WELCOME TO THE OVER THE WATER RENTALS

…. the perfect location for your vacation !

Location:-   Saigon Bay, Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro

Accommodation:-   One Bedrooms (sleeps 2),  area for baby cot if required

The Orange House is a one bedroom double storey romantic getaway built over the water with unobstructed views of Saigon Bay. Upstairs you´ll discover your king size bed in a lofted bedroom with walk in wardrobe and large private balcony overlooking the bay, with your all-important hammock.

Downstairs you´ll find a fully equipped kitchen with 5 burner stove and oven as well as large fridge. The kitchen has an island table separating it from the living area with couch and TV corner. Large double doors lead out onto the downstairs terrace which has a dining table and chairs for those sundowners and breezy dinners outdoors.

The downstairs bathroom is large and spacious with his and hers vanity basins as well as a large shower with hot water and toilet.

The Orange House also has its own dock with lawn chair furniture which is ideal for enjoying a great book and winding down in the sunshine!

Features and Amenities:-

* Linens and Towels Provided
* One Bedroom and One Bathroom
* Fully Equipped Kitchen with All Utensils Provided including Blender, Toaster and Fridge/Freezer
* Separate Pantry for Food and Luggage Storage
* Two Separate Balconies/Terraces with Unobstructed Views of The Bay and Sunsets
* Private Boat Dock
* Wifi Internet Access Throughout the Property
* TV with Local Cable Channels (Including various English Channels)
* Safe
* Air Conditioning
* Ceiling Fans
* Kayaks Available on the Property

Activities on Site or Nearby:-

* Kayaking
* Surfing
* Diving
* Snorkeling
* Jungle Hikes
* Fishing
* Massages
* Restaurants

Rates:-

Nightly Rate – $95.00 per night (minimum three night stay)
Weekly Rate – $630.00
Contact for Longer Stays

Additional Rental Fees and  Reservation Policies

On all rentals there is a $20.00 cleaning fee !

To reserve a place, we require a 50% down payment.
If you wish to cancel a reservation one month prior to your reservation date, we will return 100% of your down payment.
2 weeks prior we will return 50% of your down payment.
1 week prior we will return 25% of your down payment.
If we have a no show we will not return your down payment.
If you will not be able to arrive on your reservation date, we will hold your reservation (if we got notified), but you will be charged for all day reserved.

Deposit Policies

The daily and weekly rates incl. Electricity and require no deposit.
The deposit for the monthly rental is equivalent to one month rent.
The monthly rental does not incl. Electricity.
The deposit will be returned upon departure, minus electricity or damages to equipment or house.

…. the perfect location for your vacation !

Location:-   Saigon Bay, Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro

Accommodation:-   Two Bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Full Duplex Accommodation:-   Four Bedrooms

The Purple Duplex consists of two homes that can be opened up into one large home.  Each has two bedrooms upstairs with the master bedroom having a walk in wardrobe. Downstairs you will find the kitchen with dining table for indoor eating.  There is also a pantry for food and luggage storage and a large sized bathroom with hot water.  To the rear of the property is a vegetable garden whilst to the front is a very large deck built over the water with ample dining and lounging space within a tropical garden setting.

The kitchen is equipped with a large fridge/freezer and a 4 burner stove and oven. Large double doors lead out onto the outside terrace which has a dining table and chairs, a large lounger as well as the all important hammocks.  The large outdoor deck is covered by a high roof for protection from the sun whilst allowing for the cool breezes to pass through.

The Purple House is ideal for families and an additional cot bed can be set up should there be a need for it.

Features and Amenities:-

* Linens and Towels Provided
* Two Bedroom and One Bathroom
* Fully Equipped Kitchen with All Utensils Provided including Blender, Toaster and Fridge/Freezer
* Separate Pantry for Food and Luggage Storage
* Large Front Deck Views of The Bay and Sunsets
* Private Boat Dock can be Arranged
* Wifi Internet Access Throughout the Property
* Safe
* Air Conditioning
* Ceiling Fans
* Kayaks Available on the Property

Activities on Site or Nearby:-

* Kayaking
* Surfing
* Diving
* Snorkeling
* Jungle Hikes
* Fishing
* Massages
* Restaurants

Rates:-

Nightly Rate – $75.00 per night (minimum three night stay)
Weekly Rate – $490.00
Contact for Longer Stays

Additional Rental Fees and Policies

On all rentals there is a $20.00 cleaning fee !

