Location: Shepherd Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama, Central America (Boat 10 min-Hiway access to Costa Rica & other Panama) View Map
Accommodations: Villa, 3 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 3 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
Beautiful Caribbean Island Villa for Rent in Bocas del Toro, Panama on Shepherd Island. This Villa can be rented in whole or part. In addition, we have 3 similar Villas for rent adjacent to this one. Very comfortable accommodations with orthopedic mattresses sized for Kings and Queens. Quality linens in over sized guest rooms with incredible views of the ocean, mountains, and jungle. Coral reef wall skirts sand bar rimmed salt water lagoon off of the beautiful & small manmade white sand beach. Lush jungle hiking trails produce ample sightings of butterflies, birds, frogs, lizards, flora, and fauna. Paddle Boat, cayucos, snorkel gear, water skis available for use. Chocolate tours and jungle tours on site. Tours for beachcombing, dolphin sighting, botanical gardens, fishing, diving, butterfly farms, yoga/spa treatments, Zapatilla Keys (Survivor series filmed), Red Frog Beach, Bocas town shopping, Indian Village, to the mountains (overnight tours/3-4 hr drive each way) for white water rafting and coffee tours are all available, and much much more. Or you can relax on the beach and take in the view.
In relation to Bocas town . . . we are secluded from the 24 hr noise of Bocas yet only a 15-20 min. taxi ride away. In addition our beach water is calm for snorkeling, floating, swimming, canoeing without breaking waves or dangerous undertow.
We can accommodate small groups for yoga retreats, weddings, dive package vacations, family reunions, corporate retreats, fishing groups, etc. We are available for planning and setting up your Destination Wedding on site. The same goes for planning yoga,corporate retreats, dive, fishing, and family reunion vacation packages.
This Villa has high quality stainless steel appliances in the full kitchen complete with coffee maker, ice maker, and microwave. Laundry service is available, family style meals and/or romantic gourmet dinners can be purchased with advance notice, or you can hire your own cook with 2 wks advance notice to prepare meals in your villa. There is a movie and book library, snorkel gear is available for rent, or bring your own, great swimming, snorkeling, fishing, lounging, floating, paddling, exploring, birding, boating, relaxing, resting, hiking, learning, etc.
Starfish Reef is located on beautiful Shepherd Island which is 10 minutes away from Almirante on the mainland and 15-20 minutes by boat away from Bocas Town in tranquil waters. There are water taxis available for transportation between island and mainland locations. This is an ACTIVE Outdoor Lifestyle community. You will get exercise unless you do not leave your villa. Our calendar is almost never full as we have several accomodations very similar. We have a 3 night minimum stay.
About Us-We are from Austin, TX where we spend time when we are not here in Panama. We have a small cabin property on Lake Travis in Austin listed on VRBO #178554. It is in a great location on the lake with a lot of fun places to go nearby.We have just recently put in small comforts as it is a small cabin. Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World" and there is ALOT of great live music. Check it out! Email any questions on either property.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: Starfish Reef is a small Caribbean island eco-community. By eco we mean ecological. We are totally self sufficient with our own power plant, running water, and sewer system. Living Room only AC if needed when the generator is on. It will not be on in the night but it is typically cool at night and we have plenty of fans.
- Washer: The washer and dryer are located in the Treehouse Villa where we will launder your clothing for $6/load separated.
- Dryer: Same as washer
- Linens Provided: Again-we are an eco island community. We conserve energy, water, and waste. Please help us conserve by using the same linens for at least 4 days before requesting them to be laundered. We will provide extra if needed.
- Beds
- King Bed: King beds are in the large bedrooms.
- Queen Bed: The Queen sized beds are located in our Deluxe private bedrooms with private bath. These rooms also include a sofa.
- Twin/Single Bed: Whenever needed, Twins can be combined to make a King.
- Bunk Bed: Can be added wherever needed.
- Child Bed: Pack & Play for babies and toddlers.
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite): Panamanian Television in Spanish. US English television in community area of the Treehouse Villa via internet.
- DVD
- Video Library: We have several DVDs to choose from or you may bring your own.
- Private Pool: Our new sand bar rimmed salt water lagoon. This is a human friendly salt water pool in the lagoon.
- Shared Pool: Our salty pool is the beautiful Almirante Bay with a coral reef to explore.
- Sauna: The Natural Rainforest we are in is a wet sauna.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Stainless Steel appliances and granite countertops. Includes toaster, microwave, coffee maker, and blender on request.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Catering Available: With 2 wks minimum advance notice.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill: Upon request
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Ocean View: 250' of Cacao Tree Grove, Large Mangos, Coconut Palms, tropical flowers, and a tree canopied walk/hike/ATV trail are all that is between your villa and the beach
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Computer: There is a computer with hi speed internet available in the Treehouse Villa.
