Bocas International 2026: The Tropical Dream Continues in the Caribbean Surf Capital of the World
Bocas International returns to Bocas del Toro July 20-26 for its fifth edition, and organizers promise the biggest, most ambitious festival yet. What began as a one week bodyboarding event has grown into a full on surf and cultural festival, now with a new Surf Open division that brings elite surfers to Bluff’s famous barrels […]
Bocas International 2026: El sueño tropical continúa en la Capital del Surf en el Caribe
Bocas International regresa a Bocas del Toro del 20 a 26 de julio de 2026 para su quinta edición, y los organizadores prometen el festival más grande y ambicioso hasta la fecha. Lo que comenzó como un evento de bodyboard de una semana se ha convertido en un festival completo de surf y cultura, ahora […]
Bocas Community Seeks Independent Legal Review to Protect Wildlife
For years The Bocas Breeze has highlighted growing community concerns over the number of monkeys and sloths being electrocuted following the installation of new electrical infrastructure on Isla Colón. — ARTÍCULO EN ESPAÑOL — Since then, residents, local businesses, conservation organisations and volunteers have worked tirelessly to find practical solutions. Wildlife crossings have been installed, […]
La comunidad de Bocas busca una revisión legal independiente para proteger la vida silvestre
Durante años, el Bocas Breeze ha destacado las crecientes preocupaciones de la comunidad por la cantidad de monos y perezosos electrocutados tras la instalación de la nueva infraestructura eléctrica en Isla Colón. — ENGLISH ARTICLE — Desde entonces, residentes, negocios locales, organizaciones de conservación y voluntarios han trabajado incansablemente para encontrar soluciones prácticas. Se han […]
Three Young Bocartoreño Entrepreneurs Win Seed Money to Help Launch Their Businesses
Ideas were flowing and the entrepreneurial spirit was in the air. Seven compelling pitches were made to the panel of judges, complete with start-up costs, market analysis, sales projections and a few tasty product samples. It was the first chapter in the brand story of businesses created by young enterprising Bocartoreño minds. There were seven […]
Tres jóvenes emprendedores bocartoreños obtienen fondos semilla para ayudar a lanzar sus negocios
Las ideas fluían y el espíritu emprendedor se sentía en el aire. Siete presentaciones convincentes se hicieron frente al panel de jueces, completas con costos iniciales, análisis de mercado, proyecciones de ventas y algunas muestras de producto muy sabrosas. Fue el primer capítulo en la historia de marca de negocios creados por jóvenes mentes emprendedoras […]
The Music That Left Bocas Comes Home: Introducing the Luis Russell Jazz Festival
This October, Bocas del Toro will celebrate a remarkable homecoming. – ARTICULO EN ESPAÑOL – Many people know New Orleans as the birthplace of jazz. Far fewer know that one of the musicians who helped shape that sound was born right here in Bocas del Toro. On October 16 and 17, 2026, the inaugural Luis […]
La música que partió de Bocas vuelve a casa: nace el Luis Russell Jazz Festival
Este octubre, Bocas del Toro será testigo de un regreso largamente esperado. Muchos conocen a Nueva Orleans como la cuna del jazz. Lo que pocos saben es que uno de los músicos que ayudó a transformar ese género nació precisamente aquí, en Bocas del Toro. Los días 16 y 17 de octubre de 2026, la […]
NEW: Mobile Medical Clinic on Isla Colón & Aerial Ambulance Service to David, Plus Future Plans for Weekly Passenger Flights to David
I sat down with Dr. Barria last week and the good doctor was teeming with important news for the island as it relates to medical care and access to David. Español a continuación On June 18, 2026, Dr. Barria, a Chiriquí-based orthopedic physician, announced to his Bocas resident patients that an agreement had been made […]
Isla Colon’s New Pump Stations Are Working!
