Diving school in Panama
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
Our location gives us complete acces to the Coiba National Park and The Archipelago of Contreras.
Just 20 minutes from the best dive sites—the closest dive center to Coiba and Contreras.
Professional ScubaPro and XDeep dive gear. For more comfortable and enjoyable dives.
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!
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)
Your Scuba Diving Adventure in Coiba Awaits
Dive Courses in Coiba Island
All-inclusive diving packages
Dive Courses in Coiba Island
Book your diving adventure now
Testimonials from our diving school
What our customers say
Amazing experience - Dive Base Coiba is the best dive shop in Panama. Kevan Mantell is a true professional and his attention to detail and safety is at the highest level it... read more
May 14, 2018
As Seen On
