Pixvae is a small fishing village on Panama’s Pacific coast, renowned for its incredible marine life and pristine waters, making it a sought-after destination for divers. Founded in the early 20th century, Pixvae has evolved into a popular hub for scuba diving and snorkeling due to its proximity to the protected Coiba National Park. Divers flock to Pixvae to explore its diverse underwater ecosystem, including sharks, rays, dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs.
In recent years, Pixvae has become a beacon of sustainable tourism, promoting the preservation of its natural beauty and biodiversity. The local community plays an active role in the conservation efforts, ensuring that the area remains pristine for future generations to enjoy. As a result, Pixvae has transformed into a haven for divers seeking unparalleled experiences. Its crystal-clear waters and thriving marine life make it a true paradise for underwater enthusiasts, offering a variety of dive sites suitable for divers of all skill levels.
Pixvae is an ideal base for exploring the underwater wonders of Coiba and Contreras. The village provides convenient access to numerous dive sites showcasing a variety of marine species, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks and rays. Additionally, visitors can enjoy activities like beach exploration, snorkeling, kayaking, and mangrove forest tours. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot monkeys, birds, and sea turtles in the area.
Beyond its diving opportunities, Pixvae charms visitors with its tranquil atmosphere, authentic village setting, and delectable local cuisine served in its restaurants. Immersion in the local culture and way of life adds to the overall experience.
In summary, Pixvae offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation for divers seeking an unforgettable experience. With its stunning surroundings, diverse activities, and welcoming community, Pixvae is a gateway to the underwater wonders of Coiba and the Archipelago of Contreras.
Starting from Panama, you can embark on an enjoyable journey along the Interamericana highway towards Santiago de Veraguas. In case you don’t have access to a GPS device, it would be advisable to seek directions for joining Route 4, which heads towards Soná. Upon reaching Soná, you continue straight on the main street until you can turn left heading to a football stadium, then continue straight to Pixvae. The overall duration of this excursion typically amounts to approximately six hours.
We are available on WAZE and Google Maps!
For an efficient journey, it is recommended to catch an early morning bus from Albrook Bus Station in Panama (preferably before 6 AM) heading to Soná. The bus ride typically takes around five and a half hours and costs $9.65.
Upon reaching Soná, you have the option of continuing your travel to Pixvae by either taking a Taxi or by taking the Chiva (a 4×4 Landcruiser). The duration of this leg of the journey is approximately one hour, with a fare of $6.95.
It’s important to note that there is only one bus (Chiva) departing from Soná to Pixvae, and it typically leaves around 12:30 PM. In the event of missing this bus, your alternatives would be either hiring a taxi or staying in Soná until the following day.
We offer private transportation from Sona and Santiago to Pixvae with our private transfer service. We provide convenient pick-up from the terminal and offer secure parking in Sona for your vehicle. Please contact us to know more about this option.




Located in a calm village, this centrally situated hostel offers a tranquil escape. With two floors and nine rooms, it provides a cozy retreat just steps from the beach. Embracing the serenity of its surroundings, guests can unwind and relax. Whether exploring the sandy shores or savoring local delicacies, this hostel is an ideal coastal getaway.
Discover one of the two centrally located hostel in this calm village. Nestled in the heart of this peaceful retreat, the two-story accommodation offers a serene escape. Experience the perfect balance between convenience and tranquility, with local attractions just a stone’s throw away. Rent the entire house for a private and exclusive stay, ideal for larger groups or families. Immerse yourself in the charm of this village.












Unique Find: The Only Private House Rental in Pixvae
Sonia’s Place is the only private rental in the peaceful fishing village of Pixvae, barely on the tourist map. Expect white sand beaches, horseback traffic and a very authentic experience.
At Sonia’s Place the beach is your front yard. The building is brand new, and the living space is second story to capture a perfect coastal view and collect the ocean breezes. With two little bed rooms, 1 bathroom, and a kitchen expect a simple beach house. There is plenty of covered outdoor space to protect you from the mid-day sun, kayaks to use free of charge and a motor boat and captain on call.
Second dive trip with Dive Base Coiba - Long overdue review, but my son, friend and I did our second weekend with Kevan Mantell in late November. Once again, truly an amazing weekend. Saw dozens of white tipped... read more reef sharks, sea turtles, schools of tuna, corvina, etc.
On our last dive, second day, we saw an enormous sea turtle that appeared at first to have gotten wedged between a couple of rocks on the sea floor. We watched him closely for about 5 minutes, and eventually he got loose and swam away.
As I wrote last time, diving with Kevan really is like participating in a research expedition.
During our latest trip, he even let us participate in helping contribute to his research in our own small way. One of the divers who joined us brought a drone and Kevan asked him to take photographs and video of the coral beds in one of the bays that he could use to build out a more comprehensive research map of the area.
His knowledge of the area is extraordinary. When you arrive to Dive Base Coiba, he has this huge map of the Coiba National Park on the wall, and he'll give you a really comprehensive overview of the marine biology, environmental history, geological history, and even political history (Coiba Island was the site of a notorious prison during the Noriega years) of the area. Fascinating stuff.
At another point while we were at the surface, Kevan stopped the boat just as a pod of dolphins was swimming towards us. Kevan urged us to jump in with snorkels and mask. We watched as they whooshed by right underneath us. Incredible.
The other thing about Kevan: He gives his full attention and professionalism to every one of his clients whether its recreational divers like us; professional and research divers from National Geographic, the European Space Agency, or BBC: or his VIP clients like Mick Jagger, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, and several well known billionaires (yes, he's taken them all diving at Coiba) He puts a premium on safety and will walk you through a full safety briefing before every dive and do several safety check ins during your dives.
We'll be heading back for our third trip in 2018.
