Below are answers to the most commonly asked questions...
1. Our boats depart from Solarte, but we also offer free pick-up/drop-off in Bocas-town and Carenero. We're happy to pick you up anywhere else in the archipelago, but there is a fee based on distance. We can only pick up at suitable docks (sufficient depth, roof clearance, etc).
2. Food & beverages are not included on our trips. The boat will have plenty of cold cooler space for whatever food, booze and beverages you'd like to bring. Our coolers have ice made from non-potable water, so it's not for mixing cocktails. If you don't want to prep your own food, we're happy to give recommendations on where to pick up a to-go lunch.
3. Prices are explained in detail on each boat's specific page. Hungy Bungy is the bigger and more expensive boat. Pantera is the smaller and more economical boat, though it can still go everywhere HB can and do all the same day adventures.
4. Bocas del Toro archipelago may look small on a map, but distances can be considerable to/from many of the coolest secret spots and fishing holes. If you want to pack in as much far out adventure as possible, it's best to pack a lunch. Most of the waterfront lunch restaurants are close to town and far from the best fishing holes.
5. TIME: Typically the fishing is better very early in the morning and late afternoon-evening. So a full day offshore fishing trip can be from 5:30/6am to mid-afternoon or from late morning to 7pm. Full-day trips are 8hrs from p/u to drop-off, with some other mid-day activities included if you choose (sight seeing, snorkeling, spearfishing, surfing, beach exploring, bar/restaurant hopping on the water, etc). Half day trips are 4hrs, which limits where we can go and what we can do... Most groups not interested in a full-day end up doing a 3/4 day (6hr) trip, which is a happy medium between time and possibilities. Pick-up/drop-off times are very flexible to accommodate your dinner plans, hangover or baby napping schedule!
**The best fishing grounds are about an hour boat ride from town each way, so a 6hr trip allows time for about 4hrs fishing. The drive out and back is beautiful and part of the adventure.
6. We do not organize shared trips or open boat charters. All trips are private and customized to your group. BUT, you're welcome to organize a shared trip with other people you meet here. Just please be aware that different folks have different sea sickness tendencies, drinking programs, music preference, "die-hard" fishing desires, comfort expectations, etc.
7. Beach BBQs take up a decent portion of the day. It's an amazing experience, but must be treated as one of the activities for the day. Typically this takes about 3hrs from the time we pull up on the beach until we're off on our next adventure. While we're prepping/cooking/cleaning, you can be snorkeling off the beach, relaxing in a hammock or exploring the shoreline (we bring hammocks, frisbee, machete for coconuts, etc).
8. Offshore/nearshore species in Bocas are Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi, Kingfish, Snapper & Grouper (deep dropping), with Billfish a bit further offshore. Inshore we can catch Tarpon, Jacks, Cero Mackerel, smaller Kingfish, Grouper, Snapper and Barracuda. There are certainly other species mixed in, but the aforementioned species are the bulk of it. Check out the page "Targeted Species & Seasons" for more info.
9. YES, you can keep fish that you catch to eat! We often catch lots of fish, and big ones. Depending on the length of your stay in Bocas and your ability to keep this quality fish cold, we're happy to fillet up enough fish for your group to enjoy for several meals. We can even recommend a restaurant who will cook it for you. But within reason... You're here on vacation, so you don't need enough fish to stock your freezer for the next year or hand out to the resort staff and local friend you met at the bar last night. Nor will we stay at your dock for an extra 2 hours filleting 10 tuna and a handful of other fish.
10. We're happy to skip the fishing entirely and focus the whole day on whatever adventures you choose. Think of it as a glorified boat rental that includes a professional captain/tour guide, gear, and local knowledge. The rest is up to you, and we'll help align the best options on a particular day with what peaks your interest most!
