The Bocas del Toro Archipelago is the Caribbean’s Paradise
Published: Monday, December 14, 2020
Our Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) host in Bocas del Toro, Panama, is Mary J. Robertson. She has been living in Bocas for the past 22 years and is the owner of Marina Cayo Carenero, S.A. Located on the Northwest coast of Panama, this area comes highly recommended to all cruisers looking for paradise in the Caribbean.
The Bocas del Toro archipelago offers great protection for those in need of a respite away from the wind and the sea. The serenity of this area will make you believe you’re cruising on a lake rather than the ocean. This makes it a perfect place of protection should you have children on board or if you are looking for a good place to retire as there are many benefits for retirees here!
The Port Captain’s office is located on the southern point of Isla Colon and clearing in can be done at anchor or by going to their office. With permission from the office, Marina Cayo Carenero offers clearing in right at their dock; simply call on VHF Channel 68 or at 507-757-9242, (507) 6-451-5559 to request assistance.
Customs and Immigration rules in Panama change frequently but a quick email to Mary at [email protected] will help you with the latest updates. You can also check Noonsite, which is a website dedicated to providing cruising sailors with comprehensive information on clearing into all countries worldwide.
Once you’ve arrived, you won’t want to leave! Be sure to visit the Bastimentos National Marine Park, which encompasses a large portion of Bastimentos Island. The Zapatilla Islands are also part of the National Marine Park and there is a fee for visiting those two islands. Coral Cay is a secure place to anchor outside of the National Marine Park limits.
There are many other beautiful places to anchor near Boca del Drago. The main entrance channel with buoy markers for cargo vessels runs through there. Nearby is Swan's Cay. It is a nesting site for the red-billed tropicbird and the blue-footed booby.
Marina Carenero is located at 09º20.64’N, 082º14.11’ W, below the hurricane belt; and it’s proven to be a safe place to keep your boat during hurricane season. Marina Carenero’s long term annual rates are a great option if you are looking to permanently retire.
For more information, contact Mary J. Robertson at [email protected].
This article first appeared in the Buyer's Guide 2021 (Nov/Dec 2020) of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Marina
