Fishing· Isla Colón· Other Caribbean
Fishing Rules & Closed Seasons (Bocas del Toro)
9° 15.7′ N · 82° 9.1′ W · approximate
Bocas' reefs are managed under Panama's 2021 fisheries law, with regulated seasons for lobster and shrimp and a total ban on taking sea turtles or eggs.
Practical
Coordinate is the archipelago centre (Wikipedia). Per Wikipedia (citing ARAP), shrimp fishing is limited 1 Feb–11 Apr and 1 Sep–11 Oct, and the lobster season is regulated 1 March–1 July — confirm current open/closed dates with ARAP before fishing or buying lobster. No capture of sea turtles or eggs. No fishing or collecting inside Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park. Don't buy undersized or egg-bearing lobster from vendors who approach the boat.
Best for
Staying legal when fishing or buying seafood
Nearby
- Bocas Weather Windows (dry Jan–Apr & Sep–Oct)Right here
- Coral Cay Snorkel Gardens1.3 NM away
- Crawl Cay (Cayo Coral) Over-Water Restaurants1.3 NM away
- Cayo Coral Reef Dive (Crawl Cay)1.4 NM away
- Coral Cay Anchorage (outside the marine park)1.4 NM away
- Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park (permits & rules)1.4 NM away
- Sea Turtle Nesting Season (Bocas)1.4 NM away
- Isla Popa Anchorage (off Popa 2 / Sandubidi)2.5 NM away