Cayos Zapatilla
Two uninhabited islets inside a national marine park, with white sand, coconut palms and turquoise seas. It is Bocas' most postcard-perfect spot.
Cayos Zapatilla consists of two small islands with no residents, only a ranger station. Pure white beaches ring the coconut palms, and the coral reefs around them are good for snorkeling, where you may see sea stars, sea turtles and stingrays. The main island has a rainforest loop trail. You need to sign up for a one-day island-hopping tour (about US$35–50, including Dolphin Bay and the coral reef islands, plus a park entrance fee of about US$10). The boat ride takes about 1 hour. On rough open-sea days the trip can be bumpy or canceled, so those prone to seasickness should take medication in advance.
Opening hours
Daytime (by boat; park entry approx. US$10)
Nearby sights
- Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park
- Cayo Coral
- Sloth Island (Isla Perezoso)
- Nivida Bat Cave
- Red Frog Beach
- Hospital Point
- Wizard Beach (Playa Primera)
- Old Bank (Bastimentos Town)