Bocas del Toro

The worlds best retirement place?

You can find this at www.bocasrealestate.net

A perfect small home development opportunity for someone who may want to hold some of the land for future resale. Follow in the wake of Christopher Columbus who found safe anchorage here in 1502.

Bocas is for the free spirit!

This is a Caribbean paradise with an international flavor. Bocas del Toro, or the “mouth of the bull” is the name of the province that borders Costa Rica in the North West corner of Panama. The islands of the archipelago of Bocas del Toro have had a more peaceful existence than some areas of the country. They were not colonized by the Spanish as little gold was found here so the Indians were left in peace. Buccaneers came here but mainly to repaired their boats and, if legends are true, bury their treasure. French Huguenots settled here in the 17th century. Later when the banana industry flourished, former slaves from other Caribbean islands and Colombia came to work. This is a diverse community indeed, where English is widely spoken and life is lived to a Caribbean beat.

The area is now being discovered by international tourists (particularly since the Survivor programs) and more and more people are staying for retirement or building a second home.

NOTE: This may be some of the last affordable Caribbean beachfront property in the world.

This spectacular archipelago consists of six large islands and numerous small ones in an area that mostly caters to ecotourism. The emerald waters are edged by silvery sand against a back drop of the dramatic peaks of the Cordillera hills. Isla Colon is the most visited and developed island with a number of small hotels and boasts an airport with daily flights to and from Panama City and David by Aeroperlas.New services to San Jose Costa Rica have been added in December 2005. This is the only island with roads as most of the traffic throughout the area is by water. Most families go shopping by boat or water taxi. The best times to visit are February to April and September/October. Actually anytime is fantastic.

On these islands, you will find gorgeous beaches, where the rainforest reaches the sea and the only access is by boat, mangroves full of wild life, or with coral fields near their shores. Some of the islands are within the marine Parque Nacional Bastimentos, this provides protection for nesting turtles, aquatic birds and mammals, and consequently has terrific spots for diving, snorkeling and swimming.

However, the best places for diving are Hospital Point, Coral Key, Dark Wood Reef and Punta Juan buoy. For snorkeling, the Garden near Cayo Nancy, Hospital Point and Punta Juan buoy are excellent. Boating, sport fishing and kayaking are popular everywhere.

One of the most spectacular beaches is Red Frog Beach, so called because it is the only home to a thumbnail sized species of dendrobatids, bright red with black spots. Surfing is popular at Punch Beach on Isla Colon, and surfers are excited about a big reef break called Silverbacks on Bastimentos Island. If you just wish to chill out and enjoy the pleasures of sand and sea then you have miles of beach to choose from.

There is something special for everyone in Bocas!

Panama: A Great Place to Live and Visit

Panama is fast becoming a preferred location for a second or retirement home for North Americans. For its citizens, Panama is one of the top three of Latin American countries for quality of life: health, education and economic well-being. There are a number of good reasons.

First of all, it's safety and security. Panama has the highest rating for tourist safety from prestigious Pinkerton Global Intelligence service. In Panama, there is no need to be constantly on guard against being robbed or assaulted, as is the case in so many Latin American countries. The crime rate is low and you can visit nearly all the places you want to, even at night, without fear.

Panama City is being called the "second Miami" because of its sophisticated business district, high speed internet connections, the American-style infrastructure and the elegance of many of its neighborhoods. There are endless gorgeous sea-view apartments and numerous suburban subdivisions with lovely Miami-style homes. You will be very surprised at the affordable prices of these. Few other Latin American cities can boast buildings of such quality construction and so many attractive neighborhoods.

Unlike other Latin Americans, Panamanians don't need to go shopping in Miami. Due to the lowest tariffs in the Americas, Panama is a shoppers paradise whether it be clothes, computers or electronics. Panamanian supermarkets can easily be mistaken for American supermarkets with their large selection of American products. Electronics stores compete in both price and selection with American stores. There are even three Price-Costcos in Panama City and one in the West Panama city of David.

