Bocas del Toro
Archipelago Cruising Information
“Who’s Looking for the Bull’s
Mouths?
or
“Maybe the mouth of the Dragon?”
By Mary J. Robertson
What is the direction of serious cruisers looking to
still find a remote paradise? Panama is still offering unlimited
cruising time for pleasure vessels wanting to explore the many
archipeligos located along their coasts.
In the remote archipelago of Bocas del Toro, the entrance buoys from the
known route between Bastimentos, Carenero, and Hospital Point have been
relocated to the deeper channel of Boca del Drago. The Chirique Fruit
Company that controls the route of the cargo vessels of the banana trade
have moved the entrance buoys to the deeper route via Bocas del Drago.
In the new 4th Edition of the Panama Guide, written by Eric Baumhaus,
the new buoy locations have been updated for the recommended route via
Boca del Drago. The updated guide illustrates the new route and that all
the entrance buoys via Bastimentos, Carenero, and Hospital point have
been relocated.
The Bocas del Toro entrance is still usable with the existing way points
listed in the previous guide editions, however, the buoys do not exist.
This entrance is just as usable unless the vessel has draft concerns
like the cargo vessels (+40’).
Bocas del Toro is a port of entry and has new official hours of
operation. The new clearing hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with
one hour break for lunch from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Any vessel needing
to clear after 3:00 p.m. will be subject to their after hours rates.
Pleasure vessels still have an unlimited time of stay by purchasing a
cruising permit valid for 3 months, which is renewable in 3 month
increments. Also, maritime visas are given after the first 30 days
tourist visa, but must be renewed every 30 days.
Panama offers cruisers more than most countries in Central America with
their diversity of friendly locals, a stable government, infra-structure
of airports, buses, and ease to move in and out of the country.
If you are considering a new place to discover, consider Panama as your
next destination. There are many retirement packages available for those
who decide to stay.
Panama is the country of progression, retirement, long-term growth, and
sustainability. Consider why you have not come to understand what Panama
has to offer for you and your family, especially if you like cruising!
Living on Island Time is a Dream Come True!
---
Marina Carenero
Bocas del Toro, Caribbean, Panama, Central America
Phone: (011) (507) 757-9242
Latitude 9º20.64' N
Longitude 82º14.11' W
E-mail
Us: marinacarenero@hotmail.com
**If you do not have an email
program on your computer copy & paste the email address into your online
mail account. |
