Bocas del Toro Mini-Surf Season Is Here With Two Major Competitions During July
Bocas del Toro’s mini-season of surf is in full swing; great timing for two back-to-back competitions! Every late June to August, the Caribbean side of Panama experiences “Verano de San Juan” (San Juan Summer), with weather conditions that create epic swells that match Bocas’ “main” surf season. It’s the perfect opportunity for an uncrowded Bocas […]
Anchors Destroying Coral Reefs: Calling for Collaborative Action in Bocas
On Sunday, March 2, 2025, a disturbing incident unfolded off the northwest coast of Solarte Island when a large yacht improperly anchored on the coral reef, causing extensive damage. Local diver and environmental advocate Alexander Jairo Keppel of Bocas Pirates Dive Center witnessed the destruction firsthand and took action to raise awareness. Eyewitness Account Keppel […]
Proyecto Playa Istmito Summary Report
Article by Eileen Haskett Community Involvement Proyecto Playa Istmito was a citizen science initiative led by the STRI Bocas Research Station, with data collection beginning July 2023 and ending June 2024. The project’s primary focus was to educate students of the Bocas del Toro archipelago on an algal bloom frequently occurring on Playa Istmito in […]
TropicalArts Resort & Studios: Stunning Renovation for Inspired Stays
TropicalArts Resort & Studios (formerly known as PirateArts Resort Experience) is embarking on a bold renovation project to redefine eco-luxury and creativity in Bocas del Toro. With an expanded vision for hospitality, the resort is introducing new accommodations, enhanced guest spaces, and amenities designed to elevate visitor experience. Renovations are being carefully phased to ensure […]
Community-Led Conservation: Bocas del Toro Builds Wildlife Bridges
On January 17, 2025, the Bocas del Toro community demonstrated the power of unity in protecting local wildlife. Volunteers, local businesses, government agencies, and a multinational energy company joined forces to install a rope bridge in Big Creek, Isla Colón, spanning the road near Skully’s and Ciao Pizza. This bridge connects tree canopies on either […]
United for Armando: Support in His Fight Against ALS
A few months ago, we saw an interesting yet concerning interview that was unexpectedly conducted with Btv Panama reporter Armando Echeverría Moreno by his colleague, Ciuranys Carcache. Along with Diana Vásquez, BtvPanama’s production manager, they decided to bring attention to what Armando was going through. In a surprising revelation, they exposed a silent health condition […]
Juntos por Armando: Apoyo en su Lucha Contra la ELA
Hace algunos meses, vimos una interesante, pero a la vez preocupante entrevista que le fue realizada de manera sorpresiva al reportero de Btv Panamá, Armando Echeverría Moreno, por su colega Ciuranys Carcache, quien, junto a Diana Vásquez, gerente de producción de BtvPanamá, idearon dar a conocer la situación por la que estaba pasando Armando. En […]
The Foundation at Red Frog and its Renewing Commitment to Bocas del Toro
Originally established as The Red Frog Foundation in 2007, the Foundation has undergone significant changes, including a new name, a new logo, and an entirely new Board of Trustees. However, the Foundation’s mission remains the same: “To develop and complete community projects that promote self-help, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and sustainable improvements in public education […]
Keeping the Dream Alive: Why Bocas International Deserves Our Support
“Panama A Tropical Dream” is the new official title of this movement and its first move has been the production of Bocas del Toro’s annual bodyboarding festival. Debuting in 2022 as “Bocas Invitacional,” the event is now known as Bocas International. Artículo en español “We changed the name to avoid confusion. With the original name, […]
Mantén Vivo el Sueño: Por Qué Bocas International Merece Nuestro Apoyo
“Panama A Tropical Dream”(un sueño tropical) es el nuevo título oficial de este movimiento, y su primer paso ha sido la producción del festival anual de bodyboard de Bocas del Toro. Debutando en 2022 como “Bocas Invitacional”, el evento ahora es conocido como Bocas International. English article “Cambiamos el nombre para evitar confusiones. Con el […]
Giving Tuesday: Help Build a Brighter Future for Bocas del Toro Communities
Since 2012, the Giving Tuesday movement has continued to grow into a global event that encourages people worldwide to donate, volunteer, and give back! In 2023, over $3.1 billion was raised on Giving Tuesday alone! We encourage you to be part of the collective generosity and inspirational movement that helps so many nonprofits to continue […]
Shifting Gears in a Changing World
The oceans of the world compose a very dynamic and complex system that governs the way everything in the ecosystem of our planet functions. It is an ever-changing and developing world that strives to achieve balance throughout all of its various components. It has been reasonably successful for the last 20 million years. However, in […]
Festivals and Fragile Ecosystems: the Return of Ad Sidera Semper
Updated November 1 to include comments from the Ministry of Environment Bocas del Toro regional office. Ad Sidera Semper, an electronic music festival, has returned for its third year, moving to Red Frog Beach in Bocas del Toro after two previous events at Bluff Beach. The event has sparked local controversy, with residents and conservationists […]
“A Dream Come True” 89 School Band Students Are Going on Tour!
