One of the top experiences people recommend in Panama is going to the Gulf of Chiriqui to see whale mamas and babies migrate past out in the Pacific ocean. If you are wondering where to stay in the Gulf of Chiriqui, look no further than Isla Palenque. As a blogger, I have the “job” of staying at some of the best hotels in the world and this is officially at the top of the list!
We loved playing a little bit of castaway on this 400-acre island that had just about 20 people on it. It was so quiet, so full of stars, sounds of monkeys, thick jungle, amazing, food like buttery lobster, beautifully decorated villas and a stunning infinity pool – with SUP, kayaking, and more… I loved it here!
Whale Watching in Gulf of Chiriqui and Isla Palenque Review
Where to Stay Gulf of Chiriqui
The jungle huts are amazing. The decoration was done so well. I loved the huge beds, the macrame behind them, the ceiling fans, the high roofs, porch swing, outdoor showers and really all of it – plus it was just a one minute walk to the beach. We could see the sea from our room, just outside. All the rooms are spaced apart, so you don’t see/hear anyone else. It’s just you and the jungle!
As you can see, the rooms are stunning. The attention to detail is great and it had all the luxe things like hot water, WiFi, and iPad in the room, turn-down service, stocked mini-fridge and more. Even though you are on a secluded island, you still have all your at-home luxuries.
There are tons of activities and tours on the island which are included FREE. That means kayaking, SUP, bird-watching tours, secrets of the island tours, going to lagoons, seeing snakes, monkeys, and more – and there are paid-for tours, like whale-watching and anything off-island but they are affordable. Whale-watching is the most popular and is $70 per person.
You can schedule activities all day and night if you want, or you can take some me-time to go out to the sea on your own or hang by the pool where you can get snacks and drinks, all included in your room rate, of course!
I am partial to pools like this made with that amazing concrete that makes the water look so blue (they do this in Goa and Mexico, too!)
Your lazy days can revolve around food, at least that’s how my brain works. Each meal has a choice of starter, main, and dessert but you can have one of each and they encourage you trying it all. I can’t say no to that!
Everything is made fresh and from local people in the area on Boca Chica. We loved our stay here so much and it’s a place I know I’ll be back, hopefully, one day with Ben. We let Isla Palenque arrange our transport since it was only $70 for the car each way from David Airport (split between you and your travel buddies). You can book Isla Palenque here.
20 people Rachel? Beyond cool. I usually have 20 people within 100 feet of me when I am chilling in NYC or NJ. We need to get away from it all. Especially to places like Panama, where wildlife is incredibly abundant. Wildlife in Central America is fabulous across the board, from Mexico, all the way down to Panama. Not much poaching and locals generally live in harmony with these rocking creatures.
I don’t know why but, for some reason, looking at your photos made me feel so relaxed
This place looks like a true paradise. I love how so many activities are included, especially since I enjoy a mix of active Trav and relaxion! And the interior design of the rooms? So cool.
Thanks for sharing, Rachel. This place looks like such a paradise. I enjoyed reading the article!