The presence of a large American community in the Canal Zone for almost a hundred years deeply impacted the culture. Panamanian-American marriages abound. The quintessential American "can-do" spirit and the modernity of Panamanian character are due in part to America's long presence in Panama.

While this unusual history as a crossroads and a country divided by an American presence has been a source of pain and grievance in the past, it has prepared Panama as few other countries, to become a popular tourist destination and be a in both business and tourism in today's global village.

Country Information

Panama has warm, friendly people, a stable democracy, a dynamic business sector and an unusual variety of terrains. John Le Carre writing in The Tailor of Panama summed it up well: "We have everything God needed to make paradise. Great farming, beaches, mountains, Nature has blessed Panama. Due to a unique geographical position, there are no natural disasters - no hurricanes and destructive earthquakes which plague its Central American neighbors.

Panama at a quick Glance

Some Facts about Panama:

Population: 2.7 million

Climate: Tropical

Rainy season: May to January (Bocas: November to January and May to August) Dry season: January to May (Bocas: February to April & September to October)

Size: 29,208 sq. miles, about the size of South Carolina

Language: Spanish, English a strong second language

Government: Democratic

Religion: 85% Catholic, 15% Protestant

Ethnic groups: 70% mestizo, 14% black, 10% white, 6% Amerindian

Currency: US dollar

Economy: 75% services, l6% industry, 10% agriculture

Inflation rate: 1.5%

Unemployment rate: 14%

Major trade partners Exports: USA, Germany, Sweden

Imports: USA, Japan, Ecuador

Key domestic industries: Financial services, Free Zone operations, Tourism, Transshipment-related (Canal, Ports, logistical center activities) construction, insurance, manufacturing Exports: Bananas, shrimp

As a by-product of the 90 year presence of the United States Panama has numerous English speaking, American trained doctors with hospital and medical care nearly on a par with the United States. The National Hospital has an excellent staff of English speaking doctors, beautiful modern facilities and international department especially with a trained bi-lingual staff to attend both tourists and foreign residents. They accept most US insurance policies.

Another big health plus is that you can drink the tap water- a rarity in Latin America. Sanitation is good? the " Montezumas revenge" illnesses that tourists are prone to in other countries of Latin America are almost unheard of in Panama.

ATM machines providing access to your USA bank account are located throughout Panama City and in many locations outside Panama City as well. Panama has a sophisticated banking sector of average of ninety different international banks, including Citibank and Scotia Bank of Canada. If you are looking for offshore activities there are specialists who can provide personal or corporate services with strong financial privacy laws and no taxes on offshore profits.

Panama has the US dollar as its currency- a great convenience. It makes daily life that that more hassle free for visitors and foreign residents. No need to constantly figure out how much things cost. And the dollar as currency is a major contributing factor to the fact that Panama has the lowest inflation rate and the most stable economy in Latin America.

Another reason why Panama is a great place to live is because of the Panamanian people themselves. You will find the Panamanian people gentle, friendly, fun-loving and helpfull. There is a saying that Panama was "born globalized". As a historical crossroads, Panama is home to immigrants the world over. The different communities comprised of different nationalities have grown and gotten along amicably over the years. Most common are "mestizo" or European and Indian populations typical in Latin American countries. Blacks who originally came to help with the construction of the Canal makes up the large Antillean population. European, American, Chinese, Jewish, Hindu and Arabic communities also have a strong presence.Remarkedly, in Panama all these different peoples know how to get along.

The Environment

With its huge expanses of tropical rainforest, the isthmus of Panama is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Its unique ecology stems in part from its connection to two continents. Birds are a primary indicator of biodiversity and Panama takes a grand prize: it has 936 species of birds, more than the United States and Canada combined. Until 1996 Panama held the Audobon Society's world record for identifying the most species of birds in a single day- 357 species were counted in one 24-hour period. There are 125 animal species found only in Panama. Panama is also privileged to be home to the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research, the world's primary tropical scientific investigation center, which for 80 years has been cataloging and monitoring this vast ecological heritage.

