Diving school in Panama

Dive Base Coiba

Come be part of the ultimate diving adventure in Coiba – explore the stunning underwater world like never before!

Embark on a one-of-a-kind scuba diving adventure in Coiba National Park

Access to the Best Dive Sites

Our location gives us complete acces to the Coiba National Park and The Archipelago of Contreras.

Dive Base Coiba

Just 20 minutes from the best dive sites—the closest dive center to Coiba and Contreras.

Premium Dive Gear

Professional ScubaPro and XDeep dive gear. For more comfortable and enjoyable dives.

Diving in Coiba

Be the first to the dive sites and enjoy more encounters with sharks and vibrant marine life.

Diving with Dive Base Coiba

Dive Base Coiba, in Pixvae, Panama, is your premier gateway for scuba diving in Coiba National Park and the
Contreras Archipelago, just 20 minutes away.

As the first dive center and PADI Dive Resort in Pixvae, we are pioneers in bringing professional diving to this unique corner of the Pacific.

Explore one of the world’s most impressive marine ecosystems in a safe, welcoming environment. Located at the closest and least crowded access point to Coiba, we are consistently among the first dive centers to reach the sites offering quieter dives, pristine conditions, and frequent encounters with sharks and vibrant marine life. With premium Scubapro and XDEEP equipment and a passionate, professional team, every dive is intentional, responsible, and full of the ocean’s true spirit—making each underwater experience unforgettable.

Our story began with our founder, whose work helped establish Coiba as a National Park and identify many of its iconic dive sites. We continue contributing to scientific research and marine conservation projects that protect the park and its
wildlife. Every time you dive with us, you become part of that mission— and experience Coiba the right way.

From your very first breath underwater to the next step in your dive training, we’re ready to take you on an unforgettable
journey to discover the best of Coiba and Contreras!

See you under the sea!

View of Pixvae

How to get to Pixvae?

Pixvae is easy to reach and perfectly placed—the perfect base to dive Coiba.
A newly improved road makes Pixvae accessible by any vehicle, leading to a quiet fishing village with a beautiful
beach, mangroves, and a relaxed pace of life. Friendly locals and local restaurants serving fresh, locally sourced
dishes give the town its authentic character. Surrounded by pristine nature, Pixvae provides meaningful wildlife
encounters and outdoor experiences for a memorable Panamanian adventure.

Discover Pixvae

Fastest Way: By Car - 5 Hours
You can find us on Waze or Google Maps

Public Transport

Take a bus from Albrook terminal to Soná (4 hours).

Then, take another bus from Soná to Pixvae (1 hour).

Timetables from Panama City to Soná: 5:50 a.m., 8:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:20 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:20 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

Important: You can only buy the ticket in person at the Albrook terminal.

Tip: Wear warm clothes, as the bus can be very cold.

Schedule from Soná to Pixvae: 12:00 p.m. There is only one bus. Or take a cab from Soná to Pixvae.

Take a water cab to Almirante (about 40 minutes).

Then, take a shuttle from Almirante to David.

At the bus terminal in David, take a bus to Santiago (2.5 hours), then a bus from Santiago to Soná, and finally from Soná to Pixvae (1 hour).

Schedules from David to Santiago: 6:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.

Schedules from Santiago to Soná: Every 30 minutes until 6:00 p.m. Schedule from Soná to Pixvae: 12:00 p.m. There is only one bus. Or take a cab from Soná to Pixvae.
Fastest Way: By Car - 6 Hours

You can find us on Waze or Google Maps

Take a public bus or cab from Boquete to the bus terminal in David.

From there, take a bus to Santiago (2.5 hours), then another bus from Santiago to Soná, and finally from Soná to Pixvae (1 hour).

Schedules from David to Santiago: 6:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.

Schedules from Santiago to Soná: Every 30 minutes until 6:00 p.m. Schedule from Soná to Pixvae: 12:00 p.m.

There is only one bus. Or take a cab from Soná to Pixvae.

Take a bus from Playa Venao to Panama City. In Panama City, take a bus from the Albrook terminal to Soná (4 hours), and then another bus from Soná to Pixvae (1 hour).

Important: You can only buy the ticket in person at the Albrook terminal. Tip: Bring warm clothes, as the bus can be very cold. Timetables from Panama City to Soná: 5:50 a.m., 8:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:20 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:20 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

Timetable from Soná to Pixvae: 12:00 p.m. Only one bus. There is only one bus.

Or take a cab from Soná to Pixvae.

TOP 5 things to see in Coiba Island (2025)

If you are looking for a paradisiacal destination in Panama, Coiba Island is a must-see gem in 2025. This natural paradise, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is home to a unique biodiversity, pristine beaches and crystal clear waters ideal for diving. Here are the top five things you can’t miss on your visit to this natural wonder:

Your Scuba Diving Adventure in Coiba Awaits

Dive Courses in Coiba Island

Coiba Island in Panama
Diving in Coiba National Park
Certified divers, enrich your Panama trip with a day or two of diving in Coiba National Park, a breathtaking underwater adventure!

All-inclusive diving packages

Coiba Island in Panama
All Inclusive Packages
With lodging, meals and all necessary equipment included, it's a convenient and hassle-free way to enjoy a diving adventure in Panama.

Dive Courses in Coiba Island

Coiba Island in Panama
PADI Diving Courses in Coiba Island
New to scuba diving? Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience with Discover Scuba Diving in Panama in Coiba.

Book your diving adventure now

Immerse yourself in one of the best diving destinations in the world and explore vibrant reefs, hammerhead sharks, manta rays and impressive marine biodiversity. Don’t miss the opportunity to live this unique experience in Coiba National Park.
Testimonials from our diving school

What our customers say

star rating  Amazing Experience for kids and adults alike - We just got back from a weekend at Pixvae. We were a large group of 18 people with several Padi Junior Divers among the group. Kevan and his team did... read more

Astrid G
March 27, 2019

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