had returned from the Bocas on a direct bus. The time in which they made it from the Bocas to Atenas seemed impossible. The information they provided confused me so I googled San Jose -Bocas and found the following information.


While you are on Isla Colon go back to the water taxi port and schedule and pay the $6.00 per person for your return for the day you plan to go back to Costa Rica. It's good to do this ahead of time or you might end up having to take a later boat. I like to catch the first boat which is at 7:00am. That boat will take you back to the port in Changinola or Almiranta where you will catch a taxi back to the border at Sixaola. Same taxi fares apply, $5.00 for shared $15-$20 if you take a taxi solo.

12.) Once you get to the border you need to get your Panama exit stamp at the same immigration office where you got your Panama entry stamp, no fee's. Then you need to promptly cross the same bridge and go to the same immigration office on the Costa Rica side and get your entry stamp and complete an immigration form.

13.) Once you get your entry stamp head down to the same parking lot that you arrived in to catch the bus back to San Jose.

14.) You have to buy your return ticket from the bus driver at this time. This is when your brilliant planning ahead and having 4,700 colones pays off because the bus driver never has change. It's a good idea to have extra Colones just in case of price changes which do happen especially with the cost of fuel going up.

15.) The bus route back to San Jose is exactly reverse of the trip there. You do stop at a police check point just after you go through Cahuita and before Limon. Everyone gets off the bus for a quick passport and bag check to see what you brought back from your trip to Panama. In Limon you once again stop at the same restaurant so if you need to use the restroom because it's non-stop back to San Jose.

16.) When you get back to the Caribeno Terminal in San Jose you will be swarmed by taxi drivers. Be sure to get a red cab with a meter (maria) to your destination in Costa Rica and make sure the meter is on zero when you get into the taxi.


NOTE THAT PANAMA IS 1 HOUR AHEAD OF COSTA RICA.

WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THIS BLOG ON BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA

Bocas del Toro is a SPECIAL, funky, Archipelago (a group of islands) on the Caribbean Coast of Panama - South of the Costa Rican border!

It has that Caribbean flair (though not as colorful as Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica), is VERY LAID BACK and I feel VERY SAFE here (I travel solo most of the time. Of course it IS an island so it's not like it's easy to steal and escape).

It's a WONDERFUL escape for your 90-Day Visa Run if you are living in Costa Rica since it is so close to the border (Panama is South of Costa Rica) and REALLY EASY to get to on www.NatureAir.com It's a BEAUTIFULLY SCENIC 50 minute flight (longer if the must stop in Limon which they sometimes do if they have passengers)from PAVAS airport (NOT the MUCH LONGER to get to with LOTS more traffic SJO/San Jose airport!!). Though it's LOTS more expensive to fly - to me it's worth it because I put a dollar value on my time and ease - ESPECIALLY when re-entering Costa Rica (Immigration is a BREEZE here!!!).


I have never lived so far from water hence part of why I LOVE going - to get my water fix plus take a break from the craziness of life hence I have been to Bocas del Toro 8 times since moving to Costa Rica.


For me, finding any real DETAILED information (the way I like it) on Bocas del Toro has been pretty darn challenging, plus I LOVE gathering and sharing information, hence why I initially started a Bocas del Toro Guide (currently about 20 pages) with those detailed hints/tips that for me are helpful and to make this info more accessible to/reach more people, I am creating this blog.


Till this blog is up and in its full glory, feel free to email me at BocasDelToroGuide@gmail.com for an email copy of it.


Keep checking back as I develop this site and if you have things to add/change, email me at BocasDelToroGuide@gmail.com

ENJOY!


Vicki Skinner
The Fountains Guesthouse
Escazu, Costa Rica (7 min. from Pavas Airport where you catch the flight to Bocas)
http://www.FountainsGuesthouse.com
(506) 8-378-6679 (from within CR) / 1-800-385-6290 (from the U.S. & Canada)

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PICTURES FROM BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA

Here are some pictures I have taken in the past while in Bocas del Toro, Panama (note that I am NOT a photographer!!):

http://SarongGoddess.smugmug.com/gallery/5235059_GgzQr#318051706_Twdwv


These are some pics that my bud Josh Voeks has taken on one of his trips to Bocas del Toro:
http://SarongGoddess.smugmug.com/gallery/4402788_M8jSo
http://2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=188940342/a=122120734_112426507/t_=122120734



Do you have a website of pics to add? E- me at BocasDelToroGuide@gmail.com

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