Isla Parida Panama

Isla Parida main beach

Day Trip to Isla Parida: Panama’s Largest Island in the Gulf of Chiriquí

Isla Parida is the largest island in the Chiriquí Gulf National Marine Park, a protected area made up of lush tropical islands, abundant marine life, and some of the most secluded beaches in Panama. It’s a popular weekend getaway for locals and a must-visit for slow travelers exploring the Boca Chica area.

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We hired a private water taxi for the day from Boca Chica at a cost of $100 total—just $25 per person for our group of four. The price included a scenic 2-hour roundtrip boat ride and 4 hours relaxing on the island. Considering the remote location and pristine setting, it was a great deal for a full-day adventure.

Our captain was friendly and relaxed, bringing along his girlfriend and two children for the ride. After dropping us off on the white sand beach of Isla Parida, they headed off for a fishing and picnic excursion of their own—giving us a private stretch of paradise to enjoy in peace.

What to Expect on Isla Parida

  • Boat ride: About an hour each way, depending on sea conditions

  • Beach time: Bring snacks, sunscreen, and snorkel gear

  • Wildlife & locals: You may share the island with small fishing groups or families coming by panga

  • Cell service: Spotty—perfect for unplugging

  • Water clarity: Varies by tide and weather, but great for a refreshing swim

Travel Tip: Book your boat through your accommodation or directly at the Boca Chica dock the day before. Be sure to bring cash and confirm pickup times—tide levels can affect landing spots.

Lunch and Snorkeling at Isla Parida: A Local Gathering Spot in the Chiriquí Gulf

After a short water taxi ride into the Chiriquí Gulf Marine Park, we were dropped off at a beautiful stretch of white sand beach on Isla Parida, one of the largest islands in the marine park. At the top of the beach sits the Isla Parida Bar and Grill, a rustic, open-air restaurant that serves locals and travelers alike.

When we arrived, the kitchen crew was still prepping for lunch. Pots were bubbling over open flames, fish were being cleaned, and the unmistakable aroma of garlic and spice filled the air. It looked like a casual beach bar—but they were clearly expecting a crowd.

And right on cue, just before noon, small boats began arriving from all directions. Local families, fishermen, and groups of friends pulled up in pangas and dinghies. Within minutes, the beach came alive with people—all arriving just for lunch.

Tip: If you’re planning to visit, try to arrive mid-morning and enjoy the quiet beach before the lunch crowd rolls in.

Snorkeling & A Close Encounter

Being avid snorkelers, we couldn’t resist the small cove next to the beach. The water was calm but a bit murky, likely due to the shifting tides. While there were some fish and marine life, it wasn’t as vibrant as other coral-rich snorkeling spots we’ve visited.

Unfortunately, one member of our group was stung by a jellyfish. Her arm welted up immediately, and the pain was intense. We rushed her up to the bar and grill where, without hesitation, the staff jumped into action. They rinsed her skin with fresh water, then doused the area in vinegar—a classic remedy in tropical waters.

By evening, the welts and pain had subsided thanks to their quick response.

This unexpected encounter reminded us that jellyfish are common in Panama’s coastal waters, especially after storms or when the sea is calm. A rash guard or swim shirt is a smart choice when snorkeling, even in shallow waters.

Isla Parida signage
Isla Parida secluded beach

Beach Games and the Journey Home: A Perfect Day on Isla Parida

As the afternoon wore on and the shade under the palm trees became too inviting to resist, we found ourselves looking for something to do besides lounging and watching the waves roll in. The beach was scattered with coconuts, and someone in our group had the bright idea to create a game of coconut bocce.

We found the roundest coconuts we could and marked out a makeshift court in the sand. Before long, we had a casual tournament underway. It was the kind of simple, spontaneous fun that makes slow travel so rewarding—no schedule, no plan, just improvised joy in a beautiful place.

Later in the day, a few more tourists arrived on chartered boats, stopping off for a couple of hours before heading back. Despite the increase in company, the island never felt crowded. There was more than enough space to enjoy the beach in peace.

A Peaceful Return to Boca Chica

In the late afternoon, we spotted our captain splashing in the water with his girlfriend’s children, just offshore from where he had been fishing earlier. We waved, he waved back, and it was time to head home.

We boarded the boat and began our ride back to Boca Chica, skimming across the calm water as the sun began to dip lower in the sky. The wind was gentle, the sea smooth, and the air still warm from the afternoon heat.

The ride back gave us time to soak in the raw beauty of the Gulf of Chiriquí—passing by small forested islands and dozens of sharp rocky outcroppings that jut dramatically out of the sea. These unmarked hazards would be a nightmare for the unfamiliar boater, but our captain weaved through them with ease, clearly knowing these waters like the back of his hand.

It was a perfect day trip—simple, sun-soaked, and full of quiet moments that reminded us why slow travel is the best kind of travel.

 

How to Plan a Day Trip to Isla Parida, Panama

If you’re seeking a peaceful and scenic island escape – Isla Parida—the largest island in the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park—offers the perfect day trip from Boca Chica. Here’s how to plan your visit for maximum enjoyment and minimal stress.

Getting There

  • Start at Boca Chica.

  • Arrange a private or shared water taxi at the dock. Your hotel or local hosts can assist.

  • Expect to pay around $100 total per boat (or roughly $25 per person when shared).

  • The boat ride takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the sea conditions.

What to Bring

  • Reef-safe sunscreen

  • Hat and lightweight clothing

  • Swimwear and towel

  • Snorkelling gear or rash guard

  • Drinking water and snacks (as there are no shops on the island)

  • Cash (for tipping or purchasing food at the beach bar, if open)

  • Mobile phone or camera (note: mobile coverage is unreliable—download maps in advance)

Things to Do on Isla Parida

  • Relax on a white sand beach beneath the palm trees

  • Enjoy a casual lunch at the Isla Parida Bar and Grill (if open—aim to arrive before midday)

  • Snorkel in nearby coves (water clarity varies with the tide)

  • Play a beach game like coconut bocce

  • Watch the comings and goings of local boats, especially during the lunchtime rush

Important Notes

  • Jellyfish are occasionally present—consider wearing a rash guard, and vinegar can help treat stings

  • Facilities are limited—there are no public washrooms or change rooms

  • Tide levels affect pick-up and drop-off locations, so confirm times with your captain

  • Please take all rubbish with you to help keep the island pristine

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!