Bocas Information Sheet - Mainland Highway Access

Bocas Information for November, 28th, 2008

The latest information from Radio Chiriqui and local/Federal Government agencies:

Land Access to Bocas:

Almirante/David: The Coastal Highway between Almirante/Changuinola and David/Panama City is now OPEN to all vehicles! There is a lot of traffic and only one lane in some areas.

Changuinola: The Sixaola Bridge is OPEN at this time (border bridge between Costa Rica and Panama). Caution: some roads in Costa Rica between the border and San Jose may NOT be passable. Utilities in Changuinola were restored, but the water system is being shutdown again for maintenance due to the storm. Conditions are still bad there and over 90 additional Police Officers have been sent in to maintain order. Do not go there!

Water taxis:

Due to the lack of fuel some companies are Closed and others have limited service.

"Bocas Marine & Tours" 757-9033 Closed
"Taxi 25" 757-9028 Running to Almirante only every 1 1/2 hours now.
"Jampam" 757-9619 Closed


Internet and Phone Service:

All Internet and cellular services are now working.

Banks and ATM's:

There is one bank on the island which is Banco Nacional. It is located on the road to the airport at the corner of Calle 4 and Ave. E. The bank is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 12 noon until further notice, and Saturdays 9-12. This Monday (Dec. 1st) is a holiday and it will be closed. This bank has an ATM outside, which is currently working (as long as the Internet is working). There is another ATM located near the Police Station/Jail on Calle Primera (First Street).

Airlines:

Is restored and are flying (pending weather conditions) to both Bocas and Changuinola. AeroPerlas 757-9341 and Air Panama 757-9842.

Colombian Air Force craft arrived in Bocas yesterday with supplies for Changuinola.

*Note: we cannot verify the information given here and cannot be held responsible for this information's validity. This was simply meant as a Public Service to provide information.

Courtesy of Soluciones Biotecnologicas Tropicales (SBT) and Bocas del Toro Realty Services, Inc. 757-9401 Updates at www.solareef.com, see the Blog.