Not a member yet? Register now and get started.

lock and key

Sign in to your account.

Forgot your password?

  • 2-Day Trip: “Coffee, Canyon, and Cloud Forest”
  • 2-Day Trip: “Boquete Quick Combo”
  • 2-Day Trip: “Boquete Surf and Turf”
  • 3-Day Trip: “Best of Boquete”
  • 1.5 Days: Rafting and Zip Line
  • 5-Day Trip: “Totally Chiriqui”
  • 8-Day Trip: “Rumble in the Jungle”
  • POPULAR: Whitewater Rafting
  • POPULAR: Island Trip
  • Bird-Watching Tour
  • Coffee Tour
  • Cangilones Mini-Canyon
  • Hike: Cloud Forest or Waterfalls
  • Humpback Whale Watching – Jul-Oct
  • Zip Line Tour
  • Lodging + Tour Packages
  • Tour Schedule – Monthly Calendar
  • Last Minute and Upcoming Guaranteed Tours
  • Travel Guide

youtube

Boca Chica  //  Chiriqui Province

Home » Boca Chica

Boca Chica is a small fishing village along Panama’s central Pacific coast that acts primarily as the gateway to both the Gulf of Chiriquí National Park (Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí) and the neighboring island of Isla Boca Brava. The natural beauty of this place is impressive, but it’s still off-the-radar for most tourists. The town itself is modest and mainly local, with a small population of around 500; however, there are a scattering of nice accommodations and restaurants within the immediate vicinity.

This area may likely see significant changes as more tourists began pouring in, but for now, it’s still an undiscovered gem with an abundance of backwater charm. Much of this is owed to its relatively isolated location. Situated in the Chiriquí province, the turnoff for Boca Chica is 39 km east of David, and an additional 21 km down a unmarked road. Other than some hotels and their adjoining restaurant/bars, the services in Boca Chica are minimal, though sufficient.

Gulf of Chiriqui National Marine Park

The Gulf of Chiriqui National Marine Park is a 14,470-hectare marine park made up of two dozen islands and their surrounding waters, all of which is teeming with wildlife. The park provides a wealth of activities, including deep sea fishing , scuba diving, snorkeling , sea kayaking , and during July-October, a chance for some amazing humpback whale watching . Isla Boca Brava lies just 200 meters across the bay from Boca Chica, a large island that features several accommodations , a few beaches, and a plethora of wildlife including birds and howler monkeys.

Recent Trip Photos

boquete, panama, vacation

Travel Resources

  • Tours and Activities
  • Tour Schedule
  • Specials: Tour and Lodging Packages
  • Boca Brava – Hotels
  • Bocas del Toro – Hotels
  • Boquete – Accommodations
  • Chiriqui Province – Hotels
  • Panama City – Hotels
  • Getting to Boquete
  • Getting to Panama
  • Restaurants in Boquete
  • Hiking Trails of Boquete
  • Maps of Panama
  • Destination – Boquete
  • Development and Society
  • Entry Requirements
  • Environmental Issues
  • Facts about Panama
  • Food and Drink
  • Government and Economy
  • Health and Safety
  • History of Panama
  • Holidays and Festivals
  • Music and Art
  • People and Culture
  • Surfing Guide
  • When to Visit
  • BOA Travel Blog

Follow Us! 24/7

instagram

To find excellent travel advice, tips, photos, and information, as well as special offers and tour discounts, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Visit our YouTube channel for the latest videos of our action-packed tours and adventures.

We have over 60,000 trip photos from happy customers on our Flickr site. Take a look at what everyone is talking about.

Boquete, zip line, boquete, panama, vacation

Why Choose Us?

We are a certified, licensed, and insured company with the Authority of Tourism, Panama (ATP). We strive to provide the most amazing vacation in this extraordinary country!

Panama has become the next top place to visit on every traveler's list, and we make sure that every detail is taken care of with professionalism and hospitality.

Panama is waiting… Are you?

We are happy to answer all of your questions regarding your upcoming trip, making it as easy and hassle-free as possible.

Contact Us Now

Copyright © 2017 - Boquete Outdoor Adventures. All Rights Reserved. Boquete Outdoor Adventures specializes in offering Panama all inclusive travel packages with the best hotels, experiences, and guided tours in the country. We feature tailor-made vacations with whitewater rafting, island trips, hiking and bird watching, coffee tours, and more.

  • Destinations
  • Gulf of Chiriqui

Boca Chica, Panama

Boca Chica is a small fishing village along Panama’s central Pacific coast that acts primarily as the gateway to both the Gulf of Chiriquí National Park (Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí) and the neighboring island of Boca Brava. The natural beauty of this place is impressive, but it’s still off-the-radar for most tourists. The town itself is modest and mainly local; however, there are a scattering of nice accommodations and restaurants within the immediate vicinity.

Boca Chica Panama

This area may likely see significant changes as more tourists began pouring in, but for now, it’s still an undiscovered gem with an abundance of backwater charm. Much of this is owed to its relatively isolated location. Situated in the Chiriquí province, the turnoff for Boca Chica is 39 km east of David, and an additional 21 km down a somewhat bumpy road from. Other than some hotels and their adjoining restaurant/bars, the services in Boca Chica are minimal, though sufficient.

From the port at Boca Chica, local boatmen take visitors to the islands and beaches in the nearby national park. Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí is a 14,470-hectare marine park made up of two dozen islands and their surrounding waters, all of which is teeming with wildlife. The park provides a wealth of activities, including deep sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and sea kayaking. Boca Brava lies just 200 meters across the bay from Boca Chica, a large island that features several accommodations, a few beaches, and a plethora of wildlife.

Boca Chica Personalized Trips

We Explored All of Panama, Panama

Customer Reviewed   Still needs some road repair, but overall progress is being made rapidly.

No Joke. We Did it All!, Panama

Customer Reviewed   We spent almost 23 days exploring all over — from Panama City to Isla Carenero, Boquete, Boca Chica, Santa Catalina...we did it all.