To reserve a place, we require a 50% down payment.
If you wish to cancel a reservation one month prior to your reservation date, we will return 100% of your down payment.
2 weeks prior we will return 50% of your down payment.
1 week prior we will return 25% of your down payment.
If we have a no show we will not return your down payment.
If you will not be able to arrive on your reservation date, we will hold your reservation (if we got notified), but you will be charged for all day reserved.

Deposit Policies

The daily and weekly rates incl. Electricity and require no deposit.
The deposit for the monthly rental is equivalent to one month rent.
The monthly rental does not incl. Electricity.
The deposit will be returned upon departure, minus electricity or damages to equipment or house.

Crystal clear water, amazing reefs, corals and giant fish, starfishes, sea urchins, all this and more in a day dedicated to the sea and all its inhabitants.

Isla Colon – Bocas del Toro – Rep. de Panama’
Mobile: +507-64812576 or +507-64573476
e-mail: info@coralsurfing.com – booking@coralsurfing.com

or

Visit Their Website at CoralSurfing.com

If you want to get around the main island, then bicycle rental and moped rental are a great deal.  Bluff beach is one of the best beaches on the island and to get there you´ll want to take advantage of cycle power or motor power.  Our two recommendation for bicycle rental are

Bocas Bicis Rent-a-Bike

$2 an hour,
$10 a day,
$50 a week.
Second bike half price!

Located next to Restaurante La Ballena, in front of the Municipal.
For more information, call: 64460787

Caribbean Cabanas and Bikes for rent
Bocas del Toro – Panama
Saigoncito on Isla Colon &
Rafael´s House on Isla Bastimentos
cell Jenny: 00 (507) 64460787

In 1502, Christopher Columbus arrived on the shores of Bocas del Toro. He was so taken with the beauty of the area, that during this fourth and final New World Voyage, he chose to name many of the locations in and around the archipelago with his own name including Isla Colon (Columbus Island) as well as Bahia de Almirante (Admiral’s Bay) and Isla Cristobal (Christophers Island).

Due largely to it’s location and the many coves and bays, the archipelago became a haven for pirates during the 17th century. They built and repaired their ships on the islands and fed upon the abudant sea turtles that nested on many of the local beaches. The pirates are said to have buried treasures on many of the islands, but none of this loot has been found, or perhaps, it just has not been reported!

Because Bocas del Toro did not have such a plentiful supply of gold, the Spaniards did not colonize the region with the same cruel efficiency that was unleashed in most other parts of Panama. Following the arrival of the French Huguenots on the coast in the 17th and 18th Centuries, a Spanish malitia was sent to remove the settlers. Most of the indigenous population of Bocas got wiped out by the Spanish swords along with a range of old world diseases.

Read On for Part Two

 Pictures of Old Bocas Del Toro Town from Bocastravel.com

While Bocas Town on Isla Colon, the main island and home to airport, may be a crazy little town of restaurants, bars and eclectic shops, the beaches on this island are a little further afield and will require the use of a rented bicycle, moped or taxis.  Two of our top five beaches can be found on Isla Colon, one of them to the North of the island and the other to the West.  Bastimentos is home to two more of the best beaches with the last located in the national reserve and protected marine park of the Zapatilla Keys.

Boca Del Drago – North on Isla Colon

Taking a trip to the North end of the island which is around twenty miles from town can be done either with a taxi or by bus.  Taxi´s are known to charge around $30 for a one way trip, while the bus which leaves the town square every two hours and will take just short of an hour to get to the north end is a mere $5 return trip.  Once you get to Drago beach, you´ll see a couple of restaurants and a curio vendor with some fantastic shells, Kuna tapestries and jewellery for sale.  Walking past, you´ll need to walk around ten minutes up the beach which, although rather narrow, a gorgeous stretch of sand and you´ll find yourself at Starfish Beach.  The water is calm and clear, has a great shelf which is great for the kids to paddle in and there are a large number of big starfish in the shallows which makes it a great place to snorkel and suntan.

