Bocas del Mar, near the fishing village of Boca Chica is the gateway to the Gulf of Chiriqui Marine National Park on the Pacific Ocean.

Located on the mainland, with easy access from David city (Panama's second city) and the rest of Chriqui province, the rental accommodations have use of facilities at Hotel Bocas del Mar, of which they form a part. There is also a wide-ranging optional activity program on sea, with excursion departures from the hotel's own dock or on land.

Relax in the hotel's two beautiful infinity swimming pools, enjoy the gardens or a relaxing massage or beauty treatment. There is also a good-quality restaurant on site with a varied international menu. (Plus 2 or 3 other places to dine out in the area).

Try the Discovery Boat Trip to the tropical islands with their white sand beaches, (or whale-watching in season), go deep sea sport fishing in one of the best areas in the Americas, have a snorkel adventure, or a leisurely morning in a kayak around the bay. And don't miss the sundown trip through the mangroves.

On land, take a short hike, try an ATV tour with driver, go horseback riding or further afield take a trip to a working indigneous community or visit the coffee plantations of the Panama Highlands on a day excursion. There are also some more beaches reached by land. Please ask for our pdf guide. Some trips are seasonal.

Bocas del Mar is about enjoying nature in style.

Gulf of Chiriqui Marine National Park

Bocas del Mar, in Boca Chica, is simply the best place from the mainland to access the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf of Chiriqui Marine National Park with its unspoiled islands of tropical jungle. The National Park covers 60 square miles (155km) of islands and ocean, and is known for its green iguana lizards, humpback whales, dolphins, many species of turtles, stingrays, monkeys, and hundreds of types of exotic birds and tropical fish.

From our private dock we can arrange everything; from island-hopping in water taxis across to local ‘islas’ or leisurely, daily scheduled trips in our very own 26ft (8m) comfortable excursion boat. For example, try the popular 4 hour ‘Discovery Boat Trip’. With our local captain at the helm, explore the hundreds of gorgeous sandy coves fringed with palm trees. You’ll soon realize why the locals say that “Panama belongs to the sea”.

We organize activities directly or through local tour operators. We’re experts in this area and wider Chiriquí province and are happy to share our knowledge. The following is a list of possibilities*. You may also email us for our latest trip guide in pdf format:

Relaxing excursions nearby:-

Daily scheduled trips to white sand beaches & local mangroves

Beach picnics – we have hundreds to choose from just a short hop away

Bird watching

Whale watching (mid July-early November)

Snorkeling and fish spotting

More energetic excursions nearby:-

Horseback treks

Kayaking

Waterskiing, banana and funboard in waters near the hotel

Nature hikes

Longer excursions:-

Deep sea sport fishing – a vacation highpoint for amateur and professional anglers. We coordinate charter itineraries with local experts in Panama’s internationally famous and exceptionally rich fishing grounds. Ask for full details.

Inshore fishing

Diving – coral reefs and marine wildlife (boat charter basis only)

Isla Secas (normally boat charter basis)

Ngobe indigenous village explore, river hike and/or horse ride

Howler monkey rescue center.

Inland Chiriqui:

As captivating as the Pacific islands are, you shouldn’t forget the beauty of inland Chiriquí province. Bocas del Mar is the perfect base from which to explore the biodiversity of the mountains.

Between 1 and 2 hours drive away you can visit the following in an easy day excursion:

Volcan Baru National Park (Panamas highest point)

Boquete (for some of the best coffee we’ve ever tasted)

The Ngobe indigenous communities

*Activity options may vary by season and may not always be available. If a specific trip or activity is important to you, please ask at time of booking. Exact routes and content of trips, including boat excursions, will vary according to local conditions at the time of your visit.

Journey times

David City: 50 minutes approx.

David Airport: 50 minutes (flights to Panamá City, for worldwide connections, and Costa Rica)

Boquete and Volcan: 1.5-2 hours

Panama City by air: 50 minutes from David Airport

Panama City by road: 420 kilometers/260 miles

Costa Rica border: 120 kilometers/75 miles

Bocas del Toro (Caribbean coast): 220 kilometers/ 135 miles

Gulf of Chiriquí Marine National Park by boat: 20 minutes

Isla Boca Brava and other stunning beaches of the Boca Chica area by boat: a few minutes