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Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park

National Park

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.

Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park Panama CityPanama CanalBocas del ToroBoqueteSan Blas IslandsGulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park
In this guide

Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park essentials

Hours: Marine park access regulated by local authorities; day access typically arranged via licensed tour operators
Admission: Park entry and marine permits may apply for specific activities such as diving; permits and fees are administered by Panamanian authorities

About Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park

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
When to Go

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
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 22° - 31° 27° 33 mm some cloud 73% 3.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.6h
February Ideal 23° - 32° 29° 26 mm some cloud 69% 3.4 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.7h
March Very Good 24° - 32° 30° 46 mm partly cloudy 68% 3.2 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
April Good 24° - 32° 31° 159 mm partly cloudy 72% 2.8 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.2h
May Acceptable 24° - 31° 32° 316 mm overcast 82% 2.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.4h
June Good 24° - 30° 31° 326 mm overcast 85% 2.0 m/s 2.0 very high 12.5h
July Good 24° - 31° 31° 263 mm overcast 84% 2.0 m/s 2.0 very high 12.4h
August Acceptable 23° - 31° 30° 446 mm overcast 85% 2.0 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.3h
September Good 23° - 30° 27° 539 mm overcast 86% 2.0 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
October Good 23° - 30° 27° 486 mm overcast 87% 2.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.8h
November Good 23° - 30° 26° 202 mm overcast 86% 2.1 m/s 1.8 very high 11.6h
December Very Good 22° - 31° 26° 130 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.3 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
Getting There & Around

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.