Sloth Island
Discover the elusive Pygmy Three-toed Sloth on Panama's Isla Escudo, or visit sanctuaries in Guyana & Honduras for unique sloth encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sloths are more active
Sloth Island
Best Time
Sloths are more active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the elusive Pygmy Three-toed Sloth on Panama's Isla Escudo, or visit sanctuaries in Guyana & Honduras for unique sloth encounters.
"Seeing the pygmy sloth in its natural habitat was a dream come true, but choose your tour operator wisely!"
Confirm your 'Sloth Island'
Panama's Escudo de Veraguas is unique. Other 'sloth islands' are sanctuaries or resorts. :world_map:
Book tours in advance
Especially for private tours, confirm captains & times to avoid no-shows. :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pygmy Three-toed Sloth
Isla Escudo de Veraguas, Panama
Spot the world's rarest sloth in its natural mangrove habitat. Critically endangered, sightings are a rare privilege.
Sloth Sanctuaries & Hangouts
Roatan, Honduras
Interact with rescued sloths in dedicated sanctuaries. A popular stop for families and animal lovers.
Sloth Island Resort
Essequibo River, Guyana
Experience a unique resort on a rainforest island, offering a chance to see sloths in a tranquil setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the 'Sloth Island' Distinction
Book Tours Wisely & Confirm Details
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm your 'Sloth Island'
Panama's Escudo de Veraguas is unique. Other 'sloth islands' are sanctuaries or resorts. :world_map:
Book tours in advance
Especially for private tours, confirm captains & times to avoid no-shows. :calendar:
Respect wildlife distance
Observe sloths from afar; avoid touching unless at a reputable sanctuary. :eyes:
Bring cash for taxis
Water taxis and local transport often prefer cash. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm your 'Sloth Island'
Panama's Escudo de Veraguas is unique. Other 'sloth islands' are sanctuaries or resorts. :world_map:
Book tours in advance
Especially for private tours, confirm captains & times to avoid no-shows. :calendar:
Respect wildlife distance
Observe sloths from afar; avoid touching unless at a reputable sanctuary. :eyes:
Bring cash for taxis
Water taxis and local transport often prefer cash. :moneybag:
Learn basic Spanish
Helpful for negotiating prices and communicating with locals. :speech_balloon:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Experiences with 'Sloth Island' vary greatly depending on the specific location and tour operator. Visitors often praise the unique opportunity to see sloths, especially the rare Pygmy Three-toed Sloth in Panama. However, some travelers report issues with unreliable tour operators, overcharging, and lack of clear communication, particularly in the Bocas del Toro region.
"Walked to boat from Leiza’s Secured Parking Lot. Got us and other passengers to Bocas del Toro from Almirante in about 30 minutes. We had 2 large suitcases, 2 small packs, 2 grocery cooler bags and a beach bag. Handled us and our stuff carefully. Landed in Bocas Centro away from ferry docks, but didn’t take long to grab a pickup truck cab to go to AirBnB"
Karen Connor
"The water taxi from here to Bastimentos is the correct $3 price rather than the $5 other boats will insist on. Ignore the touts outside and just go straight in to the desk on the left side of the building. Knowing a bit of Spanish is useful."
Chris Fairbanks
"We arranged a trip to the red frog beach with them. They didn’t issue us a paper ticket (we didn’t know that we even need it until police told us). We paid 15 usd per person in advance and agreed about pick up time (it was crucial to be on time as we had an appointment right after, and the captain knew it). Guess what? The captain didn’t appear as agreed, we waited 30 minutes, and finally additionally paid to someone else to take us back.
When we returned, we went back here, we saw a guy who originally sold us this trip and connected us to the captain, we asked what happened, where is the captain, we want our money back?!? The guy just rudely responded that we have to wait for the captain to come back, supposedly he went to look for us on the island (this was almost one hour later!), what do we want, etc. Coincidentally there were police officers in front of their “office” so we told them what happened. They went in to talk to the guy, which was still quite rude (even calling us “stupid” in Spanish), they couldn’t do anything as we didn’t have a confirmation of payment but they said they will contact the owner about it."
Insightful explorer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Isla Escudo de Veraguas, you'll typically take a boat from Bocas del Toro or Almirante. Many tours depart from Bocas del Toro, offering a scenic ride through the archipelago. It's advisable to book a tour in advance to arrange transportation and ensure a guide who knows the area. 