*Liveaboard/overnight/multi-day trips available
*Spearfishing trips available
*Surf trips available to remote locations
*Trips to Volcano Bank and Escudo de Veraguas available
1. Our boats depart from Solarte, but we also offer free pick-up/drop-off in Bocas-town and Carenero. We're happy to pick you up anywhere else in the archipelago, but there is a fee based on distance. We can only pick up at suitable docks (sufficient depth, roof clearance, etc).
2. Food & beverages are not included on our trips. The boat will have plenty of cold cooler space for whatever food, booze and beverages you'd like to bring. Our coolers have ice made from non-potable water, so it's not for mixing cocktails. If you don't want to prep your own food, we're happy to give recommendations on where to pick up a to-go lunch.
3. Prices are explained in detail on each boat's specific page. Hungy Bungy is the bigger and more expensive boat. Pantera is the smaller and more economical boat, though it can still go everywhere HB can and do all the same day adventures.
4. Bocas del Toro archipelago may look small on a map, but distances can be considerable to/from many of the coolest secret spots and fishing holes. If you want to pack in as much far out adventure as possible, it's best to pack a lunch. Most of the waterfront lunch restaurants are close to town and far from the best fishing holes.
5. TIME: Typically the fishing is better very early in the morning and late afternoon-evening. So a full day offshore fishing trip can be from 5:30/6am to mid-afternoon or from late morning to 7pm. Full-day trips are 8hrs from p/u to drop-off, with some other mid-day activities included if you choose (sight seeing, snorkeling, spearfishing, surfing, beach exploring, bar/restaurant hopping on the water, etc). Half day trips are 4hrs, which limits where we can go and what we can do... Most groups not interested in a full-day end up doing a 3/4 day (6hr) trip, which is a happy medium between time and possibilities. Pick-up/drop-off times are very flexible to accommodate your dinner plans, hangover or baby napping schedule!
**The best fishing grounds are about an hour boat ride from town each way, so a 6hr trip allows time for about 4hrs fishing. The drive out and back is beautiful and part of the adventure.
6. We do not organize shared trips or open boat charters. All trips are private and customized to your group. BUT, you're welcome to organize a shared trip with other people you meet here. Just please be aware that different folks have different sea sickness tendencies, drinking programs, music preference, "die-hard" fishing desires, comfort expectations, etc.
7. Beach BBQs take up a decent portion of the day. It's an amazing experience, but must be treated as one of the activities for the day. Typically this takes about 3hrs from the time we pull up on the beach until we're off on our next adventure. While we're prepping/cooking/cleaning, you can be snorkeling off the beach, relaxing in a hammock or exploring the shoreline (we bring hammocks, frisbee, machete for coconuts, etc).
8. Offshore/nearshore species in Bocas are Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi, Kingfish, Snapper & Grouper (deep dropping), with Billfish a bit further offshore. Inshore we can catch Tarpon, Jacks, Cero Mackerel, smaller Kingfish, Grouper, Snapper and Barracuda. There are certainly other species mixed in, but the aforementioned species are the bulk of it. Check out the page "Targeted Species & Seasons" for more info.
9. YES, you can keep fish that you catch to eat! We often catch lots of fish, and big ones. Depending on the length of your stay in Bocas and your ability to keep this quality fish cold, we're happy to fillet up enough fish for your group to enjoy for several meals. We can even recommend a restaurant who will cook it for you. But within reason... You're here on vacation, so you don't need enough fish to stock your freezer for the next year or hand out to the resort staff and local friend you met at the bar last night. Nor will we stay at your dock for an extra 2 hours filleting 10 tuna and a handful of other fish.
10. We're happy to skip the fishing entirely and focus the whole day on whatever adventures you choose. Think of it as a glorified boat rental that includes a professional captain/tour guide, gear, and local knowledge. The rest is up to you, and we'll help align the best options on a particular day with what peaks your interest most!
*Liveaboard/overnight/multi-day trips available
*Spearfishing trips available
*Surf trips available to remote locations
*Trips to Volcano Bank and Escudo de Veraguas available