san blas vs. bocas..........
 

we plan to stay in bocas for a week in february. is san blas appreciably different enough to warrent a stay there also?

In a word, yes. At least it was when we went a few years ago. We stayed at Dolphin Lodge in San Blas for two nights. Flew from Panama City to a small airstrip, the folks from the resort carried our bags on their heads to the boat to head to the island. Nothing on the small island but our lodge and a couple houses for the staff.

The island with the village was a short distance away, we took a tour one morning. I bought beautiful molas for the local ladies. It's a culture that's so different from ours that it's simply amazing.

We also did a short hike on the mainland, and spent an afternoon a small island where we snorkeled. Very nice snorkeling.

Dolphin Lodge was primitive. At the time it was one of the few in the islands that had private bathrooms. No locks on the doors, no screens in the windows. Actually the Kuna indians home didn't even have windows, the windows were an accomodation to the tourist's taste. One tiny light bulb that was only 'live' a few hours a day. When we went to the building where we had our meals, there was a lit lantern waiting in our room when we got done with dinner. No hot water. We had to chase a lizard out of the sink every morning.

We're from the US, and were the only Americans there. Also the only people who spoke much English. Not a problem, we had a great time with the other guests anyway, people from France, Finland and Germany.

In contrast, Bocas is a funky little beach town. My views of Bocas are a bit skewed because it truly rained the entire six days we were there. We enjoyed the place, but it wasn't a different cultural experience that San Blas was.

If you can swing it, go to both.

San Blas amaing primitive exotic better than Bocas

We preferred Bocas. We rented a great surfer's cottage right on the water with fabulous views. Let us know if you need more detail. Check VRBO and look for the one entitled "Best house in Bocas."

We also stayed at Dolphin "Lodge". It is as primitive and interesting as JeanH has described. We bought several molas from the lovely Kuna women.

Bocas was so different from San Blas. Bocas is "funky" and more people and not as "cultural" in my book. Just depends what you are looking for.