Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
La Virgen del Carmen
RELIGIOUS
The Virgen del Carmen is honored with a land and sea procession, baptisms and masses
on July 16.
Sleeping & Eating
Cabañas Super Jackson
CABIN $
( 448-2311; d/tr/q US$30/40/50; )
Closest to the main pier, this Isla Grande land-
mark offers a handful of budget rooms with the character and ambiance of a hospital
waiting room. There are more comfortable spots on the island, but these are convenient
and relatively cheap.
Sister Moon Eco Lodge
LODGE $$$
( 6948-1990;
www.hotelsistermoon.com
; dm US$25, s/d/tr/q US$40/69/89/109; )
The
best bang for your buck on the island, this lovely clutch of hillside cabins is surrounded
by swaying palms and crashing waves. The fabulous views are best appreciated from a
porch hammock. Its 'ecolodge' billing just means no hot water or air-conditioning. The
hotel bar-restaurant is built right over the water and features the island's famous coconut-
infused seafood.
Day passes are US$20. It's a 10-minute walk east of Cabañas Super Jackson.
Bananas Village Resort
RESORT $$$
$$$
( 263-9510;
www.bananasresort.com
;
d incl breakfast from US$153, oceanfront ste from
US$203; )
Located on the northern side of the island and only accessible by
boat or trail, Grande's most upscale accommodation consists of two-story A-frame jungle
cottages fronted by the sea. Cheerful rooms have white-wicker furniture and French
doors - those upstairs are slightly larger with private balconies.
Guests can kayak, play volleyball and use snorkeling gear without extra charges.
Weekend prices climb steeply. Day-trippers pay US$35 for use of the facilities, a wel-
come cocktail and lunch.
Getting There & Away
Isla Grande is a 10-minute boat ride from La Guayra, a tiny coastal hamlet that is con-
nected to Colón via frequent buses. Boats arriving at Isla Grande dock in front of the
Cabañas Super Jackson, which serves as the island's unofficial landmark.
