How do I get to Urraca Private Island from the Airport in Bocas?
After collecting your luggage, you will catch a taxi in front of the airport and tell them to take you to the Pirate Restaurant. Our Captain, Damasco, will meet you at the Pirate Restaurant and transport you to Urraca. The ride will take approximately 35 minutes.
What about meals on the island?
Our restaurant offers a selection of delicious menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We craft our menus with locally caught seafood and fresh tropical fruits and vegetables native to the area. Breakfast is included in the price of your stay. Dishes from our lunch menu cost between $12 to $15, and our 2 courses meal dinner (entrée, and dessert) range from $35 to $42.
Do you serve vegan meals?
We have a vegan menu specially crafted to please all plant-based palates.
I have allergies/dietary restrictions. Are you able to accommodate me?
If you have food restrictions, please let us know in advance so that we can discuss it. We are generally able to create a menu that will work for you.
Is the water safe to drink or do you have bottled water?
Our water comes from a rainwater collection and purification system. It is completely safe to drink. As we are an eco-lodge and trying to eliminate waste and protect our natural resources, we provide our guests with refillable glass bottles of water.
Do you offer cocktails or can we bring our own?
We have a full liquor bar here on the island and are happy to make you a refreshing cocktail. If you have a special bottle of wine or champagne you would like to bring with you, we can accommodate that for a $10 corking fee.
Do the bungalows have mosquito nets or should we bring our own?
As we are in a mangrove with no actual “land” and no standing freshwater, we do not generally have bugs here at Urraca! However, we do have mosquito nets if you were to feel the need for one in your bungalow.
What kind of activities do you offer on the island?
Guests on the island can book spa services, snorkel, kayak, play water volleyball, swim in a natural pool in the ocean, interact with the monkeys, or just relax on one of our different decks.
What are some nearby activities?
Some nearby activities include snorkeling in a reef & fishing with skillful Ngäbe fishermen, a gourmet Ngäbe cooking experience, and visiting the community of Isla Popa; these activities are really fun and will also allow you to directly support workers from our neighboring indigenous community.
Is there a beach nearby?
Yes! Cayos Zapatilla (Zapatilla Cays) is hands down the most beautiful beach in Bocas, and it’s only 15 minutes away from our island. At Urraca, you can see both islands right from your bungalow.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
For safety, we no longer provide snorkeling equipment, you must bring your own.
Do you have wifi at Urraca Private Island?
Yes! We have wifi here on the island in all rooms and common areas. Guests are provided with the password upon arrival.
Will I be able to charge my electronics while staying with you?
We are a solar-powered eco-lodge. You are generally only able to charge your smaller electronic devices (phones, tablets, cameras) during the daytime. We do ask our guests to be thoughtful and to please help support our energy conservation efforts by turning off lights and fans when not in use, and disconnecting from the wifi when not using it so that it doesn’t drain the phone/tablet batteries.
Do the bungalows have private bathrooms?
Each of the four bungalows for 2 people has its own outside bathroom. There are two full bathrooms (with toilets, sinks, and indoor showers), which are shared by the four standard bungalows. The family bungalow has its own bathroom, complete with a toilet, sink, and shower. The honeymooner hut also has its own bathroom, complete with a toilet, sink, and shower.
Are kids allowed to visit Urraca Private Island?
For the safety of visitors and the animals, we only allow guests over the age of 12 to stay at Urraca.
Do you allow smoking?
For the safety of the animals and the property, and as a courtesy to other guests, smoking is only allowed in designated areas.
Do the monkeys run wild around the island and are they allowed in our bungalow?
We have rescued monkeys from four different living permanently at Urraca Private Island. Taking turns, most of them get to spend part of the day outside of their enclosures, roaming freely on the island, exploring, hunting, and playing with each other in the trees. We do ask our guests to please keep the bungalows doors closed during the day, that way no monkey will ever get in. We advise guests to keep small personal items (especially medication) secured inside a closed suitcase in the event that a door was left open and a monkey got into the room since they are very curious beings.
Is there a special gift or treat we could bring for the monkeys to make sure they will really like us?
Actually, monkeys love many things that are really hard to find in Panama and sold for a much higher price than in other countries. The diet of each species changes based on their nutritional requirements, and some primate foods and supplements are impossible to find here. Raw whole pumpkin seeds, unsalted cashews, unsalted pumpkin seed kernels, and dried fruit (especially mango, papaya, and pineapple) are some of the top favorite treats that the monkeys would love to be gifted. Powdered goat milk can’t be found in Panama, and we need to collect supplies in case we receive an infant monkey unexpectedly. If you’d like to read the monkeys’ entire gift wish list CLICK HERE.
Are the monkeys safe to touch? Do they bite?
All of the rescued monkeys living on the island are free of rabies and disease. They are all tested and vaccinated regularly and have up-to-date health records. The monkeys allowed out to play are used to interacting with people and are friendly. However, these are wild animals and you should always use caution and follow the instructions and advice of our staff when interacting with them. You will find your time with the monkeys one of the best memories of your stay with us!
If we are not staying overnight at Urraca, can we still come and see the monkeys?
Absolutely! We offer monkey island tours every day (Monday through Sunday) between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm, close on Tuesday. The entrance fee is $20 for adults and $10 for children over 12 years old. For the safety of the children and the animals, we can’t allow any child under the age of 12 to visit Urraca.
What form of payment do you take?
We accept cash, Master, and Visa cards as payment. We also can accept payment via Paypal.
What is your cancellation policy?
We can offer a refund if you cancel more than 7 days prior to your scheduled arrival. Canceled bookings for our high season (December 15 to January 15) will not get a refund unless you cancel at least 2 months prior to your scheduled arrival date.
How are gratuities for Urraca staff handled?
A 15% gratuity is added to your bill at check-out. Not to be confused with the cleaning fee or Panamanian tax for the room.