The Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí covers 25 islands and 145 square kilometres of reefs and mangroves off the Pacific coast south of David. The water is warm year-round, the snorkelling and diving good, and the islands largely uninhabited — a quieter alternative to Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean side.
Boca Chica is the usual jumping-off point, an hour and a half south of David by car. Day trips run out to Isla Bolaños, Isla Gámez, and Isla Parida for snorkelling and beach picnics; humpback whales pass through between July and October and can be seen from boats. Several small lodges on the islands offer multi-day stays for those who want more than a day visit.