Our Excellent Journey, Panama

Customer Reviewed   You did an excellent job planning and monitoring our trip. Thank you.

We Had the Ultimate Adventure, Panama

Customer Reviewed   I recommend Anywhere.com all the time. Loved the destinations and experiences we had in Panama. Panama is a hidden gem.

Overwhelmed with options?

Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service

Boca Chica Whale Watching Tour

4 Hours - Half-day whale watching tour in Boca Chica, Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama.

boca chica tour panama

Meet us at 8:30am at Bocas del Mar Marina, Boca Chica.

We leave every day at 9:00 am bound for the Gulf of Chiriqui in search of the places with the highest probability of humpback whale sightings.

During this tour we will have the possibility to bathe in the beaches of 1 or 2 of the islands of the Gulf of Chiriquí.

Snorkeling equipment available upon request at check-in.

boca chica tour panama

Not Included:

Terms & Conditions:

  • General Agreement

Places of Interest:

  • Boca Chica, Chiriqui Gulf

Categories:

  • Shared Day Trips

Booking Details:

Cancel reply.

Panama Adventure

  • Get inspired by the possibilities.
  • Build your ideal trip.
  • Hike Soberania Park watching for sloths, howler monkeys, birds and more
  • Explore Boquete, choose from a variety optional activities
  • Explore the Golf of Chiriqui Marine National Park
  • Choose your own excursion - options to snorkel, kayak or hike in Boca Chica
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Central America & Mexico
  • Panama City

Crowne Plaza Panama Airport

  • David Panama

Full Itinerary

Day 1: arrive panama city, day 2: gatun lake and beautiful boquete.

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Whitewater Rafting

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

Day 4: Tree Trek Zipline and Hanging Bridges | Transfer to Boca Chica

  • 1 Breakfast

Day 5: Island Discovery Adventure with Snorkeling

Day 6: free day boca chica, day 7: panama city and the miraflores locks, day 8: return home, accommodations, best western plus panama zen hotel, hotel bocas del mar, dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $400 (50% during holiday season) plus internal flight fare, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

  • Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

  • 7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner, 3 Snacks
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • 2 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided on your trip free of charge.  Occasionally the snorkeling gear that is supplied is worn, and there may not be enough sizes available to fit every traveler. Therefore, you may want to bring your own snorkeling gear (particularly a mask and snorkel).
  • Miraflores Locks Visitor Center Entrance Fee
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Optional Excursion - Panama Viejo Museum is an additional $ 6 paid locally.
  • Taxi airport transfers in Bocas Town
  • Internal Flight: Bocas del Toro - Panama City 
  • Panama Viejo Museum Entrance Fee $ 15

We Love to Talk Travel

Why travel with adventure life, recognized by.

boca chica tour panama

Budget Slow Travel Logo

Boca Chica, Panama

Boca Chica, Panama is one of the top places to visit in the world

Budget for 7 Days

  • Condo Rental - $670
  • Transportation - $140
  • Activities - $50
  • Restaurants - $60
  • Total - $920
  • Our per person cost was only $66 per day

Vacation in Boca Chica for $66 a day

www.budgetslowtravel.com: Volcano Baru

1. Where is Boca Chica?

Boca Chica is located an hour south of David, the second largest city in Panama. It is close to the Costa Rica border and a 7 hour drive  from Panama City  on the 4-lane Panamerican Highway . 

Flights to Boca Chica

We flew from Calgary to Panama City for $350 return booking cheap flights.   The key to getting cheap flights is booking early and being flexible on your departure dates. 

2. Is Boca Chica worth visiting?

If you like a secluded tropical locale with lots of wildlife and a laid back lifestyle with gentle local people then Boca Chica is a great place to visit and explore.

Boca Chica is an unpopulated area of about 300 people in northern Panama. There are a number of islands in a National Marine Park located just off the main land. We went there to see a more authentic and low keyed island area of Panama instead of the popular, crowded and expensive Bocas del Toro. The area economy relies on fishing, agriculture, ranching and tourism. Life here revolves around water activities. The town is small with a few motels, restaurants and fishing charters. The road ends at the concrete dock. Check out my photo journal of Boca Chica.

We arrived on a Sunday and the pier was busy with weekend people boarding the many water taxis to one of beautiful beaches on the outlying islands. We ended up on the cement dock amongst peoples and cars. It was a bit chaotic. We quickly inquired about a water taxi over to Villa Azul. Luckily the first man I talked to was expecting us.

Another local man indicated to me to follow him in our rental car. He navigated me around a deep ditch and a few cars to a tight parking spot in front of his house. I paid him $20 for the week and headed off to meet the rest of my party.

At the dock we hired a water taxi that cost $5 each to take us, our luggage and a weeks worth of supplies the five minutes across the water. It took longer to load our belongings than it took to motor over to Villa Azul. When we reached the pier we were greeted by our host and we hauled our belongings up a cement pathway up the small hill to the villa.

boca chica tour panama

Accommodations in Boca Chica

Accommodations in Boca Chica range from rustic to luxury.  The accommodations are not right in Boca Chica and are found in the surrounding area. Do not expect to drive into the small village of Boca Chica and find all kinds of accommodations and amenities. 

Booking.com

It is one of the biggest booking sites in the world and is the one I use the most often.  I have used it to book places all over the world. I like the cancellation feature because plans often change. The more you book with Booking.com the more discounts you get off the accommodation price through their Genius loyalty program. Click here for Boca Chica accommodations . 

Our Accommodation

boca chica tour panama

Our home for the week was this beautiful glass and concrete two bedroom villa located on Boca Brava. It overlooked the straight between Boca Brava and Boca Chica and is one of three villas grouped together that share a pool.  Click her to book Villa Azul.  

The Villa was a fantastic place to spend the week. We loved the open living area and the glass walls that brought us close to the jungle. We cooked local recipes with local food. We were able to buy any kind of fresh seafood from any of the water taxi drivers. The evenings were beautifully warm and bug free as we sat on the balcony surround by fairy lights and looking at the the lights of Boca Chica and the moon on several nights. A half dozen parrots would fly in front of us every evening just before dark. They would land on one of the fruit trees just off the balcony and feed before they flew off. On different nights we could hear music from the dock, the community bandstand and one of the resorts. It really was magical.

