After a long slog down the Central American coast where there is little cruising opportunity (although some interesting land travel), it was refreshing to be in the Gulfo de Chiriqui. Located off SW Panama, the islands of Chiriqui are close together, the water is warm, the anchorages are snug with options for changing wind directions, the howler monkeys and birds wake you in the morning, and the water is often clear enough to see your anchor at 35'. There are a few cruising boats but basically it is all yours for the taking. Our first island in Panama was Isla Parida and there were four or five good anchorages and lots of little islands to explore by dinghy. One of the anchorages was completely surrounded by small islands and had at least six deserted golden sand beaches that were foot print free - until we walked on them!