Perfect blend of nature and sophistication at Urraca Private Island

5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 1442 sq m

Popular amenities

Pool

Breakfast included

Outdoor space

Sea view

Explore the area

Bocas del Toro, Bocas del Toro

Starfish Beach65 min drive
Tortuga Beach66 min drive
Red Frog Beach66 min drive

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bungalow 3

1 Queen Bed

Bungalow # 1

2 Single Beds

Bungalow # 2

1 Queen Bed

Bungalow # 4

1 Queen Bed

Bungalow for friends

2 Single Beds and 2 Queen Beds

Honeymooner Hut

1 Queen Bed

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Family bungalow Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Honeymooner Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Balcony

Dining Area

About this property

Set out at sea Urraca Private Island is 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.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the famous Zapatilla Cays, two idyllic islands located right in front of Urraca, and just minutes away by boat. Between Zapatilla Cays and our island there’s a barrier reef that provides us with calm waters, similar to a lagoon, but in the middle of the sea; this translates into mirror-like ocean reflections of beautiful sunrises and sunsets year round. At night the island is surrounded by bioluminescent waters under star-filled skies.

Francine, the French Canadian owner, built Urraca Private Island with a love for nature. She wishes to share her passion for the environment and the monkeys with those who come visit the island. She also wishes to give back to the land, and the native Ngäbe by providing jobs for them and letting them be a part of her dream. Her dream is to live a simple life with nothing other than her beloved monkeys, a plate of fresh lobster and a cold glass of rum.

Welcome to this amazing experience!

ECO-TOURISM, SUSTAINABILITY, AND MORE…

We strive to provide meaningful experiences in a sustainable way. We do so through eco-friendly practices that look after the environment, help decrease our carbon footprint, and benefit the local Ngäbe community.

The island is 100% powered by solar panels, and docks are illuminated by solar lights. Our fresh water resources are collected through a rain catchment system. To avoid the use of plastic only stainless steel straws are available, and we provide guests with unlimited drinking water in reusable glass bottles. To conserve our resources bedding and towels are changed upon request.

Structures were designed to harmoniously blend in with the landscape, while maximizing natural ventilation. Great care was taken to maintain the lush vegetation of the island intact. Red mangroves are what make this island a nursery of life…for all the beauty they gift us and their benefits for the environment, more than our duty, it’s our pleasure to look after them.

Our staff on site is composed by indigenous women from the local Ngäbe village. All our seafood and seasonal fruits are bought directly from Ngäbe fishermen and farmers. All new structures and improvements are done by workers from the village. We have created a variety of tours and activities that involve our neighbors in a meaningful way; providing them with not only economic empowerment, but also a glimpse into the many benefits and opportunities eco-tourism can bring to the area and their community.

Property manager

Francine

Languages

English, French, Spanish

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Amenities

Pool

Breakfast included

Sea view

Outdoor space

Casita Del Mar, Dolphin Bay, Isla Cristobal, Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Sea view

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

House Rules

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tierra Oscura

Located in Tierra Oscura, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Nivida Bat Cave and Bastimentos Sky Zipline are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Playa Larga and Bastimentos National Marine Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Bocas del Toro, Bocas del Toro

What's nearby

Paunch Beach - 60 min drive
Starfish Beach - 65 min drive
Tortuga Beach - 66 min drive
Wizard Beach - 66 min drive
Red Frog Beach - 66 min drive

Getting around

Bocas del Toro (BOC-Bocas del Toro Intl.) - 66 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Perfect blend of nature and sophistication at Urraca Private Island pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is Perfect blend of nature and sophistication at Urraca Private Island located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 7.6 mi (12.2 km) from Playa Larga and within 25 miles (40 km) of Paunch Beach and Playa El Istmito. Bluff Beach and Tortuga Beach are also within 25 miles (40 km).

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Lindy L.