The Panamanian government actually encourages retirees to retire here. Retirees receive many benefits and discounts. To qualify for a retiree visa the only requirements are a proven monthly income of $500, a health certificate, and a police report.

Some of the Benefits for Retirees

50% off entertainment including movies, concerts, theater etc. ( a regular movie ticket costs $4 - the retiree price is $2.00.)

25% off restaurants

50% off hotel accomodations Monday- Thursday

30% off bus, boat and train fares

25% off domestic airline tickets

10% off prescription medicines (much cheaper than US prices to begin with)

15% off dental and eye exams

50% off closing costs for home loans

In Panama all banks (mandated by law) have special express lines for Retirees.

A partial listing of the incentives:

You can bring in all your household goods free of taxes.

You can bring in a new car every two years for private use.

You pay no property taxes on your home in Panama if that is your only residence.

Discounts between 15% and 50% are offered on hotels, restaurants, movies, many professional services etc.

And don't forget, you can hire a full time maid for less than $200 a month. That is probably the most helpful "retiree benefit".

No doubt about it- Panama is the most Retiree-Friendly country in the world.

Panama: "One of Six-to-Die-for second home destinations" in the Americas according to Conde Nast Traveler.

"Your Piece of Paradise -The Boom in Second Homes- Where to Buy Now- The Skinny on Six To-Die-For Destinations"

"Panama is the new Central American bargain where the US dollar- the market currency- goes a long way. A former gas company executive spent a year and a half researching a retirement spot with his wife before settling on a 2.4 acre lot on a beach resort near Coronado. "We wanted a tropical place with an ocean view in a politically and economically stable country" he said. "Panama just kept coming up." Conde Nast Traveler October 2004.

Good news for investors and foreigners buying property- as of September 2004, Panama has an investor-friendly, anti-corruption, more corporate- style government. President Martin Torrijos and his top officials in the Finance and Economy ministries are like Torrijos himself, American-educated. Recognizing that tourism and foreign retirees will create the jobs the country needs, they are implementing plans to make Panama one of the most investor and retiree-friendly governments anywhere. They are also implementing important programs of government transparency and changes in the judicial system to control corruption.

A foreigner can buy and own property in Panama. Foreigners enjoy exactly the same rights and protections as a Panamanian property owner.

Travel within Panama is dependable and inexpensive. Taxis in Panama City are cheap and reliable. You can go just about anywhere for less than $5. The highway system and the feeder roads off the main highways are excellent. If you are renting a car, the Interamerican highway that goes from the border of Costa Rica to Panama City is a four-lane highway most of the way.

Another thing people love about Panama is the restaurant scene. As an international crossroads, Panama City has many fine, reasonably priced restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines, that can compete in quality with almost any large American city.

If you're homesick, Panama is a short plane ride away from the USA. There are direct flights to and from Panama from 6 USA cities- Newark and Houston (Continental), Atlanta (Delta), Miami (American and Copa, Los Angeles(Copa), Dallas(American), and Orlando (Copa).

When you stay for extended periods of time in another country, you want to feel away from it all, but not totally. Its important to have the familiar services and comforts of home within easy reach- no other country in the world fits that bill better than Panama. Why? Because the ninety year American presence gave Panama a modern American-style.

Evidence of Panama's quality of life, there is a reverse migration going on in recent years. Many Panamanians, residents in the US are moving back to Panama because they find the quality of life is simply better here. Not to mention, the 50,000 Americans who used to live in the former Panama Canal zone and called Panama "home".

Families with children will find a number of excellent private schools to choose from. Most foreign capitals have just one American accredited school, but Panama has three: The International School of Panama, Balboa Academy and the Oxford International School.

The Future

Panama has one of the best economic futures in Latin America. Like Chile, Panama has the potential to raise its people's standard of living above developing nation status in the near future. Recently, Felipe Gonzales the ex-Prime Minister of Spain said that Panama is one of a handful of nations which has the potential to rise to first-world status within 5 years, whereas other third world countries will take a generation or more. Dozens of businesses and institutions already showcase what Panamanians are capable of. Social willingness and ability to carry out the reforms needed to make Panama competitive internationally adds value to its priceless geographical position. The new government of President Martin Torrijos which began in September 2004 thus far has shown a will to end corruption, reform the judicial system.decentralize and create foreign investment friendly policies- if this continues Panama will have a bright future. Panama's wealth distribution curve is one of the most skewed in the world. One third of the population lives in poverty. Sustained determination and creative planning will continue to be needed to create the conditions so that all Panamanians can participate in the country's growing prosperity.