While we were on Boca Brava we timed the day by the tide. When the tide was low, our dock did not have water so we could not get a water taxi easily. We had to go to the other long dock and still had to walk through the ocean mud to the water taxi. So, we timed our exploring outings around the tide.

The expat owners are from Switzerland and Italy. They have built numerous buildings on the island including houses, lodges, horse stables, water plants, and villas. When I commented on it to the Swiss fella he said, “I need to keep busy otherwise I would just sit around and drink beer all day.” The first structure they built is now the Hotel Boca Brava Paradise where we had lunch one day.

There are six indigenous families living on the island. The families all work at various jobs for the couple.  As a bonus for working for them, the expat owners have built each of them a basic house at various places on the island.  They also pay for the children’s schooling to the end of grade 12 and their transportation to school. In fact, if the kids do not go to school, the parents can not work for them. The transportation from Boca Brava is not free nor are their supplies . 

The kids take a water taxi over to Boca Chica and then hop on a free bus to go to school. School is free in Panama and compulsory up to age 15 although there is an enrolment problem. Enrolment for grades 1-6 is 425,000, grades 7-9 is 134,000 and grades 10-12 is 75,000. Families have to pay for grades 10-12 as well as post secondary.

The Howler Monkeys

Every morning around 9 am we would hear the Howler monkeys just a stone throw away from our balcony. Their unbelievable loud yells are amplified by a special bone they have in their throats. The first time we heard it we were completely taken back. We were swimming in the pool in the afternoon of our first day when all of a sudden this unbelievable howling started. It got louder and louder. We could not see them and had no idea how big they were. 

I went running after the sound with my iPhone recording the sound. From the volume of sound we thought they must be human size. Luckily that was not the case. The biggest ones weigh about 50 lbs and are about 3 feet tall. The sound moved on away from us and I did not see them that day. 

Howler monkeys do not bother humans. They never leave the canopy of the trees and live their entire lives in the tree tops. Make sure you never stand under them as they will urinate on you from 30 feet away.  We would watch them in each morning in fascination as they fed on a particular tree. They loved those leaves. They would use their prehensile tail to let them drop from the top of the tree through the air and grab a lower branch with it.

www.budgetslowtravel.com: Isla Parida beach

3. What is there to do in Boca Chica?

Isla boca brava.

www.budgetslowtravel.com: Boca Brava view

Beautiful Isla Boca Brava has several accommodators from luxury to rustic. You catch a water taxi at the pier of Boca Chica. The cost is $5 per person each way. You can arrange for the driver to pick you up at a certain time. The actual pickup spot will depend on the tide at that time. There are two sandy beaches and there are two small hotel lodges where you can eat and drink.

There is an abundance of wildlife and you will see a variety of birds including parrots and there are two tribes of Howler monkeys that will keep you entertained with their deep and loud howling. They do not howl all the time and live up in the trees. 

Check out my photo journal of Boca Brava

Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriqui

www.budgetslowtravel.com: Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriqui

Isla Parida

www.budgetslowtravel.com: Isla Parida

The largest island in the marine park. It has white sand beachs and there is a beachside rustic Bar and Grill that has lounge chairs that you can use if you buy food or beverages from them. 

There are a number of secluded sandy beaches and the snorkelling was great.

Los Cangilones de Gualaca

www.budgetslowtravel.com: los cangilones

Located just outside the town of Gualaca on the way to Boquete is this natural swimming hole. Cangilones is the Spanish name for bucket. It describes the rock formation that has been carved out of the River Estí. 

It is a perfect spot on a hot day to jump into the pool and drift down the river. The rocks surrounding the river are nice and warm to lay on when exiting the river.

www.budgetslowtravel.com: Boquete coffee plantation

Boquete is an 90 minute drive from Boca Chica. It is located up in the mountains and has a year round spring like temperature that attracts expats, hikers and backpackers.

There are a number of coffee plantations located around Boquete. They grow the Geisha coffee bean that is delicious and expensive. It is a real treat to have an expresso right at the plantation. 

There are many boutique lodges throughout the area along with great restaurants.

For those of you who prefer personal tours, we highly recommend ToursbyL ocals . There are five tours for Boquete ranging from 2 hours to 8 hours. Here are some of the reviews of the tours:

We have always had great luck with Tours by Locals, but this time hit the JACKPOT. Chichi and Anya were the best guides ever. Great communication prior to the tour and everything worked out perfectly in connecting. Excellent English (Chichi’s English is flawless). Amazing overview of Boquete highlights and some customization of the tour to meet our needs. They are just so well-informed it’s unbelievable. Could not have asked for a better experience. THANK YOU !

Boca Chica Eats and Restaurants

There are about a dozen places to eat in and around Boca Chica. The restaurants range from family run restaurants to high-end dining. The food is good and the prices are reasonable and down right cheap in some places.

We only ate in restaurants for lunch when we were touring around the area or when we were looking for something to do. Let’s go out for lunch!

We ate all of our breakfasts and dinners in the villa. We brought all our food for the week. We stopped in Santiago along the way and stocked up on food, water, wine and spirits for the week.

I was in 7th heaven with the selection of fresh seafood in Boca Chica from the fisherman. Several nights we cooked up lobsters and prawns.

One night we grilled up two large tomahawk steaks that we had bought in Santiago. I then used the bones to make an awesome beef and onion broth from scratch simmering it slowly for 5 hours. That night, the French Onion soup was followed by fresh lobster poached in Beurre Monté. It was a delicious dinner made even better with chilled French Chardonnay that I found in Santiago.

I just love cooking regional dishes with fresh local ingredients. It really ties you to the locale and allows you to appreciate the local culture.

