Ocean Breeze - Bastimentos Island - Bocas del Toro
Are you looking for an experience instead of just a vacation? That's what you'll find at Ocean Breeze on Bastimentos!. Unique beach house, amazing views, immersed in local culture, and you are just a short water taxi ride from many local attractions!
2-bedroom beach house with an open LR/Kitchen area and a spacious porch overlooking the sea. The sounds of the surf and the breeze off the ocean will help you to relax day and night. Caribbean culture outside, but in your own world at the house!
Fedy, who managed the property was lovely, however the house was rather dirty, dirty fridge, creature droppings, dusty, dirty bathroom, etc. The shower has no hot water. Not many kitchen supplies (only 2 forks, for example)The pump ran on for an unknown reason making a loud screechy noise. It was therefore shut off at 10pm and we were given a bucket of water so we could flush the toilet. We actually left a day early because of the pump situation, and we wanted to be able to have a nice hot shower before our flight out of Panama.
Old Bank is a community of contrasts. The Jamaican heritage was great, people generally friendly, and genuine. The downside was the massive piles of garbage strewn along the walkways and ocean. There were also warnings about safety and thieves on the beaches. Firefly restaurant is a must go for great food and service. It is more expensive, but worth it. Steve is a terrific communicator and obviously loves the people there. Basti is not comfortable for physically challenged, but if you want a different kind of experience, Bastimentos provides. Finally, Steveâs property is, I think, in the best location. Close to everything and on the east side of the island, where the garbage isnât, but cool breezes are.
Cool beach-style 2 bedroom cottage with island vibe. Lovely porch with sunset views. Great location at end of town on windy side of island so away from town noise and cooler esp at night, yet an easy walk to stores and restaurants. Laid-back and rustic and pretty much as listed, although would perhaps be good to spell a few things out. It's directly on the ocean but the water is not accessible. There is a seawall and the deck is a storey above, with no stairs down to the oceanfront. Crashing waves non-stop so no swimming and very loud, all the time. Cottage would benefit from a few basic amenities: more dishes/cutlery (fine for 2, but since the cottage sleeps 4...), kitchen staples (salt, pepper, coffee filters), bedside lights, mirrors (there is only one, in the small bathroom), hot water. Beds have sheets but no blankets - fine for the temperature but some people like to have some weight when they sleep. Pillows should probably be replaced. Property manager Fedy very available and helpful; cottage is safe and secure. Fedy's son does boat tours and also provides water taxi service (in the best boats!) if he's available so very convenient. Quick ride to Red Frog Beach path, and 10-minute walk to the Wizard Beach path which itself is another 20 minutes or so to other side of island. We loved the Basti culture - would highly recommend for people who want activities but not party town.
Owner very friendly and willing to help you out. Location is great but during rain season can be windy. Apartment is right next to the sea, but no easy access for swimming. Owner cares about environment but neighbors leave trash around his place unfortunately. Everything is very close to bars and restaurants. Bastimentos is anyway a good starting point for trips on the island or to the other islands.
We stayed at Steveâs cabin for the last two nights of our trip to Bocas. The property was everything we wanted, beautiful views, relaxing, and a quick walk to restaurants and water taxis. Steve went out of his way to be helpful and friendly. Gave us great recommendations and great convo. Basti is a very cool island with amazing food and culture. I will 100% stay at Steveâs again.
We stayed two nights at the cottage-like Ocean Breeze property and enjoyed it very much. Itâs situated in the community of Old Bank just a one-minute walk from one of the landing docks in Bastimentos. There are, as the listing suggests, a handful of amenities nearby including several modest grocery stores and a handful of restaurants, including the Firefly restaurant which offers lovely tapas-style meals. The latter is just a 5 minute walk away. What we enjoyed most about Ocean Breeze was the balcony which offers a lovely and peaceful view directly out over the water. If you want to swim though, youâre better off to go to nearby Isla Carenero (one minute boat ride away) or take a longer boat ride to beaches elsewhere on the island. Also be prepared for the possibility of brief power outages. We only had one. Thanks to Steve and Fedy for being very helpful and responsiveness co-hosts. Would love to return some day!
I took a trip to Panama and fell in love with the country! Shortly after that first trip and opportunity presented itself and I took a leap!
To say it's been an adventure would be an understatement, but I've defnitely learned a lot and I hope to share this amazing location with others as they travel and see the world. There truly is no place quite like Bocas del Toro!