Islands of the Chiriquí Gulf – Which ones Are They, Which ones to Visit and an ULTIMATE List of things that you MUST bring if you are going to visit an Island!
If you want to visit white sand beaches with crystalline waters you do not need to leave Panama, although a bit distant, these hidden gems of our Chiriqui province are a perfect place to spend summer days with friends and family.
The Chiriquí Gulf is a group of islands located on the Pacific coast of Panama, west of the Azuero Peninsula. A unique and charming place, with islands that offer a wide variety of activities and tourist attractions. From beautiful beaches to impressive cliffs and rich biodiversity, this gulf is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy nature and the sea in all its splendour.
How to get to the Islands of the Chiriqui Peninsula?
The most popular option is to go to the port of Boca Chica, (Click here for directions on Google Maps), there are many parking spaces for your car inside the properties of locals, who will charge between $1 to $5 USD for the parking spot for the day. Then you will be able to walk to the port, from this point you will see many “taxis” which are little motor boats owned by locals who offer their services and will drive you to one or multiple islands. It is better to go in the morning, you can spend the whole day on the islands and the same driver will return you back to the port.
Do the Chiriquí Islands have blue or crystal clear water?
Yes! And it is beautiful.
What are the most frequented islands of the Chiriqui Peninsula?
The most visited by foreign and local tourists are;
- Gamez Island: It has white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and is an ideal place to practice water sports such as snorkelling and diving. It is one of the smallest and busiest during holidays and weekends.}
- Paridas Island: Impressive cliffs and rich biodiversity. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, as it is home to several species of seabirds and mammals such as dolphins and whales. (It is the only island with a restaurant, only open during the high season)
- Bolaños Island: Beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters, makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. In addition, Isla Bolaños is an ideal place to practice water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing, and it is also a popular destination for hiking and enjoying nature.
Let’s talk about Islas Secas… A completely different paradise, and very versatile for all budgets, with something special for those who want to indulge in luxury and enjoy privacy and exclusivity. If you are looking for the clearest water possible and perhaps encounter dolphins along the way, this is the island to choose.
Look at this incredible resort in Islas Secas…
What should I take to the islands? We give you a complete list
- Personal documents: it is important to always carry your passport, cédula or any other identity document with you, since you may need to present them when you check in at the hotel or to carry out certain tourist activities.
- Cash: it is important to carry cash, and if you want a credit card, to cover any unforeseen expenses during the trip, however, cash is important since with it you can pay for taxis and parking lots.
- Appropriate clothing and footwear: it is important to wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the island’s climate. It is advisable to bring cool clothes and sandals.
- Sun protection: it is important to wear sunblock to protect your skin from the sun during the hours of greatest exposure.
- Medicines: it is important to take with you any medicine you need during the trip, or on that specific day. In addition, you can be cautious and carry a small kit with bandages, alcohol and paracetamol.
- A small backpack: It is useful to have a small backpack to carry your belongings with you during the day, such as a couple of towels, a book and everything you want to take for games and water sports.
- Food and Drinks: Water is essential, on the majority of these islands there is no connection to drinking water, so you must bring it. Regarding food, we will always recommend bringing something for lunch, since there is no certain way to know if a restaurant will be open or not.
The best time to enjoy the Islands of Chiriquí is during the summer, go fall in love with them!
