LATEST NEWS

05.01.09:

Careening Cay Marina
Bocas del Toro, Panama, Central America

The Cruising Sailor's choice for Security and Service.

Client Comments 2

	Pat - S/V If Knot Y Knot Hi Babette, Just a note to say thank you to the marina for looking after the boat while I was away for 4 months and to yourself for doing such a good job as Dock-master when I returned for a month on the boat. I hope to return to the marina in the coming months and will recommend it to my cruising friends. Thanks again.
	Jürg Beeli – S/V Starfish In summer 2009 I chose to keep my NORDHAVN 55 for roughly 6 months in Panama. After extensive search and talking to other mariners, I found Marina Carenero, and decided to use that facility mainly because of its stable history, location and the maintenance program. We left a list of the tasks to do for the staff, after returning found all engines, watermakers, the dinghy and hull in perfect shape. The hull was cleaned topside and also the bottom of the ship. Mary was very helpful in organizing different supplies and minor repairs. The power supply to the ship was reliable and our air dryers and chargers worked perfectly. Throughout our stay at the Marina we never noticed persons not belonging to the staff of guests on the premises. I had a very good feeling when leaving in November and my impression proved right on the return in April 2010. All in all, I can just recommend this facility for any kind of stay.
	Bob and Jeannie Fisher - S/V Island Dreamin We were very pleased with the service we received at Marina Carenero. We left our boat, Island Dreamin, in the yacht maintenance program for over six months while we were in the United States, May through November 2009. They provided interior and exterior cleaning of Island Dreamin, airing out of the boat on sunny dry days, battery maintenance, and started the main engine and generator on a monthly basis. The price the Marina charged for this service was reasonable, and the results we saw on our return, was well worth the price. When we returned, there were no musty odors inside, and no mildew or mold The decks were clean, the engines were properly exercised, and Trojan batteries were properly maintained. And, a surprise, ant eradication. We have recommended Marina Carenero to our boating friends headed for Bocas, and will continue to do so.
	Gary & Linda Lott c/v Rainbow Rider The marina facilities were complete and very useful. We always felt safe and comfortable at the dock. The potluck dinners were fun and all had a good time. We opted for the maintenance program while we were in the states. The freezer saved us plenty as we stored all our frozen meats and goodies when we were away. When we returned, the boat was spotless and free of mildew. I’m sure we were saved $2,000 worth of house batteries, as they reset our circuit breakers each time there was a power outage. I was thoroughly pleased with their services.
	Annette & Bob Pace with Judy – S/V Tempest Marina Carenero is a great place to leave your boat. It offers the safety of being south of the hurricane zone and sturdy docks. The owners, former cruisers, have a passion for boats. Their staff takes great care in making your home look better than when you left it.
	Pete Allen - S/V FrenchKiss Friendliest marina I have ever stayed at. Potlucks were exceptional with plenty of good food. The cruisers lounge is great with lots of amenities, Satellite TV, internet, cooking and dining area. It is nice to be able to get off the boat occasionally and Mac & Mary make you feel at home. If I didn't have such itchy feet to travel, I could make a home right here.
	Rich and Lynda Potempa - S/V Wild Goose II Marina Carenero is a safe, secure marina to leave your boat for any length of time. We were gone for 3 months and our boat looked great inside and out when we returned. Mary’s maintenance package is well worth it. We were first here in 1999 and again in 2009 and her work ethic and integrity remains the same.
	Jan & Bill - S/V Foreigner Without a doubt, the most cruiser-friendly and well-maintained marina in Panama.
	Dana & Jean-Pierre - S/V Nikan We have to leave, but wish we could stay some more. That says it all. Great marina with family like atmosphere - one can get books and films from extensive library, watch TV, play dominos, cook meals in the kitchen (a big + in this tropical climate) using fresh herbs right from the garden, do some repairs in the workshop area, take warm showers, get some great tasting, filtered rain water, or if one prefers, just grab a cold beer from the common fridge. And Mary and Mack are there, always ready to share info on local customs and help with whatever is needed. And thumbs up for the maintenance programs! We'll miss you all!
