Boca Chica, Panama

Budget for 7 Days

Vacation in Boca Chica for $66 a day

1. Where is Boca Chica?

Where is Boca Chica, Panama?

Boca Chica is a hidden gem on Panama’s Pacific coast, located just one hour south of David, the country’s second-largest city. Nestled near the Costa Rica border, this tranquil seaside village is a favourite among retired travelers, budget-conscious adventurers, and expats seeking serenity without isolation.

Accessible via the well-maintained 4-lane Panamerican Highway, Boca Chica is about a 7-hour scenic drive from Panama City—making it an ideal stop on a slow travel road trip across the country. Its remote charm, proximity to David, and easy access from the highway make it a perfect base for exploring off-the-beaten-path islands, deep-sea fishing, and jungle excursions—all at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in more touristy parts of Panama.

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?

Arriving in Boca Chica: The Gateway to Panama’s Untouched Island Life

If you’re drawn to secluded tropical escapes, abundant wildlife, and a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by kind-hearted locals, Boca Chica, Panama, is a destination worth exploring. Far from the crowds and nightlife of Bocas del Toro, this unspoiled village of just 300 people offers a quieter, more authentic experience on Panama’s Pacific coast.

Situated near Chiriquí National Marine Park, Boca Chica serves as a gateway to dozens of undeveloped islands, coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a haven for fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and island hopping—and it’s still one of the best-kept secrets in Panama for slow travelers and retirees seeking affordable paradise.

The economy here is powered by fishing, agriculture, and small-scale tourism. The town is compact, with just a few modest motels, casual restaurants, and sport fishing charters. The road ends at a concrete dock, where you’ll find water taxis waiting to ferry locals and visitors to nearby beaches and island accommodations.

From the Dock to Villa Azul

We arrived on a Sunday afternoon, and the pier was bustling—families boarding water taxis, coolers in tow, headed for a day on the islands. It was a bit of a chaotic, colorful scene, with cars jostling for position on the narrow dock.

Luckily, the first person I approached turned out to be expecting us. Another local man kindly motioned for us to follow him in our rental car, carefully guiding us around a ditch and through tight corners to a small parking spot beside his house. I paid him $20 to leave the car for the week, and rejoined my group at the dock.

We arranged a water taxi for $5 per person, which included our luggage and a week’s worth of supplies. The crossing to Villa Azul took just five minutes—but loading the boat took longer than the ride itself! When we arrived, our host was waiting at the pier to greet us. Together, we hauled our bags up a cement path, winding up a small hill to the villa where our island adventure would begin.

Accommodations in Boca Chica

Where to Stay in Boca Chica: What Travelers Should Know

Accommodations in Boca Chica, Panama, range from rustic eco-lodges to boutique luxury villas, but it’s important to note that most are not located directly in the village center. Instead, you’ll find them scattered throughout the surrounding hillsides, jungle clearings, and along the coast—each offering unique views and settings.

Don’t expect to drive into the small fishing village of Boca Chica and find a strip of hotels, shops, and restaurants. This is a secluded, low-key destination with limited amenities in the town itself. That’s part of its charm—peace, privacy, and proximity to nature.

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.

Where to Stay in Boca Chica, Panama

Planning your escape to Panama’s Pacific coast? Explore the best accommodations in Boca Chica using our trusted travel partners:

Book now — Boca Chica fills up quickly during high season!

Our Accommodation

Villa Azul

Our Stay at Villa Azul on Boca Brava, Panama

During our week in the Boca Chica region of Panama, we stayed at the beautiful Villa Azul—a modern, two-bedroom glass-and-concrete villa located on Boca Brava, just across the water from the village of Boca Chica. One of three villas sharing a peaceful pool, Villa Azul overlooks the channel that separates the mainland from the island, offering stunning views and a tranquil setting.

Click here to book Villa Azul

A Peaceful Jungle Retreat

The villa’s open-plan design and floor-to-ceiling glass walls brought us into close connection with the surrounding jungle. We cooked fresh meals using ingredients from local markets and seafood purchased directly from water taxi drivers—lobster, shrimp, and red snapper caught just hours before.

Evenings were warm and breezy. We dined and relaxed on the balcony under fairy lights, with views of the lights of Boca Chica across the water and the moon rising above the channel. Most evenings, a group of parrots would fly by and land in the fruit trees near the deck, feeding and calling out before disappearing into the treetops.

Occasionally, we could hear music from the dock, the village bandstand, or a nearby resort. It added to the charm without disturbing the peace. It truly felt like a private island experience.

