Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama

5BrantBady 5:00 PM Mar 9, 2015

Great park, beach, & island, & good tip for photographic tour
I was getting very frustrated the last few days in how to get over to Bastimentos and where i could safely walk around with lots of expensive camera gear to take pictures of the flora & fauna.. did NOT want to take the standard dolphin, snorkle, beach tour like cattle with 15min here and 15min there on a crowded boat. After repeatidly walking the strip in Bocas Town, i stumbled upon someone willing to give me what i wanted, and for a reasonable price. At the far end of the strip at Boteros Bocatorenos Unidos I ran into Capitan Camilo ([email protected] cell: 6845-4839).. and we planned a 5 hour trip around and for a very good price sincebit was essentially a private tour).. The result was one of the most professional tours i have ever been given, and i have more than a few, and in all corners of the globe.. - Camilo speaks english quite well, and is a very nice and personable guy - He knows all the places to go and see things, and you can work with him to map out a trip that suits "your" needs, not what is convenient for the operator - he is flexible, so if you see somethin intriguing you can go off and explore.. be mindful though of the overall time agreed and the distance ( gas is a factor in his planning/pricing) - the guy can absolutely spot the wildlife, and most importantly he knows about good camera angles and will actively position and shift the boat to help you get the best shot. He is also a good camera assistant, e.g. holding spare lenses, shifting & holding leaves out of the way if needed. - he will take good care of you! We were at red frog beach and i wandered down the beach taking scenics, and he was shadowing me and pulled me back as i started to get too close to Wizard beach where "machete muggings" are common. I highly recommend Camilo for anyone wanting to take photos on or around Bastimentos.

5happytravlers2 5:00 PM Mar 14, 2014

OUTSTANDING SNORKELING Diving
Just spent 10 days in the Bocas del Torro area. We found the BEST snorkeling and diving we've seen in 30 years. The water is SO nutrient rich that for the FIRST TIME we saw coral out feeding! We saw HUNDREDS of tube worms; it looked like an underwater flower garden. It was paradise!