Boca Chica village
Dock, convenienceThe village by the boats.
Town guide
Things to do in Boca Chica
A small fishing village on the Gulf of Chiriquí: boat trips to uninhabited islands with white sand and reefs, snorkelling in the national marine park, humpback whales in season, and a slow pace far from the crowds.
25+
Islands in the marine park
2–3
Days
Gateway to the Gulf of Chiriquí
Boca Chica is a fishing village on Panama's Pacific coast in Chiriquí, about an hour from David and an hour and a half from Boquete. Across a narrow channel is Isla Boca Brava, and beyond lies the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park, a scatter of small, mostly uninhabited islands with white sand, coral reefs and clear water.
There is not much in the village itself: a few lodges and hostels, fishing boats and a dock. The appeal is in the boat trips to islands like Isla Bolaños, Isla Gámez and Islas Secas, for snorkelling, swimming and beaches.
It pairs well with Boquete. Give it two or three days.
Where to base yourself
Stay in Boca Chica village by the dock, or on Isla Boca Brava for a quieter island base.
Isla Boca Brava
Quiet, natureAcross the channel.
Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Boca Chica
Take a boat tour to the islands of the marine park, such as Isla Bolaños and Isla Gámez, for snorkelling, swimming and white-sand beaches. Further out, Islas Secas have reefs and clear water.
From about July to October, look for humpback whales on the crossings.
Walk the trails on Isla Boca Brava, look for howler monkeys, and go kayaking or fishing.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Swimming from the village and the sunsets are free.
Walking the village costs nothing.
Boat trips cost money.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Small restaurants serve fresh fish, rice and patacones for €5 to €9.
There are few shops, so bring snacks from David.
A 10 per cent tip is usual in restaurants; check the bill first, as some add it.
Nightlife
Going out
There is no nightlife: dinner, a drink at your lodge and the stars.
A beer costs €1.50 to €3.
Getting around
Getting around
Buses run from David to Horconcitos, then a taxi or local bus to Boca Chica (about an hour in total). Shuttles run from Boquete.
Boats cross to Isla Boca Brava in a few minutes, and lodges arrange island tours.
David has the nearest airport and ATMs.
Costs
What Boca Chica costs
Hostel beds and simple rooms start at around €15 to €25 a night. Meals cost €5 to €9.
A shared island tour costs about €35 to €60 a person.
Panama uses the US dollar, alongside its own balboa coins, which are worth the same. There is no ATM, so bring cash from David.
Safety
Safety and scams
Boca Chica is safe and quiet. Check that boats have life jackets, and bring sun protection; there is little shade on the islands.
Tap water is safe to drink in Panama City and most of the country, but not in Bocas del Toro or on the islands; use bottled or filtered water there. In an emergency, call 911.
Worth the trip
Islands and the highlands.
Isla Gámez
A tiny island.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Seasons.
December to April
Dry season
Gulf of Chiriquí
Calm seas.
About July to October
Whale season
Gulf of Chiriquí
Humpbacks.
March or April
Holy Week
Chiriquí
Busy with visitors.
When to go
December to April is dry, with calm seas and clear water. May to November brings rain. Whales pass from about July to October.
Jan
Dry, calm
Feb
Dry
Mar
Dry
Apr
Easter
May
Rain
Jun
Rain
Jul
Whales
Aug
Whales
Sep
Whales
Oct
Wettest
Nov
Wet
Dec
Holidays
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. Hot all year.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Boca Chica prices.
Treat these as a guide. Boat tours cost extra.
—
- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Boca Chica questions
The ones we get asked most.
How do I get to Boca Chica?
By bus from David via Horconcitos, or shuttle from Boquete.
Is there an ATM?
No; bring cash from David.
What is there to do?
Island tours, snorkelling and whale watching in season.
Is it worth combining with Boquete?
Yes, it is about 1.5 hours away.
Is Boca Chica safe?
Yes.
How many days do I need?
Two to three.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April.
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