Living by the Tide

Life on Boca Brava moves with the rhythm of the tide. While the villa has a private dock, it becomes inaccessible at low tide. On those days, we would walk to a longer public dock nearby and wade through the mud to reach our water taxi.

We quickly learned to check the tide charts and plan our outings accordingly. High tide was ideal for exploring nearby islands or heading into town, while low tide gave us the perfect excuse to stay in, swim, read, and soak in the beauty of the island.

Boca Brava

Building Community on Boca Brava: An Expat-Led Island Initiative

One of the most fascinating parts of our stay on Boca Brava was learning about the expat couple who own Villa Azul and much of the surrounding property. Originally from Switzerland and Italy, this couple has invested significantly in the island’s infrastructure—building homes, lodges, stables, water systems, and additional villas.

When I complimented the Swiss half of the duo on all they’d created, he laughed and said, “I need to keep busy—otherwise I’d just sit around and drink beer all day.”

The first building they constructed is now Hotel Boca Brava Paradise, where we stopped for lunch one afternoon. It’s become a welcoming spot for travelers arriving by boat and for guests staying on the island.

Supporting the Local Community

There are currently six indigenous families living on Boca Brava, and all of them work in various capacities for the expat owners—maintaining the properties, managing utilities, assisting with transportation, and more.

As part of their commitment to the island community, the couple has provided each family with a basic home, built at different points around the island. More than just employment, they’ve created opportunities: the families’ children are sponsored through school up to grade 12, with the owners covering both tuition and water taxi transportation. There’s even a condition—if the children don’t attend school, the parents are not permitted to work for them.

Schooling in Panama is free and compulsory up to age 15, though continuing education often becomes a financial burden for rural and Indigenous families. According to national statistics:

Enrollment in grades 1–6: 425,000 students
Enrollment in grades 7–9: 134,000
Enrollment in grades 10–12: just 75,000

While public education is free, grades 10–12 and post-secondary education require families to cover costs for supplies, uniforms, and sometimes tuition. In a country where geography and transportation remain barriers, access to school can be limited for children living on islands like Boca Brava.

On weekdays, the children take a water taxi to Boca Chica, then catch a free school bus to town. It’s a daily journey that reflects the island’s rhythm—and the commitment these families make to their children’s future.

Mornings with Howler Monkeys on Boca Brava

Every morning around 9 a.m., our peaceful jungle surroundings would suddenly come alive with the unmistakable roar of howler monkeys—just a stone’s throw from our balcony. Their deep, echoing howls are amplified by a special resonating bone in their throats, and the sound carries for miles through the forest. The first time we heard it, we were stunned.

It was our first afternoon at Villa Azul, and we were enjoying a swim in the pool when the howling began. At first it was distant, but then it grew louder—almost overwhelming. We couldn’t see anything in the trees, and having never heard it before, we had no idea how large the animals might be. The sheer volume suggested something human-sized or larger.

Driven by curiosity, I grabbed my iPhone and ran toward the sound, recording as I went. We later learned that howler monkeys are much smaller than they sound—adult males weigh up to 50 pounds and grow to about three feet tall. Despite their intimidating voice, they’re not dangerous to humans.

Jungle Giants of Sound

Howler monkeys spend their entire lives in the treetops, never descending to the ground. We were lucky to have a front-row view of their morning routine from our balcony. Most days, they would feed on a large tree nearby, plucking leaves and leaping gracefully from branch to branch using their prehensile tails. At one point, we watched a monkey dangle effortlessly, swinging from one tree to another using just its tail—it was an incredible sight.

Travel Tip: Don’t stand directly beneath a howler monkey. While they don’t pose any danger, they have been known to urinate from 30 feet above—consider it jungle rain, but best to avoid.

Our daily monkey encounters became one of the highlights of our stay—a reminder of how raw and wild Boca Brava still is. Waking up to that chorus each morning felt like nature’s own alarm clock, and it never got old.

3. What is there to do in Boca Chica?

Isla Boca Brava

Visiting Isla Boca Brava: A Peaceful Island Escape in Panama

Isla Boca Brava is a lush, unspoiled island off Panama’s Pacific coast, easily accessed by a short water taxi ride from the pier in Boca Chica. The fare is just $5 per person each way, and you can arrange a specific pickup time with your driver. Be aware that the pickup location may vary depending on the tide, so it’s best to confirm in advance.

Accommodations on the island range from rustic lodges to boutique ocean-view villas, including the stunning Villa Azul, where we stayed. This private two-bedroom villa offers sweeping views, modern design, and a peaceful jungle setting.

There are two small hotel restaurants on the island serving drinks and simple meals, along with two sandy beaches perfect for swimming or just soaking up the serenity.

