Explore Isla Secas in the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Park in Panama

One of Panama’s most remote locations is the archipelago of Islas Secas in the Gulf of Chiriquí. It is precisely its location that has allowed this area to remain completely virgin.  A group of 16 islands arose from the ocean as part of a volcanic underwater mountain range. In total, this Panama archipelago has 2471 acres (1,000 hectares) in the Pacific Ocean.

This group of islands used to belong to Michael Klein—an American businessman who died while piloting his plane near the Baru Volcano. Before his death, he built a small eco-lodge, which Louis Bacon, a conservationist philanthropist, purchased later on. This lodge is the most expensive in all of Panama with only eight casitas that sleep 18 guests. 75% of the archipelago remains untouched.

If you want to visit Isla Secas, you can take a Panama islands vacation at Cala Mia Island Resort and go to the area for the day. It is only one hour away by boat from the resort.

What to Do in Isla Secas?

For many, it is simply enjoyable to be out in the ocean while Panama island hopping. This region’s climate is pleasant year-round, and the ocean breeze keeps the temperature cool even when the sun is shining. Isla Cocos is a good place to stop if you want to do some birdwatching in Panama. This island is home to a large colony of frigates that perch on trees or fly above you. If you are lucky, you can spot a male with its bright red pouch.

Diving in Isla Secas is superb. This is one of our favorite dive sites in the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Park. Cala Mia Island Resort has an NAUI dive center equipped with boats and diving gear. Our divemaster has several spots where he can take guests depending on the current, experience, and visibility. Some of the dives are drift spots, while others are suitable for beginners. If you don’t know how to dive, you can become certified or go snorkeling. Regardless, you will see plenty of fish in the protected reefs.

People around the world consider fishing in Panama to be the best. The cold Humboldt or Peru Current converges with the warm water coming south from Costa Rica, creating water rich in plankton. You’ll find bigger fishes in these Pacific waters since there is a lot of food. Considered offshore fishing, you can expect to catch yellowfin tuna, black marlin, snapper, wahoo, and roosterfish at Isla Secas. A bit further away is Isla Ladrones and world-famous Hannibal Bank.

Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Park

With 36,423-acres (14,740-hectares), the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Park in Panama’s Pacific Ocean is one of the biggest in the country. Boca Chica, a small fishing village, is the port of entry to explore a collection of 25 islands. Boca Brava, where you find Cala Mia Island Resort, resides just outside the park but it is right across from the famous, inhabited Parida island. Besides this small archipelago of Paridas, there is also the archipelago of Isla Secas further away from the coast.

Bolaños and Games are some of the best places to go if you would like to have your own private white sand beach for the day. Keep in mind that beaches in Panama are not private—there is just no overcrowding like other destinations which receive mass tourism. Sand is white, water is warm, and there are plenty of palm trees if you want to hide in the shade.

There is so much to see in the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Park that plenty of visitors decide to spend their entire vacation in this part of Panama. Others decide to do a combination of beaches and mountains, which you can experience with our Best of Chiriquí package. Many guests also visit Boquete, which is a town in the highlands that is famous for its premium coffee. Visiting both destinations offers a diversity of scenarios, wildlife, and eco-tourism opportunities.

Please contact us at Cala Mia Island Resort to help you plan your perfect Panama islands vacation.