Thanks to a wonderfully generous donation by Eric Veenstra of the PirateArts Experience resort, the student band from the Colegio Rogelio Josue Ibarra high school will be traveling to the provinces of Veraguas and Los Santos from November 7 to 11, 2024, to participate in the Fiestas Patrias parades. On Monday, October 14, 2024, the […]
From Risk to Resilience: Afta Insurance Solutions Provides Insight on Property Protection in Bocas del Toro
Following the tragic April 13, 2024 fires on Isla Colon, the topic of insurance coverage is on the mind of many property owners around the archipelago. Today we sit down with Ithiel Tribaldos of Afta Insurance Solutions to talk about fire insurance and explore other Bocas del Toro insurance related issues. Leer el artículo en […]
Bocas del Toro Students and Community Pay Tribute to Hometown Hero and Literary Icon Guillermo Sánchez Borbón (Tristán Solarte)
On June 26, Rogelio Josué Ibarra High School was filled with warmth and joy as the community gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of Guillermo Sánchez Borbón, fondly referred to as Tristán Solarte (his literary pseudonym). Friends, family, school and community leaders, and students came together to honor the incredible life and contributions of this […]
Skateboards For Hope Reaches Bocas del Toro
“Skateboarding is used as a tool to give socioeconomically disadvantaged children the opportunity to achieve their goals and rise above poverty.” – Skateboards For Hope July 13, 2023 Surrounded by artwork and 45 brightly painted skateboards with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, it was an epically positive morning at the newly opened Buenas Cafe […]
In Honor of 100 Years of Guillermo Sánchez Borbón: A Commemorative Event June 26 at Rogelio Josué Ibarra High School
It’s time once more for Isla Colon to honor its literary hero, Guillermo Sánchez Borbón, known to many as Tristán Solarte. On June 26, the Rogelio Josué Ibarra High School will host a special event celebrating what would’ve been Sánchez Borbón’s 100th birthday. Para la versión en español del artículo, haz clic aquí Guillermo Sánchez […]
Over $15K Raised for Fire Victim Relief Fund
On April 13, 2024, there was a tragic fire in Bocas Town. A fundraising campaign was launched on April 29 to support the clean-up efforts and create a victim relief fund for the employees and owner-operators who lost their primary source of income. The final fundraising results: $15,417.80 total $3,027 was raised in the original […]
Rock ‘N’ Relief June 8
It’s times like these, you gotta love the community spirit of Bocas del Toro; through the good times and the bad. VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL Well on April 13, 2024, there were some seriously bad times when a fire broke out at 5 am and raged through the Bocas Town center, consuming two structures in their […]
June 1, 2024, Bocas del Toro: 100 Years of “El Poeta”
Today marks the 100th year anniversary of the birth of Bocas del Toro’s most celebrated poet, author and journalist, Guillermo Sánchez Borbón , AKA Tristán Solarte. Since 2018, his June 1 birthdate has been recognized by the Panamanian government as “Día de la literatura en la provincia de Bocas del Toro”’ in honor of Guillermo […]
How to Reuse 80% of Your Water and Reduce Pollution in Bocas del Toro
The future is now; a Bocas del Toro with a more conscious use of its precious resources and practices that safeguard its natural beauty for future generations. In this article we highlight an innovative water solution being brought to our community: August Wastewater Treatment Plants. The technology was developed by the Lithuanian company August and […]
Club Bocas Chess: Nurturing Young Minds Through the Game of Chess
Club Bocas Chess, a sports non-profit organization, has recently achieved a significant milestone with its endorsement by Pandeportes in January 2024. This endorsement marks a new chapter in the club’s mission to promote the educational and cultural benefits of chess among the youth of Bocas del Toro. Our club has been a beacon of hope […]
A Letter To Mark Zuckerberg from Bocas del Toro
May 20, 2024 Dear Mr. Zuckerberg, Thank you for visiting our beautiful islands of Bocas del Toro, Panama. We hope that you have enjoyed our clear Caribbean waters, lush jungles, diverse flora & fauna, and the unique cultural blend of peoples that arrived here during our prosperous days as the lead global exporter of bananas. […]
Filthy Friday and Bocas FC: Investing in Talent, Illuminating Bocas del Toro Worldwide
April 29, 2024 marks the birthdate of an exciting collaboration that combines party entertainment with sports marketing in Bocas del Toro. A press conference was held where Filthy Friday officially announced its sponsorship of Bocas Fútbol Club (Bocas FC), becoming the first and only sponsor of the team from the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. […]
Who Will Be the Bocas del Toro Mayor 2024-2029?
We are now less than one week away from the 2024 elections, and it’s the final stretch towards the changing (or maintaining) of political power in Panama. On May 5, 2024, some three million eligible voters have the opportunity to exercise their civic duty, choosing who will lead the municipal, provincial, and national government for […]
Casco Capital Group Assumes Lease, Paving the Way for Red Frog Beach’s Renewal
Red Frog Beach, the archipelago’s premier resort, enters a promising new chapter as Casco Capital Group took charge, effective December 1, 2023. This transition marks a significant milestone, brimming with prospects for rejuvenation and expansion under fresh stewardship. With a sterling reputation in hospitality management, Casco Capital Group brings a wealth of experience and a […]
One Step Closer to a More Dignified Education in Bluff
The elementary school in Bluff has just received an important upgrade with the installation of a new water tank! This is a major breakthrough for our community and represents a significant change for the children. Versión en español de la nota In 2022, the project “Una Escuelita para Bluff” (A Little School for Bluff) was […]
Keep Bocas Wild (and Safe for Animals): Community Urges Power Company to Protect Local Fauna
Sorry for the distressing featured image. However it has become an all too familiar reality in the Bocas del Toro of 2024. Unfortunately, the community is seeing an increase in the electrocution of monkeys, sloths and other jungle animals at an alarming rate. As the road construction continues with wider roads, less canopy connection and […]
Algae Crash Course: Information About Algae Around Bocas Del Toro
If you’ve ever wondered what all that smelly black stuff is on the beach, read on and we may be able to answer a few of your questions. The Playa Istmito Project is a participatory science project in which Bocatoreño students partner with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute to learn about algal blooms, how they […]