Lowest prices for your stay
US$275
US$250
US$275
StayForLong
Agoda.comUS$275
EtripUS$275
View all 7 deals
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Full view
View all photos (437)437
Dining (62)
Pool & Beach (38)
About
#1 of 2 B&Bs / Inns in Urraca
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
GreenLeaders Gold level
Set out at sea Urraca Private Island is an adults-only eco lodge located in the calmest, most pristine area of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, on the northern Caribbean coast of Panama. Only 30 minutes away by boat from Isla Colon you will find this secluded paradise. An adults-only eco lodge on a mangrove island with no actual land, where every structure is built on stilts over the water, connected by docks. Suspended over turquoise crystal clear waters, you will be able to spot amazing wildlife everywhere you turn. Our close proximity to mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs will allow you to easily explore different ecosystems. The fresh meals from our gourmet restaurant will captivate your senses (vegan menu available). Our fish and seafood are the catch of the day and cooked with love. We are here to make sure your stay is as relaxing as possible and will do anything we can to meet your expectations. Welcome to this authentic experience!
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Outdoor pool
Free breakfast
Canoeing
Snorkelling
Full body massage
Adults only
Gift shop
Wifi
Saltwater pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Canoeing offsite
Fishing
Board games / puzzles
Massage
Neck massage
Sun deck
Sun terrace
Express check-in / check-out
Show more
Room features
Private beach
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Seating area
Bottled water
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Bath / shower
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish
Location
40Car recommended
Grade: 40 out of 100
0Restaurantswithin 10 km
3Attractionswithin 10 km
Contact
Punta Laurel, Urraca Panama
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Urraca car hire
202Reviews13Q+A26Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 177
- 17
- 3
- 2
- 3
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
More
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
+1
Had the most amazing time. Francine is a wonderful host! Even though the reviews here are great- it far surpassed our expectations. There was excellent wifi, delicious food and a cocktail bar open all day. The sea beautiful and warm. My husband enjoyed snorkelling, and we wished we had more time to kayak and paddle board too. There are a host of excursions if you want to venture off the mangrove- but we enjoyed just relaxing. The highlight though was the post breakfast monkey experience. Francine gives medicine and physical therapy to two disabled monkeys- and afterwards some of the other 16 monkeys came to play as well! We felt comfortable interacting with the monkeys- it was a joy. Highly recommend- especially the honeymoon suite!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
First, the facts – I arrived at this property in good health, and left with deep lacerations on both hands from a howler monkey attack, having also suffered a bout of debilitating diarrhea during my stay. While I have some nice memories of Urraca, these are far outweighed by my pain and suffering, and loss of the use of my thumb, that resulted from staying there. These facts cannot be disputed. Now to the story. The owner keeps four species of monkeys on this property. She claims that she has rescued the monkeys from being kept as pets and styles her work as charitable. Perhaps the monkeys were kept in worse conditions before, but the fact is, she still keeps them as pets, which is ethically wrong. Moreover, she exploits them for profit. Every day she takes them out of their cages to entertain people who visit the islands on day trips, and the animals are plainly distressed. No safety information is shared—the monkeys are simply let out without any preamble, and free to roam the property, including guest sleeping areas and in areas where food is prepared and consumed. It is possible, and in fact encouraged, to pet and interact with the monkeys when they are out. The advertising for the property includes photos of people snuggling with monkeys, all of which normalizes this behavior. I thought to myself that the monkeys must be safe. These people are running a business—surely they wouldn’t let the monkeys out if it wasn’t safe to do so, for liability reasons if nothing else? Over several days of observing this, I came to be more relaxed around the monkeys, which proved to be my downfall. On my last day, I was swimming when a howler monkey approached and disturbed some of my things—sunglasses, phone. I went to investigate and approached the monkey. While I thought this was one of the docile monkeys I had interacted with previously, this was a new monkey, Mika. The property’s owner came running, and Mika became frightened. She bit my right index finger, and when I tried to shake her off, she bit my left thumb hard, several times, completely destroying my thumb nail and penetrating down to the bone, fracturing the thumb. It’s been one month since I was attacked, and I have had two surgeries and many medical appointments to try to recover the function of my thumb. I had rabies vaccine (four separate appointments), tetanus, strong antibiotics, herpes medication, and general anesthesia to remove my thumbnail. I cannot describe the terror of being mauled by a monkey that refuses to let go. My recovery will take months and I may never fully regain a normal thumb. My next memory after the attack is of screaming with blood pouring down my hands. The owner at this point knew she had a problem. She began to wash my wound, but