Isla Colon’s new pump stations are working! 🇵🇦 Español a continuación 🇵🇦 It’s been 19 days since Bocas Town streets were last flooded with heavy rainfall, and since then, two developments: On May 21, 2026 the north station pump house was tested. This is located on the corner of Avenida Norte and Calle 6a, just […]
Administrative Process Leading to Aqua Lounge Sanctions
On June 2, 2026, we published a letter from Aqua Lounge owner Galen Jacobs about a legal situation involving his establishment with the Bocas del Toro Municipality. – ARTÍCULO EN ESPAÑOL A CONTINUACIÓN – In addition to publishing his letter, we also sought comments from the affected residents, which we may publish later. First, here […]
Aqua Lounge Calls for Transparency and Fair Enforcement After Closure Order
“My name is Galen Jacobs. I am a proud resident and business owner in Bocas del Toro for over five years. In April 2025 I became the sole owner of Aqua Lounge in Bocas del Toro. When I took over the business, I discovered significant financial and operational challenges left behind by the previous owner […]
8 to 10 Tons of Trash Collected from Solarte Mangrove Dump Sites
On May 20, 2026, community members mobilized to clear waste out of two illegal mangrove dump sites of the southern side of Solarte Island. A third site was discovered during the outing. Around two dozen volunteers on five boats were split into two teams; each team working on one of the two dump sites that […]
8 a 10 toneladas de basura retiradas de los manglares de Isla Solarte
El 20 de mayo de 2026, miembros de la comunidad se movilizaron para retirar desechos de dos sitios ilegales de vertido en los manglares del lado sur de la Isla Solarte. Durante la jornada se descubrió un tercer sitio. Unas dos docenas de voluntarios en cinco botes se dividieron en dos equipos; cada equipo trabajó […]
Historical Museum of Bocas del Toro -Hou Wang- Commemorates Luis Russell on International Jazz Day
The Historical Museum of Bocas del Toro Hou Wang, in collaboration with provincial resident and artistic producer Amélie Langlois, will present a significant cultural event on April 30, 2026. The gathering will commemorate the centenary of the first recordings by Luis Russell, a jazz pioneer born in Carenero in 1902. This centenary pays tribute not […]
El museo histórico de Bocas del Toro Hou Wang conmemora a Luis Russell en el Día Internacional del Jazz
El Museo Histórico de Bocas del Toro Hou Wang, en colaboración con la productora artística y residente en la provincia, Amélie Langlois, presentará un significativo evento cultural el próximo 30 de abril de 2026. La cita conmemorará el centenario de las primeras grabaciones de Luis Russell, pionero del jazz nacido en Carenero en 1902. Este […]
Bocas del Toro Strengthens Its Tourism Reputation With a New International Award
An achievement that belongs to everyone: Bocas’ talent and hospitality shine once again. Bambuda Lodge has once again been awarded Best Hostel in Panama in the prestigious HOSCARs Awards by Hostelworld, cementing its position for the second consecutive year as the best hostel in the country according to travelers from all over the world. ◆ […]
Bocas del Toro consolida su reputación turística con nuevo premio internacional
Un logro que es de todos: El talento y hospitalidad de Bocas vuelven a destacar. Bambuda Lodge ha sido galardonado nuevamente como Best Hostel in Panama en los prestigiosos HOSCARs Awards de Hostelworld, consolidándose por segundo año consecutivo como el mejor hostal del país según viajeros de todo el mundo. ◆ Read article in English◆ […]
Support the Lobster Ban! March 1 to June 30
It’s that time of year again: let our local lobsters reproduce! Every year from March 1 to June 30 the capture, sale and consumption of the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) is prohibited in Panama. Central American and Caribbean nations have agreed to this policy to enable the annual undisturbed reproduction of the species in […]
Museo Hou Wang: A Landmark for Bocas del Toro’s Multiethnic Heritage
Bocas del Toro now has a physical manifestation of its history and culture; a place where the sons and daughters of Bocas del Toro can discover and honor their past, an attraction for visitors to gain a whole new perspective on the depth and richness of our community. As of today, December 12, 2025, the […]
Museo Hou Wang: un hito del patrimonio multiétnico de Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro ahora tiene una manifestación física de su historia y su cultura; un lugar donde los hijos e hijas de Bocas del Toro pueden descubrir y honrar su pasado, y una atracción para que los visitantes obtengan una nueva perspectiva sobre la profundidad y la riqueza de nuestra comunidad. A partir de hoy, […]
Bocas del Toro’s First Sloth Rescue and Rehabilitation Center Is Official!
As many of you know, Keep Bocas Wild has been rescuing injured and orphaned wildlife over the past few years with the help of Papá Gato Animal Welfare. Of all the wildlife we have helped, the overwhelming majority of the calls we respond to are for sloths. To date we have treated over 60 sloths, […]
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 […]