Paradise on the Chiriqui Coast

Here is part 2 of our series of road trips here in Panama on the Chiriqui coast in the province where we live.  We are extremely fortunate to have found this place when we first came here twelve years ago.    Like many people, my wife and I often took trips abroad to see other lands with the idea of one day having a second home or moving to another country. Having been in commercial real estate for 30 years in the US, I saw things building towards another bubble in 2006 and started my journey to Panama, the land of my birth to see what all the talk was about. I realized that time was running out and it was time to “stop and smell the roses”, so we made the move and here we are. Twelve years later, the stress is gone, the weight is way down, we live healthy lives and eat fresh food grown right in our neighborhood and caught in the ocean nearby.

Welcome to Boca Chica.  I just got back from  showing property here and I am again reminded that I do not need to drive more than an hour and a half from my home in the mountains to be on some of the most beautiful Pacific coastal waters in the world.

Most  of the  beaches are deserted as this area has not yet seen the development boom occurring in other areas of Panama and the jungle here comes right down to the beach.  So do the howler monkeys when you set foot in their neighborhood.

There are really nice places to stay overnight for under $200 per night.

For a world class experience try Isla Palenque, home to amongst other wonders, one of the most private and luxurious beach bars in this hemisphere.

If you like the idea of coastal living, there are a few developments and one  inside a gated secure community.

Homes here go for $269,000 to over a million dollars and one acre lots directly on the ocean can still be had for under $200,000.  With a total budget of $500,000 you could have a beautiful 4/3 home on the ocean with over 3,000 square feet of living space.  If you prefer a budget accommodation, you can buy a new home near the water for under $300,000.

There are neighborhoods with security allows you to lock up when you leave and not have to worry about your home.  A personal maid and gardener will cost you $100 per month and the the home owners association maintenance fee is very reasonable.   In addition, you may enjoy real estate tax relief through several incentive programs here in Panama.

If you want to ride a horse on the beach, there is an equestrian center and hundreds of acres of land to ride on as well.

We also have development sites for either high end estate homes from 5 to 8 acres over looking the ocean or for multi unit condominium/hotel  development.

One of the sites has a beach below for either a private beach bar or club where you could keep all the water toys.  Again, all the infrastructure is in place.

For those of you who like to fish, an early morning boat ride takes you out through inshore estuary systems and out through the islands.  Yes, I like to fish so excuse me while I indulge in some fun.

There are numerous islands in the offshore azure blue waters where you can stop, but today we are on the hunt.

The most beautiful words to a fisherman’s ears —-Fish On!!!!!!!

My partner Rolando did not know that he had a 600 plus pound Marlin which startled everyone as it hit a plastic that we were fast trolling.

Oh well, just another fish that unfortunately got away after a 40 minute fight just 50 feet off the boat.  I learned a lot of new Spanish words from Rolando that day!

These babies did not get away and if you have not caught a large yellow fin tuna, let alone 8 in an afternoon, work out at the gym for a few months before you try.

Here is what you find when you cruise up to  the bait balls offshore. Tuna and Porpoise enjoying the sardine buffet!!

Oh well on to the next scene with a full 10 Porpoise escort.

During certain times of the year you will also see Whale Sharks

And Humpback Whales that migrate up the coast.  It is not unusual to see a mother and calf playing while you are pulling in a fish.

For those who would rather take a small panga to a deserted island with a group of friends, you ride out just 20 minutes to Bolanos or any other white sandy beach and coral reef surrounded island.

Here you can swim, fish, snorkel or just float around in the most perfect neutral temperature water on earth.

Just offshore on the Island of Paridas is Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge.

I have fished with Captain Shane Jarvis for a number of years now and I can truly say that he has the best fishing operation in Panama, HANDS DOWN!!

Click here for information on an opportunity to go on an epic fishing adventure with Captain Shane

Just 30 miles offshore lies the Island of Coiba for diving, fishing, or just exploring.   This wonderful island  is a UNNESCO designated “World Heritage Site”

So after a day of boating or fishing you head back home and sit out on the patio and watch a beautiful sunset over the ocean.

One picture tells a thousand stories and perhaps this one of a daughter’s smile, sums up another beautiful day of  living in Paradise……….

Come visit, come stay and live in Paradise!

Boca Chica is just an hour away from Panama’s second largest city where we have an international airport soon to host direct flights from the United States and just a half hour regional plane ride from Panama City.  Here is a map and a google aerial that shows you the way here and the areas that we covered.