In Panama, divers can explore both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in a single trip. Dive sites range from calm, colorful coral gardens to open ocean dives with megafauna. Let’s dive into the best dive sites in Panama — starting with the wild Pacific, cruising over to beginner-friendly Bocas del Toro and ending with dive sites near Panama City.
The Best Dive Sites in Pacific Panama
The Pacific coast of Panama offers some of the country’s most exhilarating dive sites, with nutrient-rich waters that attract whale sharks, giant manta rays and schools of pelagics.
Coiba National Park
Many divers say the dive sites in Coiba National Park are the best in Panama. Coiba and the other islands in the Gulf of Chiriquí became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005 because of their exceptional biodiversity.
Coiba National Park’s location along the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR) makes it a transit point for large, sought-after marine animals traveling to and from the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador and Cocos Island in Costa Rica. For example, Coiba National Park is one of the best places to swim with whale sharks in the world.
Here are some of the bucket list animals that cruise through Coiba and the best time to see them:
- Giant Manta Rays – May to November
- Whale Sharks – December through April
- Humpback Whales – July
Important note: most dives in Coiba have strong currents and many are deep. A PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and/or Deep Diver certification are strongly recommended.
Top Dive Sites in Coiba, Panama
- Buffet: This dive site gets its name from the “buffet” of fish you can see year-round. Whale sharks can be seen here at certain times of year.
- Wahoo Rock: Plankton-rich waters attract whale sharks and manta rays seasonally.
- Sueño del Pescador: A deep, pinnacle dive with a large cave at 30 meters/100 feet. The site attracts bull sharks, manta rays, groupers and large schools of fish. Currents can be challenging.
- El Faro: Another site with strong current and plenty of pelagics. Look for white-tip sharks in the shallows and hammerheads at depth.
- Iglesia: Calmer conditions with colorful marine life, seahorses, frogfish and turtles.
- Picos Gemelos: A shallow site with an average depth of 8 meters/26 feet, but currents can be strong. Seasonally, there can be giant manta and whale shark sightings.
- Islas Contreras: The islands are home to multiple dive sites. Divers should expect challenging conditions, but will be rewarded with shark sightings and thrilling dives. One of the sites is called Montaña Rusa, Spanish for roller coaster. Dive operators may ask for a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or Deep Diver certification, at least 30 dives in your logbook and proof of a dive within the past 12 months to book a trip to Islas Contreras.
The Best Caribbean Dive Sites in Panama
Compared to the Pacific side, the Caribbean coast of Panama is calm, colorful and accessible. Although the water isn’t as clear, it’s a better choice for people who want to learn to dive in Panama or are newly certified. Bocas del Toro has an abundance of excellent dive sites, including shallow coral gardens and a purpose-sunk wreck.
Top Dive Sites in Bocas del Toro
- Casablanca has kaleidoscopic colors and a max depth of 12 meters/39 feet, making it an ideal dive site for divers of all levels and also photographers.
- Pandora is home to a wide variety of marine life thanks to its healthy reef. It’s also a great night dive.
- Buoy Line features a sunken Trimaran. Keep an eye out for nurse sharks in the sand and rays cruising by.
- Sashén (also known as Chaché and Saché) is a beautiful site, but only diveable when conditions are perfect. This shallow site is home to numerous fish as well as octopus and lobster.
- Tiger Rock is recommended for experienced divers only. Currents can be strong, and the max depth is 40 meters/130 feet. This is a great place to see sharks, different types of rays, occasional dolphins and even whale sharks.
Best Dive Sites in Panama — Near Panama City
For divers short on time or seeking an easy day trip from Panama City, here are a few options.
Portobelo National Park
Ninety minutes down the Transisthmic Highway is Portobelo National Park. The 34,000-hectare/86,000-acre marine protected area has shallow coral gardens, underwater caverns and an abundance of reef fish. The park is also an important nesting ground for endangered hawksbill turtles. Top dive sites include:
- Drake Island — known for colorful coral and marine life.
- Buenaventura Island — home to a sunken B-45 airplane.
- One Rock — a good place to see sharks.
Pearl Islands (Archipiélago de las Perlas)
This group of more than 200 islands is located in the Bay of Panama and has both calm sites and exciting drift dives. Humpback whales can be spotted topside (and sometimes heard underwater) from June to October.
Top dive spots in the archipelago include:
- Pachequilla Island — known for caves and white-tip sharks.
- Pacheca Island — seasonal whale-spotting, and visibility is reliably 7-12 meters/25-35 feet.
Bay of Panama City
Islas Taboga and Taboguilla are a short boat ride from Panama City. Underwater, you can see tropical fish and spotted eagle rays. On the way to and from the dive sites, you can also take photos of the Panama City skyline.
Plan a Scuba Diving Adventure in Panama
Ready to book a dive trip to Panama? Contact a local dive shop or check out all the options on PADI Adventures®.
Want to keep exploring? Click the button below to view more dive sites in Panama.
