Urraca Monkey Island Eco-Resort

My son and I visited Monkey Island in April, 2025. This is an absolute must see if in the area. It was raining that day, so the monkey's weren't overly active as we were told they don't like the rain. Beautiful work Francine is doing for the monkeys. It was a great experience being able to feed the monkey's, pet them, hang out and learn more about them.

Another reviewer called it glamping, but I would go more with primitive camping. (That reviewer was a lifesaver!) You’ll have a great time as long as you know what you are getting yourself into, so read as many reviews as you can. Good to know FYI’s before you go to ensure a great stay: Sheets are microfiber, so can be hot in the high humidity. Bring cotton linens if you prefer more breathable sheets. The east-facing 4 small bungalows didn’t get much breeze. They do have fantastic sunrise views! Bring extra non-perishable food, like nuts. Breakfast and lunch are very small in quantity- smaller than a happy meal. Breakfast was most often a semi-fried egg in a green pepper ring. Like another reviewer, one lunch was 3 corn tortillas rolled up the size of my middle finger. Quality ran the spectrum. Serving time was also highly variable. Improving food consistency, quality and quantity would bump the stay up to 5 stars. Also know that the monkeys do run overhead through the rafters in the dining area; be careful where you sit. There is no hot water. The tap water is said to be filtered rainwater. I did not actually see the cistern or filter. The island falls under Panamanian jurisdiction, so US food safety standards do not apply. Experienced travelers know to stick with bottled beverages without ice. Bring EVERYTHING you need. Especially meds for the inevitable gastroenteritis. There is no real store on the island and Bocas del Toro is a 45 minute, planned-ahead boat ride (for a variable fee depending on the number of passengers). You might find left over supplies from previous guests, like bug spray and aloe, to use. The salt-water toilets do not work at night, and you cannot put toilet paper down the drain. The bungalow had a toilet, sink, and shower on the back (water-facing) deck. The outside bathroom walls are made of sticks, so there is some visibility. I just wore a bathing suit and all was well. The only power in the bungalows is solar-powered USB. There is a USB fan above the bed with a timer switch. No charging your devices after 5pm. Also no power for CPAP machines. Snorkeling is amazing all around the island. Bring your own fins if possible. We did get a few jellyfish stings, so a full body rash guard might be in my future for any return trips. Overall the island is very clean and well maintained. Any facilities issues were addressed immediately! I would gladly go back again - it’s a fantastic time if you are properly prepared.

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???!!!