I hopped onto a 1 hour flight to Bocas Del Toro – a collection of islands and a popular beach resort for Panamanians and foreigners alike. Upon landing, I was greeted by a local who told me that the “boss” at the hotel had sent him. I was immediately suspicious when he didn’t mention Stacey (the boss) by name. I walked with him into town but then told him I will find my own way. I flagged a taxi down and soon enough I arrived at the picturesque La Coralina. The hotel had the absolute friendliest staff and guess what… they all spoke English!!! Stacey put me in the honeymoon suite at the cost of a courtyard room and I’m quite positive it’s the finest hotel in all of Bocas. I borrowed a surfboard and headed straight to Bluff beach to catch some waves, but alas it wasn’t firing on this day (probably a good thing as this world class break could have been quite dangerous for a beginner surfer like me).
On my second day in Bocas I went searching for a more appropriate wave. A $2 water taxi brought me to Isla Carenero – a small paradise of an island that looked like it came out of one of the Pirates Of The Caribbean movies! I hiked around the mostly deserted island for a couple of hours and then met Luis at the “Bibi’s on the beach” restaurant. He got me set up with a board and took me (and some Dutch girls) on a boat ride to Wizard’s beach. I dropped in on my first wave and I was standing… I quickly tired myself out fighting through the breaking waves – the struggles of a beginner surfer! I ended the night at the Bibi’s happy hour with the Dutch girls, who also happened to be traveling around Central America without knowing any Spanish. I guess I wasn’t the only “newbie” around!!
What a great experience and surfing is such a great reason for visiting the islands with some six or seven great spots for both beginners all the way to the more advanced surfers. I spent two weeks in Bocas a couple of months ago and had drinks up at La Coralina, they have one of the best views from their restaurant. I stayed at
ReplyDeleteOver The Water Rentals in the purple house with great sunset views. It was excellent value for money with two bedrooms and a massive deck out front for sundowners, lounging around in the hammocks and just catching the breeze.
Glad to see that my girlfriend and I weren´t the only non spanish speakers to venture to the islands and still have a great time.