Zapatilla Cays

Cayos Zapatillas

Two uninhabited postcard-perfect islands with white sand, turquoise water and coral reefs within Bastimentos Marine National Park. A top day-trip destination for snorkeling and pristine beach time.

Things to do

• Snorkel the coral reefs — Explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with parrotfish, angelfish and the occasional nurse shark in the shallow turquoise waters surrounding both cays.
• Relax on the white sand beaches — Spread out on the powdery palm-fringed shores of the uninhabited islands, considered some of the most pristine in Bocas del Toro.
• Walk the jungle nature trail — Follow the short interior trail across the larger cay through dense tropical forest where you may spot hermit crabs, lizards and nesting birds.
• Swim in the calm lagoon — Wade into the shallow, warm, crystal-clear water on the protected side of the islands, ideal for casual swimming and floating.
• Photograph the postcard scenery — Capture the classic Caribbean panorama of leaning coconut palms, white sand and layered blue water that makes the Zapatillas famous.
• Look for sea turtles — The cays are a nesting site for hawksbill and leatherback turtles, and snorkelers sometimes see them feeding on the reefs offshore.
• Picnic on the shore — Bring packed food from Bocas town and enjoy a beach picnic since there are no restaurants or vendors on the uninhabited islands.

Food to try

• Rondón — A rich Afro-Caribbean coconut milk stew slow-cooked with fish, yuca, plantain and root vegetables, a Bocas del Toro specialty best eaten before or after your trip in town.
• Fresh grilled fish with coconut rice — Locally caught snapper or lobster served with arroz con coco, the sweet coconut rice found throughout the archipelago.
• Patacones — Twice-fried green plantain slices served crispy and salted, a staple side available at Bocas town eateries you can bring along.
• Fresh coconut water — Sip straight from a freshly cut coconut, often sold by boatmen or at nearby island stops.
• Ceviche — Fresh fish or conch marinated in lime, onion and cilantro, a refreshing Caribbean bite from Bocas del Toro vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Pay the marine park fee — The cays sit within Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, so bring cash to pay the ranger entrance fee that supports conservation.
• Bring everything you need — The islands are uninhabited with no shops, food stalls or drinking water, so pack sunscreen, water, food and cash before leaving Bocas town.
• Protect the reef and turtles — Avoid touching or standing on coral and do not disturb turtle nesting areas, as this is a protected ecological reserve.
• Go on a calm-sea day — The open crossing can get rough, so check conditions and book early-morning tours when waters are usually calmer.

Nearby

• Coral Cay — 10 km
• Isla Bastimentos — 13 km
• Red Frog Beach — 15 km
• Dolphin Bay — 17 km