Entertainment is mostly confined to the bars and restaurants along the waterfront in Old Bank. Roots Bar and Restaurant (no phone, 11:30 A.M.–9:30 P.M. Wed.–Mon.) is a friendly place to hang out. Cantina La Feria draws partiers, both local and visiting, from all over Bocas for its “Blue Monday” dance parties. This place has all the rough Caribbean character one could want. It’s a basic cantina over the water that serves seco (a sugarcane liquor) and beer at locals-friendly prices.

The scene can be kind of intimidating at first, especially when the cops come around checking IDs and busting locals for mysterious reasons, but the vibe is generally low-key. Use common sense, go with a group, and be respectful, just as you would at any hard-drinking place back home. And bring earplugs.

Notable annual events, and excuses for a party, in Old Bank include Palo de Mayo, a Maypole dance on May 1 that’s also held in Bocas town, and Founding Day on November 23.

The place to be on New Year’s Eve is the Al Natural Resort, which throws an all-night New Year’s Eve beach party. For a quite reasonable price, the staff provides boat transportation, refreshments, and DJs who are flown down from overseas for the occasion. Everyone eventually crashes wherever he or she likes.