Popa Paradise Beach Resort

Popa Paradise Beach Resort is a proud supporter of the Bastimentos Boat Races.  Held every year on the last weekend of March, this is the third annual event.  Locals and Expats come from all over Panama to compete and enjoy the festivities.

Bastimentos is one of the five largest islands in the Bocas del Toro archipelago.  The races are held just off the dock of the town of Old Bank, or Bastimentos town.  There are several races and events that last over 2 days.  Local vendors sell food, beverages and handicrafts.  Race events include paddle cayucos, paddle surfboards, panganitas and pangas with 25hp, 40hp, 60hp & 75hp motors.

Last year, Popa’s very own boat Captain, Tavo Valencia won the panga 40hp race with his own boat.  He’ll be competing again this year to retain his title.

One of the most commonly heard phrases here at Popa:  ”It truly is Paradise!”

Guests are always pleased with the amazing view in every direction.  From the sea, which changes colors with the sky, to clouds painted by the sun, to the lush greens of the jungle, there’s never a dull moment.  Spend an afternoon lazing on the beach watching local cayucos, sailboats and pelicans soar across the water.

Carnival celebrations are observed throughout Panama.  The town of Las Tablas hosts the most famous, but other towns including Bocas del Toro still throw quite a party.  This year, Carnival takes place from March 4^th – March 8^th.  Revelers in costume dance throughout the day and night.  There are parades, music and of course, dancing.

Origins date back over 5,000 years in Egypt, Greece & the Roman Empire.  Festivals celebrated the return of Spring. Momo, Greek god of mockery and madness, was famous for entertaining the gods of Olympus. By the middle ages, parties of mockery and madness were attended by people in costume. The carnivals were incorporated into the christian calendar, known as a period of excess before the abstinence of lent. Customs spread across Europe and to the Americas.

In Bocas they celebrate Fiesta de Rey Momo – The party of King Momo, the carnival devil who loves to dance.

Panama is located 9 degrees above the equator.

This means sunrise and sunset only vary within one hour throughout the year.  Also, the weather doesn’t change much.  We have dry and rainy seasons, but the temperature is always warm and balmy.  Our annual average temperature is 82 degrees fahrenheit or 27 celsius.  Tropical breezes always help cool us down in the evening.

Bocas del Toro has it’s own unique weather patterns that differ from the rest of the county.  Often we’re lucky enough to get rain at night and sunshine during the day.  This keeps the plants green and our water reserves full!

Thanks to our geographical location, hurricanes do not reach Panama.  However, we can see some good rains when they pass us by.

Here’s another great photo by Jaron.

Happy Birthday to Popa!  February marks Popa Paradise Beach Resort’s 2nd anniversary.  Thanks to all who have made this place so special over the last two years.

To begin our third year, we’re happy to welcome Chef Cody Meyer for the Spring season.  Cody brings his winsome smile and unique spectrum of know-how to Popa.  His experience ranges from fine dining in Ohio to cooking in remote science camps in Alaska, Costa Rica and Antartica.  This summer, you may find Cody in Greenland after he bids farewell to Popa.