10 Reasons Why Panama is a Great Tourist Destination

Panama is just beginning to promote itself as a tourist destination. You can come before the crowds.

1. Panama is the best place for ecotourism today. Panama has some of the world's most beautiful and biodiverse rainforests. As one indicator of biodiversity, Panama has more bird species than the US and Canada combined: 934. Furthermore, all that great nature is very accessible. Some of the best locations are just 30 minutes from Panama City. There is a saying that in Costa Rica, there are 20 tourists to look at one bird, while in Panama there are 20 birds for one tourist to look at. There is much truth to this. An article in an Audubon Society Magazine rates Panama's Canopy Tower as one of the top eight nature lodges in the world.

2. Panama is economical. Because tourism is just beginning, prices are still modest and you can really stretch your tourist dollar. Within Panama City, taxis and meals and hotel prices in all categories are particularly pleasing. Yet, even though it is economical, you will find that Panamanians know how to do things right. They want you to be happy and come back again.

3. Panama is safe. In fact, it is one of the safest tourist destinations anywhere. According an article on tourist safety in Newsweek , Panama was rated by the prestigious Pinkerton Intelligence Agency in the highest category for tourist safety. Unlike some other places, you'll find honest taxi drivers and the crimes that plague foreigners in other countries like purse-snatching and pick pocketing are rare. You are safe in Panama- relax and enjoy!

4. Panama is tourist friendly. This may be Latin America, but you don't need Spanish. Most people here speak English as a second language. Calculating the value of the local currency versus the American dollar? No problem! The currency of Panama IS the American dollar! Panamanians have been working closely with foreigners - the Americans in the Canal Zone - for nearly a hundred years. They are accustomed to us, understand us, like us and have a sense for what Americans appreciate.

5. Panama is a first-world country in many ways. Panama has a sophisticated service-based economy, tap water you can drink, high quality services, excellent roads and highways. There is a long tradition of service to foreigners as an international crossroads and the educated populace speaks English as a second language. Serious political difficulties are a thing of the past and Panama now has one of Latin America's most exemplary democracies.

6. Panama has a wide selection of beaches, island venues and activities. With two coasts, countless islands and Caribbean style beaches ,there is much to choose from for beach vacations: full service resorts (Coronado, Contadora, Banana Village) exotic off-the-beaten-track getaways (Bocas del Toro), Indian reservation islands (San Blas) etc.

7. Panama has some of the best and most accessible places in the world for bird watching and nature observation. Pipeline Road, the scene of a world record (357 bird species counted in one day) is scarcely a half an hour from Panama City. In Panama, you can get very close to the best of tropical nature without traveling long distances, giving up your creature comforts or putting yourself in any kind of danger.

8. Panama has an unusual variety of attractions. Panama has exotic tropical rainforests, cool gorgeous mountain refuges, Caribbean-style beaches, Indian tribes, a pretty Miami- style capital city, historic venues (Balboa and Columbus left their mark in Panama) adventure tours, kayaking, white water rafting, not to mention one of the engineering marvels of the world- the Panama Canal.

9. Panama has world-class fishing, diving, snorkeling and sailing. One place in Panama, Bahia Pina, holds 170 world fishing records. There are five world-class diving and snorkeling areas- Bocas del Toro, Coiba Island, the Pearl Islands, Isla Grande and for historical diving, the Panama Canal itself.

10. Panama is a great place to visit living Indian cultures. Panama has not one, but 6 colorful Indian tribes right out of the pages of National Geographic. Each of them has preserved its own fascinating life lifestyle. Many live in accessible locations and happy to share their life and culture with visitors.