Roatan is accessible by air via Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB). From the mainland, you can also take a ferry from La Ceiba. Once on the island, taxis and local buses are available to reach sloth sanctuaries.
Yes, Sloth Island Resort in Guyana is accessible via boat tours, often departing from Georgetown. It's recommended to book through a local tour operator like Wanderlust Adventures Guyana for a seamless experience.
Direct flights are less common for the specific islands. You'll likely fly into a major hub like Panama City (PTY) or San Pedro Sula (SAP) in Honduras, then take a domestic flight or ferry to your final destination.
Travel times vary greatly. Boat rides to Isla Escudo can be around 30 minutes to an hour from Bocas del Toro. Getting to Roatan might involve a flight and then island transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For Isla Escudo de Veraguas, tours are essential, and booking in advance is highly recommended. For sanctuaries in Roatan or resorts in Guyana, check their specific booking policies online or via WhatsApp.
Tour prices vary significantly based on location, duration, and whether it's a private or group tour. Expect to pay anywhere from $30-$100+ USD per person. Always confirm the total cost and what's included.
Most reputable sloth sanctuaries charge an entrance or donation fee, which goes towards the care of the animals. Prices typically range from $10-$25 USD.
Tours usually operate during daylight hours, often starting in the morning. Some sanctuaries may have specific visiting hours. It's best to confirm with your tour operator or the sanctuary directly.
Refund policies differ. Some operators are difficult about refunds if tours are canceled due to weather or no-shows. It's crucial to clarify this policy before booking and to get written confirmation.
🎫 🛕 Onsite Experience
The best way is with a knowledgeable local guide on a boat tour, particularly around Isla Escudo de Veraguas. They know the best spots and can help you spot these elusive creatures.
While some sanctuaries allow supervised interaction, it's generally discouraged to hold sloths due to stress on the animals. Prioritize ethical sanctuaries that focus on observation and conservation.
On Isla Escudo, you might see monkeys and various bird species. Other 'sloth island' locations, like those in Panama, may also offer opportunities to see monkeys.
Yes, many 'sloth island' experiences, especially sanctuaries, are family-friendly. Roatan's sloth hangouts are often highlighted as great for kids.
Wear light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes or water shoes, and bring insect repellent and sunscreen. A hat is also recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a telephoto lens to get close without disturbing the sloths. A fast shutter speed is crucial for capturing their slow movements, and a tripod can help with low light conditions.
It's generally advised to avoid using flash photography, as it can startle and stress the animals. Natural light is best.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and potentially more active sloths.
Some sanctuaries may have rules about where you can stand or if you can use tripods. Always check with staff first.
Popular shots include close-ups of sloths in trees, sloths swimming (rarely seen!), and people interacting with sloths at sanctuaries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The interactions are generally supervised, making it a comfortable experience for younger visitors. Remember to check the specific age policies and booking requirements for each sanctuary. While Isla Escudo de Veraguas in Panama is a natural habitat, it might be less suitable for very young children due to the boat travel and the difficulty in spotting the sloths.🌿 Eco-Tourists & Wildlife Enthusiasts
+2 For those interested in supporting animal rescue, reputable sanctuaries in Roatan, Honduras, offer a chance to learn about conservation efforts while observing sloths. ✈️ Day-Trippers from Panama City
This option provides a taste of Panama's wildlife without the extensive travel required for the more remote islands.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Pygmy Three-toed Sloth
+3Seeing these sloths in their natural environment is a rare and special experience. Their slow movements and camouflage make them challenging to spot, but guides familiar with the area significantly increase your chances. The island itself is a beautiful, remote Caribbean paradise, adding to the allure of the expedition. Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of this unique subspecies.
Navigating 'Sloth Island' Tours and Avoiding Scams
To ensure a positive experience, it's vital to book tours through reputable companies or directly with sanctuaries. Always get written confirmation of your booking, including the agreed-upon price, itinerary, and pick-up times. If possible, use established tour operators recommended by your accommodation or trusted travel forums. Be wary of unsolicited offers on the street, especially those promising 'chicas' or making disrespectful comments about women, as one traveler noted.
When dealing with water taxis, confirm the standard fare beforehand, as prices can fluctuate, especially after hours. Some travelers suggest going directly to the official ticket desk rather than dealing with touts outside. Having some basic Spanish phrases can also be helpful in clarifying details and negotiating prices.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit