Zapatilla Island — Local services in Bocas del Toro

We were a bit underwhelmed with the tour they sell all over the island (dolphin bay, sloth island, snorkeling, lunch, Zapatilla island, Hollywood/star fish). They will let you go, even when the weather is horrible. We cancelled the first trip due to the bad weather. The next day we went but we did not see any dolphins nor star fish (you won’t go to the actual beach but are suppose to spot them from the boat) due to the water conditions. Due to the water conditions, we also couldn’t snorkle. The lunch was awful (18 dollars for a fried fish from the freezer - ridiculous). We did see some sloths but since they stay high up in the tree and you cannot go on that island since the island is private property, you see them from a great distance. The island Zapatilla itself is nice but expect to be there with 20 other boats and therefore 400 other visitors. To be honest, it’s neither worth your money...

If you are on the fence of visiting this place, don’t be. Book your trip now! I stayed in bocas del toro at the best house with amazing hosts (Casa Oceana in Big Creek) with Anne and Will. From their house bocas city center was about a 5 min ride. Once we got into town my hosts who live in panama recommended BMT tours it stands for Bocas Marine Tours. Once there, we booked a tour to zapatilla. The price was $20 American dollars for the round trip.

Departure: 9 am, ends at about 4:30 pm What’s included: trip by boat to zapatilla, and various stops along the way to see dolphins and sloths.

This beach was the highlight of my trip. I literally felt like I was in the virgin island! Don’t miss the opportunity...

6 stars for the island itself.

Putting 1 star so this review might get some attention from the concerned authorities (but I am not hopeful).

No need to review the island, as its a real paradise, but I was "circumwalking" Zapatilla in about 1h and I have seen so much plastic washed out by the waves, that's a real, real shame.

Though, the main beach is clean, so that's why probably no one is doing anything about it.

Hopefully things will change and people (and island inhabitants) will be able to enjoy a...