Resource Guide to David, Panama

On our trips to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge, we’ve always opted for the VIP package – for a very reasonable amount, it includes a greeting by English-speaking staff at the airport, expedited security, transfers within Panama City, a night at the Hilton and a domestic flight from PTY to David. It simplifies the process and means that we pay a single bill for everything except international airfare, gratuities, and expenses in Panama City.

Some of you, though, may prefer to make your own arrangements prior to meeting the lodge’s captains at the marina for the trip out to Isla Parida. Perhaps you want to drive yourself, or you’re coming from a different direction (e.g., Costa Rica), or you have some stops along the way, or maybe you want to explore David, which is known as a haven for expat American retirees.

In any case, if you fall into any of those groups here’s a one-stop shop of resources to get you started:

Getting There

We’ve flown to David’s Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV) from both Tocumen, the international airport which is Central America’s largest, as well as from Albrook, a former US air base. Both flights were about 30 minutes on full-sized jets. You can also fly to David from San José, Costa Rica and Bocas del Toro, Panama.

If you prefer not to fly, you can drive – or take a bus, or hire a driver – on the Pan-American highway. It takes about 6 hours to traverse 250 or so miles from San Jose, Costa Rica, or just a touch more on the Pan-American highway from Panama City.

Staying There

David has a wide variety of accommodations, including regional and international hotel chains.

• Frommer’s – Best Hotels in David

• Fodor’s -- Best Hotels in Chiriquí Province

• Trip Advisor – 10 Best Hotels in Chiriquí Province

• My Guide Panama – Best Accommodations in Chiriquí

Eating There

We’ve been spoiled with the quality of the fare at Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge and we’ve had a mixed bag of food in Panama City.

• Fodor’s -- Chiriquí Province Restaurants

• Panama.com – David – Eat

• Trip Hobo List of the best restaurants in David

Things to Do in David, Panama

• Discovering David, Panama: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Central America

• Frommer’s Things to See in David

• Experience David

• 10 Things to do in David That You Shouldn't Miss

While David is not a major tourist destination, there’s a lot to do there – with a dose of history, museums, hiking, coffee plantations and of course the fertile waters. It’s also the gateway to the scenic Boquete region. Once our lives slow down in a few years, we plan to spend a lot more time in Panama, without just rushing to and from the fishing grounds.