Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park

National Park Marine national park protecting coral reefs and islands

Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park comprises islands and marine habitats off Panama’s Pacific coast; visitors arrive for snorkeling, diving, sport fishing and island-hopping among coral reefs and mangroves.

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A national marine park off the Pacific coast of Panama in Chiriquí Province, established to conserve marine habitats and island ecosystems.

Designated by the Panamanian state as a protected area to safeguard fisheries, reefs and island habitats, and to regulate tourism and resource use in the gulf.

Located in the Gulf of Chiriquí on Panama’s Pacific coast, within Chiriquí Province and accessible by boat from coastal communities in the region.

  • Marine habitats: Protects a mix of islands, coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves that support high marine biodiversity and recreational diving
Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park
8.1131, -82.3036
Marine park access regulated by local authorities; day access typically arranged via licensed tour operators
Park entry and marine permits may apply for specific activities such as diving; permits and fees are administered by Panamanian authorities

How to Get to Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park #

The park is accessed by boat from ports such as Boca Chica and Puerto Mutis in Chiriquí Province. Travel time varies by island; licensed operators run day trips and diving excursions-book through Panama-side guides who include park fees and local knowledge.

Tips for Visiting Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park #

  • Book dive operators that include park permits and know the local rules-the currents can be strong and conditions change quickly.
  • Visit islands within the park early in the day to avoid afternoon winds that make boat rides rougher.
  • Respect no-take zones: guides will point out protected reefs and bird colonies that rely on fishing limits.

Best Time to Visit Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park #

Dry season is best for diving and boat access; the park is a year-round marine habitat but conditions and visibility are seasonal.

Dry season (best for diving)
December-April · 26-30°C (water)
Calmer seas, better visibility for diving and snorkeling.
Green season (shorebird activity)
May-November · 24-29°C (water)
More rain but fewer tourists; certain marine life becomes more active.

Weather & Climate near Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park #

Climate

Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2972 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 29 Good
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (33 mm).

90 Ideal

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
22° 31°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.6h daylight

February

February is hot, feeling like 29°C. The driest month with just 26 mm.

92 Ideal

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
23° 32°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

26 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

March

March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

April is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

63 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

159 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

May

May is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (316 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 31°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

316 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (326 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

326 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
12.5h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (263 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 31°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

263 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
12.4h daylight

August

August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (446 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

446 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

September

September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (539 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 30°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

539 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (486 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 30°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

486 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.8h daylight

November

November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 30°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

202 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 31°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

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