Check-in and check-out

Room check-out is at 11:00. Check-in is after 14:00 on the day of your arrival. We do our best to accommodate early check-ins, but guests are always welcome to arrive early and enjoy our facilities before check-in regardless of whether their room is ready. For guests arriving after 18:00, we ask that you contact us to let us know your travel details so we can prepare your rooms and have someone available to check you in.

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What should I bring?

Recommended Packing List:

• Swimsuit

• Rain jacket

• Hiking shoes

• Quick-dry clothes

• Flashlight or headlamp

• Bug repellant

• Sunblock

• Toothbrush

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What should I NOT bring?

Any outside food will attract insects and other animals into your room. High-power consumption items like speakers, hair dryers, etc. Any plastic bottles or packaging, unless you plan to take them with you when you leave.

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What is included in my stay?

All rooms include free breakfast, free WiFi, free purified water, free shuttles to and from Playa Drago 3x per day, and free use of our kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment.

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What is your cancellation policy?

Reservations may be canceled up to 30 days prior to the date of the reservation, less a $20 cancellation fee. All reservations are fully non-refundable within 30 days of check-in and during the holiday period (December 15 to January 15).

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How many guests per room?

Our room rate includes two guests. Additional guests will need to pay an additional $35 per day.

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How do I get to Bird Island from the airport?

There are two ways to reach Bird Island from the airport: guests can either request a taxi pickup ($35 for the 45-minute journey, for up to four passengers), or they can take the public bus from Bocas Town to Playa Drago ($2.50 per person) and then catch our free shuttle from Drago (offered 3x per day).

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Is there purified drinking water available?

Yes. All the drinking water at Bird Island is fresh, filtered, and locally sourced, and free to guests. There are absolutely no chemicals, metals, or other additives. As our natural water source is limited, we ask all of our guests to be conservative in their usage. Our purified water is mostly rain-caught, with a natural spring reserve for backup. We have a 3-stage purification system for drinking water so you can help yourself to our water pitchers, or have us fill your containers.

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Is there WiFi? Does it reach the rooms?

Yes, there is high-speed wireless internet (Starlink) in the main building with distribution to all the guest rooms. The signal is often strongest around the main lodge.

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Is there electricity in the rooms?

Bird Island is 100% off-grid, powered by a robust solar energy system. Each Bungalow has efficient LED lighting, a ceiling fan, 110V outlets, and hot water. We ask that you only charge large electronics during the day. Please note that high-energy use items such as irons, hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners are not permitted.

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Is there air conditioning?

No. We are blessed with consistent Caribbean trade winds and room fans, but given our limited energy supply, there are no air conditioners to be found at Bird Island.

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Can I bring my kids?

We adore children but unfortunately, our property is not appropriate for hosting children due to safety concerns. We welcome adult kiddos aged 16 and older.

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Accessibility

Please note that Bird Island is in a remote, hilly jungle location with many of the rooms spread across the property. Access to many areas (including the dining room) is by stairs, and there is a steep path to reach the bungalows. If you have any mobility issues, please check with us about which accommodation would best suit you.

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Can I bring my pet?

We adore (most) animals; however, to ensure the comfort of all our guests, we are unable to accommodate guests' pets. We will happily work with you to make arrangements for your pet at a local boarding facility.

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Do you rent kayaks or paddleboards?

All kayak and paddleboard rentals are included in your stay at Bird Island.

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Do you rent snorkeling gear?

We have masks and snorkels available free for guests. However, if you want to be certain of a good fit (and fins) we recommend you bring your own.

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Do I need to reserve tours or massages in advance?

All tour and massage reservations are made at the hotel. We can review all of your options when you arrive.

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What if I'm vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free etc.?

Many of our meals are vegan or vegetarian, to begin with (with the option to add animal protein). That being said, please let us know when you arrive which food allergies or restrictions apply to you and we will do our best to accommodate your dietary restrictions.

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Are there bugs or dangerous animals?

There are bugs, to be sure, but due to our breezy location and some preventative measures, we don’t have many mosquitoes. We provide bug repellent for those who choose to use it. There are also scorpions, snakes, and spiders aplenty on our property, but for the most part, they are harmless. There are a few poisonous snake species found on our island, so please, always use caution if you see a snake and don't know the species.

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Do I need to worry about any diseases?

Malaria is not a concern in this area of Panama. We strongly advise against taking any malaria medication, which can have moderate to severe side effects and increase susceptibility to sunburn.

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Is crime a concern?

Due to our remote location, Bird Island is one of the safest places in Bocas. We have never had any problems with theft. However, we still recommend keeping electronics and valuables locked up in the safe in the room and taking normal precautions. Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for any items lost/damaged/or stolen.

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What's the currency?

The local currency is US dollars. Keep in mind that some places in Bocas only accept cash. There is an ATM at Banco Nacional in Bocas Town that you can visit before your arrival. Please be aware that we charge a 3% fee for credit card transactions. During your stay, we will keep a tab of any food (besides breakfast), beverages, and yoga classes which you can pay for at check-out.

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Can I smoke in my room?

No. All our rooms are smoke-free. Our restaurant is a smoking-free area as well. We do allow guests to smoke in other outdoor spaces.

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NOTE: a $200 cleaning fee will be assessed should a guest choose to smoke in a room.