	Liz and John Young - S/V Antipodes II We wanted a safe, moderately priced marina to leave our boat at for five months while we returned from Panama to New Zealand. We found it at Marina Carenero. The marina is homey and welcoming with all the facilities for yachties; laundry, book swap, on tick beers in the fridge and access to Wi-Fi. While we were at home in NZ Mary kept the boat aired and checked the batteries were full. We couldn’t ask for better service.
	Susan & Will – S/V Far Niente We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Careening Cay Marina. Everyone was extremely helpful – especially as we arrived to tie up and when we were leaving. We noticed the maintenance being done on the boats in storage and were impressed at the level of care. The kitchen facilities, TV room, showers, laundry were great. And the herb garden was a pleasant surprise." Again, thank you for all your help and hopefully we will see you again in the next year or so.
	Anne and John – S/V Seahorse Dear Mary, You have a pretty, friendly little marina. We enjoyed our brief stay there with the laundry, book exchange and internet. I don't know how you do it, but the bathrooms were spotless every time we went in. Also your staff does an excellent job assisting the boats in and out of the slips. Thanks again for a pleasant stay.
	Juan y Laura – S/V Dike, Espana La estancia en Marina Carenero ha estado genial! Por el trato familiar y la tranquilidad de la isla. Animamos a todos los veleristas a visitar Bocas y los maravillosos paraisos que aqui hay. Buenos Vientos!!
	Sonny and Kay Sides - S/V Valentina We left our Tayana 37, S/V Valentina, at Marina Carenero for three months while we returned to the States to visit our family. We had never left our boat for such a long period, so we were somewhat hesitant. We had heard that Mary at Marina Carenero takes excellent care of your boat when you leave it in her care. We called Mary numerous times from the U.S. checking on our voltage, water level in our batteries, etc. and she was very helpful and prompt to assure us that Valentina was being well cared for. She did everything we asked her to do. Upon our return there was no mold anywhere. They had opened the hatches to air the boat out as often as the weather permited. Valentina was in the same condition upon our return. We would recommend this marina as an excellent place to leave your boat, when the need arises. Sonny and Kay Sides – http://www.sailingvalentina.com
	Todd Richard Kapp, BS MBA - S/V Phaedra Choosing your marina is one of the most important decisions you can make. Marina Carenero is actually the most convenient location for someone wanting easy access to the supermarkets, restaurants, and marine services. The competition, Bocas Marina, doesn't have the same local feel that Marina Carenero has- being an island with the best surfing and a it's own school and church. Also, you can hail a water taxi to anywhere in the archipelago by waving your hands! The benefits of Mack and Mary's place is 1) location, 2) price, and 3) yacht maintenance performed. They also represent well because they are true expats for many years and actually love the Panamanians, speak Spanish, and employ local help- you will meet Bernandino too. I am a USCG Master and of all of my experiences teaching, sailing, delivering, or just leaving a boat- leaving a boat is the most difficult. Phaedra has been at Marina Carenero for almost two years. During this time, Phaedra was looked in on by the owners and staff of Marina Carenero. Thank you for caring for her!
