Gulf of Chiriquí facts for kids
The Gulf of Chiriquí is a special part of Panama located on its Pacific coast. It's famous for its many islands and beautiful nature. This area includes important places like Coiba National Park and Golfo de Chiriquí National Park.
There are many islands here, like Islas Secas, Los Ladrones, Isla Parida, Boca Brava, Isla Palenque, and Isla Montuosa. Isla Montuosa is the farthest island from Panama in this gulf. Sometimes, you can even see Galapagos seals there! The Gulf of Chiriquí is also known for a great fishing spot called Hannibal Bank. It's a popular place for catching big fish.
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Exploring the Gulf
The Gulf of Chiriquí is a fantastic place for adventure and seeing amazing wildlife. Many people come here to fish, explore the islands, or watch whales.
Boca Chica
Boca Chica is a small village that acts as a gateway to the Gulf of Chiriquí. It's located about 18 miles south of the main highway. This village is a popular starting point for people who want to go sportfishing or visit the nearby islands.
Amazing Islands
The Gulf of Chiriquí is home to many unique islands, each with its own charm.
Boca Brava and Isla Palenque
Boca Brava is very close to Boca Chica, just about half a mile away. You can easily reach it by a short boat ride. Both Boca Brava and its neighbor, Isla Palenque, are covered in thick, untouched rainforests. These islands are home to many families of howler monkeys, whose loud calls can be heard echoing through the trees!
Islas Secas
The Islas Secas is a group of sixteen beautiful islands. Their name means "Dry Islands," but they are full of life and surrounded by clear waters.
Isla Parida
Isla Parida is part of the Golfo de Chiriquí National Park. It's located about 12 miles offshore from Boca Chica. Many smaller islands surround Isla Parida, and they are all protected within the national park.
Los Ladrones
Los Ladrones is a small group of four islands that rise above the water. However, there are many more islands in this area that are almost hidden just below the surface, which can be tricky for boats! Deep channels, about 300-foot-deep (91 m), cut through this area. These deep waters bring in large fish and even marine mammals.
Isla Muerto
Boca Chica Island, also known as "Isla Muerto," is located about 6 miles from the town of Boca Chica.
National Parks and Wildlife
The Gulf of Chiriquí is a very important area for marine life, especially whales and dolphins.
Coiba National Park
Coiba National Park is a very special place and has been named a World Heritage Site. This means it's recognized globally for its unique natural importance. Many of the same amazing animals found in Coiba National Park can also be seen in other parts of the Gulf of Chiriquí.
Whale Watching
Whales can be seen in the Gulf of Chiriquí throughout the year, but you can spot them in large numbers from May to November. This is when humpback whales travel from the cold waters of the Arctic to the warm, safe waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí. Many of them even give birth to their babies in the protected areas of Coiba National Park. You can see these magnificent creatures from many nearby islands.
Panama's Tommy Guardia National Geographical Institute is working on the first interactive map for whale watching in Latin America. This map will help scientists learn more about whales and protect these amazing animals.
A person named Gabriel Despaigne once said: "When the Green Association of Panama started the 'Save the whales' campaign in 2003, people thought whales only lived in cold countries. Now, almost everyone knows that Panama has whales!"
Humpback whales are just one of more than 20 types of marine mammals you can see here. Other common visitors include tropical bottlenose whales, fin whales, and pilot whales. You can also see large groups of bottle-nosed, common, and spinner dolphins. Sometimes, you might even spot toothed whales like orcas (killer whales) and sperm whales during certain seasons.
See also
In Spanish: Golfo de Chiriquí para niños
