Learn to Dive in Panama
Panama’s Highlights
Panama is actually named after an indigenous word meaning ‘abundance of fish’. A suitable name for such a beautiful country. Panama is located on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea meaning you can visit both on a single trip. In fact, some people even choose to dive both in a single day.
Panama features dive sites suitable for all levels. The Caribbean sea is known for its tropical fish and healthy coral reefs, including some larger marine animals like sharks and turtles. It might be better for learning how to dive as it offers shallower sites and calmer conditions. In comparison, The Pacific side has less fish but more chance of diving with something larger like sharks, whales or whale sharks. From July to September, humpback whales can be spotted. Orcas, Mobula rays and pilot whales are often spotted along the Pacific Coast.
Panama is a beautiful country both under and above water. Full of pristine beaches and stunning marine life, Panama is a true scuba diver’s dream. Panama is home to over 250 species of fish and 52 types of coral. Some of the most famous places to dive in Panama include: Coiba National Park, Portobelo National Park, Gatun Lake and Archipelago de Las Perlas.
The Coiba National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can dive with hammerhead sharks, humpback whales, whale-sharks, orcas and over 700 species of fish. In comparison, Portobelo National Park located on the Caribbean side, is famous for its great visibility, mangrove forests and pristine beaches.
When is the best time to go diving in Panama?
Scuba diving in Panama is possible at any time of year. The best time of year is during the dry season which is from the end of December to May.
Water Temperature: On the Pacific Coast, the waters range from 15°C to 23°C all year-round. Along the Caribbean Coast, the water is slightly warmer from 23°C to 27°C.
Currents: None to strong
Visibility: Between 10 and 30 meters
Panama’s best dive sites
Tiger Rock, Bocas del Toro
With three rock pinnacles descending to 40 meters, this site usually features strong currents which make it a great place to spot dolphins, whale sharks, sharks and rays.
Picos Gemelos, Coiba Island
This dive site has a stunning sloping reef filled with sea fans and gorgonians. This is a shallow site with an average depth of 8 meters but does usually feature a strong current. Barracudas, manta rays and whale sharks can often be spotted.
Playa El Estero, Santa Catalina
An interesting site due its topography of volcanic rocks and coral. While the coral may not be as vibrant here as other parts of Panama it has an amazing range of fish including: barracudas, eels, lobsters and nurse sharks.
About the country
Panama is located in the ‘Crossroads of the Americas’ in between North and South America. It is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world with over 10,000 species of plant. Panama has over 1,500 islands that are part of this stunning country. In addition, the Panama Canal is one of the seven modern World Wonders and was built by the U.S. Army between 1904 and 1914.
Recreational Courses in Panama
Dive Centers in Panama
Getting to Panama
The main international airport is Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. It has direct flights to cities around the US including Atlanta, Houston or Miami. Located in Central America, it is easy to travel from South and North America. Travel from Europe is lengthy, usually with a transit in Miami.
Other important information
- Capital: Panama City
- Official Language: Spanish
- Demonym: Panamanian
- Currency: Balboa (PAB) and United States Dollar (USD $)
- Calling code: +507
- Driving Side: right
- Population: 4,379,000
- Pressure: Pounds/square inch (psi)
- First Stage: INT/Yoke
