Coiba Island
Coiba Island, located off the Pacific coast of Panama, is the largest island in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tropical paradise is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and exceptional biodiversity, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Coiba Island
Coiba Island UNESCO World Heritage Site
Coiba National Park, situated in the Pacific Ocean off Panama’s coastline, stands as a protected haven covering an expansive area of over 503 square kilometers. As the largest island in Central America, Coiba captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and remarkable diving possibilities.
Coiba Island served as a Panamanian penal colony from 1919 to 2004, maintaining its exclusivity from the public and preserving the surrounding marine ecosystem. In 1991, the island and its waters were designated a national park, safeguarding its diverse wildlife, such as the Coiba Island howler monkey and agouti. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Coiba National Park stands as a pristine haven of exceptional biodiversity.
Today, Coiba National Park is a popular destination for ecotourism and is known for its excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. The park is managed by the Panamanian government and is protected by law to ensure its conservation for future generations.
Coiba offers exceptional diving experiences with its diverse marine life and natural wonders. If you plan to visit between December and April, you’re in for a treat as this is the whale shark season. During this time, you have a higher chance of encountering these majestic creatures while exploring the underwater world. Swimming alongside whale sharks is an awe-inspiring experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Coiba Island
A Year-Round Diving Paradise
For those visiting Coiba Island from July to September, the humpback whale season provides another incredible spectacle. Witnessing these magnificent creatures as they migrate through the area is a truly unforgettable sight. The island’s pristine waters become a haven for humpback whales during these months, offering a unique opportunity to observe their acrobatic displays and hear their haunting songs.
In addition to these seasonal highlights, Coiba Island boasts a year-round diving paradise with warm water temperatures averaging 27-29°C (81-84°F). The visibility ranges from 15-20 meters (50-70 feet), providing excellent conditions for exploring the vibrant coral reefs and encountering a variety of marine species. It’s worth noting that the February to April period may feature thermoclines, where cooler water from deeper regions mixes with the warm water, creating an exciting contrast.
From April to early July, diving enthusiasts have the exciting opportunity to witness the hammerhead shark season. These incredible creatures can be spotted in the Archipielago of Contreras, located near Coiba. Swimming alongside hammerhead sharks is a thrilling experience that attracts divers from around the world.
Whether you’re an avid diver or a nature enthusiast, Coiba and the Archipelago of Contreras underwater wonders offer an incredible experience. From swimming with whale sharks to observing humpback whales, the island’s diverse marine ecosystem is sure to leave you in awe. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of these remarkable encounters and the optimal diving conditions Coiba Island has to offer.
Archipielago of Contreras
Diving in the Archipelago of Contreras is an exceptional experience that offers a glimpse into the diverse marine life and coral reefs of Panama. The waters around the archipelago are home to a wide variety of marine creatures, including schools of tropical fish, vibrant corals, and fascinating macro life. This makes it an ideal location for experienced divers looking for a challenge and a unique underwater adventure. Dive sites in the Archipelago of Contreras are just a 20-minute boat ride away from our dive center, making it a convenient and accessible location for our guests. The dive sites in this area offer an opportunity to explore stunning walls, deep drop-offs, and underwater canyons, providing a thrilling diving experience. Divers can expect to encounter an array of marine species, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles, as well as unique macro life such as nudibranchs and seahorses.
The Archipielago of Contreras serves as a hotspot for hammerhead shark sightings, adding an extra layer of excitement to your diving adventures.
At Dive Base Coiba, we offer a range of diving packages tailored to the needs of our divers. Our expert guides will accompany you on your dives, ensuring that you have a safe and unforgettable diving experience.
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Testimonials from our diving school
What our customers say
Diving --
Kevan is an amazing dive-master. He is the most experienced, helpful, caring, safety-conscious, and educational guide we've ever had, and we've dived the world! He works... read more with Smithsonian Institute scientists, BBC filmmakers, National Geographic explorers, and the occasional Hollywood star, yet still makes regular teens and adults feel like they are the reason he does what he does. He is passionate about the environment, is very involved in helping his local community of Pixvae, and has personally aided in the saving of Coiba Island as a UNESCO world heritage site. His stories will educate, entertain, and inspire, whether he is on the boat or having dinner with you in the evening.
Location
Dive Base Coiba is located in the small fishing village of Pixvae, and is a bit of a challenge (although a fun one) to get to. Because of the proximity to Coiba Island and the surrounding dive and snorkel sites, you save about 2 hours of boat time per day, as opposed to Santa Catalina, where all the less personalized operations are. You can catch the "bus" from Sona, or rent a vehicle, like we did. Kevan has great directions he will send you, but this 1.5 hour drive in the Panamanian mountains on steep little winding, dirt, rocky roads, at one point over a small stream without a bridge, is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced driver. If you drive yourself, be sure to get a 4x4 Jimmy (or preferably bigger 4x4), understand the difference between low and high 4x4, and check the road conditions with Kevan first.
Accommodations
The fishing village itself is a very interesting experience in the real culture and conditions many Panamanians live in. Think of it as camping with someone to cook for you! We had our own little room in the hostel, but shared a bathroom. We paid extra for the air conditioning, which came on for the evening. Electricity came on in the evening too. The meals were made with Panamanian authenticity, and were simple but very good. It was fun eating with the other diving couple (there were only 5 guests on board at all times), comparing photos, and chatting about our experiences. Although things are rustic, you won't notice because you will be listening to Kevan's stories, or remembering the amazing dive or snorkel trip you were just on!
Diving and Snorkelling
My husband and son were diving, and I was just snorkelling, so Kevan took the time to drop me at small island snorkelling places while he took the rest diving. His time and attention to everyone's needs are what makes Dive Base Coiba special.
Experience
This was an unforgettable trip, and we will remember it for the rest of our lives. At the end of the dive, we snorkelled with a whale shark for half an hour. Kevan knew where they would be, and one happened to find us at our boat as the group finished diving. Although some would say this was just a chance encounter, I believe it happened in large part due to Kevan's knowledge of the area, the fact that he could go places those from Santa Catalina didn't know about or have time to visit, his patience, and experience. Dive Base Coiba (don't confuse it with similarly named operations) with Kevan is not just a "dive or snorkelling trip," but an amazing experience--one that makes vacations memorable, and a real adventure. You won't be sorry.

January 2, 2019





