Located in the northwestern Pacific of Panama, very close to the border with Costa Rica, the Gulf of Chiriqui is an area of more than 150 square kilometers that can be accessed from Boca Chica, a small port located just over an hour from the city of David.
More than 20 Tropical Islands and a Large Number of Islets
In the Gulf of Chiriqui there are more than 20 forested islands and numerous islets, as well as cliffs where thousands of sea turtles of various species nest each year from the beginning of July. One of the most visited islands are Islas Secas, a dozen small islands with paradisiacal beaches that any visitor can access from in boats that offer tourist tours from Boca Chica or any of the hotels on the coast.
Crystal Clear Waters to Enjoy and Nature to Discover
The crystal clear waters of the islands of the Gulf of Chiriqui, are generally calm, make them an excellent place to enjoy snorkeling and be amazed by the colorful and varied marine life that inhabits these waters. In addition, it is a privileged place for bird watching, where in a single day it is possible to count 50 different species in the surroundings of Boca Brava Island, a place where you can also hear the impressive howler monkeys. However, in the surroundings of many islands, eagles, falcons, various species of hummingbirds, oystercatchers also nest, and sandpipers, orioles, flycatchers and tanagers are easily found.
One of the Best Places in the World for Marlin Fishing
If there is one thing that all boat captains agree on, it is that the Gulf of Chiriqui is one of the best places in the world for marlin fishing, with specimens weighing around 200 kilos. These fish are the stars of a marine fauna that in the Gulf of Chiriqui includes species such as the gigantic snappers weighing 22 kilos.
There are also a large number of dolphins, manta rays, hammerhead sharks and white-tip reef sharks, along with all the species that take refuge in these coral forests, including the showy parrotfish and the trumpetfish.
Whale Season, an Unparalleled Marine Show
Between the months of July and December, it is possible to enjoy the largest spectacle in the world thanks to the visit of the humpback and pilot whales. These giants arrive every year from the South Pole to raise their babies or give birth in the calm and peaceful waters of Panama.
Visiting the Gulf of Chiriqui is experiencing the peace of being on an uninhabited island within a paradisiacal and tropical environment. A relaxing atmosphere that expands with the activities that can be carried out and with the full awareness of being in a privileged place.
