Gulf of Chiriquí
The Gulf of Chiriquí is a tapestry of remote islands, open water, and incredible bottom structure. It boasts one of the world’s best yellowfin tuna fisheries, is among the best black marlin destinations in the Northern Hemisphere, incredible roosterfish and cubera snapper fishing, and much more.
Remote and pristine, it’s also among the most beautiful places in North America. Isla Parida is located within the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park.
Coiba Island, 42 miles from the lodge, is designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. This distinction results not just from the incredible natural beauty, but from the level bio-diversity of birds, marine life and land animals.
There is much to love here. We’d like to show you everything that the Gulf of Chiriquí has to offer.
Why is Fishing Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí so Unique?
The banks and pinnacles around the various island groups, like the fishing grounds at the famed Hannibal Bank and near Isla Montuosa, are fed by the nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current. This strong underwater current flows north, along the west side of South America, up into the Gulf of Chiriqui.
This upwelling of cooler, nutrient-rich water pushes up from the ocean floor. When it reaches the surface, it sets into motion a chain of life.
Phytoplankton blooms attract bait. Bait holds consistently in these areas.
Aggregations of bait draw marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, dorado, and wahoo are drawn to Hannibal Bank. It is common for us to come across huge schools of boiling yellowfin tuna in “tuna frenzies” or to see black marlin exploding on the surface while feeding.
Incredible Natural Beauty
The places where we fish inshore are some of the most beautiful areas of North America. The hundreds of islands, rocky outcroppings and bottom structure are not only beautiful but they are perfect habitat for more than 20 species of inshore gamefish.
Isla Parida and the Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge is literally surrounded by some of the world’s best (and most scenic) fishing.
Gulf of Chiriqui Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Weather Like in the Gulf of Chiriqui?
Temperatures here range between 80 and 90 degrees and it’s usually humid. There are two seasons here in Panama.
The ‘dry’ season and the ‘wet (or green)’ season. The dry season is from about December until May and the wet season is from about May until December.
The ‘dry’ season weather is typically hotter with blue skies, little wind, and no rain. During the ‘wet’ season it will usually rain in the late afternoon and evenings, it’s a bit more humid, and bit milder temperatures during the day with partly cloudy skies.
It is rare to have to cancel a day of fishing due to weather but bring your rain jacket just in case!
How are the Sea Condition in the Gulf of Chiriqui?
The seas here in the Gulf of Chiriqui are usually very calm. Reason being that the Gulf of Chiriqui is protected from the winds by the mountain range of the continental divide to the north and the peninsulas that form the gulf to our east, and west, provide a natural shelter from the ocean swells.
Typically the seas run 2 feet or less during the ‘dry’ season and are slightly bigger in the ‘wet’ season months. Not to worry though as our big 33′ World Cats are very smooth riding fishing boats!
