Frequent Questions

Where is Boca Quimera?

The island is located in the area of Boca Chica, which is just outside of David, the third largest city in Panama. David is home to Enrique Malek international airport.

How far is the nearest hospital or medical services?

Medical services are available in David, which by boat, is 15 nautical miles.

What is the distance to nearest town and services by boat (food fuel, & supplies)?

David is the nearest town, which by boat, is 15 nautical miles.

Is the island close to a shipping sea lane or under a flight path?

The island is near the flight paths to the David Airport (Enrique Mallak), but not close enough to hear the planes.

What are the nearest inhabited islands or towns and what are their populations?

David is the nearest inhabited Town. Population 124,500 as of 2005. The nearest island, Boca Brava has an estimated population of 100 individuals.

What is the access to island (beach, pier)?

The island is currently accessed from either the beach or one of many other points from the shore.

Are there any permit requirements based on use or activity once title is held?

Permit requirements will depend on your development plans. A tourism based plan would require different permits than a plan to build one home on the island. That said, there is significant flexibility in Panama with what is allowed on a property of this type. We are able to provide contacts to determine the specific requirements of your project.

What are the development rights or limitations?

Again, depending on the type of development, you would be subject to the Panamanian regulatory boards (ministry of tourism for tourist project, environmental authority, local authorities, etc.).

What restrictions or easements are incumbent on the property?

None.

What are the import restrictions on bringing goods, materials and products to the island?

No restrictions, in fact there are incentives for tourism projects. (Tax free imports, etc)

How far is the closest port to ship materials or supplies?

Likely point of entry would be Colon, the largest free trade zone in the region.

What type of Barges or Ships are available for transport to the Island.

There are local barges available that have been used for projects on other islands, as well as the transport of cattle.

Will the soil accept perk for a septic tank with leach lines or septic only? How is the septic tank pumped & dumped? What is the holding period for pumping the tank.

The soil in this area is known for providing easy installation & use of septic tanks. Engineers available on request.

How are water rights guaranteed?

Inland waters, i.e., wells, creeks, underground can be used for the purpose of a real estate development, no fees should be paid to able to use inland water. Ocean Water and Underwater Shelf / Ocean Floor in front of the island can be used for instance for a private pier or a Marina, but the island owner will have to apply for a concession before the Panama Maritime Authority. There will a monthly concession fee to be paid to the Panama Maritime Authority (from 5-10 cents per square meter). Concessions are granted for periods of up to 20 years renewable.

Are there any disputes with environmentalist or natives?

No

What are the property taxes?

No property taxes on rights of possession. When titled, property taxes would depend on the appraisal by the Land Commission (Catastro). Maximum annual charges would not exceed 2.1% of the property value.

What are the mineral rights?

Minerals are owned by the government, but private parties can engage in the exploitation of minerals, for which a concession agreement must be executed between the government and the private party.

Are there other fees or assessments?

No.

What are the additional legal costs?

None other than your own council and review.

Are there addition acquisition costs?

No, unless the buyer chooses an unusual method of closing.

Do the property rights extend past the waters edge?

In Panama, public property extends inward 22 meters from high tide.

Are title policies available?

None available for Rights of Possession, which is why the legal documentation we have available is vital.

What are the residency rules?

There are several residency options residency options to foreigners in Panama.

Are there existing structures and amenities?

The only structure is a small cabana where the island's caretaker lives. There is a small well on the property. Specs attached.

What is the net effect (difference) of the high and low tide?

Varies depending on the location on the island. An estimate would be a range of 5 to 20 meters, with the average being closer to 5.

What infrastructure is in place: water, sewage, electric, telephone, cell phone reception internet, satellite, roads improved paths etc.

Cell coverage from the local tower. Cell coverage allows for internet. Satellite service is also available, which also allows for broadband internet. Water is available from the well that draws from a fresh water spring. There are also over 3 miles of walking trails through the island's jungle.

What is the permanent water availability? What sources? Quantities? Quality?

A fresh water spring produces 60 liters per hour of potable water, with significantly more output available with minor construction. Documentation of the water study is available.

Is there inventory? If so, please provide an inventory list.

No Physical inventory. The island is raw, only having a caretakers cabana, walking trails, fruit trees and vegetables planted throughout.

What are the average and peak elevations?

The average elevations, on the ridge that runs along the center of the property are 70 meters, with the highest elevation being 105 meters. (See Topo.)

What fauna exists?

Sea Life: The island sits just outside of the Chiriqui National Marine Park, with Coiba National Marine park nearby. The aquatic parks feature vast coral reefs that are breeding grounds for orcas, dolphins, humpback whales, whale sharks, manta rays, barracudas, amberjack, big snappers, three kinds of marlin, moray eels, and white tip, hammerhead, and tiger sharks, just to name a few. On Land: The property sits just outside the Chiriqui National Marine Park, just one of Panama's 15 refuges that are home to over 900 species of birds, 1,200 orchid varieties, more than 100 butterfly varieties, and numerous tribes of monkeys. Much of the wildlife of Panama is encapsulated on the island.

What flora exists?

The island is covered in primary and secondary forest. The extremely fertile soil allows for generous crops of dozens of types of fruits and vegetables.

What is the climate, temperature, humidity, rainfall each season?

The annual average temperature of Boca Chica ranges from 78F-82F (25.5F-27.8F), with little variation. Annual precipitation is 99.7 inches (253 cm), with the bulk of the rain coming in the rainy season (March to October).

Is the island in an identified earthquake area?

Yes, the area has experienced earthquakes, but none greater than a magnitude of 6, since 1934.

Is the island in a hurricane or typhoon zone?

No.

Is the island near an active volcano?

Volcan Baru is a dormant volcano at the town of Boquete (rated the top city for retirement worldwide) and is 47 miles from the island.

What is the social environment (local attitude) crime?

Panama is rated in the highest category for tourist safety by Pinkerton Intelligence Agency. It is generally regarded as the country with the lowest crime rates in the region.