Panama

Large schools of these sharks are frequently seen patrolling the deep walls and pinnacles of Coiba National Park.

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

These gentle giants visit the nutrient-rich waters of the Pacific coast during the rainy season.

Whale Shark

A dazzling array of colorful sea slugs can be found in the sheltered bays of Bocas del Toro.

Nudibranchs

Panama is a major breeding ground for humpbacks migrating from both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Humpback Whale

Panama, the narrow land bridge connecting two continents and two oceans, offers a truly extraordinary and diverse diving experience. It is one of the few places in the world where you can dive in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean in the same day. On the Caribbean side, Bocas del Toro is a tropical paradise known for its colorful sponges, macro life, and vibrant coral reefs that are sheltered from the hurricane belt. Further east, Portobelo and Isla Grande offer historical wrecks and healthy reefs. On the Pacific side, Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the undisputed star. This former penal colony remains remarkably pristine, offering high-voltage pelagic action with schools of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays. Further south, the Las Perlas Archipelago provides beautiful island scenery and diverse marine life. Panama's underwater world is as varied as its geography, from the calm, clear waters of the Caribbean to the nutrient-rich, current-swept waters of the Pacific. With a booming capital city that serves as a global hub and a commitment to protecting its massive marine reserves, Panama is an essential destination for any diver seeking both world-class pelagic encounters and tranquil reef exploration in a single, accessible trip.

Liveaboards are an excellent way to explore the more remote reaches of Coiba National Park and the offshore banks like Hannibal Bank, providing access to sites far from the mainland.

The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort

Nayara Bocas del Toro

Isla Palenque Resort

Panama has a modern transport infrastructure. Domestic flights are the quickest way to reach Bocas del Toro or David. For shorter distances, private shuttles and the reliable bus network are excellent.

Liveaboard Diving in Panama

Experience Overview

Featured Operators

MV Yemaya

Remote Reach

Booking Advice

Where to Stay in Panama