The Sea Monkey

The food was excellent. I highly recommend the coconut French toast and huevos rancheros. We also enjoyed the well-marked, well-kept walking trail to Wizard beach, a nice outdoor activity close to the accommodation. We stayed in bungalow 3. It was quaint and cutely decorated, but basically just had a bed. There was a “closet,” though most of our things and suitcases had to stay on the floor or on the little wooden table when we weren’t using it to eat. The location was tough. I know the sea monkey can’t control all the noise or how clean the walking paths are, but it would’ve helped to know about that before arriving or at check-in. One night, from about 9pm to 10am, there was music, singing, screaming, barking dogs, and roosters crowing. Earplugs might’ve given me 2-4 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I also wonder why soap and towels still aren’t provided, based on reviews from 2-3 years ago. We had to ask for an extra towel just to dry our hands. The staff were generally good and helped when we asked, but during the day there wasn’t a comfortable spot to sit in the bungalow, and the water was too dirty to swim in. We wouldn’t recommend staying here to a friend visiting Bocas. I feel bad leaving this, since the people were friendly and helpful, but it seems useful for future visitors to know. If I could give 3.5 stars, that’s how I really feel.

A quieter spot with an excellent view from the bungalow, and the inside was great quality. It had a mini fridge and A/C, though the breezes meant we hardly needed the latter. The bathroom soap smelled divine. All the ladies were friendly and helpful. It’s an easy walk to the old town center, with groceries and another restaurant nearby. This restaurant really looks after its guests and stays open during the day.

The island is peaceful, and you can get straight to the property from Bocas by water taxi. The bungalows have what you need, including a good shower, fridge, and comfortable bed, although the mattress may be a little soft. Ours had a stunning view. Breakfast is served from 7 am to 10 am, and on our first morning they even brought it to our room. Dinner is available there too, and it was delicious.

The village has more residents than tourists, which made it more interesting, and there are several good restaurants within walking distance. The wait staff speak English. I’d always wanted to try an over-the-water place, and it was great. The bungalow was roomy with a full bathroom. I liked being able to open the doors and let the outdoors in, then shut them and use the air conditioning during hot late afternoons. That was in bungalows 3 and 4. Stacy was always quick to answer questions or requests. Breakfast came each day at the time we chose, with four delicious options.