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
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.
Weather & Climate near Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park
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.
| 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 |
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.
