A tropical island paradise
Nature’s own adventure playground, the Gulf of Chiriquí, on Panama’s Pacific coast, could have been built for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It stretches from the Costa Rican border to the Azuero Peninsula, encompassing the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park, white sand beaches, untamed islands, dense mangrove forests and one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific.
Its abundance of biodiversity has led to multiple conservation and research projects designed to protect its flourishing marine and wildlife. As well as being one of Panama’s best sites for birdwatching, one of the area’s main draws is its world-class whale watching. Humpback whales pass through the Gulf’s balmy waters from both poles, with numbers peaking between July and October.
Whales aren’t the only wonder beneath the waves, as these deep blue waters are also home to dolphins, whale sharks, giant manta rays, sea turtles and tropical fish, for incredible snorkelling and diving. The Gulf is dotted with castaway islands framed by swaying palm trees and white sand beaches, and also home to the occasional jaw-dropping private island resort. Retreats such as Islas Secas and Isla Palenque are the perfect tropical escape for those in search of a little R&R.
Highlights
Watch in awe as migrating humpback whales pass through Gulf’s tropical waters
Kick back and relax on a picturesque private island resort
Explore the kaleidoscopic marine life that inhabits the protected coral reefs
Delfina Russo
Travel Designer
The Gulf of Chiriquí made me feel a sense of escapism like never before - there's no feeling quite like relaxing in the sun on the pristine beaches of a private island.
Delfina Russo
Travel Designer
Luxury Accommodation in the Gulf of Chiriquí
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip Inspiration
Discover more of Panama
Bocas del Toro
This idyllic archipelago on the Caribbean coast, is a paradise for island lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and laid-back island vibe, it’s the perfect getaway if you’re looking to simply unwind or dive headlong into nature. From snorkeling among stunning coral reefs to spotting dolphins in the open sea, every corner offers a new discovery.
Discover morePanama City
An enticing blend of history, culture and cosmopolitan living, Panama City is an excellent introduction to the country and a gateway to some outstanding experiences.
Discover moreMeet your Latin America team
When to visit
Panama’s tropical climate means year-round warm temperatures of around 30°C (86°F), however it’s also characterised by rain showers. The Caribbean coast sees more rainfall overall, with afternoon showers common year round, while Chiriquí, which sits on the Pacific coast, is generally drier.
The best time to visit is during the dry season which runs from late December to April, and offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities including sightseeing, hiking, snorkelling and relaxing on the beach. Meanwhile, the rainy seasons creates great surfing conditions and lush, green landscapes.
Dry season
December – May
Rainy season
May – December
Plan your trip to the Gulf of Chiriquí
Whatever you want from your adventure in the Gulf of Chiriquí, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Every detail was to be taken care of and the trip had no hitches. Alll of the hosts, drivers and guides were wonderful.
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.