Boca Chica, Panama's Authentic Coast |
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| Written by Matt |
| Wednesday, 17 October 2007 20:44 |
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It was the first time in a while I felt like I was back in Costa Rica again. Jagged-toothed coves, islands of deep dark volcanic rock, and dolphins breaking in the wake. Our worn out panga cut through the sea as the Pacific morning sun shone down and we looked back at the rustic coast of Panama, spotting from afar the fair sandy beaches of Chiriqui. Didn't that sound like a little poem? The coast was dotted with the kinds of secret hidden coves that belong in pirate films: half-moon bays and deep green jungles that speak of Swiss Family Robinson and Gilligan's Island. Of men with sticks as legs and parrots that talk and wear eye patches. Boca Chica, the island-studded coast not far from Chiriqui's all-too-trendy Boquete, appears to be the perfect example of "the way it looked back then": back to a time when real estate tycoons and all inclusive resorts were just a twinkle in the eye of large conglomerates and cheap tourists. The majority of the surrounding coast is untouched, with the exception of several small towns where cantinas and rustic beach cabanas offer fried fish and cold beer for fifty cents. Boca Chica has the real feel of Costa Rica, with its boutique, eco-friendly hotels nestled into the mountains: places, with their open terraces and door-less rooms, that seamlessly bring the outside in. This is not something you see much elsewhere in Panama. Places like Seagull Cove Lodge camouflaged into the jungle, Pacific Bay Resort running solely on solar power, and Cala Mia where dark woods and organic materials fluently compliment their environs. Unlike shiny condo towers and tall-reaching sky scrapers we see in the city and at various Central Pacific beaches, these cozy bluffs overlooking the islands seem to offer a view unlikely to ever go out of style. The sport fishing in Boca Chica is remarkable too. In most restaurants and hotels you'll find the obligatory photo with the owner or his friends holding fish, the size of small sedans, by the gills. These photos are often captioned by corny handwritten phrases like "Way to go Shane!" or "Bart! That one's bigger than your wife!" The photos are usually smeared with fish blood and faded by the sunlight. One of the local fishermen, Hugo, took us out in his boat on the basis that we'd either drink a lot of cold beer or pay him some money upon return. He was a weathered looking guy with the same kind of calm smile I've come to attribute to coastal life. He showed us the entire coast through Playa Bejuco which was simply stunning. The semi-famous Islas Secas lie not too far out as well, known for their white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters; home to another of the nation's more exclusive resorts. With nearby regions becoming almost oversaturated and a new international airport supposedly in the works, Boca Chica seems to be the obvious go-to spot for decent investment growth. It beholds the kind of potential we've seen in places like Pedasi and Penenome with impressive landscape existing and large-scale tourism foot traffic imminent. You can gauge this potential with the number of roads set to be built. But more importantly, Boca Chica is the kind of tourism destination that Panama desperately needs more of. Mom-and-pop-like establishments offering unique products and authentic experiences. That's why I'd go back. Trackback(0)
Comments (10)
  written by PanamaJohnny , October 18, 2007 great articel matt! this is just what we are looking for. look forward to yur response on the comment above! muchas grasias!
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 written by Dav , March 01, 2008 Boca Chica? Nah! Don't go there! Ickey! No there, there! Horrible! Terrible! Ugly!Lousy weather! Unfriendly people! Stay in the city! Go to C.R.! So much groovier!
Sincerely, Dav report abuse
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 written by Don Lydon , May 29, 2008 anyone have a contact cant find a website..thanks
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 written by r , September 27, 2008 Where you go, who you know, how you act, you act like a tourist,
and expect your tea and crumpet's stay home. You must be a city boy, stay in the city, they are much nicer takeing your money with a smile. report abuse
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 written by David Kohler , September 28, 2008 I am considering staying at the seagull cove lodge but i want to find a local fisherman to fish with. I want to avoid paying the high prices charged by American charters. Is this possible at this location ?
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 written by Mateo , September 28, 2008 im sure the owners could arrange that for you. but otherwise, just go down to the Wahoo Willy's area and ask a boatman to take you out for the day. You'll more or less just pay for gas and get a great tour. However, unless you bring your own rods, chances are you'll be doing line fishing or net fishing which isn't really fishing at all.
Matt report abuse
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 written by David Williams , January 14, 2009 My wife and I traveled to Panama in February, 2008. We reserved a few evenings at the Seagull Cove Lodge after stumbling over the inn's website by accident while searching the internet for lodgings in Chiriqui for someplace to stay in or near Boquette. We were drawn to the ad and thought it might be fun to try something a little bit removed from the well worn tourist path. We absolutely loved the place. Want proof? I stumbled on this page while searching the internet for a building lot in or near Boca Chica. What more can I say? We only three days there and nearly a year later, I'm still dreaming of selling out and moving down. The Lodge was comfortable, service cordial and food terrific. The surrounding area hasn't yet been "improved" by Disney-types intent on manufacturing a destination. It is real, rural and beautiful. I hope it stays that way but fear it won't. We NEEDED 4 wheel drive to reach the coast but they were grading the road with stone to prepare it for asphalt during our stay we observed several pickups with the RB Richard Ellis logo emblazoned on the door. Go before they ruin it.
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 written by jonathan , April 21, 2009 I am moving to panama and am looking for berthing preferably on the caribean side but pacific is good too. Any help would be nice , thanks
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 written by Guillermo Tribaldos III (Bill ) , December 06, 2009 I am looking for a serious group to develope San Jose Islands.
- 20 minutes by panga from Boca Chica - I have clear legal titles for the three islands - Owened by my family for three generations - A total of 51 virgin wooded acres - White sand beaches with crystal clear waters - I can arrange for visits by appointment to serious and qualified investors - You may contact me by e-mail or Ph. (337) 893 6696 Cell. (337) 849 3897 Bill report abuse
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| Last Updated on Friday, 05 September 2008 16:40 |
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Thanks,