Guinea fowl Puffer fish, Threebanded Butterflyfish, Diver in school of Barracuda, Schooling King Angelfish

If you want to see fish, this is the place to come. Described as an 'aquarium', the sheer numbers of fish are quite astounding. Fishes of all shapes and sizes, and a huge variety of species inhabit the waters of the Gulf of Chiriqui. More deep-sea fishing records have been broken off the Pacific coast of Panama than anywhere else in the world. This gives some idea of the marine life to be found here.

You are very likely to encounter large schools of Jack, Grunt, Mullet, Pompano, and Chub, as well as many other rock and reef dwelling fish, including Wrasse, Parrotfish, Puffers, Groupers, Butterflyfish, Snappers, Surgeonfish, King Angelfish, Gobies, Blennies, and, if you can find them, Frogfish and Nudibranch. Moray eels are also very frequently encountered, sometimes found swimming freely amongst the rocks. There are also the somewhat less regular sightings of large schools of Barracuda and Tuna.

And it's not just fish... there are opportunities to see many species of larger marine life in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Dolphins, Turtles, Rays (Mantas, Mobula, Sting, Eagle and Devil) and Sharks (more commonly White-tip and Nurse, but also Black-tip and Bull) can all be found here. At certain times of year, Humpback Whales pass through which you sometimes see from the boat, and even hear when underwater.

Marine life isn't the only wildlife to be seen here. The surrounding islands, mountains and jungles of Panama are also home to a wealth and diversity of other animals. You will be likely to see (and definitely hear!) the Howler Monkeys on Isla Boca Brava and spot many types of bird. Panama is also home to sloths, cats, and many types of monkey, to name a few.