Panama Scuba Diving Travel Guide
Panama
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Scuba Diving
Panama’s location means the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean are both easily accessible. Divers preferring the Pacific coastline can expect deep water, big fish and rocky formations. Up north, in the Caribbean Sea, there are shallow depths, small colourful fish and prolific coral. Water temperatures are around 30C year-round. The best months for diving or snorkelling are April, May, November and December.
Most divers and snorkellers head for sub-aqueous delights of the Bocas del Toro islands. Highlights in this area include Red Frog Beach, Hospital Point, Zapatilla Cay and Tiger Rock.
Further east is the San Blas archipelago. These waters do not permit scuba diving excursions but are a world renowned hotspot for snorkellers.
Panama’s pacific coast has four main areas of interest: The Darien coast, for viewing black marlins; Las Perlas offers everything from coral heads to rocky drop offs; The Azuero peninsula, thanks to the multitude of great dive spots (Isla Iguana, Punta Mala, Cambutal, Santa Catalina, Los Frailes and Isla Cebaco); and Coiba Island, Panama’s largest island and most interesting dive spot - although it’s best suited to intermediate and experienced divers as the currents can get strong.
If this isn't enough, from July to September humpback whales migrate along this coast!
