Boca Chica and Boca Brava, Panama

Boca Chica is a beach town found in southwestern Panama’s Chiriquí Province. Lapped by the life-rich waters of the Pacific Ocean, it’s famous for having some of the best beaches in Panama. Directly in front of Boca Chica is Boca Brava Island, a protected area that’s ideal for stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, or anchoring your boat.

The real draw to this town are the two (free) municipal boat ramps that serve as the gateway to the surrounding islands and coral reefs which make up the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park. Wildlife you might encounter here includes howler monkeys, tiger herons, green iguanas, hawksbill and leatherback turtles, hammerhead sharks, white-tipped reef sharks, manta rays, and dolphins. Humpback whales calve here from August to November.

This is an incredible place for boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Discover Boca Chica and Boca Brava in this Panama Special Report.