Boca Brava is also rich in wildlife, from flocks of colorful parrots to two distinct tribes of howler monkeys whose deep roars echo through the trees at dawn and dusk. While the monkeys aren’t active all day, when they do howl, it’s unforgettable. They stay high in the treetops and are harmless—but best not to linger directly underneath them!

This is the kind of place where nature leads the rhythm of the day—and where you can truly unwind.

Want to see more?
Check out my photo journal of Boca Brava and take a visual tour of this hidden paradise.

Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriqui

Exploring Chiriquí Gulf Marine Park: Panama’s Pacific Paradise

Just offshore from Boca Chica, Panama, lies the stunning Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park—a protected area spanning over 14,740 hectares of turquoise waters, mangrove estuaries, and more than two dozen remote islands. Far quieter than Panama’s Caribbean coast, this Pacific archipelago offers a pristine escape for those seeking nature, solitude, and adventure.

The park is a refuge for an incredible range of wildlife, including Howler monkeys, Leatherback sea turtles, Bare-throated Tiger Herons, and even Humpback whales, which migrate through the area from July to October. Birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers will find endless opportunities to connect with the natural world.

Things to Do in the Chiriquí Gulf

These islands are some of Panama’s best-kept secrets, offering a wide range of activities:

Snorkeling and SCUBA diving along coral reefs and rocky outcrops
Beachcombing on untouched, white-sand beaches
Sport fishing for tuna, snapper, and mahi-mahi
Island-hopping by private water taxi or guided charter boat

Most travelers base themselves in Boca Chica, where you’ll find plenty of water taxis and fishing charters available to take you into the park. You can even buy fresh fish right from the fishermen, or ask your water taxi driver to arrange a catch to be brought straight to your dock.

Whether you’re here for the wildlife, the waters, or the total disconnect from crowds, Chiriquí Gulf Marine Park is one of the most peaceful and naturally rich places to explore in Central America.

Isla Parida

Isla Parida: White Sand Beaches & Easy Island Vibes

The largest island in the Chiriquí Gulf Marine Park is Isla Parida, a stunning and mostly undeveloped paradise known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Just a short boat ride from Boca Chica, it’s a must-visit for travelers looking to relax, snorkel, or enjoy a simple meal by the sea.

There’s a rustic beachside bar and grill on the island where you can enjoy fresh seafood and cold drinks. If you order food or beverages, you’re welcome to use their beach loungers and shaded seating—perfect for a lazy afternoon in the sun.

Snorkeling & Secluded Shores

Isla Parida is home to several secluded beaches accessible by foot or boat. The snorkeling here was excellent, with calm waters and good visibility for spotting reef fish and marine life. It’s a peaceful place to spend the day and a great contrast to more developed coastal areas.

Whether you’re island-hopping by water taxi or joining a full-day boat tour from Boca Chica, Isla Parida is one of the highlights of the Chiriquí Gulf—and a favorite among slow travelers and nature lovers alike.

Los Cangilones de Gualaca

Cool Off at Los Cangilones de Gualaca: Panama’s Natural River Canyon

Located just outside the town of Gualaca, on the scenic route between David and Boquete, you’ll find one of Panama’s best natural swimming holes—Los Cangilones de Gualaca. This local favorite is the perfect stop for travelers looking to cool off, relax, or enjoy a bit of natural adventure.

“Cangilones” means “buckets” in Spanish, a fitting name for the narrow, rock-carved canyon that’s been shaped over centuries by the flowing Estí River. The result is a striking natural channel with deep pools, smooth stone ledges, and gentle currents.

A Refreshing Stop on a Warm Day

On a hot afternoon, Los Cangilones is the ideal place to jump into the cool, clear water and let the river carry you gently downstream. The warm, sun-soaked rocks surrounding the canyon are perfect for drying off or lounging, making this a laid-back, low-cost experience that feels far from the usual tourist trail.

It’s especially popular on weekends with locals, but during weekdays it can be surprisingly quiet—offering a peaceful swim with views of the surrounding jungle and rocky cliffs.

Travel Tip: Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and a towel. There’s no entry fee, but a small snack stand is usually nearby selling drinks and local treats.

Boquete

Day Trip to Boquete: Coffee, Cool Air, and Mountain Charm

Just a 90-minute scenic drive from Boca Chica, Boquete is a popular highland destination nestled in the Chiriquí Highlands of western Panama. Perched over 1,200 meters above sea level, Boquete offers spring-like temperatures year-round, making it a favorite among expats, hikers, backpackers, and anyone looking to escape the coastal heat.

