Amazing People, Beautiful Location, Unforgettable Experience - We have dove with Kevan Mantell/ Dive Base Coiba ten times. There are two things that stand out to me about their dive operation.
1) Safety first -... read more Regardless if you are a novice or an advanced diver, he takes time to go over hand signals, checks equipment, shows you where safety equipment is stored on the boat and evaluates your situations before you jump in the water. Everything is "tranquilo" and you feel extremely comfortable to jump in the water.
2) A true passion for the environment - You will learn so much from Kevan about the ocean's ecosystem and the Panama area in general. From the smallest wrasse to the cleaning stations of surgeons, he educates, answers your question and shares his passion for the sea.
As far as the diving, Coiba offers sooo many amazing things to see. From dolphins to a huge population of white-tipped reef sharks; sea turtles to morish idles; beautiful corals to waving sea fans; eels to schools of Jacks - we saw it all!!! Plus, you get to enjoy the captivating, Jurassic-park esque beaches of Coiba during surface intervals.
I would highly recommend Dive Base Coiba over any other shops in the Santa Catalina area. You will not be disappointed!!!