My husband and I had the most relaxing stay at the Careening Cay Resort. This resort is on Carenero, the island right next to Colon (where Bocas is) therefore you are close to the hustle and bustle but not right in the middle of it! My husband and I were looking to get away from our hectic life and this was perfect. Right next to the resort the owners have a resteraunt called the Cosmic Crab, which has awesome food. They have several different types of seafood, chicken, one killer bloody mary, among many other tastey foods. The owners are extremely knowledgeable about the area and are very helpful in making suggestions on where to go and what to see.

When my boyfriend and I stayed at the careening cay resort during a trip to Panama, it was the absolute highlight of our trip. The food was the best that we tasted in Panama, and the frozen drinks were delicious. The crab cakes and the cosmic colors drink were a few favorites, although everything was great. The owners are friendly and take very good care of their customers. Thanks careening cay for an awesome vacation!

We just got back from Bocas Del Toro, and one of our favorite destinations was Careening Cay Resort, and the Cosmic Crab restaurant. We didn't actually stay at the hotel, but the owners were kind enough to show us the cabins, and had we seen earlier, we would've definitely spent a few nights here. The rooms are very simple, but huge space, clean with AC and not over priced like many of the other hotels on the water. The surrounding area is gorgeous, and the restaurant sitting on the water, Cosmic Crab, is by far one of the best restaurants in the entire area. Don't pass up on the special Blue blended drink that the owner makes. It's awesome. And, we really loved the Chocholate Monkey, a mudslide-type drink/dessert. They actually have the best burgers as well, as strange as that may sound. If you are looking for a special spot outside of town (this is just a 2 minute boat right that costs $1 to get you back to the main area of Bocas), then you should definitley check this place out. The service is excellent and the owners are great people who will make your stay special and can tell you all about the area.

This is our family's second trip to Bocas del Toro. Last year, we stayed in Bocas town at a great hotel, and had planned to stay there again, but due to severe water problems that occurred in Bocas town at that time, we quickly changed our reservation to a location that had a well for water.

We arrived on a Monday with both of our kid's in tow (ages 5 and 8). Normally, the Cosmic Crab (restaurant at Careening Cay) is closed on that day, but Joan immediately asked if we were hungry, then proceeded to deliver a delicious chicken soup, caesar salad and divine crab cakes. This was one of the special touches that she and her husband did during our stay that made us feel most welcome.

During our stay, they provided flashlights to our children to find frogs and bats, asked us if we wanted to raid their children's movie supply for our children, and had us sample new drink concoctions.

Our cottage was perfect for the four of us. It included a bunk bed and a queen size bed, kitchen, large shower and bathroom. Air conditioning worked very well and our cottage also had a nice porch, where I spent my mornings reading, while the rest of the family slumbered on.

A boat ride to Bocas town is between 3-5 minutes and boats are very accessible. I noticed a prior reviewer complained that he was unable to get a boat to go to Bocas (meaning getting a boat from Stephen), but clearly, he lacked creativity. We had an early surfing lesson scheduled and neglected to inform Joan or Stephen that we need a boat. I easily waved over a fisherman in his boat, and paid him $2 to take us across. Very simple. Another afternoon we had Edwin call a
boat service to pick us up.

Edwin and Wendy at the Cosmic Crab were very delightful as well.

Careening Cay is not a spa, nor is it a formal 5 star hotel. And they
do not advertise as such. It is a charming, peaceful place with cabins tucked away that overlooks the Caribbean and Isla Colon. Worth a visit.