All destinations
Mexico & Central America · Panama
Panama
Two oceans, one country.
5.0Salty Reef rating
Destination snapshot
Best time
Dec–Apr (Coiba); Year-round Caribbean
Water temp
78–84°F
Visibility
40–80 ft
Skill level
Intermediate
Flight time (US)
Connection
Great for
Big animals · Reefs
Why visit
Coiba National Park on the Pacific for hammerheads; Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean for chill reefs.
Panama offers both coasts. Coiba Island in the Pacific is a UNESCO marine park with hammerheads, whale sharks and huge schools. Bocas del Toro is easy Caribbean reef diving.
Best dive sites
- Coiba
- Isla Montuosa
- Bocas del Toro Reefs
Best snorkeling spots
- Bocas del Toro
- Coiba
What you may see underwater
HammerheadsWhale SharksSea TurtlesManta RaysReef SharksSchools of FishCoral Reefs
Interesting fact
Coiba National Park is Central America's largest marine reserve — a former penal colony turned biodiversity hotspot with hammerheads, whale sharks and pristine reef.
Who this destination is best for
- Intermediate
- Adventurers
Frequently asked questions
- Where's the best diving?
- Coiba (Pacific side) for big animals; Bocas del Toro (Caribbean) for easy reef and macro.
- Is it a liveaboard trip?
- Coiba is best by liveaboard or multi-day charter from Santa Catalina.
- When to go?
- December–April dry season for calmest Pacific conditions.
Ready to dive Panama?
Tell us your dates and experience level — we'll match you with the right resort and operator, and handle the details.
Plan My Trip