Playa Bluff – West on Isla Colon

Don´t miss Playa Bluff is you want to have a wide beach almost to yourself.  Trips to Playa Bluff require strong legs or a convincing tone as it will take you around forty five minutes to cycle there or you could convince a taxi driver to take you, but this will cost and they are less inclined to want to make the trip as the roads are not great and at some points non-existent, driving on the sand beach at some points.  Although not easy to get to, this is a spectacular beach with waves both enjoyed by surfers as well as body boarders.  Not ideal for young kids, there are some places along the beach with natural paddle pools that could be great fun for the little ones.

Wizard Beach – Over the Hill from Bastimentos Town

Wizard beach is located over the hill from Bastimentos Town on the island of Bastimentos and is a short hike up the hill and down again.  The beach is gorgeous with the open sea in front of you, you can get both calm and not so calm days, but with clean and clear water, this is a great location for a day outing and is suitable to families with slightly older children who can handle a half hour hike over the hill.

Red Frog Beach – Bastimentos Island

Red poison dart frogs can be found in the foliage leading to the beaches and this is how the beach initially got its name.  To reach the beach the taxis will drop you off on the other side of the island and you´ll make your way along an easy path to the beach.  Red Frog Beach often charges for you to get onto the beach at around $2 per person, but with a long stretch of great sandy beaches and beautiful foliage, you can find a secluded spot just about anywhere and have your own personal beach for the day.  The water is similar to Wizard with surf break and both rough and calm days, but the picture perfect beach is well worth a visit anytime of the year.

Zapatilla Keys Beach – Zapatilla Marine Park

If you want to get snorkelling, then this is the beach for you.  The protected marine park means that you will see a collection of sea creatures here that are not seen anywhere else in the archipelago.  This is also the longest stretch of beach on the islands and is a great location for nesting sea turtles.  If you want a great location for kids to snorkel and swim, then this is the jewel in the crown.

Things to Remember when Taking a Beach Trip

It is important to note that many of the beaches around the Bocas del Toro region do not have a great number of amenities on offer, so you will want to make sure that you have adequate water and a packed lunch if you want to do a day outing.  While Red Frog Beach and Drago Beach have restaurants within close vicinity to the beaches themselves, the others do not.  You should be able to find a shady spot on all of the beaches that you visit, so umbrellas are a luxury and not always a necessity, but remember to take along sun block, flip flops and something to lie on as well as your snorkels and masks.

ENTRADAS * STARTERS

LA CASBAH PLATE * EL PLATO DE LA CASBAH $ 8.50
Grilled vegetables, Kalamata olives and feta cheese marinated, dips, tabouleh salad,
served with warm pita bread
Vegetales asados, aceitunas Kalamata y queso feta marinados, salsas, tabouleh,
servidos con pan pita calentit

CARPACCIOS (TUNA O TOMATO) $ 6.00
Very thiny sliced fresh tuna, or tomatoes, topped with vegetables,
olive oil and lime, fresh basil and shavings of fresh Parmesan, served with toasts
Atun fresco o tomates en delgadas laminas, con vegetables picaditos,
con una salsita de aceite de oliva y limon, albahaca fresca y queso parmesano fresco,
servido con pan tostado

BRUSCHETTA DE LA CASA $ 5.50
Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, fresh Parmesan cheese, olive oil,
garlic and fresh basil
Pan tostado con tomates picadito, queso Parmesano fresco, aceite de oliva y albahaca
fresca

BACON WRAPPED SHRIMPS * BACON SHRIMPS ROLLS $ 6.50
Shimps wrapped in bacon, then fried, served with a fresh herbs sauce
Camarones enrolladas con tocino frito, con una salsita de hierbas frescas

