Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Diving and snorkeling are a great way to see some of the spectacular marine life around
Isla de Coiba. There is an incredible variety of fauna and even whale sharks have been
sighted here. Two-tank dives start at US$115 per person, though diving in the park costs
more since the distance is much greater. Snorkelers can join dive trips to Coiba (US$60),
but the cost does not include the park fee or lunch. Scuba Coiba also offers multiday trips
to Isla de Coiba (three nights US$550), which include entry into the national park,
lodging at the ANAM station on Coiba, and meals; there's a two-person minimum for
these trips. Visitors usually check all shops to see which has a trip visiting their preferred
destination.
Panama Dive Center
DIVING
( 6665-7879;
www.panamadivecenter.com
;
7am-7pm)
Friendly and professional, this
PADI-certified dive center is a good local resource for information. It offers snorkeling
(US$60), all-day two-tank dives (US$130) and courses. Equipment is pretty new. It also
gives interesting options for longer dive trips, camping on Isla Jicarón and freediving.
It's on the main road in town, walking toward the beach.
Coiba Dive Center
DIVING
( 6780-1141;
www.coibadivecenter.com
)
A reputable PADI-certified dive shop located on
the main road, with snorkel gear available for rent.
Scuba Coiba
DIVING
( 6980-7122;
www.scubacoiba.com
)
Run by an experienced Austrian dive master, offering
dives, courses and multiday trips to Isla de Coiba (three nights US$630), which include
entry into the national park, lodging at the ANAM station on Coiba and meals. Less ex-
perienced divers have given it mixed reviews for guide attentiveness. It's on the main
road into town near Cabañas Rolo.
SURFING IN VERAGUAS PROVINCE
Although it's not as popular among the international surfing community as Bocas
del Toro, Veraguas is home to the country's best surf. Serious surfers should head
straight to Playa Santa Catalina, which has some of the biggest breaks in the whole
of Central America, though there are plenty of other less crowded spots to get your
surf on.
