Oceanfront boutique hotel
Hotel BOCAS DEL MAR
Garden bungalows on the Boca Chica shore, with island boat trips
Gulf of Chiriquí Islands, Panama
Pacific islands off Chiriquí with white-sand beaches, howler monkeys, coral reefs and humpback whales, all reached by boat from the mainland fishing village of Boca Chica.
At a glance
- Fly into
- David (DAV)
- Enrique Malek International Airport, then about an hour by road to Boca Chica.
- Best weather
- December to April
- The dry season brings calm seas, sunny skies and the clearest water for diving and island hopping.
- Pairs with
- Boquete and the Chiriquí highlands
- Between 1.5 and 2 hours by road from Boca Chica, with cool highland air after the coast.
Why go
Why choose the Gulf of Chiriquí
The Gulf of Chiriquí runs along Panama's Pacific coast from the Costa Rican border to the Azuero Peninsula, and its islands are the reason to come. Boca Chica is a fishing village on the mainland. Across a narrow channel lies Isla Boca Brava, a sparsely populated island inside the national marine park, known for its howler monkeys. Beyond it are small white-sand islands such as Parida, Gámez and Bolaños, where a boat day means swimming, snorkeling and a picnic on the beach. The marine park was created in 1994 and protects 19 coral reefs as well as mangroves. The gulf also holds Coiba, the largest island in Panama, whose national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Farther out, Islas Secas is an archipelago of 14 islands about 20 miles offshore. The lodge uses one island and the other 13 are left untouched. This is a region for slow days: a boat in the morning, a reef or a beach by noon, a quiet lodge by evening. One guide puts a stay around Boca Chica at two to three days.
Islands and beachesBoat trips from Boca Chica reach white-sand islands such as Parida, Gámez and Bolaños, with time to swim and snorkel.
WildlifeHowler monkeys on Isla Boca Brava and Isla Palenque, and humpback whales from both hemispheres in the second half of the year.
Diving and fishingReefs in the marine park and around Islas Secas, plus sport fishing for marlin, tuna and roosterfish.
Places to know
- Boca ChicaThe mainland fishing village and boat dock where island trips begin. Hotel Bocas del Mar and Seagull Cove Resort are here.
- Isla Boca BravaA sparsely populated island of rainforest trails and howler monkeys, across a narrow channel from Boca Chica. Selva Terra Island Resort is here.
- Isla PalenqueA forested private island of 400 acres with howler monkeys and beaches, home to Isla Palenque Resort.
- Islas SecasAn archipelago of 14 islands about 20 miles offshore, with a lodge on one island and the other 13 left untouched.
- CoibaThe largest island in Panama, at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage national park that includes 38 smaller islands.
Hotels we book in the Gulf of Chiriquí
Each hotel below has its own page: what it is like, where it sits and how to get there.
Private island resort
Isla Palenque Resort
A private 400-acre island with eight beachfront casitas and seven beaches
Private island resort
Islas Secas
A private 14-island archipelago, 20 miles off Panama's Pacific coast
Boutique bungalow hotel
Seagull Cove Resort
Bungalows overlooking the Gulf of Chiriquí, with a bar on the dock
Island all-inclusive resort
Selva Terra Island Resort
A small island resort with its own forest reserve and six beaches
When to go
When to go
The dry season runs from December to April, with calm seas, sunny skies and the clearest water for diving and island hopping. The wet season follows, and September, October and November are the rainiest months, though the rain tends to arrive as heavy afternoon and evening downpours rather than all-day gray. Humpback whales pass through in the second half of the year, and operators point to August and September for the best chances.
Getting there
From Panama CityFlight plus transferFly from Tocumen (Copa) or Albrook (Air Panama) to David, then continue by road or boat to the coast.
From David airport to Boca ChicaAbout 1 hourBy road, or by boat from the port of Pedregal, which is a five-minute drive from the airport. The boat ride takes about an hour.
From Boca Chica to Isla Boca BravaA short crossingWater taxis and lodge boats run between the village and the island.
From David to Islas SecasRoad transfer, then 90 minutes by boatFly to David, drive to the coast and take the boat. The resort also runs its own flights from Tocumen.
From Boquete1.5 to 2 hoursBy road to Boca Chica.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How many days should we plan for the Gulf of Chiriquí?
One guide puts a stay around Boca Chica at two to three days. Islas Secas adds a 90-minute boat ride from the mainland coast, so allow for that when you set the length of the trip.
When can we see humpback whales?
Humpbacks from both the northern and southern hemispheres gather in the gulf in the second half of the year. Boat tours leave from the Boca Chica dock, and operators name August and September as the best months. Sources give slightly different start and end dates for the season, so we confirm them when we plan your trip.
How do we get to Boca Chica?
Fly to David, then go by road, which takes about an hour. The alternative is a boat from the port of Pedregal, about an hour to Boca Chica, which one operator asks guests to book at least 72 hours ahead.
Can we visit Coiba from here?
Coiba National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects Coiba Island, 38 smaller islands and the sea around them. Islas Secas is described as within easy reach of the park. Tell us you want Coiba and we will build it into the plan.
What is there to do besides the beach?
Boat tours to the islands, hikes to see howler monkeys on Isla Boca Brava, snorkeling in the marine park, diving, and sport fishing for marlin, tuna and roosterfish.
Is the region safe to visit?
The U.S. State Department renewed its Panama advisory on 19 August 2026 at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, citing crime, with no change in level. It names the Mosquito Gulf and the Darién Region as places where U.S. government staff need special authorization to travel. Read the full advisory before you book: https://pa.usembassy.gov/travel-advisory-panama-august-19-2026/
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