	Nicole and John - S/V TARAIPO We arrived in Bocas del Toro December 2008 and were looking for a place to leave our boat for two weeks. Friends of ours from Switzerland had booked holidays in a house and invited us to stay with them. Marina Carenero was just the perfect place for us. We booked for a month and paid 10 $ per foot per month, being a catamaran. A bit more than monohulls pay (8$) but at least not double or half more like other places. Our boat is very basic – so we loved the luxuries the Marina offered: nice showers with hot water a common kitchen to use (I love to bake and don’t have an oven on board – finally baking biscuits for Christmas and bread not with a frying pan but with an oven!). There was space in the fridge to put our food (we don’t have a fridge either). Cold beer and drinks and ice to buy. Washing machines and dryers TV area & lounge Filtered rainwater to drink Free WIFI For us, it was like a mix of a yacht club with its facilities and Marina with the luxuries. We will remember the nice evenings we spent with other boats here. Nicole and John - S/V TARAIPO
	Bruce Gordon and Phyllis Haines - S/V Otter II We left Otter II, a Valiant 40’, at Careening Cay Marina in Bocas del Toro, Panama for 6 months (May – Oct, 2008) in the care of the marina owners, Mary & Mack Robertson. We opted for the yacht maintenance package and we returned to a boat that was ready for us to move back onto. The engine and the engine driven reefer had been routinely inspected and started and the entire boat was clean – the interior, the exterior, and the bottom. We highly recommend both the marina and the maintenance service that is provided by Mary & Mack. Bruce Gordon and Phyllis Haines
	Babette and Michael Garfield - S/V Flexible 2 Dear Mary & Mac, We just wanted to write and thank you for a great three months stay at Marina Carenero, (June-August, 2008) in our 43.5' Beneteau First. We found the bathroom facilities new and clean, the cruisers lounge and kitchen was a great convenience, the workspace with worktable was essential for doing repairs, and the laundry facilities with option of paying for drying or hanging it on the provided lines. There was always ample clean rainwater available which was truly a plus. We really enjoyed the Friday night Pot Luck dinners where we could socialize with our fellow cruisers from around the world. You and Mack were professional and courteous and we truly enjoyed our stay. We would not hesitate to stay with you again should we need dockage in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Thanks again, Babette & Michael Garfield Flexible 2
	Robert and Jocelyne - S/V Aquarel IV Just a few words to let you know how much we appreciated your Marina and the staff. Always friendly, water available, workspace well appreciated, clean washrooms with plenty of space. Not to forget the banana bundle and your superb banana bread. The pictures were well received, another good souvenir. Many Thanks and we will see you next summer. Regards, Robert and Jocelyne Aquarel IV
	Adam and Jennifer Smallwood - S/V Arin II Mack and Mary and Marina staff, Thank you for your great hospitality and friendship during our stay at Marina Carenero. Every once in a while we stumble into one of those gem communities of like-minded, friendly people; your marina is one of them. The covered work area, kitchen facilities, cruiser’s lounge & TV, tools, shop and ready advice, was essential to our refitting effort. We made great friendships with locals and cruisers alike during our stay and will miss everyone dearly. Adam and Jennifer Smallwood S/V Arin II
	Paul and Malinda Gebert - S/V Daydream Dear Mack & Mary, Thanks so much for taking good care of 'Daydream' while we were in Florida for the holiday season. We didn't worry for a minute about our boat while away - we were confident in leaving her in your care. Everything was in good shape on our return. You all have been good friends and fine host/hostess. We really enjoyed the 'pot luck' socials. Love and peace, Paul and Malinda
	Ariel and Tim S/V Hebe We left our vessel Hebe at Marina Carenero for the 9 months while we were backpacking in South America. She was in great condition when we returned and just as we left her. The topsides were cleaner than when we left, thanks! - Ariel and Tim
	Valerie and Richard S/V Hula Our yacht Hula spent five months at Marina Caranero. During that time we had a three month visit to the UK. On return we found her looking better than when we left. We had a great time during our stay here, particularly the almost weekly pot-luck meals complemented with Mac & Mary's generosity & the general social scene. Overall unbeatable value with very personal service. - Richard We are missing the camaraderie of Marina Caranero and your knock knocks on the boat asking if we would like some Pork Loin or was it ...erm ....are you down loading on the internet?? Ha! Ha! Seriously, we had a good time, thanks to your generosity on the Potlucks etc. Give our best regards to everybody there who knows us. - Val p.s. love the banana and peanut sandwiches...hooked!
	Jeremy and Sonia S/V Moustache Marina Carenero is a small, very friendly marina. We left our sailboat there for 6 months and Mary, Mack, and their staff did an excellent job looking after the boat. When we returned, she was in perfect shape.
	Pam and Bruce Dage S/V Ahquabi We recently completed a circumnavigation and we found Careening Cay Marina to be one of the most welcoming marinas in the world. Mary and Mack Robertson really know how to make you feel like a "guest" in their marina. There house overlooks the marina and the office is right out on the dock so they have a close eye on everything that goes on. In addition to taking great care of the boat they help with most everything that comes up including visa renewals, travel plans and even translated for us with the local veterinarian. I thank them for a really great marina experience.