The Coffee Capital of Panama

Boquete is renowned for its world-class coffee, especially the prized Geisha coffee bean—known for its floral aroma, smooth body, and high price tag. Many of the coffee plantations in the region offer tours, tastings, and the chance to enjoy a fresh espresso right at the source. For coffee lovers, it’s a bucket-list experience.

Where to Stay and Eat

The area is dotted with boutique eco-lodges, mountain resorts, and affordable guesthouses, making it a great base for hiking, birdwatching, and cultural exploration. Boquete also has a growing food scene, with excellent local and international restaurants, cozy cafés, and artisan bakeries.

Whether you’re here for the cool mountain air, the panoramic views, or a perfectly brewed cup of Geisha coffee, Boquete is a refreshing and rewarding side trip from the beach towns of Panama’s Pacific coast.

Where to Stay in Boca Chica, Panama

Planning your escape to Panama’s Pacific coast? Explore the best accommodations in Boca Chica using our trusted travel partners:

Book now — Boca Chica fills up quickly during high season!

Boca Chica Eats and Restaurants

Dining and Cooking in Boca Chica: A Culinary Slow Travel Experience

There are around a dozen restaurants in and around Boca Chica, ranging from humble, family-run spots to elevated dining with ocean views. The food is consistently good, and the prices are affordable—sometimes downright cheap.

We chose to eat out mostly for lunches, especially while touring or when we simply wanted a little outing. “Let’s go out for lunch!” became a fun theme for the week. For breakfast and dinner, however, we cooked at our villa on Boca Brava, making full use of the local bounty and our well-equipped kitchen.

Stocking Up for a Week of Island Dining

We did our main grocery run in Santiago, a convenient stop along the drive from Panama City. There, we stocked up on everything we needed for the week—including water, produce, cheese, wine, and spirits. The real highlight, though, was the fresh seafood we purchased right in Boca Chica from local fishermen and water taxi drivers.

Over the course of the week, we cooked lobster tails, fresh prawns, and even two massive tomahawk steaks we brought from Santiago. One memorable evening, we slow-simmered the steak bones for five hours to create a rich beef and onion broth—which became the base for a French onion soup starter. The main course that night? Lobster poached in Beurre Monté, paired with a chilled French Chardonnay I’d found earlier in the week.

Cooking with Local Ingredients: A Travel Philosophy

For us, cooking regional dishes with local ingredients is one of the most enjoyable parts of slow travel. It deepens your appreciation of the local food culture, allows for creative meals in the comfort of your lodging, and often saves money along the way.

While dining out in Panama is affordable and fun, there’s something truly rewarding about preparing your own meals using ingredients sourced from the local market—or straight from the sea.

Hotel Boca Brava Paradise

A Secluded Jungle Walk to a Hidden Gem on Boca Brava

One of the most memorable meals of our stay in Panama came not from a bustling beach town, but from a low-key hotel restaurant tucked away on the west side of Isla Boca Brava. Isolated and peaceful, this small retreat welcomes diners who venture through the jungle trails, and we were happy to do just that.

We set out in the late morning, walking nearly 40 minutes across the island, weaving through dense vegetation, listening to birdsong, and occasionally catching glimpses of the Pacific between the trees. By the time we reached the wooden deck of the restaurant, the view stopped us in our tracks.

The panoramic vista over the Pacific Ocean was so captivating that it took a moment to refocus on why we were there—to eat! The deck-style dining area is open-air, breezy, and utterly relaxing. It’s hard to beat a setting like this for grounding yourself in the moment.

Warm Hospitality and Simple, Fresh Cuisine

Though the restaurant primarily serves hotel guests, the owner was genuinely welcoming when we arrived. We chatted for a while about how they came to open this small, peaceful retreat on one of Panama’s most secluded islands.

The menu was short and seasonal, built around what’s locally available. Because there are no daily supply deliveries, they work with what they have—and when an item runs out, it may be days before they can restock.

That said, there was no shortage of cold beer or chilled wine, both of which were reasonably priced and perfectly refreshing after the long walk. I ordered fresh fish with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine—all for $15. It was simple, fresh, and absolutely satisfying.

Travel Tip

This is the kind of place where you slow down, enjoy what’s available, and connect with the people who live and work in remote corners of the world. It’s not for those expecting a printed wine list or a la carte tasting menu—but for travelers who love a bit of adventure mixed with authenticity, it’s pure gold.

Bocas del Mar

Dining at Bocas del Mar: Upscale Resort Vibes with a Relaxed Island Feel

Just a few minutes south of our villa—accessible by a quick water taxi ride from Boca Brava—is Bocas del Mar, a beautifully maintained resort on the mainland near Boca Chica. Known for its manicured gardens, multiple pools, and tennis courts, this peaceful property offers a touch of upscale luxury in a still-relaxed setting.