FALAFELS $ 6.50
Original recipe from the Middle East, made from chickpeas, served with a tzatziki sauce,
served with a green mixed salad
Receta del Medio Oriente hecha con garbanzos con una salsa Tsatziki de yogurt y pepino,
servido con una ensalada

GAZPACHO $ 5.00
Cold tomato soup, origin from Spain, served with croutons and small vegetables
on the side
Sopa fria de tomate acompañada de pan tostado y vegetales frescos bien picaditos
al lado

SALAD * ENSALADAS

MOROCCAN FISH SALAD * ENSALADA DE PESCADO $ 8.50 (SMALL) ESTILO MAROQUI $ 10.50 (BIG)
Fresh tuna marinated in a « charmoula » sauce, greens beans, boiled eggs,
cherry tomatoes, black olives and a selection of lettuces and fresh herbs
Tuna fresco marinado en una salsa « charmoula », habichuelas verde, huevos duros,
tomates cerezas, aceitunas negras, lechugas y hierbas frescas

LA CASBAH SALAD $ 6.50 (SMALL) $ 8.50 (BIG)
Grilled mediterranean vegetables, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes on a bed of
organic greens
Vegetales mediterraneo asados, queso feta, tomates secas, con verduras organicas

CHICKEN SALAD DE LA CASA * ENSALADA DE POLLO ESTILO DE LA CASA $ 7.00 (SMALL) $ 9.00 (BIG)
Grilled chicken breast marinated in honey, soy sauce and sesame seeds,
with fresh vegetables and organic greens
Pollo marinado y asado en miel, salsa china y semillas de sesame,
servido con vegetales organicas frescas

MAIN COURSES * PLATOS FUERTES

LA CASBAH STEAK * EL BISTEC DE LA CASBAH $ 15.00
Very tender beef filet, serve with a choice of sauces :
Blue Cheese, Old Grain mustard, Green Pepper or Mushrooms, Cognac & Porto
Filete de Res muy tierno, servido con una seleccion de salsas :
Queso Azul, Mostaza a la antigua, Pimienta Verde o Hongos, Cognac & Porto

CHICKEN GREEK STYLE * POLLO A LA GRIEGA $ 12.50
Chicken breast filled with fresh goat cheese & prunes,
in a creamy balsamic sauce
Pechuga de pollo rellena con queso de cabra & ciruelas,
en una salsa de crema y balsamico

PORK TENDERLOIN * FILETE DE PUERCO $ 11.00
Pork tenderloin baked with caramelized onions
Filete de puerco a l’horno con cebollas caramelizadas

GRILLED CHICKEN * POLLO ASADO $ 11.00
Grilled chicken breast served with a choice of sauces :
« A l’orange », exotic curry or garlic butter
Pechuga de pollo asada con una seleccion de salsas :
Jugo de naraja & vino tinto, Curry exotico o Mantequilla y Ajo

FISH OF THE DAY * PESCADO DEL DIA $ 10.50
Catch of the day, served with a choice of sauces :
Coconut milk and Cucumber or Garlic and fresh ginger style
Pesca del dia servido con una seleccion de salsas :
Leche de coco & pepino o Al ajillo y gegimbre fresco

SHRIMPS * CAMARONES $ 13.00
Marinated and sauteed prawns with a choice of sauces :
Sweet Chili or White wine and Garlic
Camarones marinadas con una seleccion de salsas :
Chili Dulce o Al Ajillo
Flambeed in Sambuca or Smoked Salmon sauce * Flambeadas in Sambuca o Salsa
cremosa de Salmon Ahumado $ 15.00

THE CHEESE PLATE * EL PLATO DE QUESOS $ 7.00
A selection of cheeses, served with bread,
a salad of greens, grapes and… a glass
of red wine !
Una seleccion de quesos, servidos con pan, una ensalada, uvas y… una copa
de vino tinto !