Hotel Boca Brava Paradise

boca chica tour panama

A lovely low keyed hotel restaurant. The view from the deck of the dining room takes your breath away and instantly grounds you. It is hard to concentrate on the food the view is so spectacular.

Located on the west side of Boca Brava it is in an isolated area. The restaurant is primarily for guests staying at the hotel but we walked for 40 minutes through the jungle from the other side of the island for an late morning outing.

The owner was very happy to see us and chatted about the hotel and how they ended up there.

The menu is not extensive and you have to take what they have as they do not have daily delivery of ingredients. When they run out it may be a few days before they can restock. But, there was no shortage of beer and wine. They were both served cold and priced reasonably. I had fresh fish with a salad and a cold glass of white wine for $15. It was delicious.

Bocas del Mar

boca chica tour panama

Located on the mainland just a few minutes south of our Villa is Bocas del Mar. It is a beautiful resort with pools, landscaped gardens, and tennis. The restaurant is open to the public. One day we took a water taxi over for lunch.

The menu has a nice selection. Entrees run $12-20. Beer at $2.50 and wine at $4.95 is inexpensive but cocktails can be pricey with some costing $9. This restaurant has resort prices but the open dining, attentive staff and beautiful grounds justify the price. 

La Costa Restaurante

boca chica tour panama

Located just above the cement dock, this family restaurant has very inexpensive meals.

The daily special for $4.50 includes rice, vegetable, salad and either chicken, pork or fish. I chose the fish.

They make delicious Margaritas for $4.50.

The staff was friendly and our drinks and food was brought promptly. 

Click here my photo journal of Boca Chica restaurants

4. is it safe in boca chica.

Boca Chica has only 300 residents. We felt very safe the week we were there. The people are reserved but friendly. Most speak only Spanish so make sure you have your translator app if you ‘no habla espagnole’. The local people rely on fishing and tourism and cater to visitors. There are no police or hospital facilities here. The closest medical aid is an hour away by car. 

Panama in general is much safer than Costa Rica for tourists. Costa Rica has had a sharp rise in violent crime against tourists. We talked to a number of expats that had moved to Panama from Costa Rica because of the violent crime. 

Watch out for stinging jellyfish. We encountered them on a couple of days when we were swimming and snorkelling. We did not encounter any mosquitos or other biting insects while we were there. Thankfully we did not see any snakes or large spiders in our month in Panama. 

5. When Is The Best Time To Go To Boca Chic?

The best time to go to Boca Chica is between late November to  mid April. This is the driest time of the year. The land is always the most lush if you are there right after the rainy season. We were there for a week in February and it was hot and sunny every day. The jungle and hillsides were still green.  Later in the dry season the grasses go dormant and the hillsides turn brown. The ocean while we were there was calm for boating and swimming. When storms blow in the ocean can get quite rough and not the best time for boating. 

NEW COUNTRIES NOW OPEN! Apply now for Peru and Poland

boca chica tour panama

  • Compare Trips
  • Dominican Republic
  • Volunteering
  • Info Meetings
  • Representatives
  • Other Opportunities

Boca Chica Is Your Ideal Panama Paradise

Posted by Emily Henkel on 3/11/20 9:43 AM

ILP Adventure

It’s the tropical vacation you’re looking for, complete with lots of beach time, island hopping, snorkeling, and chill vibes.  

If you’ll be spending a semester in Central America, you’re quite spoilt for choice. Not only are you living in one of our ILP locations , you’re set up with plenty of free time as an ILP volunteer. Since you’re only teaching part time, you have time during the week to explore your new home, plus every weekend off and vacation days to hang out in all the places on your bucket list. And we have a pretty good feeling you’ll want to spend some time in Panama.  

Have a few questions about volunteering abroad with ILP? Learn more here !

Boca Chica might not be as famous as its “on the other coast” cousin, Boca Del Toro , but there’s some pretty captivating aspects about this tropical getaway that’s more of a quiet, relaxed, refuge from some of the other vacay spots you’ll find in Panama. Found on the western side of the country, Boca Chica is a gateway to a half a dozen other islets and adventures, totally off the popular path.  

  • What Kind Of A Vacay Is Boca Chica?  

All About The Islands  

Taking an island tour  .

  • Essential Tips To Know Getting To Boca Chica  

What Kind Of A Vacay Is Boca Chica?

It’s a quiet one, especially when you understand a bit more about this part of Panama. First off, this section of the country sits right next door to the Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriqui which is a big hub for sport fishing. The gulf of the Coiba National Marine Park is also nearby.

You can find all the diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, beaches, and sunshine you’re looking for, just in a more authentic and untouched atmosphere. Instead of trendy, thatched-roof bungalows hugging the seaside, you’ll stay in lodges tucked away into the hillsides of the mainland. As long as you know that you’re signing up for a calmer, beach experience in Boca Chica, you’ll love it.

A Quick Peek At A Map  

Knowing the layout of Boca Chia is pretty crucial before jumping into all the rad adventures you have to have here. Boca Chica sits on one of the larger islands, but the whole area called Chiriquí is one of the best parts about this Central American country. The whole area is an archipelago, broken up into several large islands, lined with a few restaurants and places to stay. But as you move further south, the islands get smaller, and way more remote, making for ideal day trips.  

We’ll get into this a bit later, just know that the few tourists who know about this gem usually stay in the mainland (on the western coast is the actual town of Boca Chica) then hire out fishing boats to explore your neighboring islets.   This hidden gem is totally off the radar, making this quiet and quaint fishing village on the Pacific side that much more dreamy. 

ILP Adventure

Here's a bit of a close up — see all the little islands? 

travel hashtags for ILP adventure

Here’s your guide to planning a trip in this tucked-away, nearly isolated paradise still unspoiled by mass tourism. Boca Chica’s a gateway to some of the best things to do in Panama. If you don’t leave the mainland Boca Chica area, you can catch some sun at the dark sand beaches of Playa Hermosa but I highly recommend you do some island hopping to really find the best beaches and snorkeling around.  