26 Feb 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Yes yes yes!!!!

Our stay at Urraca Private Island is the most awesome, memorable lodging experience we’ve had (and that’s saying a lot, because we travel frequently and have had many fantastic experiences). The place is amazing, kind of a cross between Swiss Family Robinson, Robinson Crusoe, and a high end Africa-style resort with adventure amenities like kayaks. And monkeys! This is the only place we know of that enables us to directly interact with sweet monkeys, even having one jump on our shoulders. The lodging is very comfortable (with steps to the water right off our deck, as well as an outdoor shower!), the food is excellent, staff is great, and there were surprisingly very few of the itchy no see-ums that are so common in this region. This setting allows you to meet and share the dinner table with your fellow travelers (great stories!), or dine on your own. The owner, Francine, is amazing. She has incredible life stories and her passion for the monkeys, the area, and her guests’ comfort is remarkable. We’re so happy we stayed here, and plan to come back because once was not enough!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

18 Dec 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

It’s a must do! Very relaxing. Off the grid with a wonderful hostess and those monkeys! Treat yourself to the spa and relax on this private mangrove.

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie O.

31 Dec 2018

Fantastic!!

Francine and her team have created a magical place!! Francine welcomed us in and ensured we had a faboulous stay. She has created a special place and the whole experience was like no other. She and her team were incredible. You can't not feel relaxed. The cabins were clean and very nice. The food not only tasted incredible, the presentation was amazing. Each staff member went out of their way to ensure we were taken care of. The monkeys were beautiful - and so well looked after. The whole experience was fantastic. We look forward to returning! Thank you Francine.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ramsey S.

17 Nov 2011

A must for the the exotic searching traveler, Mind blowing!

My husband and I have always tried to find adventure and relaxation in our travels. This particular spot may have ruined us for the rest of the world. Francine saw to our every need. We now adventure travel with our 4 yr old girl and 8 yr old boy. When we arrived - starfish galore, a monkey climbing into my little girl's lap, a natural fish nursery - with no need for snorkel equipment. Fresh Noni juice, a chef brought in special for us - lobster almost everynight ( if we wanted it) and travels to private beaches were just the more mundane activities provided. I am a fiber artist and wanted to desperately learn from the Ngobe women there. This was arranged. We spent 2 days at their house - learning from each other. Our children laughing and playing with theirs. Comfortable nights, great hostess and wonderful learning experience. I wish many of you to experience this magical place and leave as I did with tears running down your cheeks.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

28 Jun 2011

Une expérience unique et authentique au bout du monde...

J’ai eu l’immense chance de partager quelques jours avec Francine dans ce lieu paradisiaque et j’en garde de superbes souvenirs. Apres avoir croisé des dauphins en chemin, Francine et son Touti (son petit singe) nous ont accueillit chaleureusement dans leur superbe demeure sur pilotis au cœur des mangroves. Réveil avec vue imprenable sur les Caraïbes, plongée au cœur de récifs coralliens, rencontre avec la population locale… Francine est l’hôte parfaite et a su rendre le séjour magique et inoubliable. Un voyage que je recommande a tous les amoureux de la nature qui recherchent une expérience dépaysante et authentique. Un grand merci !

About the host

Hosted by Francine

Passionate, positive, and determined, Francine Roy has an unbeatable track record in life.

At the age of 49 she paused, looked around, and reviewed her life. As many, she realized her life was full of stress and pressures from work, combined with the mayhem, and fast-paced rhythm that characterize most urban areas. Back then she dreamt of buying a sailboat and heading on an adventure through the Caribbean. As many she dreamt of it, but as few, she actually gave it a shot.

Following her intuition, she not only wanted to find herself, but she wanted to surpass the barriers that limited herself. Going beyond personal limits and fears, she determinately decided she was able to do it, and embarked in a new and unique adventure.

To test the waters at first, she began by navigating only 6 months a year, and from 2000 to 2005 she was one of the first female captains sailing a boat all on her own. During this period she explored the Caribbean and its’ islands up and down, from east to west.

From one adventure to the other, at this point she dreamt of learning to speak Spanish, and just like before, she was determined to do so. Several months were spent learning in Honduras and Ecuador for her to achieve yet another dream.

2005 was a turning point for her adventure, as she encountered there were an unprecedented number of storms and hurricanes happening in the Caribbean; which led her to decide she needed avoid that and wander further in search of calmer waters.

That is how she ends up arriving in Bocas del Toro with her sailboat, and just as she set foot in land, the sailor, lover of adventures and discovery within her, knew she had found her paradise.

With unique contrasts and an incomparable energy, this place offered it all: exotic and remote, with a warm local community mixing Panamanians, native Panamanians and afro-Antilleans, paired with untouched virgin lands and islands, Bocas certainly seduced Francine into staying here.

She had always wanted an i