when I commented that this was very bad, she said “it’s not very bad,” and told me to think positive thoughts (gaslighting). She also said that it was her fault, because she had mistakenly let out Mika, a “bad monkey” who is known to attack people, but she continued to downplay the severity of the problem. I asked her, “has this happened before?” She paused and her eyes went up and to the left. I could tell she was thinking through her answer. “No,” she said. I can tell when I’m being lied to, and this was one of those times. Ask yourself – is it appropriate to keep a “bad monkey” on an island where guests are staying? Much less one that might be mistakenly let out, free to roam the island? Is “cute” advertising depicting friendly monkeys accurate, when violent monkeys are being kept on the property? Is guest safety the first priority when such animals are present? A few other points, which are minor in comparison. Out of our group of eight people, six developed serious gastrointestinal illness during our stay on the island. I myself spent an entire day in bed with diarrhea and malaise. We asked if the water was safe to drink and we were told that it was “filtered rainwater” which is “natural” and that if we were ill, we had brought our illness to the island. It seems to me highly unlikely that six people who became ill on the island brought their illness to the island. Rather, it seems like there are sanitation issues with the water, the food, or both. Considering that monkeys roam freely, it is not surprising that the water is unsanitary. Is the water system regularly cleaned and tested for contaminants? We weren’t told this, only that it was “natural,” which is a meaningless statement. Finally, quite strange, we were fed extremely small portions of food for our first two days there. For example, “lunch” when we first arrived was one tortilla per person, with a dusting of cheese, dinner was three skewers of vegetables with a small helping of rice, and breakfast was one egg and half a slice of white bread. We had to have multiple talks with the owner who said “well, you asked for vegetarian” (vegetarians require protein like everyone else). It was very awkward to the point I began to think I would have to charter a $90 boat ride to leave the island in order to eat. In the end we had to pay an upcharge to eat lobster, to get enough nutrition. Returning to the monkey attack. The owner accepted responsibility and paid for (some of) my medical bills, but this does not really begin to compensate me for my pain and suffering and the long recovery process I will experience. I had to take time off work, enduring surgery and painful vaccines, typing hurts, and favorite hobbies such as weightlifting and playing the piano have become impossible. I looked into the possibility of legal relief, but I was unable to get anywhere with the Panamanian judicial system—for starters I would have needed to hire a Panamanian attorney. So, if you choose to stay here, know that the owner is operating in an environment of impunity where anything might happen to you, and you won’t be able to do anything about it. Maybe this is why the owner is willing to be so cavalier with guest safety, because she knows she won’t be held accountable. You can see that she responds to any criticism online with blame and deflecting of responsibility, which she will doubtless do in response to this review, as well. She is a sophisticated person who is skilled at framing her actions in positive terms, but ultimately her first concern is herself, not your wellbeing, so do understand this if you choose to trust your safety to her. Good luck!…
Read more
Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
+1
This place's location was very intriguing and it claimed to have monkeys, so we had to go check it out. Yes, very remote from Bocas del Toro (about 45 minutes on a speed boat), but the trip there was wonderful as we were able to see the the beautiful never ending landscape and the ocean. Upon arrival, Francine's warm welcome made us feel right at home as soon as we stepped off the boat. We were promptly greeted by Gigi, an 11-moth old howler monkey. We were startled for a second, but it was all good because we didn't expect to see a loose monkey. She was extremely friendly and calm. Francine then showed us where she kept her other monkeys and that was very interesting. They were all kept behind these very large cages because some of them would cause major chaos if let out on this island, so she had a monkey bridge built connected to one of the cages and those monkeys can choose to be free in a separate island at any time they choose. The other 2 cages don't lead to anywhere, but are kept very clean. She only lets those out when she doesn't have guests because some of them could temperamental or would simply steal items from the guests rooms. Anyhow, after visiting this place, we understand how and why she runs the place. You should ask her about it. Quite an achievement, if you asked me. The island itself has many locations for relaxation and the food is very good. Perfect proportions. I don't know how. I eat a lot, but whatever food served for each meal, was enough to hold me off until the next one. The price is on a higher side, say, an American metropolitan city price range. Understandable since it costs a lot to maintain the place, which has no concrete, everything is natural (she's big on energy and flow), employees, foods, etc, and all that came by boat!!!! We were there for 3 nights, so full 4 days of relaxing. We didn't even go anywhere because we were so content with everything there and just focused on relaxing. This place is an eco lodge, so everything is as eco friendly as it comes, meaning, don't expect your usual hotel amenities. I.e. AC and high pressure shower. There is a fan by the bed. If you are