Fishing boats can take you island-to-island to see dense jungles or islets lined with palm trees and rimmed with dark, chocolate colored sand or the bright turquoise water and white sand you don’t often find on the Pacific side. Hop over to visit some of the best snorkeling spots around or to wave at howler monkeys that call a few islands home. Here are few of the most popular to visit:  

  • 5 minutes from Boca Chica by boat  Home to a resort + thick jungles 

You have easy access to this island …. it’s right across from Boca Chica. It’s also the largest island in the island chain, with a sprinkling of hotels and a couple of backpacker bungalows (it’s the only island in the Gulf Marine Park that has that level of accommodation and infrastructure).   However, you’ll want to bring your own water and food for the day of hiking or hanging out on the beaches … it still feels kinda remote. Boca Brava is home to huge families of howler monkeys and about a 100+ additional species of birds, bugs, and other animals who live in the thick jungle.   There are a few hiking trails crisscrossing the island, though most aren’t well marked. One hiker marked this 2.6 mile trek if you’d like to test that out, or check out arranging a guide to take you through the dense foliage. Some of the boats near the Boca Chica marina may have resources for a guide if you’re interested.  

As far as beaches go, the island isn’t known for stellar beaches, with dark sand on the eastern most tip (Playa Arena Bonita). But the water and sand get really gorgeous if you head south to the little peninsula of Isla Palenque. The area is home to a couple of resorts (like the Cala Mia Island Resort ) which have pretty beaches ideal for paddle boarding, kayaking, and just swimming around for the guests of the resort.  

Getting Here: Walk to the marina on Boca Chica and hire a boat for about $1 USD over to Boca Brava. It’s about a five minute ride. Make sure you arrange to have your boat come pick you up — you won’t find boats waiting to take you back to Boca Chica. If you’re in a pinch, you can ask one of the hotels to call you a boat to take you back over, but that’s a last resort the hotels aren’t typically too happy with.  

Isla Saino  

  • 10 minutes from Boca Chica by boat Come for the dark sand beach

Getting Here : You can get a boat from the Boca Chica Marina to take you over and pick you up, for around $20 USD.  

Isla Bolanos  

  • 30 minutes from Boca Chica by boat Gorgeous white sand and turquoise water  

This is the island of your dreams, with pristine water that laps onto a shore of soft sand. You’ll want to get here early to get a spot in the shade (thanks, palm trees). There isn’t much to do except soak up all the sunshine and watch the little hermit crabs scuttling back and forth.  

A trip to Isla Bolanos is a popular tour option (book online or in town with your hotel in the $100-$120 range) or go on your own. Going with a guide typically includes lunch and snorkeling gear which is a perk — the snorkeling around here is really excellent. But you can also go on your own, just make sure you are packing your own water, food, and snacks for a day at the beach.  

Getting Here:  You can get here in local boats for about $15 per person for the 30 minute ride, or transportation will be arranged if you book with a tour.

  • 1 hour from Boca Chica  
  • The best snorkeling around  

Want to make friends with sea turtles,   maybe say “hi” to some dolphins, see a sea floor dotted with starfish and splash around with tons of tropical fish? Take a dip into the coasts along the Isla Secas. Isa Gamez is also known for snorkeling too, but Isla Secas just edges out if you ask around. Snorkel around here and find a huge array of colorful fish and coral in the pristine blue water. Remember: much of this area is a protected marine, leading to a flourishing crowd of ocean friends.  

There are also overnight accommodations but they are very expensive (we're talking thousands of dollars a night), so we love visiting Isla Secas just for the day instead of staying overnight. 

Getting Here : You’ll want to visit this island via tour. Boca Brava Adventures is one that heads out to Isla Secas for just $50 a person if you have a group of five people. The tour leaves in the morning (around 7:00 or 8:00 AM) and gets you back to Boca Chica around 2:00 or 3:00 PM in the afternoon. They do provide snorkel gear, but plan on packing up your own lunch, snacks, and water for the day.  

Find The Boca Chica Marina  

To get to any of these islands, you’ll need to take a boat. If you’ve booked a tour, you’ll most likely leave from the Boca Chica Marina, which is where you can find boats on your own who can take you over for just a few dollars. Find the marina at the end of the street in Boca Chica (it’s a small town with just one main road).

Teaching English in Central America

If you want to see the best of Boca Chica in one day, you’ll want to hop on an all-day island tour that will take you to a couple of the best islands. They typically set you up with snorkeling gear, and you may be lucky enough to spot turtles, dolphins, or whales as you cruise from one island to the next. Boca Brava Adventures is one tour company to know, offering some tours for just $20 USD if you have a group of 7-10. They have a couple of different tour options available ( this blogger got a 3-island tour, visiting Gamez, Bolaños and Partido). You may want to book a tour with where you are staying. Many hotels will give you a price that’s better (or at least matches) the option online, plus you can work out any details in person (like which islands you’ll be visiting, what’s included, the details on the timeframe, etc).  

Another tip? Make sure you understand what’s included.   Some tours include snorkel gear and lunch, while others do not. You’ll want to bring plenty of sunscreen (the heat here is intense), water, a towel, and anything else you could want for an all-day adventure. Most tours leave in the morning around 8:00 or 9:00 AM, and won’t have you back to Boca Chica until 4:00 PM. You’ll be visiting remote islands with no infrastructure, so double check (triple check!) you have everything you could need because you won’t be able to buy it on one of the islands.  

A Note About Sport Fishing

This is a huge mecca for sport fisherman, so don’t be surprised if all the other foreigners who are around are here to catch huge red snappers, Marlin, Yellow Fin, Dorados and others. If that’s something you’re interested in, talk to your hotel about a boat charter. Typically ILP volunteers just stick to the snorkeling but know that it’s an option.  

ILP Adventure teaching English in Central America

Essential Tips  To Know

When it comes to currency.

The region uses balboas, but US cash is almost always accepted (one US dollar equals one balboa). There aren’t any ATMs in Boca Chica, so have enough cash for your trip — not many places take card. I’d check with where you are staying to see if they take card or not, but plan on paying for your activities and food (and maybe your lodging) with cash. You can find ATMs in David or Boquete (we have more info about both of these cities below in the “Getting to Boca Chica” section).  

