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Tropical Suites
Common Questions
HOW DO I GET TO BOCAS DEL TORO?
From Panama City
We recommend taking the 45-minute flight from Panama City. Flights run from early in the morning to late afternoon and can be booked through Air Panama. This flight departs from Albrook Airport (PAC), a smaller regional airport located about a 30-minute drive from Tocumen International Airport where you will arrive. Once you land in Bocas Town (BOC), taxis are available as you exit the airport and typically cost $2 dollars to the hotel.
From Costa Rica
SkyWay has direct flights from San Jose. Once you land in Bocas Town (BOC), taxis are available as you exit the airport and typically cost $2 dollars.
Ground transportation is available by purchasing tickets online through Caribe Shuttle and you will arrive at the Panabocas dock, turn left as you exit the dock, and Tropical Suites hotel is less than 100 meters down from there on your left.
From David and Boquete
Take a taxi from David to Boquete. Purchase tickets online through Hello Panama for transportation from Boquete to Bocas Town. This part of the trip takes about 3.5 hours and you will arrive at the Panabocas dock. From there, turn left on the main street and stay left until you arrive at our hotel.
Within Panama By Vehicle
As a car is unnecessary on the island, we recommend guests park in the town of Almirante and take the boat service to Bocas Town. This service runs every 30 minutes, from 6 am to 6 pm daily. Check the Panabocas dock website for up-to-date information. Paid parking is located a few streets before Panabocas dock.
What to bring?
Keep clothes light, a rain poncho, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and binoculars. A flashlight for night walking would be advisable if you plan to leave the town. Sandals and another pair of comfortable walking shoes. Some US cash, as not all vendors accept credit cards. Please be sure to store all valuables in your room’s safe.
What about mosquitoes and bugs?
Along the water and in town there are few mosquitoes, as they tend to be concentrated in forested areas or heavy vegetation. “Chitras”, otherwise known as sand flies, are often out at dusk and dawn. We recommend using AVON Skin So Soft as a non-DEET repellent or covering up.
What is the weather like?
Panama is a year-round attraction. The daytime temperature hovers around 29 ºC or mid 80s ºF with light tropical breezes and is fairly humid year-round. There is no defined rainy season in this region of the country, so it is difficult to predict the weather. Most rainfall occurs at night and clears up by mid to late morning.
DO YOU HAVE HAIRDRYERS AND ROOM SAFES?
Our guest rooms are well equipped, each including a hairdryer and room safe.
Will my cell phone work in Bocas del Toro?
Most cell phone providers from outside Panama are able to access the network but the fees are generally very high. If you plan to use your phone often and it is unlocked, we suggest purchasing a prepaid SIM card with data from a vending machine in Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport.
What is in Bocas Town and best way to get around?
As previously stated, we do not recommend bringing a vehicle to the island. Within a short walk of our hotel is a bank ATM, pharmacy, small American style grocery store, and convenience stores. Our reception is pleased to call for a taxi or a water taxi should you wish to visit the other islands.
What currency is used and are credit cards accepted?
Panama’s currency is the US dollar, so there are no currency exchange hassles. Credit cards are not widely accepted here so it is best to bring some cash. At the bank, there are two ATMs and they work well most of the time. To help avoid any issues, it is best to inform your credit card company that you will be traveling to Bocas del Toro.
Is the water safe to drink?
We do not recommend drinking the tap water in town and suggest bottled or purified water. Water may be purchased at nearby convenience stores or designated water refill stations. Two complimentary bottles of water are provided on the day of check-in.
What is the number of the Tourism Hotline?
Need tourism help? Just dial 311 within Panama. Operators speak English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. They will advise you if you are having a problem and provide general tourism advice.
Do you have a restaurant?
In order to maintain a tranquil atmosphere for our guests we do not have a restaurant on-site and refer our guests to restaurants nearby. If not included in your room rate, breakfast vouchers may be purchased for $8 per person at the front reception.
WHY BOCAS DEL TORO?
The latest idyllic spot to emerge on travelers’ lists is Bocas del Toro, an archipelago made up of nine islands and hundreds of cays and islets. In the country’s northeastern corner—a one-hour flight from either Panama City or San José, Costa Rica—it’s a sanctuary where the main mode of transportation is a wooden motorboat, dolphins swim through crystalline waters and dockside restaurants serve the local fishermen’s catch of the day. Bocas Town, the archipelago’s main village, is a charming Caribbean town, with tin-roofed wooden houses converted into colorful boutiques, guesthouses and restaurants.
As part of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park is an authentic paradise of mangroves, sandy isles, and over 10,000 species of plants and animals. There is a beach for every taste here, peaceful, fun, beautiful, tranquil, adventurous and isolated can all be found within the island chain. The jungles and the skies are filled with the songs of many different birds in Bocas Del Toro. There is something for everyone.
The region offers a diverse selection of restaurants, many of which have a scenic over-the-water setting. Situated in the heart of Bocas del Toro, come visit Tropical Suites Hotel for an unforgettable experience!