Though the resort caters mainly to overnight guests, the restaurant is open to the public, and one afternoon we made the trip across the water for lunch. It turned out to be one of the more refined meals of the week.

Resort Dining with a View

The open-air dining area offers gorgeous views of the coast, and the staff were friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The menu features a solid variety of international and local dishes, with entrées ranging from $12 to $20.

Drinks are fairly priced:

Beer: $2.50
Wine: $4.95 per glass
Cocktails: $7–$9

While the cocktail prices reflect resort-level pricing, the overall experience—the setting, service, and food quality—justifies the cost. For a special lunch out or a quiet sunset dinner, this is one of the better options in the Boca Chica area if you’re looking for something more polished.

Travel Tip: Water taxis can drop you directly at the Bocas del Mar dock. Just arrange your pickup time in advance with your driver.

La Costa Restaurante

La Costa Restaurante: Affordable Local Dining in Boca Chica

Perched just above the main concrete dock in Boca Chica, La Costa Restaurante offers a genuine taste of local Panamanian cuisine in a welcoming, family-run setting. This casual eatery is a favorite among both locals and travelers seeking hearty meals at unbeatable prices.

Simple, Delicious, and Budget-Friendly

The daily special, priced at $4.50, includes a generous portion of rice, vegetables, salad, and your choice of chicken, pork, or fish. I opted for the fish, which was fresh and perfectly cooked. Complementing the meal, their Margaritas, also at $4.50, are both refreshing and flavorful—a delightful surprise at such a modest price point.

Friendly Service and Quick Turnaround

The staff at La Costa are known for their warm hospitality and efficient service. Our food and drinks arrived promptly, allowing us to enjoy a relaxed meal without unnecessary delays.

For travelers exploring the Boca Chica area, La Costa Restaurante provides an authentic dining experience that combines local flavors with exceptional value.

Click here my photo journal of Boca Chica restaurants

4. Is It Safe In Boca Chica?

Is Boca Chica, Panama Safe? What Travelers Need to Know

Boca Chica is a small fishing village with a population of about 300 residents, nestled on Panama’s Pacific coast. During our week-long stay, we felt completely safe—the atmosphere was relaxed, the people were friendly, and there was a genuine sense of hospitality throughout the community.

Most of the locals are quiet and respectful, and while few speak English, a translator app goes a long way if you don’t speak Spanish. The local economy is supported by fishing and tourism, and residents are used to welcoming visitors from around the world.

Safety and Health Services

It’s important to note that Boca Chica does not have a police station or hospital. The nearest medical facilities are located about an hour away by car, so travelers with health concerns should plan accordingly. Bring any essential medications with you and ensure your travel insurance covers remote locations.

That said, we experienced no issues during our stay, and crime in the area is virtually nonexistent.

Panama vs Costa Rica: A Word on Regional Safety

We spoke with several expats who had relocated to Panama after previously living in Costa Rica. Many cited rising violent crime in Costa Rica—particularly against tourists—as a key reason for their move. In contrast, Panama is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Central America for long-term visitors and retirees.

Nature Hazards to Be Aware Of

While mosquitoes and biting insects were thankfully absent during our visit, we did encounter stinging jellyfish on a few days while swimming and snorkeling. It’s wise to bring or wear lightweight swim shirts or rash guards, especially when exploring offshore beaches. We didn’t see any snakes or large spiders during our month in Panama, and overall, the wildlife felt more fascinating than threatening.

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

The ideal time to visit Boca Chica is between late November and mid-April, which is Panama’s dry season. During these months, you can expect sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for boating, snorkeling, and swimming.

We visited in February and experienced perfect weather—hot, sunny days with calm ocean waters and lush green hillsides, still vibrant from the end of the rainy season. This is one of the best times to appreciate the area’s jungle landscapes and coastal views before the dry season fully sets in.

Later in the dry season—particularly in March and April—the grasses begin to go dormant, and the hillsides take on a golden-brown hue. While the weather remains dry, the landscape becomes less lush.

Travel Tip: The ocean is typically calm during the dry season, making it perfect for water taxis, island tours, and fishing charters. However, when the weather shifts or storms roll in (especially during the rainy season), conditions can become rough, making it less ideal for boating.

If you’re planning a nature-focused or ocean-based trip, aim for a visit right after the rainy season ends—when the landscape is still green, but the skies are reliably clear.

Where to Stay in Boca Chica, Panama

Planning your escape to Panama’s Pacific coast? Explore the best accommodations in Boca Chica using our trusted travel partners:

Book now — Boca Chica fills up quickly during high season!