Plan Out Your Meals

Food options are pretty few and far between around Boca Chica. Make sure you’re booking hostel or hotel options with a breakfast and/or a restaurant because you will not find many places to eat breakfast or lunch if you don’t. There are also very limited grocery stores and markets..

You will want to make sure you have your own snacks packed (you can find a small market on Boca Brava and a couple of tiny markets in Boca Chica, but that’s it). Most fancy resorts do have an upscale menu that you’ll want to budget for. In a nutshell, plan on limited foodie options on this vacay.  

Here are a couple of the restaurants you’ll choose from:  

  • Roxy Fishing Club is one of the better options in Boca Chica, serving up pizza, pasta, burgers, salads and other favorites.  
  • Panama Sport Fishing Lodge is another place to grab dinner, with a menu full of shrimp, fried plantains, grilled fish, fried rice and other options.  
  • Fonda Lily is another place known for seafood (get lobster for about $10 USD) along with other staples like fried plantains, rice, grilled fish, and shrimp.  

Where To Stay  

Options are pretty limited, a split between an upscale resort or two and more affordable 2-star hotels. It’s recommended you stay on Boca Chica then take the boats out (just head to the marina) for a day of exploring on the other islands. Many of the islands in this area of Panama aren’t set up with any accommodations, so they’re set up for day trips by default. We’ve pulled out a couple of options below:

  • Roxy Fishing Club , with rooms in the $50 range
  • Residencia De La Marina, with rooms in the $35 range  

Getting To Boca Chica

From boquete (via david, panama)  .

Some people hang out in Boca Chica for the day from Boquete, Panama which is a mountain destination I’m completely obsessed with. You’ll want to spend a few days in Boquete hiking to hidden waterfalls, shopping for soft alpaca blankets and patterned hammocks, trekking to steep volcanic mountain tops, and more. It’s a favorite ILP vacation spot, that’s for sure. Get all the details on Boquete , here (like where to stay, how to get here, things to do, and some bomb pictures)  

This tour company will take you on a tour from Boquete to Boca Chica if you just want to visit for the day, or you can ride the bus on your own for lots less (and more time in Boca Chica). First you’ll need to get to David. You can get buses from Boquete to David around every 30-60 minutes, leaving from around 4:30 AM to 9:45 PM. Like most buses in Central America, these tend to leave when full so plan on waiting a spell if not many people are making the drive that day. The price is around $2 USD. You can also take a taxi which should be around $30 - $40 USD.  

From David, Panama

From David, you’ll make a connection to Boca Chica. You can’t find a straight shot to Boca Chica, so you’ll need to get on a route to Horconcitos. If you can’t find that route, hop on a bus from David to San Lorenzo, San Felix, Panama City, or Las Lajas (they pass Horconcitos so just talk to the bus driver about stopping at Horconcitos to drop you off).   Pay around $2 for this first leg. From Horconcitos,   you’ll be picked up by another bus/mini van to take you rest of the way, around 20 miles, for about $3 USD. Or you can take a taxi for around $15 USD.

Teaching kids English in Central America

Get ready for life in Central America!

International Language Programs is a non-profit  organization set up in the United States, set on sending volunteer abroad to teach English and spend a semester in one of our many countries. So if you’re into teaching English (no experience necessary), meeting new friends, and hopping over to places like Panama, you’re probably ready to fill out an application:  

Start My Application!

Topics: Central America

Hey friends!

We are ILP, a Utah-based non-profit org that has service abroad opportunities for college-age volunteers. We love travel so we're sharing all our tips for making the most of your time living abroad + seeing the world, and how to do it all on the tiniest budget.

  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Find It Here

  • Africa (52)
  • All About ILP + Volunteering (154)
  • All The Travel Tips (107)
  • Caribbean (62)
  • Central America (178)
  • Europe (265)
  • For The Parents (25)
  • Get Ready For Your ILP Trip (88)
  • New Stuff (2)
  • Orphanage + Humanitarian (14)
  • Saving Money + Fundraising (55)
  • South America (4)
  • South Pacific (15)
  • Teaching With ILP (27)
  • Tips For Your Twenties (81)
  • Vanuatu (1)

Need More Travel Tips + Volunteering Updates?

Popular posts, international language programs.

  • 508 E 800 N #3D
  • Orem, UT 84097
  • Phone: (801) 374-8854
  • Fax: (801) 374-8943

quick links

  • Fundraising Guide
  • Office Hours
  • Login to My.ilp
  • Travel-guide

Boca Chica is a coastal town located on the Panamanian Pacific within the province of Chiriqui. This province is famous for its micro-climates, which can literally change from hour to hour. Boca Chica is conveniently located near other popular destinations like Boquete (2 hours away), which makes it the ideal location to relax and get away from the noise of city life.

Popular activities in Boca Chica include kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and endless eco-adventures.  Boca Chica is also ideal for sportfishing, given that there are multiple fish varieties in the area. The province of Chiriqui is also a great spot for birdwatching and several tours and hikes can be arranged that include Boca Chica as well.

Our commitment is to deliver you the vacation of a lifetime!

THE 10 BEST Boca Chica Fishing Charters & Tours

Fishing charters & tours in boca chica.

  • Fishing Charters & Tours
  • Dolphin & Whale Watching
  • Kayaking & Canoeing
  • Scuba & Snorkeling
  • Gear Rentals
  • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
  • River Rafting & Tubing
  • Horseback Riding Tours
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Good for Kids
  • Good for Adrenaline Seekers
  • Good for Couples
  • Good for Big Groups
  • Adventurous
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for a Rainy Day
  • Hidden Gems
  • Honeymoon spot
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

boca chica tour panama

1. Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge

Tomasedge1

2. Step by Step Travel

agatabE9883YQ

3. Reel Inn In Panama

bocrie

4. Come Fish Panama

444rosemaryw

5. Out of Control Fishing Charter Panama

Hdlmarie

6. Panama Big Game Fishing Club Day Tours

LucaG849

7. Panama Rooster Club

meganbY7168FW

8. Tropical Sportfishing Panama

mikkor101

9. Panama Sport Fishing Charters

boca chica tour panama

10. Mango Bay Sports Adventures

boca chica tour panama

11. BocaSport Fishing

What travelers are saying.