- Broadband Internet: High Speed Wireless internet is available free of charge in the Villas.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Small Manmade White Sand Beach, Sand Bar rimmed Salt Water Swimming Lagoon, shallow Coral Reef & 20' coral Wall for diving snorkeling, chairs for sunbathing on the sand bar in the water
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly: Well behaved dogs are allowed on the verandas but not inside the Villas
- Kid Friendly: The salt water swimming lagoon is max depth of 5' with gradual slope into the water and calm water. We also have shallow water snorkeling for beginners or children. Bring childrens snorkel sets & toys.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Horseshoes
- Other Activities
- Tour Boat, Paddle Boating,Cayucos (dugout canoes, Sun/Beach Bathing, Floating, Chocolate Tours, Bird and Butterfly Watching, Rain Forest, Jungle, Hiking Trails, darts, water volleyball, croquet, washers, ring the nail, etc
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$250/night- $1125/week (promo) for an entire 3BR/3BA Villa with incredible views.
$205/nt-$995/wk (promo) for 2/2 Villa, Xmas 3/3 villa wk=$1500, 2/2villa wk=$1200
We also have monthly and annual rates. Any form of payment can be made thru
PayPal (its easy & ask if you don't know), cash, or direct deposit to our
US WAMU Bank account.
This Villa is brand new and these rates won't last. Book NOW! as normal rate
is $375/night to $1875/week.
Discounts given for longer stays. See website for details.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Map & Owner's Profile
Breathtaking Views-Caribbean Island Villa at Starfish Reef
Year Purchased: 2006
Why the Owner Chose Shepherd Island
It was love at first sight for the archipelago of islands. Then, it was love again at the sight of Shepherd Island (Isla Pastor in Spanish), located within that same archipelago. We looked at many properties and kept coming back to this island where we decided on 25 acres on the leward side. In 2006, Jack and I were elated to buy beautiful lush jungle/rainforest island property surrounded by a colorful coral reef. In 2007, we began building four villas. In 2008, our first guests had come and gone and now in 2009, we are really getting to enjoy our life on this island. It is beautiful here . . . a National Geographic nature experience everyday. We are here as hosts to our guests to help them learn and enjoy this incredible place as we have.
The Unique Benefits at this Villa
Starfish Reef, as we call it, is a small Caribbean Island Nature Retreat with eco-villas which have comfortable accomodations with orthopaedic mattresses sized for Kings and Queens. Quality linens are provided in over sized guest rooms with incredible views of the ocean, mountains, and jungle. A colorful coral reef wall skirts the lagoon. We have a beautiful private, small, and secluded manmade white sand beach from which you can enter the sand bar rimmed, family friendly, salt water swimming lagoon. Here you can put chairs in the water for a cool sunbathing experience. Lush jungle hiking trails produce ample sightings of butterflies, birds, frogs, lizards, flora, and fauna. Paddle Boat, cayucos (dugout canoes), snorkel gear, water skis are all available for use. Chocolate tours and jungle tours on site. Our own Private Tour Boat is available for custom excursions of relaxation, beachcombing, dolphin sighting, reef snorkeling, surfing, botanical gardens, fishing, diving, butterfly farms, bat caves, Zapatilla Keys, Red Frog Beach, Bocas town shopping, and a Land Rover for land tours to a model Gnobe-Bugle Indian village . . . all available and much much more . . .
For larger groups, we offer Cacao to Chocolate Vacation School where groups up to 20 work on the plantation participating in the fruit harvest and following steps to creating chocolate. Also offered are Cacao to Chocolate Hiking Tours culminating with a heavenly treat made from our homegrown chocolate. Private 4 Wheel Jungle Tours for small groups available on Hibiscus, our red Kawasaki Mule. Afterward cool off on the sand bar, relax on the white sand beach, and snorkel our colorful reef. We are here to help make your Caribbean vacation as pleasant as possible.
This area is where The Villas at Starfish Reef of 2 and 3 bedroom are located
was the home of Old Man Shepherd, an Englishman in the early 1800's. Legend has it he blazed a trail from Chiriqui Grande to Changuinola,now highway, and was given title to the island.
Headquarters for Shepherd Island Organic Estate Chocolate Plantation.
Owner's Map of Shepherd Island
Jack and I fell in love on the shores of Lake Travis in Austin, Texas and were married there in 2005. both of us were Real Estate investors looking for our next and best great adventure. Together we pursued our dream and landed on Shepherd Island in Bocas del Toro, Panama. We never had any idea we would end up multi tasking farmers growing chocolate (cacao) and other tropical fruits while creating a beautiful oasis for ourselves and others to co-habit with nature.
