Mary, thanks for everything. Your staff was very helpful in our arrival and departure, and your Restroom/Shower facilities are the biggest, nicest, and cleanest that I have seen outside of the U.S. Thanks again, hope to see you soon.
Ray Malphurs
Major, U.S. Army Special Forces (ret)

As we sail and go home six months a year, it is very important for us to leave our boat in a safe harbour. We have found this harbour in Marina Carenero. In the period from June until November 2010, Mary and her staff have done a terrific job in maintaining our yacht in a very good condition. Our return was a pleasure. We recommend them as they are "the best".

Hi, what can I say...just ready to sail the Caribbean again. I left my s/y NasoBlu at Marina Carenero in Bocas de Toro (Panama) for 7 months and I was back in Italy for my work season. When I came back the boat was in perfect condition, well cleaned as I left. Marina Carenero staff is working really well and I know how is important the maintenance in this climatic area with high humidity.

Mary J. Robertson, the owner and the manager of the marina, is really helpful in everything you need... so what can I say...Good stop in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

We docked S/V Jus' Now, a 43' Perry catamaran, at Marina Carenero from mid-June to mid-October 2010. The reason was simple: unmatched access to Bocas Town – three to four minutes by dinghy and a ready supply of lanchas all day and night for $1/person each way. Really important to us because we don't like to use the dinghy at night. The (new) dock manager and staff met our expectations and more. On several occasions, we needed advice and information. We were amazed at the quick and excellent response we got to our needs. Workers recommended were in most instances competent and the work done of high quality. In one instance a problem materialized and our money was quickly refunded. Another plus is that they allow outside contractors to work on your boat (they do charge a modest daily fee for this service). We would stay here again should we return. In the meantime, we recommend Marina Carenero to other cruisers.

Dear Babette and Mary, Marina Carenero is not only a nice and safe place - we felt the warmth and kindness of your welcome and we appreciated your professional way in
looking after the boat and the surrounding facilities. It made us feel like part of the Carenero Marina - family. We liked the uncomplicated way you answered our questions and how you solved the problem of our reduced time on the Cruising Permit with the authorities. In the month that we spent in your marina, we got more then we asked for - we got friends - thank you very much - we hope to meet each other once again. Many thanks to the Carenero Marina-Crew Boca del Torro. A good job!

Peter and Leena Bäni - S/Y NICONE - CH - 2556 Schwadernau, Switzerland
 

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.

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.

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.

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.
 

Without a doubt, the most cruiser-friendly and well-maintained marina in Panama.

 

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 Marina Carenero. 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

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 Marina Carenero 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

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
 

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
 

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

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

After 4 1/2 months at Marina Carenero 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. 

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. 

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,