Situated at the heart of Golfo de Chiriquí, this stunning park is famous for its beaches and coral reefs. Founded in 1994 in order to protect approximately fifty-seven square miles of marine ecosystems, the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park extends across 36,423 acres of Panama’s Pacific coast. As its duty, it safeguards the islands, reef, mangroves and all the other kinds of marine and terrestrial wildlife, and in return, the park is an ideal location to dive, fish, snorkel, or simply stroll along the beach. Teeming with wildlife, this park offers amazing opportunities for birding and relaxing on the white sand beaches.
Within the park, there are nineteen coral reefs and twenty-five islands. Along with the aesthetic pleasure of the rocky islands, waves splashing against the cliffs, and tropical foliage, the area is also the habitat of legions of terrestrial wildlife, including green iguanas, tiger necked herons, and howler monkeys.
Boasting the coral reefs, the turquoise water flanking the islands gives birth to a rich variety of tropical fish. In order to serve its purpose, the park protects all the significant marine wildlife, such as whitetip reef sharks, leatherback turtles, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, hawksbill, stingrays, and humpback whales. The diving experience across these islands is unmatched.
A trip to the Gulf of Chiriquí Islands
The all-day trip allows you to explore the quaint local islands and their beautiful beaches. The diverse marine life and favorable climate makes for amazing snorkeling. After that, enjoy a relaxing walk on the beach.
In Isla Parida, you will find the best birding opportunities. Along with the birds, you will see howler monkeys. Furthermore, ANAM has a ranger station located here.
Moving on to the snorkeler’s favorites – Isla San Jose and Isla Bolanos. A fun fact about Isla Bolanos is that, every night, hawksbill and leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their legs.
Another island featuring white sand beaches is Isla Gamez, which is located half a mile northeast of Isla Parida. If you are planning a beach getaway, then Gamez ought to be your destination.
Snorkel, stroll, or swim – take your pick or have it all!
For more diving and water sports, set off for the clear waters of the farthest island, that of Isla Secas.
Isla Secas
Aiming to create a model for sustainable tourism, the eco-destination, Isla Secas, is located on the Pacific coast of Panama. In 2018, a luxury resort was built on the 14-island archipelago to promote the importance of nature. It is a marvelous example of a resort functioning 100% on solar energy. The site is ideal for diving and snorkeling as well. With the support of environmental conservation principles, this resort stands firmly as one of the best in Panama.
Diving
Are you ready to enter the enchanted realm of the most abundant marine ecosystem in the world? The dive sites are offered as per your training experience and comfort.
Water sports
The twenty miles between the island and the Pacific coast of Panama gifts you an ample playground for activities like surfing, boat tours, kayaking, snorkeling, wakeboarding, and paddleboarding.
To fulfill your expectations of adventures in Panama, Isla Secas has even more to offer: the biodiversity of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Coiba National park; or swimming through the wonders of marine life and admiring the migrant humpback whale.
By this time, you should have already booked your trip to the Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí and Isla Secas.
What’s Nearby?
