isla zapatillas

I must start by saying that Cayo Zapatilla has the best water and beach in Bocas del Toro. The problem is that you can't access it by car but by boat only. I took a trip with Undersea Panama which cost about $40 per person including snorkel equipment and lunch. There are no restaurants on the island or place to purchase food. Zapatilla is made for snorkeling, swimming, and sun bathing; however there are some annoying insects around because it is also attached to a jungle. Drink plenty of water that should be provided by your tour company or bring your own just in case because it get very hot. You can take a jungle walk also to look at the animals like "Iguanas". This is must see part of Bocas del Toro and I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy at Cayo Zapatilla. Happy Travels!!!!

The only way to get here is through a guided boat tour - and we are glad that we did! This little island (really two of them) is truly postcard picture perfect! The white sands and most beautiful green water makes this beach probably the best in the area. The only negative part of this beach is that the tides/waves can be pretty rough and be prepared for fast-rising tides that pack a wallop. Also, there is not much room on the sand to lay out because of the tide (when we were there in late Dec. 2014).

We went on a tour from isla Colón to dolphin Bay, isla Bastimento where we reserved our lunch and then to Cayo Zapatilla. The weather wasn't great, it wasn't great the whole stay. The dolphines were ok. But when we crossed over to Zapatilla the captain said it will be rough. And so it was. To get out of the boat we had jump in the water and walk to the shore. That might be fine in good weather but not with heavy ocean currents. Most of the people fell and the boat was thrown in their direction. When they offer the tour, they really should tell you what you have to expect. This is dangerous. My sister in law, a non swimmer, fell under water and lost her glasses. Luckily a few fellows helped her to get back to the boat. That was really not worse the trip.

Had planned to snorkel, but the currents were a bit tough around the further east island. Good birds, would have been a fun island to visit when the turtles are hatching

this is a beatiful island, perfect sand, palm trees and sparkling blue water-no facilties but perfect for spending the afternoon if you come prepared.

This place is beautiful. Try to get a private trip out there and bring everything to stay for the day. That is the best. You can get on with a tour very easy but you will be on a schedule. This isnt the type of place you want to be worried about when you have to leave. Beautiful water, beautiful beach, just perfect. Be careful of sand flies, they can get nasty. This trip we went with our 3 month old daughter and had no problems ! GO GO GO

The island is a bit far from Isla Colon, so if the seas are wavy get ready for a fun ride. The island is gorgeous. Crystal clear blue waters, perfect sand. Upside, you are alone in the island with your group, your boats stay a bit far because of the waves, so you swim to the island. You are allowed to bring your coolers and food, if the tides are high, you do not get much space to lay out in the sun, but the inland vegetation is gorgeous. Worth visiting for a unique experience.

we went out twice while we were there... first time it was pretty high seas and was fun, but couldn't do much in the water... but the second time we went out it was great... good snorkeling etc.

We did a trip to Isla Zapatillas and it was certainly one of the best things to do in Bocas del Toro. The beach is stunning, but what I liked most is the pure nature you will discover when walking around for a while. If you have time and a little money left, do not miss Isla Zapatillas!

This is truly a beautiful Island. The water and the beach seem to be perfect when arriving by boat. Unfortunately, the island is very dirty. There is trash everywhere and it is sad to see that no one seems to care, neither locals nor tourists. It makes you also wonder why every person has to pay 10$...definitively not invested to clean the island. It is nice, but I would have enjoyed the trip more without the trash on the island.

This could be so beautiful - small stretch of sand around this jungle covered island if there just would not be Litter EVERWHERE. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE HOW THE LOCALS WHO CHARGE $10 National Park fee ( $40.00 for family of 4) do not even give it any consideration to pick up their cans, bottles, trash while living off tourism. They entice tourists to come to see paradise but are to lazy to carry their trash out?

Zapatillas Key is a protected island, so it is very rustic and gorgeous. The sand is white and soft, the water is crystal clear, and the swimming is great! We enjoyed our visit there. Be aware, because it is a protected island, there is NOTHING on it. So plan accordingly before you get on the boat and head over there.

AMAZING!!! A beautiful secluded island beach to do anything you want! Gillian's island at its best. Shells shade and sunshine

It is a beautiful but narrow beach. Snorkeling is better on the ocean facing side-which is difficult to get to. The beach is lined with almond trees and other interesting vegetation.Very difficult to go inland on the island as the vegetation and forest is thick.

Love the views and actually you could spend the whole day in those quiet and warm waters :)You can snorkel on that clear waters and really relax there as there are only tourists in that area. Did not see any ambulant trying to sell something on that beach.