a hot sleeper, get either the honeymoon suite or the family room, because those unites receive very nice sea breeze. The 4 standard bungalows don't receive that breeze because it is blocked by the mangrove, so it could get hot if you are a hot sleeper. The standard bungalows have their own shower and toilet, and the walls are made of bamboo fence. No one really can see you in details, only silhouette. And since the place is extremely quiet , some people might be self conscious with making bathroom noises. Fear not, as there are 2 large detached bathrooms that you will give you the privacy you seek. The bungalows are just right above the water so you can go swimming at any time of the day. As a matter of fact, there are little access ladders to the water everywhere. Francine has practically everything and if she doesn't, she might be able to help you get it by next day since she has a captain that makes daily visits to her. Don't be afraid of the monkeys because Francine only lets out the ones that are used to interacting with the visitors and she will tell you what to do or what not to do. Just follow her instructions and all will be fine. She rescues these monkeys, and we were lucky that we were there when she received a 2 weeks old bay howler monkey. She let us hold him and it was the best experience in my life! I must go back to visit baby Odi!!! Anything you need, ask Francine. Don't give low rating to this place because she couldn't guess what you expected or wanted. Always ask. Francine is a very gentle and helpful person. In summary: go to this place if you are looking to relax and actually interact with monkeys (who are all vaccinated) like you've only dreamed of. And this place is good for people over 16 who are respectful of people and nature. Not good for small kids (mostly unfenced areas).…
Read more
Date of stay: May 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: the honeymoon and the family suite have the sea breeze to keep you cool at night
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
+1
We stayed here on a couple's retreat and literally stayed on the premises for four days amid the COVID outbreak. Unfortunately, the airline out of Miami lost our luggage. Francine was kind enough to attempt coordination of locating our luggage prior to our departure. Highlights: The food was fantastic! Francine was wonderful! The setting was amazing! Lowlights: A family friend showed up to "help" with service and only seemed to help herself to the bar (she literally drank all of the guests Coke while helping herself to the bar, leaving none for us) and kept us awake with the smell of her clove cigarettes through the night...it was a sleepless disappointment on our last night. P.S. our luggage showed up on our last day!!! Monkeys, night swimming (watch out for mini jellyfish stinging in the night water), glowing plankton at night, lots of fish swimming around the property, great company with the owner...what more could we ask for???!!!…
Read more
Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: They all seem good, but expect rustic
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Francine has created an amazing Eco-lodge on her mangrove island! Every meal ( LOBSTER!!!) wonderfully prepared and presented! The freshest fruit, fish and lobster I have ever had. Her monkey rescue efforts allow close and personal interactions with 3 species of monkeys and a tamarin. Kayaking, snorkeling and swimming when energized and lots of shaded hammocks. Be aware that the bungalows are rustic but comfortable but not noise proofed. Lots of off island options … spelunking in the bat cave was the best!
Read more
Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
This is a truly unique experience. It's majestic, but also earthy. This is truly an eco resort. Built into mangroves and designed to help rehabilitate and save abandoned monkeys. Let's start with the room accommodations. No, there is not air conditioning, but you adjust fast. Each room has privacy and a beautiful view. The rooms are cleaned daily and you get daily free roaming monkey time! The bathrooms are clean and there is nice hot water for showers. The food is amazing. I can't describe how fresh the food is and welcoming the cooks and staff are. We brought a group of 16 friends, many of which had not met before, to spend a well together here and it's been amazing. Each morning you can go for a glassy swim around the island or paddle or kayak. There is a perfect structure to welcome sea birds for your viewing right off the island as well. Activities that are a must: 1. Bat caves: this is a real farm, a great family, such a unique ride into the mangroves and a hike that shouldn't be missed. All trails would rate medium. 2. Gary's chocolate farm: he's from LA and a bit grumpy with kids, but totally worth the visit. He's doing great work here for the local tribe and supporting that is awesome. 3. Red Frog Beach is a very nice reprieve for a day with a pool and drinks on the beach. Bring games, be flexible, and rent your own private island!…
Read more
Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Bring some snacks and your own drinks, but nothing to avoid comes to mind. Make sure your shampoo...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