Property Photos
- One of the Beautiful Villas-Villa Vista - Bocas del Toro, Panama Vacation Rentals
- Villa Vista Veranda View - Bocas del Toro, Panama Vacation Rentals
- A Day at Our Beach - Bocas del Toro, Panama Vacation Rentals
- Villa Vista King Room
- Beach Night Bonfire Party
- ATV Tour of Chocolate Plantation on our Kawasaki Mule, Hibiscus
- Star Bathing on the Sand Bar
- Green Dart Frogs at Starfish Reef
Guest Comments (11)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #171658
There have been 11144 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2008.
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - October 07, 2009
Positive Rating
7 months ago Paul I just stayed at starfish reef about a week ago and it was great. I dont even have words to describe its beauty. I would recomend the stay to anyone. Thanks Jack. Paul
Positive Rating
Fabiola , Panama city
Homeowner Response:
This was a family of 7 with kids up to 15. We really enjoyed the whole family. Their laughter was contagious. Thank you for your comments.
Positive Rating
Dolly , Houston, Texas
Homeowner Response:
Thank you Dolly for your wonderful comments. We are going to miss you two and your puppies. Dolly is a wonderful photographer. You can see many of her photos on our website or our Facebook page.
Positive Rating
“Peaceful, tranquil, tropical paradise, great back and snorkeling.” Starfish Reef Resort fiberjane 1 contribution Texas Jun 12, 2009 I only spent a weekend Friday through Sunday but, I felt like I had been there for along time as I was so relaxed and did alot in that short amount of time! The beach is so nice, I loved the fact you can sit in a lounge chair put on your fins and snorkel on and just take off swimming over the sand pool right onto the reef. When I was there the tide was exceptionally high and Kelly and Jack the owners said we got to snorkel and see reef beds they had never gotten to see before it was beautiful. This is a great place for large famlies to come and rent a couple of houses, or a group of friends,bascially have an island to themselves. I enjoyed the company of Kelly and Jack and had my meals with them, Kelly is a great cook and we had a variety of things, becuase I was the only guest at the time they really looked after me and made sure I was doing okay. I met several of their friends who came by, people are very friendly. In the evenings the stars were incredable. This is off the beaten path and well worth the visit as it is pristine and the houses they have built are super comfortable and have all the luxeries of a house in the states. I really enjoyed the fresh coconuts opened up and rum added to them! I will come back and next time with a friend or two. My ratings for this hotel Value Rooms Location Cleanliness Service Date of stay November 2008 Visit was for Leisure Traveled with Solo Traveler Age group 50_64 Member since yesterday Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Positive Rating
“Awesome family vacation!” Starfish Reef Resort tiotormenta Dominical Jun 8, 2009 | Trip type: Family I spent a week at Starfish Reef with my wife and three boys and two other friends of ours. Man, what a cool place. It's like having your own private island. And yes! There's lot's of starfish. My kids thought they were great. There's also a paddle boat, snorkeling gear, waterskiing, day trips into Isla Colon, bonfires on the beach and a beautiful house with all the comforts one expects when going on a nice vaction. Your hosts Jack and Kelly have done a really nice thing there! -Storm and Amy Zbel My ratings for this hotel Value Rooms Location Cleanliness Service Date of stay May 2009 Visit was for Leisure Traveled with Family with Young Children Member since June 08, 2009 Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Positive Rating
“first class all the way” Starfish Reef Resort skinnydipper_9 1 contribution tennessee Apr 16, 2009 | Trip type: Family Jack and Kelly are first class all the way. My family and I met them while we were looking to move down there. Their dream was still in its first stages, we walked and dreamed with them and now it is amazing what they have done. You will not meet a better couple. After visiting 27 different countries I picked that very spot on earth as my interpretation of the garden of eden. My ratings for this hotel Value Rooms Location Cleanliness Service Date of stay September 2007 Visit was for Leisure Traveled with Family with Young Children Member since April 16, 2009 Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
Positive Rating
Nicole and John, Sailors ,
Homeowner Response:
Thanks Nicole & John. We hope to see you in a few days:). You guys are alot of FUN!
Positive Rating
Cesar ,
Homeowner Response:
Thanks Cesar! We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Positive Rating
jay wilson , galveston teaxs
Homeowner Response:
Thanks for your comments Jay and Bonnie. Yall were laid back great guests and a pleasure to be around. We hope you will come back soon!
Positive Rating
Christina & Catherine , Eugene, Oregon
Homeowner Response:
Christina and Catherine were the perfect guests. They seemed to be here to enjoy nature and we think they did just that. Thanks for your comments.