Visiting the Gulf of Chiriqui
Top Things To Do In and Around Boca Chica
Hiking, Horseback Riding and Wildlife Spotting
If you love nature walks, make sure you pack your hiking boots or sneakers you don’t mind getting dirty! Take a 5 minute boat ride to Isla Boca Brava where you can go hiking in the jungle. This is a great opportunity to see howler monkeys, porcupines, butterflies and the wide variety of wildlife that live in the vegetation. As the island is largely uninhabited, we recommend asking a local or going with a guide that can bring you to the best beaches and viewpoints on the island. Birdwatchers will love taking a hike through the jungle as you can also see toucans, woodpeckers, tanagers, vivid warbles, among other birds.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can also visit the jungle on horseback. There are several hotels in the region that offer horseback riding.
Sportfishing
If you’re an avid angler, chances are you didn’t stumble across Boca Chica by coincidence. Within and around Boca Chica, you can find several fishing lodges that can take you to experience the incredible marine diversity of the Gulf of Chiriquí at Hannibal Bank and Isla Montuosa. By booking a 3-day all inclusive fishing trip, you’ll have the chance to catch marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, cubera snapper, wahoo, Mahi, bluefin trevally, snook, grouper, and amberjack in this prolific big game fishing destination.
Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
Many of the best diving sites in Panama are located in the Gulf of Chiriqui, and are explored by only a few. Only one resort, Selva Terra Island Resort, offers scuba diving lessons and trips to Islas Secas, one of the one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific. You will have the chance to spot multiple colorful fish species, turtles, eagle and manta rays, dolphins, numerous species of sharks, and more. Scuba diving or snorkeling in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriqui is an aquatic tour you will not forget!
Surfing and Watersports
Perhaps you have heard that Costa Rica is epic for surfing, but did you know Panama also pretty awesome? Selva Terra has its own surf break and surfboards on site which are complementary to your stay. The best season for surfing on Panama’s Pacific coast is between the months of April to August due to consistent swells from the southwest.
In the absence of swell, you can try towing sports such as surf skis or wakeboarding. For less extreme sports, yet equally as adventurous, you can grab a kayak or paddle board and explore the mangrove estuary systems that surround Boca Chica and the islands.
Whale Watching
If you visit Boca Chica between July 15 -October 1, there is a very high chance of spotting humpback whales if you embark on a whale-watching tour. Several tour operators and hotels can arrange this tour during your stay. The Gulf of Chiriqui is one of the few locations in the world where both northern and southern hemisphere humpback whales migrate. The amount of whale activity in the region is astounding.. it would be a shame to miss this epic opportunity during your stay in Boca Chica.
Island Hopping Tour
Island hopping is one of the most popular things to do around Boca Chica and when visiting the Gulf of Chiriqui. What better way to relax and enjoy a half day than embarking on an island hopping tour with a cooler packed with fresh beer and snacks. Departing from Boca Chica and located only 20 minutes away on boat, lie the unspoiled islands Gamez, Bolaño and Paridas. Here you can enjoy the cool shade of swaying palms fan over white sandy beaches. These beaches are great for swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing.
Join us for your Panama Island Vacation
Selva Terra Island Resort is located on an island called Isla Boca Brava, only 15 minutes away on boat from Boca Chica. When staying with us, we will pick you up from David Airport so you don’t have to worry about getting to Boca Chica. Our resort operates as an all-inclusive, so all meals are included during your stay.
Whether you’re here to fish or to enjoy Panama’s natural wonders, at the resort you will experience seclusion that will help you to clear your mind and get away from the business and demands of everyday life.
Check out our experience packages or rent the island if you have a group of 10 or more.
Book YOUR
EXPERIENCE
All of our packages are unique and can be customised. Let us know which package you are interested in, and anything else we should know to make your stay special.
Grounded in Clay, Inspired by Nature Pottery Retreat
Join Kristina Latraverse, founder of Seagrass Studio on this creative escape. You will be guided through a process that fosters creativity, technical skill, and personal expression.
11th - 16th July 2025
SOLD OUT
From US$ 2,750
Wheel Throwing Pottery Retreat
Join Garret Pendergrass, owner of GGP on this 5 day retreat. The outcome of this retreat is for students to learn to throw on the pottery wheel and understand the foundations of working with clay. Find your center on this wheel throwing pottery retreat designed for beginners and intermediates.
23rd - 28th July 2025
SOLD OUT
From US$ 2,800
Wheel Throwing Pottery Retreat
Join Garret Pendergrass, owner of GGP on this 5 day retreat. The outcome of this retreat is for students to learn to throw on the pottery wheel and understand the foundations of working with clay. Find your center on this wheel throwing pottery retreat designed for beginners and intermediates.
29th July - 3rd August 2025
From US$ 2,800
Creating Space Within Retreat with Melissa Hobson and Rachel White
We designed this retreat specifically to support your intention for creating space within, through the sacred practices of Yoga + Movement, Sound Healing, Breath Work, Grounding, Meditation and Play. THIS RETREAT IS DESIGNED TO CELEBRATE YOU!
17th - 22nd November 2025
Mindful movement retreat with Naya Calmels
Are you ready to create more inner peace and build a positive mindset through mindful movement practices? Join us for five luxurious days of Pilates, yoga, dance and learning to shift our perspective to a more joyful state, while playing in the yoga shala and exploring our natural environment. Gather your favorite people (or take a break from them) and join us on our Peace & Positivity through Mindful Movement Retreat!
1st - 6th December 2025
Wheel Throwing Pottery Retreat
For this pottery retreat, Selva Terra is partnering with Sarah Glass, owner of Sarah Glass Ceramics. This retreat is catered towards beginners and intermediates seeking an immersive and hands-on experience on the potters wheel. You will learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing and fostering your creativity and self-expression through clay.
14th - 19th December 2025
From US$ 2,950
Father & Son Fishing Week
Join other father-and-son duos for the perfect mix of adventure, bonding, and nature.
The Gulf of Chiriqui is known to be one of the best places in the world to catch yellowfin tuna, billfish like marlin and sailfish and trophy roosterfish. You can be sure that a father and son fishing trip in Panama will be one to remember as you reel in your catch-of-a-lifetime.
24th - 30th January 2026
US$ 4,750 per angler
Wellness & Burnout Prevention Retreat with Karin Hudson
Step into Stillness. Reconnect with Nature. Rediscover Yourself. This all-inclusive wellness and burnout prevention retreat is for those who give deeply—caregivers, clinicians, educators, partners, animal advocates, and service professionals.
March 15-20, 2026
Wheel Throwing Pottery Retreat
Join Garret Pendergrass, owner of GGP on this 5 day retreat. The outcome of this retreat is for students to learn to throw on the pottery wheel and understand the foundations of working with clay. Find your center on this wheel throwing pottery retreat designed for beginners and intermediates.
3rd - 8th May 2026
From US$ 2,800
Mother & Daughter Retreat
What better way to celebrate Mother's Day than attending a mother & daughter retreat in paradise.
10th - 15th May 2026
COMING SOON
Pottery Foundations Retreat
Join Bri Santo, owner of Sumiware Ceramics in June 2026. This is a 4-day handbuilding series designed for beginners. Each session focuses on foundational pottery skills, surface design, and creativity. The emphasis is on the experience of making rather than producing perfect pieces. Perfect for beginners.
25th - 30th June 2026
From US$ 2,800
all inclusive vacation package
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