I visited Bocas last week. Although you are going primarily to visit your friend, I thought I'd provide some comments on my experiences in general.
I flew from PTY to Bocas, about 25 min. Baggage limit is strictly 14kgs! It's a small prop plane, seats about 35 - 40 pax, with about 8 steps from the tarmac into the plane. Apart from the noise of the props, which might bother some, then flight was bumpy due to low altitude of the clouds.
The airport in Bocas is extremely small. All luggage is hand unloaded, and 1st goes through a scanner inside the small arrival area before you pick it up. No luggage carts available.
Plenty of taxis outside. The road from the airport is a potholed surface surrounded by gravel. The town starts right outside the airport gate, but the main area is about 5 blocks from the airport, where聽 the roads are potholes surrounded by tarmac/gravel/dirt. Be careful biking or walking!
As a female gringo solo traveller I felt very safe, but heard afterwards from expats in Boquete that drugs are becomming a huge problem.聽 Due to corruption, very little maintenance of roads and stormwater drainage has been done, refuse removals can't keep up with the volume, small police force and isolation of many miles of beaches on the island, have caused the island to fall into disrepair. Frequent rain causes drains to overflow, leading to stagnant water along the streets and in the potholes. This is a cause for concern relating to diseases. The islanders don't seem inclined to maintain their own property (peeling paint, overgrown yards), although expensive vehicles are parked next to the house. Could never figure that one out...
Everybody is extremely friendly and welcoming. You really get the feeling they w谩nt you there, and want you to be happy.聽 Stopping at a store is not quick, as there will always be someone that wants to know where you are from, how do you like it there, etc etc! The Friday was the 150 yr anniversary of Bocas. School bands started arriving the Thursday by ferry, with a huge parade, that I came upon by chance, the Saturday. I was frequently proudly informed that the local high school won the previous year! Sadly, this event could've been marketed so much better under the tourists. There was no advertising, that 脥 saw, no flyers with a time schedule of the parades, who would participate, what were the prizes, etc. But NO one applauded the participants of the parade! This was s贸 strange. I decided to start clapping as the marching bands passed me, and it was so heartwarmimg to see the kids' faces light up when they realise you are acknowledging their hard work in preparing for that day - the highlight of their year!
Numerous local organizations had small groups that also walked in the parade...police, fire brigade, Lions club, neighbourhood watch, English-language 'schools', some government bodies...all dressed up in either traditional Panamanian clothes or uniforms.聽 I passed the fire station the next day, and one of the chiefs started chatting with me when I was taking pictures of their antique 1914 fire truck...for nearly half an hour! Very proud of their non-working piece of history, and all that their small volunteer force has been able to accomplish.
The one dinner that I decided to treat myself to with red meat at a steakhouse on the main street was tasty, but VERY expensive.聽 $18 for supposedly 16 ounce fillet. NO sides. French fries $6. Salad $8. Much cheaper to stick to fish or chicken!
There are plenty if yellow taxis to take you around the small town, or up the coast. Very cheap.
If you want to be more independent, golf carts and bicycles are for hire in the main road. Not a lot, so you may need to reserve during high season.
Getting the correct water taxi is an issue, since there are聽 no signs indicating from which dock they leave going to which destination. You'll have to ask the locals. Most of the water taxis are 2-4 seat skives with an outboard motor, so be prepared to get sprayed.
I drove out of town towards the north, and passed numerous 'houses' that seemed uninhabitable, but then you notice the washing hanging outside or the bicycles against the wall. I got the impression these were low cost holiday rentals/hostels. Personally, I'd be very hesitant to sleep in such a place...poor hygiene, rodents and other possible health issues is a huge concern for me in a tropical (heat and moisture) environment where the accommodation is not maintained and stands in stagnant water. Drainage of the properties seems to be a huge problem on this island.
Wifi was strong and consistent in Bocas town. I didn't use it in other areas, so can't comment on that.
Overall, my impression of the Bocas town was of neglect. Which is so very sad, because the island definately has huge tourist potential, and the inhabitants deserve s贸 much better!
Apparently, after the water taxis blocked off the island for a day, about a month ago, the mayor was replaced. I really hope things will improve for this little nugget!