Brent C

  • Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge
  • Step by Step Travel
  • Reel Inn In Panama
  • Come Fish Panama
  • Out of Control Fishing Charter Panama

Boca Chica Tours

Boca Chica Fishing Trips

The Gulf of Chiriqui inshore fishing charters are a dream come true for expert anglers looking for a good fight. Don’t miss out on your chance to experience the best inshore sport fishing in Panama yourself, book your sport fishing charter today!

Enjoy a full day of fishing in the gulf of Chiriqui. The most popular islands for inshore fishing in the gulf of Chiriqui are Isla Paridas and Isla Secas, as well as mangrove fishing, we provide all fishing gear, cooler with ice, live bait (goggle eyes /sardines) hard bait can fish 3 live bait and 4 rods whilst trolling, English & Spanish speaking Captain & deckhand included.

What to fish for

Live bait it is the secret key for rooster fish, cubera snapper and to fish the mangroves, trolling is also fun for big eye Jack, yellow tail Jacks and Spanish mackerel Jigging is good for small snappers, casting is good for rooster fish and snapper.

Beach and Fishing combo available.

For Package prices, more information and special requests please contact us

boca chica tour panama

Boca Brava Adventures

Best tours and transfers in boca chica, chiriqui.

  • Contáctenos

BOOK YOUR HOTEL

Can’t find answer ask us.

Full Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Fields marked with * are required.

boca chica tour panama

Bienvenidos

Conozca nuestros tours.

Tour en grupo Golfo de Chiriquí

Tour en grupo Golfo de Chiriquí

Tour en grupo al Golfo de Chiriquí, a $30 por persona.

Tour de Avistamiento de ballenas – Golfo de Chiriquí

Tour de Avistamiento de ballenas – Golfo de Chiriquí

Tour de avistamiento de ballenas y pasadía en dos islas Horario del tour de avistamiento de ballenas e isla Gámez y Paridas: El punto de encuentro para nuestro tour de Avistamiento de ballenas e isla Gámez y …

Tour de delfines – Golfo de Chiriquí

Tour de delfines – Golfo de Chiriquí

Horario del Tour de delfines:   El punto de encuentro para nuestro tour de delfines es en el muelle principal de Boca Chica. Este se encuentra  al lado del Club de Pesca Panama Sport Fishing Lodge. También …

VER TODOS NUESTROS TOURS

Por qué elegirnos.

boca chica tour panama

Estándares de seguridad

Vigilamos la seguridad de nuestros clientes, usando el equipo de seguridad requerido para cada tour.

boca chica tour panama

Experiencia

Nuestro capitán «Gilberto Orocu» tiene años de experiencia en navegación y como guía de nuestros viajes.

boca chica tour panama

Mejor precio

Estamos preocupados por ofrecer nuestros tours a precios asequibles tanto para nacionales como extranjeros.

Información & Consejos

Descubre la Magia del Golfo de Chiriquí

Descubre la Magia del Golfo de Chiriquí

Celebrate Mother's Day in the Gulf of Chiriqui

Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Gulf of Chiriqui

Tour inolvidable de avistamiento de ballenas en boca chica, chiriquí, contact info.

ZEWS S.A.

WhatsApp us

IMAGES

  1. Boca Chica Panama Things To Do

    boca chica tour panama

  2. Boca Chica Is Your Ideal Panama Paradise

    boca chica tour panama

  3. Islas Secas Tour

    boca chica tour panama

  4. BOCA CHICA

    boca chica tour panama

  5. Visit Boca Chica: Best of Boca Chica Tourism

    boca chica tour panama

  6. Turismo en Boca Chica, Panamá 2021: opiniones, consejos e información

    boca chica tour panama

COMMENTS

  1. Tours Boca Chica, Panama

    offering inshore sport fishing/daily, private and personalized boat tours . Boca Chica is a small fishing village along the Pacific coast of Panama. Primarily as an entrance to the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park. The natural beauty of this place is impressive. This Village is the jumping off point for a chain of 25 protected islands.

  2. THE 10 BEST Boca Chica Tours & Excursions

    6. Boca Brava Adventures. The weather was great and Boca Brava Adventures took care of everything with regards to tours and transportation. 7. Out of Control Fishing Charter Panama. I went with my grandchildren on a tour with Daniel. 8. Panama Big Game Fishing Club Day Tours.

  3. Tours in Boca Chica, Chiriqui, Panama

    Leaving from Boca Chica, Chiriqui. 6 Hours. Private Tour (2-6 pax) $160.

  4. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Boca Chica

    Bocas del Mar Activities offers day tours and daily departures for all visitors to Boca Chica and the Gulf of Chiriqui on land and sea. From the private dock on the mainland, take a circular boat trip for a 4 hour mini cruise of the islands of the Golfo de Chiriqui marine national park and beaches, take a kayak to explore Pacific bays or reserve a premium charter yacht or boat with captain to ...

  5. Best island tours in Boca Chica, Gulf of Chiriqui, Panama

    Whale Watching Tour in Boca Chica, Chiriqui, Panama. 6 days Private (2-6 pax) $150 Bolaños, Gamez and Paridas Tour. 6 Hours. Per Hour (4 Minimum) $55 Inshore Fishing in Boca Chica Panama. 4 Hours. 1 2. Page 1 of 2 Contact Info. 507 6386-8701 ...

  6. THE 5 BEST Boca Chica Boat Tours (Updated 2024)

    Boat Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing. By bmelow365. Everything about this excursion was top-notch and delightful for all ages aboard thanks to Joshua, the captain, and the... 3. Boca Brava Adventures. 12. Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours. By Scenic456586. We highly recommend for a day of swimming, snorkeling and exploring!

