In San Juan, Puerto Rico you want to go to Isla Grande. Other areas of the island that we have had great luck with is Aguadilla TJBQ on the northwestern end of the island. There is CBP there and they are friendly and quick. Also fuel prices here are very attractive.

In Panama there are a number of airports. If you go to Panama City, go Marcos Gelabert MPMG versus Tocumen. The other popular airports are Bocas del Toro and David. The approach into Bocas del Toro is fabulous and they have an IAP but there is no AVGAS. They used to have AVGAS at changuinola but no more.

Costa Rica, I would recommend PAVAS (MRPV) over Santamaria as Pavas is focused on general aviation. they are also getting RECOPE to run the fuel in Pavas which should help stabilize service.

In Belize most of the airstrips are in good shape. Belize just implemented prior approval so be aware. Just remember that you can only enter and exit Belize through Goldson International Airport in Belize City. My personal favorite is Placencia as about 2/3 of the runway extends out into the bay west of the island. You need to definately be on the stick and rudder in a crosswind but it is a neat experience. Watch out for the road that goes around the eastern end of the runway, we gave the drive of a small van a surprise the last time we took off from there. San Pedro is OK but it gets a lot of C208 Caravan traffic from the local airlines so you have to push your airplane well into the grass to keep it out of the way.

Stella Maris is in great shape, the runway was resurfaced a couple of years ago and they have added a new large parking ramp. They have fuel and is international. A good option. If you plan on using the Cape Santa Maria airstrip be aware that it is not paved and if you have wheel pants they could take a beating as the surface is somewhat rocky.

Rick Gardner
Caribbean Sky Tours