Urraca Resort, located around 30 minutes by boat from Bocas Del Toro, is one of the most beautiful, tranquil, magical locations. We stayed three days at Urraca and wished it had been more. Francine has created a genuine oasis for both people and her precious monkeys. The resort is small and intimate with all huts located directly over the water....which is always calm, warm and inviting. This resort literally has no land. Francine has built a series of walkways, huts and central living and dining area all above the water in between the mangroves. There are quiet areas for reading, yoga and relaxing. Or you can spend some time in one of the many hammocks. Lobsters are literally plucked from the water and served. The food is incredible - fresh and local. We saw many locals pulling up in their dug out canoes - delivering fresh fish, vegetables for our meals. Meals are communal so you have the opportunity to meet other guests. Or you can opt for a romantic dinner for two on one of the piers - organised by the staff. Not chill enough for you? How about a massage over the water. If you feel more energetic the staff can organise most tours to pick you up at the resort. Once on Urraca though - you don't want to leave...even for a few hours. You can swim, sleep, kayak, read or if you are like me - spend most of your time with the monkeys. You can see Capuchins, Tamarins and Squirrel monkeys. All rescued and all cared for and loved. Urraca even has their own monkey island - next to the tiny resort island - where the monkeys can roam free in the mangrove trees. The monkeys access it via the 'monkey bridge'. They can then return home for delicious snacks and rest. I fell in love with Marco - the tiny young Tamarin, but all the monkeys had their own distinct personalities. The love and dedication from all the staff to all the monkeys is inspiring. And there is nothing quite like having delicious coffee and breakfast with monkeys playing all around you. Do not pass up an opportunity to see these beautiful creatures and stay with the incredible Francine, whose vision and determination made this haven a reality.…
Read more
Date of stay: January 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
Francine has done an amazing job in creating this fabulous resort. We stayed for 4 nights and the food, drinks and conversation were truly memorable and something we will cherish forever. The New Year’s Eve lobsterfest and fireworks extravaganza was spectacular. To waking up with the sun rising over the water to the great staff. Francine created a magical relaxing experience we will never forget
Read more
Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
We stayed for our honeymoon at the Urraca Private Island Eco-Lodge in June. We took the Honeymoon Package. We were a bit insecure, as it was above our small budget, but the photos, descriptions, and reviews made it sound so good... And OMG it was!!! The landscape, the PEACE, the great service, the comfy hut, and the food!! If you are doubting, don't any more! Just go to the Urraca Private Island. Francine, thank you for your attention. You found the right way between watching every detail and need and giving space. Awesome! Alicia, your cooking is THE BEST! Although the day you weren't... Yasmin was an excellent substitute! Isabel, you have magic hands made for massages! Soooo gooood And Gig, Zola, Zizu (I'm not sure I'm writing the names right) were also very good hosts! And so cute! 5* service in a kind of lost island. It may not be a 5* installation, but you won't notice. I miss being there...…
Read more
Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: All options are beautiful. Maybe the regular cabin is a bit small if you like to carry big...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
I cannot express how wonderful this trip was. We stayed for five nights in the Honeymoon suite. The views are stunning, and the whole mangrove is so quiet. Electricity is limited, but it is is a great place to unplug and recharge. You can always charge your phones and cameras, and Wi-Fi is available every where if you do not want to completely disconnect. The living quarters are rustic but comfortable. The rainwater showers are refreshing, and there is always a private place to get some alone time if needed. Obviously, the tropics of Panama are hot so be prepared to sweat, but you can always find a cooling breeze or jump into the clear water surrounding you. The monkeys are majestic and entertaining. My husband and I spent hours watching and interacting with them. I am literally grieving the food. Not a lot of variety, but it was fresh, clean, and tasty. I felt like a new person eating clean for a few days. The dining is communal so go prepared to make friends. Our host, Francine, was a delight. She is so kind and accommodating. She booked our tours to Zapatilla Island (practically a private beach), a chocolate farm, and our massages. The only negative is that to get the mangrove, it is an expensive 30 minute boat ride so plan to stay awhile to make your $$ worth it. This is an experience of a life time. You will remember a stay at Urraca for the rest of your life.…
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Don't be put off by the shared toilets next to the pink bungalows.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
US$253 - US$298 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
PanamaBocas del Toro ProvincePunta LaurelUrraca
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingUrraca Private Island - UPDATED 2023 Prices, Reviews & Photos (Panama) - B&B - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Urraca Private Island
Which popular attractions are close to Urraca Private Island?
Nearby attractions include Crawl Cay (Kraal Cay) (7.7 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Urraca Private Island?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Urraca Private Island?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Urraca Private Island?
Yes, guests have access to an outdoor pool during their stay.
Is Urraca Private Island located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.1 km away from the centre of Urraca.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Urraca Private Island?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
Does Urraca Private Island have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.