  7. Boca Chica, Panama 2024: All You Need to Know Before You Go

    Boca Chica Tourism: Tripadvisor has 2,409 reviews of Boca Chica Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Boca Chica resource. ... Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge. 52. Fishing Charters & Tours. Step by Step Travel. 37. ... Panama Big Game Fishing Club Day Tours. 7. Fishing Charters & Tours. Panama Rooster Club. 6.

  8. Boca Chica

    Boca Chica is a small fishing village along Panama's central Pacific coast that acts primarily as the gateway to both the Gulf of Chiriquí National Park (Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí) and the neighboring island of Isla Boca Brava. The natural beauty of this place is impressive, but it's still off-the-radar for most tourists ...

  9. Boca Chica, Panama

    Escape the tourists and hang with the locals when you visit Boca Chica, Panama. This small village is big on natural beauty, yet off the beaten path. Go. Home. Panama. 1-888-456-3212. MAKE MY ADVENTURE. SMS. SMS USA & Canada. Whatsapp. ... The communication regarding tour times, pick up times and everything scheduled is seamless! ...

  10. Islas Secas Tour

    The tour does not include lunch, you must bring a cooler with food and drinks, as there are no restaurants in the area. Departure from the Boca Chica pier. A $30 deposit via transfer, Yappy or PayPal is required to book. The remaining balance is paid in cash on the day of the tour. The tour leaves at 7:00 am-8:00 a.m. until 2:00 pm.

  11. Boca Chica Whale Watching Tour

    4 Hours - Half-day whale watching tour in Boca Chica, Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama. Meet us at 8:30am at Bocas del Mar Marina, Boca Chica. We leave every day at 9:00 am bound for the Gulf of Chiriqui in search of the places with the highest probability of humpback whale sightings. During this tour we will have the possibility to bathe in the ...

  12. Boca Chica, Chiriqui, Panama, 3 island tour

    Join us on our Boca Chica 3 island tour. See dolphins and white sand beaches from the ground and from the sky. Meet our tour guide and captain at the end of ...

  13. Tours

    Island tours. You can choose to visit one island for the day, either Bolaños, Gamez or Paridas. ... refers to the name of a small uninhabited volcanic archipelago in the Gulf of Chiriquí on the Pacific Ocean coast of Panama ... Enjoy a wonderful sunset accompanied by a dolphin sighting, in the western peninsula of Boca Brava Island. ...

  14. Panama Tours

    Call 1.406.541.2677. Start this Panama tour by exploring the highlands of Boquete near the Costa Rica border. Enjoy hiking through cloud forests or whitewater rafting on the Chiriqui. End your Panama travels with a couple days around Boca Chica, snorkeling in turquoise waters and soaking in the sun.

  15. Visit beautiful Boca Chica, Panama. Get details for planning your trip

    The kids take a water taxi over to Boca Chica and then hop on a free bus to go to school. School is free in Panama and compulsory up to age 15 although there is an enrolment problem. Enrolment for grades 1-6 is 425,000, grades 7-9 is 134,000 and grades 10-12 is 75,000.

  16. Boca Chica Is Your Ideal Panama Paradise

    Boca Chica might not be as famous as its "on the other coast" cousin, Boca Del Toro, but there's some pretty captivating aspects about this tropical getaway that's more of a quiet, relaxed, refuge from some of the other vacay spots you'll find in Panama.Found on the western side of the country, Boca Chica is a gateway to a half a dozen other islets and adventures, totally off the ...

  17. NEW Private Tours in Las Lajas and Boca Chica Panama

    NEW Private Tours in Las Lajas and Boca Chica Panama. Since 2010, we have offered all-inclusive 6-day, 7-night Panama Relocation Tours. These tours travel to all the most popular places to live in Panama. While the bus is moving from one location to the next, it's like a rolling seminar to teach you all the things you need to know to have a ...

  18. Whale Watching Tour in Boca Chica, Chiriqui, Panama

    Tour Schedule: Leaving the public pier of Boca Chica, from 8-9 in the morning and returning from 2-3 in the afternoon. Prices: Whale watching costs $ 130.00 for 1-6 people, 7-10 people for $20 per person. We request a $20 deposit via bank transfer or Yappy. You can pay the remaining amount in cash the day of the tour.

  19. Guide to Boca Chica, Panama

    The province of Chiriqui is also a great spot for birdwatching and several tours and hikes can be arranged that include Boca Chica as well. Contact Us Fill in the form, or simply call us at 1-800-237-3237 to get your 100% customizable vacation package.

  20. Diving

    The M/V Miss Bess operates out of Boca Chica, Panama with 1-7 day tours to Islas Secas, Ladrones, Coiba, Bolaños, and Gamez. The diving in this region is spectacular, with normal sightings of huge schools of pelagic fish, whales, and sharks. For a friendly, professional and knowledgeable dive tour contact us for more information.

  21. THE 10 BEST Boca Chica Fishing Charters & Tours

    Fishing Charters & Tours. By mikkor101. His boat and fishing gear are in good condition, boat could be a bit faster if you have to go really far out (cruising... 9. Panama Sport Fishing Charters. 1. Fishing Charters & Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching. Open now. 10.

  22. Panama fishing

    Boca Chica Fishing Trips. The Gulf of Chiriqui inshore fishing charters are a dream come true for expert anglers looking for a good fight. Don't miss out on your chance to experience the best inshore sport fishing in Panama yourself, book your sport fishing charter today! Enjoy a full day of fishing in the gulf of Chiriqui.

  23. Tours y Traslados en Boca Chica, Chiriquí, Panamá

    Ofrecemos los mejores tours y traslados en Boca Chica, Chiriquí, Panamá. Ven y conoce las paradisíacas islas del Golfo de Chiriquí. Boca Brava Adventures ... 507 6386-8701 +507 6386-8701 Boca Chica, San Lorenzo, Panama. Flexible hours according to customer needs.