Quad Biking in Bocas: A different Adventure

Sorted for Quad Bikes

An earlyish start saw us pick up our quad bike at just gone 9am. Although Karen plans to do most of the driving we did both have to drive up and down the road, I guess to make sure we weren't complete malco's. Luckily we passed that test.

A fuller view of the isalnd

We set off in the sun and headed towards a jungle area, that is open for the quad bikes. The trail was bumpy with lots of puddles but the wildlife amazing with so many colours of butterflies and insects. We also saw another weird rabbit and a toucan.

After a few minutes on the track our legs were covered in mud and trainers soaked. Karen was also burnt by water hitting the engine then her leg after going through one big puddle, lesson learned and she went through other big puddles with her legs up and out of the way.

The ride soon became an obstacle course having to negotiate locked gates, rivers, fallen trees and something which was almost a bridge. We were glad it was so quiet as we must have seemed like nutters at times.

The beaches we visited definitely made the journey worthwhile, generally completely deserted, and beautiful. We stopped for lunch at a beach bar and sat at a table on the beach but that seemed like a sign for the wind and rain to start. We moved inside and watched the surf pick up from safety. Pineapple salsa on the side which has been added to our list of things to recreate back home - delicious.

The ride back in the wind and rain was fun and added to our bedraggled look. As soon as we got back the rain stopped and sun came out again, Karen has the told you so look as she wanted to stay in the beach bar longer. As we got off the bike to hand the key back the young lad said with a big laugh, looks like you had a good time.

I think that probably summed it up well. We were both glad we'd done something that was new for us. Quads are quite heavy and have big turning circles, Karen had a hand blister from holding onto the steering so hard.

Final Thoughts on Bocas

Seeing more of the island, Isla Colon, I think we have begun to understand the attraction of Bocas. So many hidden beaches and great scenery. Some lovely places to stop and enjoy the ocean views, not for us but great surfing opportunities as well. To have somewhere like this which isn't overrun with tourists is obviously great for us not so much for the locals. Our first taxi driver really emphasised how much they rely on tourism.

We head to Costa Rica tomorrow, and will see what that brings.