	Tove and Sid Small on S/V Blue Moon We pulled into Careening Cay Marina thinking we would be there for a month. We felt so at home, we stayed for two. We found a wonderful feeling of family here. The kitchen is traditionally the gathering spot and at Marina Carenero that is exactly what you have. A gas 4-burner stove for cooking, a kitchen table to gather around in the evening, and the refrigerator full of ice, beer and sodas (on the honor system) helps too. Personally I loved the work space (in the shade), with a big, scarred table for your projects. Mary is fun and the guys do good work. And to top it all off the island is a lovely place: swimming, snorkeling and beautiful evening walks. A winner!!!
To all the people thinking of keeping their boat in Bocas for an extended period of time, we would love to heartily suggest they use Marina Carenero. Mary and the gang were extremely helpful and took brilliant care of Cetacea. After 1 1/2 years or so, she was still floating and in good shape, despite the fact that I had to leave her at a dead run and not properly de-commissioned.	Brian & Clare Wiawera S/V Cetacea They are cruisers who have taken a dream and made it reality, and we really appreciate all their help. Mary gave us photos of the boat when we were lonesome for Cetacea, and her staff did the periodic maintenance and cleaning that is required in the tropics. We had absolutely no problems with electrolysis, as some cruisers worry about when leaving a boat in the water for a long period of time. We even were able to look on the Google earth satellite photos and make out our boat at the dock! They provide a great service, and allowed us to take the time we needed to get some more money together to keep on cruising. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. We were on an extremely tight timeframe when returning, with flying into panama from New Zealand, getting the boat ready, bringing the boat to the canal, and taking flights home to the US for our wedding, and the help given to us by Mary before we got there with vendors etc. was invaluable. A+++ for all their help when we needed it most. Thanks again for all the help. FYI we made it through the canal and across the pacific to the Galapagos, then onto French Polynesia, where Cetacea has been hauled and waits for our next leg of the journey while Clare finishes Grad school and I work to try and pay the bills. Wonderful trip and would recommend it to anyone! But we miss Bocas too!
June 3/07 - Hope this story finds all you Yachties in the best of health. My name is Capt. Norman Sigmund and I would like to tell a short story, hope you enjoy it. I spent my entire working life offshore as a commercial fisherman first as a deckhand and for the last 25 years as a Captain in the Pacific north west. My wife and I bought a 50 ft. Hatteras in Jan of 2006 with the intention of taking it back home. We of course had to do a little refit before we could start this new adventure. After completing the work with the help of stranger’s who turned out to be wonderful people who were unbelievably helpful we began our journey. It was late April and it turned out to be a rough trip. After stops in Isla Mujures, Belize, Honduras And the Island of Saint Andreas we were off to the canal. It was around midnight and we had about 90 miles to go.	Capt. Norman Sigmund M/V Lady Lydia I had one of those lights that fit on your head reading the cruising guide by Pat and John Rains and came across an article about Marina Carenero in Bocas Del Toro that was owned by Mack and Mary Robertson. The sincerity of this short article made me change course even though it was 120 miles away. It was almost magical as soon as I altered course the boat stopped rolling and the moon was like a beacon drawing me to Bocas. Later the next day we arrive and contacted Mary [Saint Mary would be a better and more fitting name] she talked us in and both she and her husband Mack were there to catch our line and greet us. They handled our custom and immigration at no cost and actually lent me the cash to pay the fee’s. We spent the afternoon having cocktails with them at the dock like we were old friend’s. We stayed for two week’s before we returned home for the summer leaving the boat in their care. They had my air-conditioning repaired, washed and polished my boat ran my engines keeping in touch with me via E-mail accounting for every penny that I was billed for. I returned in October to a boat that was cleaner than I had left. We stayed for another 6 month’s our appreciation of Mack and Mary only grew stronger. No problem was too small or large for them to handle and the Saturday Potluck with Mary on the guitar singing were memories that will last forever. The feeling must have been contagious because you never had to ask for help our fellow cruisers were there before you even knew you had a problem. It might not be the most fancy Marina but it is the most comfortable enjoyable one that I’ve been in not to mention the rates are very reasonable. If you want a place were you a person not just a invoice at the end of the month Marina Carenero is the spot. We left to continue our adventure but I truly regret it and I hope that some of you will be privileged to spent some time with Mack and Mary as we did. Thank You!
