Gulf of Chiriquí

The Gulf of Chiriquí runs from the Costa Rica border to the Azuero Peninsula on Panama’s southwestern Pacific coast. Its many islands and generally well‑protected anchorages make it an appealing cruising ground.

This remote section of Panama’s Pacific coast offers outstanding marine protected areas, with everything from world‑class offshore diving to relaxed island‑hopping and close‑up marine wildlife encounters.

Coiba National Park is the headline attraction here: a large, remote marine reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site centred on Coiba Island and dozens of smaller islands, recognised as one of Panama’s top Pacific dive destinations for its extensive reefs, oceanic wildlife, and high biodiversity.

The Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park is a smaller protected island group with around 25 islands spread over roughly 150 square kilometres, combining beaches, reefs, and mangroves with clear water, white‑sand islets, and rich marine life, including seasonal humpback whales, turtles, dolphins, and abundant reef fish.

Check current permit and tariff requirements with park authorities before arrival; for both parks, these typically include entry fees and rules on where you may anchor. In Coiba there is a defined set of permitted anchorage sites, and anchoring is restricted outside these areas.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Punta Lanza North, Isla Parida ★ 5.0 Beautiful conditions for anchoring exist in this relatively calm bay. Holding is excellent in muddy sand at depths around 4 to 5 meters. Access to a beach with amenities and local restaurant enhances the visiting experience.
	Isla de Canal de Afuera NW ★ 5.0 Snorkeling opportunities are exceptional with sightings of turtles and diverse coral life. Anchoring is viable with good holding, while a ranger station conducts permit checks. Visibility for swimming is praised, and visitor interactions have been generally positive.
	Bahia Honda ★ 4.9 Cherished for its tranquility and protection, Bahia Honda offers an exceptional anchorage experience. Visitors frequently enjoyed interactions with welcoming locals, taking part in cultural exchanges, and sharing in their hospitality. Activities such as fishing and exploring nearby wildlife enhance the overall charm.
	Isla Rancheria - South ★ 4.7 Anchoring at Isla Rancheria offers a beautiful experience with sandy bottoms and clear water. Visitors reported great snorkeling, friendly rangers, and a calm environment. Some mentioned high fees for overnight stays, impacting longer visits.
	Isla Gomez North ★ 4.6 Anchorage is busy during the day with tourist pangas and fishing vessels. Protection from south swell is noted, with sandy bottoms providing good holding. Conditions can become choppy at night due to thermal winds.
	Paridita anchorage ★ 4.6 A protected anchorage with calm waters and scenic surroundings. Visitors appreciate the opportunity for snorkeling and exploring local beaches. Visibility can be limited, and there are reports of crocodile tracks on the beach.
	Isla Jicarita ★ 4.5 Beautiful setting with sand anchorage noted for good holding. The area is described as wild and tropical, with abundant marine life. However, bug presence is significant in low wind conditions, affecting comfort for some visitors.
	Isla Brincanco ★ 4.4 The anchorage is praised for its calm conditions and clear waters, making it excellent for snorkeling. Visitors reported frequent ranger interactions and variability in water clarity dependent on the season. Anchoring can be tricky due to rapid depth changes.
	Puerto Mutis ★ 4.3 Anchorage is secure with good holding available, but muddy conditions require strong anchoring. Close access to a port captain for paperwork simplifies administrative tasks. Visitors appreciate local dining and fuel options, though currents can be strong during rainy seasons.
	Boca Chica Anchorage ★ 4.2 Accessing the anchorage occurs mostly at high tide, as strong currents can make entry challenging. Multiple visitors found the check-in process efficient with Carlos’s assistance, and described the anchorage as calm and secure for overnight stays.

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Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Panama: