Island beach taken from the water surface with lush tropical vegetation, Bocas del Toro, Caribbean sea, Zapatillas Keys, Panama. Tropical beach island with leaning coconut tree and a boat, Caribbean sea, Zapatillas Keys. Zapatillas Keys These two beautiful islands are located on a coral platform that is defined, toward the open sea, by the breakers that are formed as the waves crash on the reef. Zapatillas Keys, lie inside the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park. They are famous for their beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, coral reefs and small but shady forests. They are named after a fruit: the zapatila. The western island, Zapatillas Minor, is the occasional base of scientists, researchers of the green marine turtle. The leatherback and the hawksbill turtles also come to lay their eggs, in season, on these beaches. On Zapatillas Major there is the Park Rangers refuge, the only habitation on the islands, managed by INRENARE, the Government Agency for Protection of the Natural Resources. If you like to sunbathe this is the place to be, with its white sand beaches and turquoise water. To escape from the heat, the nearby forest will provide shade. Do you like to swim, snorkel or dive? Well, Zapatillas is perfect for all of these. The best of Zapatillas's underwater world is 300 meters from the beach, toward the mainland, Coral Islands. The place is shallow with beautiful coral formations, particularly good for snorkelling and diving. There, in no more than 20 feet of water, you can enjoy several underwater coral islets, refuge for snapper, angel fish, grouper, parrot and butterfly fish. In the crevices lobsters, crabs, morey eels and an infinite number of tiny sea invertebrates hide. If you want more than a pretty reef, try behind the breakers. If the sea permits, you will find a wall formed by the reef, that contains small caves, up to 50 feet deep. A walk in the forest is also one of the activities that visitors like to enjoy. As you can see, Zapatillas Keys can satisfy everybody's tastes. To visit contact any tour operator and in 45 minutes, you will arrive at this paradise. We recommend staying all day but, please, bring your lunch, refreshments, sun protection and, at least, snorkelling gear.