Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ferings is ideal for mingling with other travelers . Budget travelers might pick the ham-
mock room over the too-warm dorm. Doubles are snug, with the best deal being the
'hostel' option with shared bathroom. The hotel can arrange excursions such as snorkel-
ing, whale-watching or just lounging on an uninhabited island.
Only some rooms have air-con. The attached Restaurante Bar Boca Brava (meals from
US$7) occupies a cool space on an overhanging deck with expansive water views. It's
the perfect setting for a sunset Brava Colada cocktail. Reasonably priced meals range
from fresh fish to burgers.
Bocas del Mar
RESORT $$$
$$$
( 6395-8757;
www.bocasdelmar.com
; Boca Chica; ste/superior incl breakfast US$185/215;
)
New on the scene, this elegant Belgian-owned resort has 11 ultra-mod bungalows in
citrus tones. Amenities range from a two-tier infinity pool and spa to suites with private
hot tubs. A full menu of excursions ranges from horseback rides to kayaking, fishing,
funboards and snorkeling. Kids will not get bored here. Service is good. Recommended
for families.
Follow the signs from Horconcitos, and take the left-hand turn before Boca Chica
(also on the mainland).
Boutique Hotel Cala Mia
BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
$$$
(
851-0059;
www.boutiquehotelcalamia.com
;
Isla Boca Brava; ste incl breakfast US$240;
)
Lauded Cala Mia offers luxuriant oceanfront tranquility. Though there are better
beaches around, a massage spa occupies its own islet. Thatched bungalows have ample
living spaces and handcrafted local furniture. The resort is solar powered, provides or-
ganic locavore -style meals around a big community table, and donates 5% of room rates
to local indigenous groups.
Kayaks and snorkeling are included; other activities use the resort's own boats and
guides. It's on the virtually uninhabited Isla Boca Brava. You can get a water taxi from
the Boca Chica dock to Boutique Hotel Cala Mia for US$35.
Getting There & Away
To reach Boca Chica, first take a David bus (US$2) to the Horconcitos turnoff, located
39km east. You can also take any passing bus (those heading from David to Panama
City), as long as you ask the driver to drop you at the Horconcitos turnoff.
From the turnoff, a bus (US$3, 50 minutes) leaves four times daily for Boca Chica.
For the hours of service, call
Jimi
(
6857-2094)
. You can also take a taxi (US$20). At
