Major city · Panama
Boca Brava
Go for a day-trip from Boca Chica or a 1–2 night stay for howler monkeys, hiking and kayaking; skip if you want beaches — the best ones are on Isla Palenque.
Boca Brava is a sparsely populated island in the Gulf of Chiriquí, part of the Chiriquí National Marine Park. It is known for its howler monkeys, rainforest trails and calm waters for kayaking. The island has no shops, limited dining and no beaches worth swimming from — the clear water and sand are on neighbouring Isla Palenque. Most visitors come for a day-trip from Boca Chica or spend one night at one of the two lodges.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PAB
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (dry season)
- avoid May–Nov (rainy season, trails can be muddy)
- Airport
- DAV
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Panama ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Panama's National Migration Service or a Panamanian consulate; proof of onward travel and funds may be asked for.
- Panama ↗Do not travel independently in the Darién; the UK and other governments warn against parts of it, and there is no road crossing to Colombia.
- Panama ↗Guna Yala (San Blas) is governed by the Guna people: visitor fees apply, and photography of people usually needs permission and payment. Book through Guna-run or licensed operators.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Boca Brava104 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Boca Brava, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the balboa (PAB), fixed 1 to 1 with the US dollar; US dollar notes are the paper money in use, with Panamanian coins.Panama-wide
- SIM or eSIMMás Móvil, Tigo and Digicel SIMs at Tocumen and in malls; passport required.Panama-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Panama City and most towns; drink bottled on the islands and in Bocas.Panama-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if not added.Panama-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Panama-wide
- SafetyBoca Brava is generally safe; the main risks are muddy trails, mosquito-borne diseases (bring repellent) and the lack of medical facilities…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets; basic outhouses on San Blas islands.Panama-wide
- Emergency numbers104 police · 103 fire and ambulance · 911 General emergency
- Sundays & holidayscheckCarnival and the November holidays close offices; Miraflores Locks open daily (check hours).Panama-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDAV Enrique Malek International Airport (David) (About 45 min by taxi to Boca Chica, then water taxi).
- Getting aroundWater taxi from Boca Chica (5 min, $3 per person day, $5 night) or foot on the island's hiking trails.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Water taxi Boca Chica–Boca Brava (day)$3 per person
- Budget bedDouble tent (Howlers Bay), a night, per roomPAB 22
- Mid-range bedDouble tent (Howlers Bay), a night, per roomPAB 22
- High-end bedDouble tent (Howlers Bay), a night, per roomPAB 22
A day, not counting the bed: Budget PAB 30 · Mid PAB 100 · High PAB 250
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DAV Enrique Malek International Airport (David) (About 45 min by taxi to Boca Chica, then water taxi)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Mar
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Apr
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
May
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Dec
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: May–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Feb (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Oct (18 rain days), driest Feb (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Boca Brava: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Feb
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
Mar
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
4 rd
Apr
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
18 rd
Nov
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16 rd
Dec
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Water taxi from Boca Chica (5 min, $3 per person day, $5 night) or foot on the island's hiking trails. If no water taxi at the dock, ask your hotel to take you.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Isla Palenque
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Water taxi from Boca Brava, about 10 min
Clear water and a boutique eco-resort; day-use may be possible — check.
Boca Chica
goDoor to door: About 10 min
Water taxi, 5 min
Mainland access for supplies, restaurants and onward transport.
David
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Taxi from Boca Chica, about 45 min
Largest city in the region; bus terminal, airport, supermarkets.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Cala Mia
Solar-powered resort with 11 bungalows; eco-friendly, sport fishing packages.
Hotel y Restaurante Boca Brava (Frank's Place)
Midmarket lodge with hammocks for backpackers; under new management.
Howlers Bay Hotel
Double tent $22, double cabin $34 (check).
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $30–50 excl. bed
- Mid
- $80–150 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Lodge room (Hotel y Restaurante Boca Brava)1 × 1 night × PAB 80 | PAB 80 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × PAB 100 | PAB 200 |
| Water taxi Boca Chica–Boca Brava (return)2 × PAB 6 · Day rate $3 each way; night $5 each way | PAB 12 |
| Kayak rental (half day)2 × PAB 25 · check | PAB 50 |
| Meal at lodge (per person)2 × PAB 15 · check | PAB 30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | PAB 37 |
| Trip total≈ PAB 205 per person per day, bed included | PAB 409 |
check
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Water taxi Boca Chica–Boca Brava (day) | $3 per person |
| Water taxi Boca Chica–Boca Brava (night) | $5 per person |
| Double tent Howlers Baycheck | $22 |
| Double cabin Howlers Baycheck | $34 |
| Meal at lodgecheck | $10–20 |
| Kayak rental (half day)check | $25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No stores on the island — bring supplies from Boca Chica.
- Beaches are not clear; the best swimming is on Isla Palenque.
- Howler monkeys are loud at dawn and dusk; they are wild, do not feed them.
- Trails can be muddy in the rainy season.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 104
- Fire and ambulance
- 103
- General emergency
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Boca BravaBoca Brava
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police104
- Fire and ambulance103
- General emergency911
Embassy
The US embassy is in Panama City; nearest consular agent is in David (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Water taxi Boca Chica ↔ Boca Brava: $3 per person day, $5 night (check)
- Taxi David → Boca Chica: about $30–40 (check)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-see-ahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAHN-toh KWES-tah)
- Taxi acuático, por favor — Water taxi, please (TAHK-see ah-KWAH-tee-koh por fah-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está el sendero? — Where is the trail? (DOHN-deh es-TAH el sen-DEH-roh)
- Necesito un médico — I need a doctor (neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh)
No ATM on the island; bring cash from David or Boca Chica.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Boca Brava. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (dry season) · avoid May–Nov (rainy season, trails can be muddy) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for Cala Mia and Hotel y Restaurante Boca Brava with verified rates and seasonal closures.
- Water taxi schedule and fare page for Boca Chica–Boca Brava.
- Hiking trail map with difficulty and estimated time.
- Kayak rental and guided tour pages.
Sources
Ask about Boca Brava
Loading…
Was this useful?