Coiba Dive Center

COIBA DIVE CENTER is located in Santa Catalina, Panama, just a 1 hour boat ride from Coiba National Park. This area is often described by many as the "New Galapagos" and the "New Cocos." How can diving in Panama, a short plane trip from the U.S., be described as similar to two of the ultimate, but remote, destinations for divers? Well, it's part of the same underwater mountain chain and the same geographical area. The same animals you see in the Galapagos and Cocos are also found here, close by, in Panama. And, the bonus is that you'll see more coral, less boat traffic, and far fewer divers.

 When you dive with us, you will also find a unique and highly personalized dive experience. We're not fans of crowded cattle boats, so we limit the boat to a comfortable amount of divers. We'll be your personal guides and are happy to tailor your diving experience to your skill level and personal preferences.

Marine Life

 Wow, where do we start?

There are some areas best described as diving in a can of sardines. At times the fish population here is so abundant you actually have to take care that you don't bump into them. Of course, they are doing the same, kind of a more pleasant rush hour without the swearing and hand gestures. You'll see hundreds of tropical ornamental fish species here along with colorful hard and soft corals.

Often on the edge of deep waters, you'll find the big guys. The head honchos of the sea: White Tip Reef Sharks, Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales, Huge Yellow Fin Tuna, Bull Sharks, Enormous Marlin and Sailfish, Giant Turtles, Tiger Sharks, Pilot Whales, Oceanic White Tip Sharks, Giant Mantas, and everything in between. When we see an abundance of cleaner fish, it's almost a guarantee that something big will appear.

Special Guest Stars

There are certain seasons that bring in our "Special Guests". From June to October, the Humpback Whales calve their young here and it would be unusual not to see one breaching the surface somewhere. From February to July, the Whale Sharks are here. From October to December, the giant schools of Golden Rays fly through, literally. January through April, the Mobula Manta´s school in the hundreds and often you can see them flying up to three meters out of the sea.

Over the past two years the whale sharks have seemed to like to spend Christmas and New Years in and around Coiba National Park.

What's New @ CDC?

February, 2010

 Three day trip availability

March 31, April 1 & 2.

May 7,8,9

Whale Sharks!! Numerous sightings the last two months

Seems they have moved on. Make note for next season.

December & January

Not to be out-done the mobula mantas have shown up by the hundreds.

• Coiba Dive Center joins Facebook and Twitter.  
• Four different colors of frog fish found last month. 
• The food has arrived and the whale sharks and mantas make an early return home this year.    They are here now. You don't want to miss them!! 
• Tons of white tip sharks in Coiba!!!!!!
• Weather has been great. The rain is gone for the season.
• Make your reservations for February, March & April now. Spaces are starting to fill up quickly.
• See what Coiba has to offer.