May 2007 - Balance has been sailing Caribbean waters since brought from Cape Town in 2001 and has been from Sarasota to Isla Mujers and down the entire of Central America, not missing many ports and no countries, including San Andreas. So into Panama I decide to come to Bocas del Toro for a few weeks. We pulled out a week ago after being there for a year and two months, keeping the boat at Marina Carenero longer than she has been docked anywhere since purchase. During that time the following occurred. 1. Not so much as a clothes pin was missing from my boat or any other during my entire stay. Not one thing on any boat there was stolen, although a few people forgot where they put things, finding them after they recovered.	Mark Weiss, Captain S/V Balance 2. When I was leaving the boat Mary did such things as let me put my frozen food in her freezer so I could save electricity, and she personally checked my boat and ran the de-humidifier twice a week and checked sea cocks when I was not there, saving electricity, and possibly the boat. The fee was less than the electricity by FAR. 3. All expenses were listed categorically and fairly prices. These were less than I have ever paid ANYWHERE, but regardless, I never have felt like my boat was that secure and do not expect to ever do so again. 4. The atmosphere at the dock is friendly, snobbery does not exist. Mary has cold beer and pop for a buck a shot and has an entire kitchen cruisers can use anytime they don't want to cook aboard. 5. As I was leaving the new bathrooms were getting finishing touches which included beautiful tile work and ample and comfortable accommodations. 6. WiFi is free for marina guests and works well. The only time I have had that combination in any marina. 7. I have an inverter using six batteries in an awkward place and Mack not only acquired the needed new batteries reasonably, he found someone small enough to install them! Again, very fairly priced. It doesn't get much better on the service side. Let me conclude, it is the best, most reasonable, most trustworthy marina I have ever stayed at and to date THE ONLY ONE I HAVE EVER WRITTEN A RECOMMENDATION FOR! Fairwinds and Seas to Cruisers Everywhere,

	Cliff & Audrey Allcroft S/V Carra II We arrived at Careening Cay Marina in Bocas del Toro, Panama on April 18, 2003 and have kept our Robert's 43' cutter there until Dec. 31, 2006. We found the marina owners, Mary and Mack Robertson, and the staff, to be very helpful, conscientious and kind. They are continually making improvements to the marina and the new office, bathrooms, and laundry facilities will soon be completed. The marina utilizes rainwater tanks which supplement the town water supply. The filtered rainwater is the best tasting water we have ever had. The marina is very safe and secure. They have very reasonable rates and an excellent maintenance service. We left the boat in their care for six months each year and always returned to find the boat clean inside and out, and no mildew. If you enjoy a more down-to-earth type of marina, then this is the place for you. We highly recommend Careening Cay Marina and recommend their maintenance service . Blue Water Cruising Association Canadian Power and Sail, Fraser Squadron
	S/V Mona-Mi After having had my "Mona-Mi" in your marina for 8 1/2 months I feel it is time to move on. It has been a pleasure to leaving "Mona-Mi" in your hands as you have done a great job with taking care of her. When my wife, Mona, and I returned after six months in Sweden, "Mona-Mi" was clean and newly washed. You kept me informed every month of what you suggested to be done onboard. You sent me pictures of the interior and exterior in order to back up your recommendations. It was a great feeling to know that someone was caring for my boat. Thank you, Mary and Mack, for having done such a good job. You can be sure I will leave "Mona-Mi" in your hands again should I return to Bocas del Toro in the future.
	Rod & Jill Hearne ~ S/V Lookfar Vaskon Island, Washington We have been cruising part-time for seven years and have left our yacht Lookfar in Mexico, El Salvador, and Cartagena. This last year we left Lookfar in Careening Cay Marina. Mary's diligent maintenance over the six months that we were gone was excellent! Getting started cruising this season has been a snap due to Mary's hard work. Lookfar was dry, clean, and mold free. Thank you Marina Carnero!