MEDITERRANEAN OR VEGETARIAN PASTA $ 12.00 OR $ 9.00
* PASTA MEDITERRANEA O VEGETARIANA
Penne Rigate 3 colours with prawns, garlic, lemon, olive oil and fresh basil OR the
vegetarian sauce of the day (ask for it)
Penne Rigate 3 colores con camarones, ajo, limon, aceite de oliva y albahaca fresca

DESSERTS * POSTRES

ICE CREAM… * HELADO… $ 4.00
… With hot chocolate sauce, topped with grilled coconut
… Con salsa de chocolate caliente y coco rayada y tostada or…
with Bailey´s * con Bailey’s $ 5.50

BANANA OR PINEAPPLE FLAMBEED * BANANO O PIÑA FLAMBEADA $ 5.50
With dark rum, then served with a generous scoop of ice cream
Con ron oscuro, servido con una generosa porcion de helado

TODAY´S CAKE * PASTEL DEL DIA $ 6.00
Ask for it !

When it comes to creativity, the island of Bastimentos is the front runner with some amazing artisans creating beautiful local arts and crafts.  Up In The Hill run by Javie is a treasure trove of island knick knacks including mosiac mirrors, wooden and coconut  furniture as well as various organic products of which the most popular has to be the organic cocao made into the most delicious chocolate.

To find out more about the various cocao plants and how the chocolate is made, visit his website Up In The Hill  to book a tour and spend a great day out with him!

Botanical Gardens

Lynn has devoted more than ten years to her amazing Botanical Gardens on the Main Island.  Her collection of indigenous as well as imported plants has resulted in the island wildlife choosing her garden to make their home in.  Not only do you get the opportunity to see up close and personal some of the amazing creatures that live on the islands, but she´ll treat you to some coconut milk and a glass of refreshing lemongrass tea at the end of the tour.    You often get to see the howler monkeys in the trees on the last stretch of the tour and for bird lovers, the vantage point from the main house will give you a birds eye view of their world.

Tours take place on Mondays at 1pm and on Fridays at 8:30am  You can book by calling 757 9461 or visit Finca Los Monos

Zipline Adventures 

Ready to fly through the tree tops with Red Frog Beach Canopy Tours?  This is by far the most thrilling adventure you can have with 7 ziplines including Tarzan Swings and Traversable Canopy Net.  For the more daring, there is also a Treetop Challenge Course.  Ziplines are around 150 feet off the ground and you´ll be able to reach speeds of up to 42 miles an hour careening along the almost 1000 foot long lines.   See the rainforest as you have never seen it before.

Tours take place twice a day at 10am and 2pm leaving the Red Frog Beach Dock.  It is highly recommended to make a reservation and this can be done through their website at Red Frog Beach Canopy Tours

Visit The Orange House Gallery

Visit The Purple House Gallery

Visit The Bocas Del Toro Island Gallery

Boteros Unidos Tours

Feel free to contact them for tour prices and to book on telephone number 757 – 9760 or email them at  boterosbocas@yahoo.com

Tours On Offer Include:- 

Tour 1:-  Dolphin Bay – Coral Cay – Red Frog Beach

This is a great snorkeling trip with dolphin often popping up to the boats in Dolphin Bay and some really enjoying swimming on Red Frog Beach

Tour 2:-  Dolphin Bay – Coral Cay – Zapatilla Island

Zapatilla Island is within the national reserve and have some of the most spectacular beaches and snorkeling opportunities.  If you visit any of the outer islands, this is the one you shouldn´t miss!!

Tour 3:- Caracol Point – Starfish Beach – Drago Beach – Bird Island

Heading North to the best beaches that the Main Island  has to offer as well as some exciting bird watching opportunities near Bird Island, you´ll also love the huge number of large starfish in the shallows of Starfish Beach.

Tour 4:- Salt Creek Community – Old Point

Bastimentos is the most Caribbean of all the islands and visiting the native village is a step back in time.  Old Point on the Southern most tip of the island is ideal for snorkeling and has a fantastic array of corals and tropical fish to keep you mesmerised for hours in the water.

Feel free to contact them for tour prices and to book on telephone number 757 – 9760