Isla Grande revisited

In the last edition of The Visitor we highlighted the island’s star location, The Banana’s Resort.

But if you are looking for more modest accommodation, or planning to travel with an expanded family, there are other options.

The island village offers numerous chalets at rates from $25 to around $40 (air conditioned).

One large new structure with a children’s play area attached sleeps up to 10 people It has ample bathrooms, kitchen and a large family room, and balcony and goes under the name of Gringo Joe’s.

The rental cost is $150 a night. (For more information, call 263-2723).

There are restaurants and snack bars lining the village waterside, and a natural sandy bottomed swimming pool protected by the reef behind the crucifix of the Black Christ.

If you want to visit Bananas, you can climb the hill through the tropical forest or take a water taxi. Once there you can buy a day pass to use the facilities, or just stay for lunch.

The island offers some other modest accomodations.

If surfing is your thing. The Sister Moon hotel stands on a cliff overlooking the bay where the waves pound the beach day and night.

It is a short adventurous walk to the village.

The Isla Grande Hotel, has long sandy beaches and rental cabins.

The quickest way between locations is by water taxi.

On your way to or from the island (about 3-4 hours drive from Panama City) be sure to visit the fortress of Portobelo and the old customs house.

It was the principle centre for the exportation of gold in Spanish colonial days, and a favorite target for English pirates and buccaneers.

If you are low on gas there are no stations in the area, but the store opposite the church can provide you with enough to get you to the next station, about 50km away when you rejoin the road to Panamá.