WEATHER

Panama being less than 10 degrees from the equator, the sun here can be very hot. However, because of its location, Bocas del Toro usually has a cooling breeze. The water temperature varies only a degree or two year-round from its usual 29C (85F). The weather is 'VARIABLE', but always warm. Our rainiest months can be December and July but this is not always so and many years they are wonderful, sunny times. The trade winds blow from approximately December to March but we are mostly sheltered by the outlying islands and the sea is virtually always calm fronting Bocas del Toro Island (Isla Colon). The CALMEST, SUNNIEST TIMES are September and October (with the end of August and the beginning of November often thrown in for good measure) and the warm, Caribbean water is at its very best for diving.

ABOUT BOCAS DEL TORO

The town of Bocas del Toro is the capital of the Province of Bocas del Toro and is situated on Isla Colon in the Laguna Chiriqui on the Caribbean Sea. Just 20 miles south of the Costa Rica border, it's off Panama's Northwest coast. The archipelago of Bocas del Toro has nine major islands, 59 smaller islands with names and a myriad of unnamed mangrove cays. There is a protected Marine National Park where four species of turtles come to lay their eggs. The waters surrounding the islands abound in live coral reefs which house lobster, crab, starfish, rays and an enormous variety of colorful, tropical fish.

The town of "Bocas" is known for its friendly people, its safety and its tranquillity. Almost everything is within walking distance but a local taxi costs only 50 cents per person if you have too much to carry. Always known as "rustic", the face of Bocas is fast-changing with new buildings and businesses. Bocas del toro has plenty of bars, and restaurants where you can choose from local Caribbean cuisine to Chinese, Italian and International. Tipping is, generally, not required on the island but is VERY much appreciated. (Wages are low here.)

"STARFLEET" diving and eco-adventures is centrally located on the waterfront of Bocas del toro town, just a few minutes walk from most hotels and 60 metres/yards from the new Tourist Office.