	David & Suvi Whiteside S/V Sofia II "The owners are directly involved in looking after your boat and they know what they are doing! The tide in Bocas is only about 1 foot - thus floating docks are not important! If you leave your boat for many months you can feel comfortable that it is being looked after! If there is a problem they will communicate directly to you! We have have been in the Caribbean area since spring 2003. We have used other marinas and we are most satisfied with Careening Cay Marina in Bocas del Toro"
After 4 1/2 months at Careening Cay Marina we are ready to go back to sea. But as always, it is with a little sadness on departing. We enjoyed our stay with you for the following reasons: First, your maintenance service was excellent. We returned to the boat to find zero mold, the boat was as clean as when we left. The batteries were fully charged and everything in your control was operational. The best thing was that the prop, strut and shaft did not even require cleaning - it was spotless using your patented technique.	Ron and Yen S/V Moonlight http://www.moonlightsailing.net/ I highly recommend this service to anyone concerned about leaving their prize yachting possession with someone else. Second, no one from Southern California to Panama can finish laundry as well as Mary. The laundry has never been so clean and the folding is absolutely perfect. Third, I shipped in ten boxes of supplies for the boat and you had them delivered directly to the boat. What a nice surprise! It was impressive and removed all the stress of shipping goods from the US to Central America. No one in Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica or Panama can do as good of a job at probably the lowest cost we have seen. The WiFi internet was fast and free and potluck parties were delightful. From all this, I can only say, “Great job Mary and Mack on operating a first class marina and making our stay so pleasant and rewarding. Yours is truly a quality marina to which we tied our dock lines. I hope we find future marinas just like yours.”
We have been cruising on our yacht "Good Run" in the Caribbean for 5 years, spending half the year in Sweden and the other half living on board.	Bengt & Marguerite Toss S/V Good Run After considering storage of the yacht for six months, we chose Marina Carenero (Careening Cay Marina). The reasons were many; 1) the atmosphere in the marina suited us, 2) the owners live on site, 3) the owners manage all aspects of the marina and, 4) they had a complete maintenance program that really suited us. During our six months in Sweden it was very easy for us to keep updated that the yacht was ok by just a short phone call or by sending an E-mail. We got all the answers immediately! If Mary had a question or needed our decision she sent us an E-mail right away. She also sent digital photos. When we returned to Panama in October, 2006, we found Good Run in a perfect condition. We found it just as we had left it; as if no time had elapsed since we left her six month ago. A marvelous feeling! Initially, we thought that the cost for the maintenance program was pretty high, but after returning to the boat we are fully aware of the how much work Mary and her staff must have done to provide a complete maintenance program for Good Run. The money was very well spent!
	Don Frazer S/V Keava The security at Careening Cay Marina is the best. I left Keava for sixteen months and everything was there on my return.
	Barbara & Cori Frum S/V Increscent Moon The best part of our two months stay was the free high speed Internet access. The kitchen was also nice to use. Careening Cay Marina is a really friendly place to stay.
	Hans and Susanne S/V Nautibear, Germany We left our sailboat Nautibear in Careening Cay Marina for 5 months following recommendations from our friends from Kuani. We really felt well taken care of here and admire Mary’s enthusiasm with which she runs the place. Mary fulfills individual maintenance requirements with great accuracy and we did not have to worry about a thing during our long stay in Europe. Email communications work perfectly so we always knew what was going on. Thanks,
	Marilyn & Tom S/V Freelance (We)...very much enjoyed our stay at Careening Cay Marina... particularly the kitchen and the dock. (Their) generosity in use of the the workshop facilities was much appreciated. Definitely a cruiser friendly marina!
	Marie & Jim Tipton S/V Argonaut S. Padre Island, TX USA …your hospitality seemed more like we were staying with friends than renting a slip at a marina. You kept Argonaut so clean and fresh while we were gone… no dust, no mildew, just a nice, clean boat. We especially appreciated the (digital) pictures you sent monthly,
	Karen Hayward & Capt. John Bogert S/V Nirvana It was great having a kitchen facility available because it gave me the opportunity to varnish my galley. We loved the fact that we were able to leave tools in the work area overnight without worry of theft. Taxis to town were always available while repairs were being made to the dinghy. We would highly recommend Careening Cay Marina (Marina Carenero).