Diving and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a diving paradise because of its abundant and diverse marine life. Its crystal-clear waters remain warm all year round and the combination of mangroves, sea grasses and rocky walls expand the habitats of varied and striking species.

In Bocas waters you can find 95% of the coral species found in the Panamanian Caribbean. In the middle of caves, mountains and sunken ships, you can encounter any of the four species of turtles that live there or perhaps bottlenose dolphins and even sharks.

Immerse Yourself in Bocas

On a simple dive, with just a snorkel, you can observe starfish, manta rays, lobster, moray eels and colorful sponges.

In Bocas, you can also go night diving surrounded by shoals of sardines and marlin.

From the moment you leave the hotel, you can start the adventure. The tours to the main five sites are a spectacle! Remember to always keep an eye on the horizon, you might see a family of dolphins jumping and playing with the waves.

One of the great advantages of diving in Bocas is its biodiversity. This guarantees a dive full of life, colorful corals and encounters with animals of all kinds. This happens, in part, because the temperature in the Caribbean is quite stable throughout the year, ranging from 25 to 30 °C (77 - 86 °F,) and the average water temperature is 26 °C (78 °F,) providing a comfortable habitat to the different species. Solarte Island is one of the best places for snorkeling and diving in the province.

This and many other factors mean that in Bocas it is not necessary to descend too far to see a great diversity of fish. In addition, you can make short dives and combine different spots each day, as they are only a few minutes by boat from each other.

Embark on Your Adventure

It is important to note that in order to book your dive, you must be a certified diver by one of the internationally recognized organizations, such as PADI, SSI or SDI, among others.

If you are not ready to dive, but want to experience the underwater life, you can rent snorkeling equipment from any tour operator.

If you want to dive and you are not certified, there are places in Bocas that offer the Discover Scuba Diving course. This allows you to go down to a maximum of 20 feet (6 meters) on your first dive and to 40 feet (12 meters) for the duration of your stay in Bocas.

You can also take the formal course to be accredited as a diver and be able to have this experience in your next trips anywhere in the world. In Bocas, you can take from the first level (about $265) to the most advanced (Dive Master, for about $755.)

Local tour operators rent the necessary equipment and include dive master and boat to reach the chosen dive site.

Tips

Although Bocas Town has most of the services on offer, you can find dive schools on the other islands. In any case, most operators will pick you up no matter where you are staying.
In order to dive in caves, you must have perfect conditions in terms of currents and weather. We recommend the months of September and October, and not to dive in caves at any other time.
Always follow your guide’s instructions; it is very important to stay safe, not only underwater, but throughout the entire journey.
If you are going to combine several diving sites, be sure to take your breaks between each one. Ask your tour operator ahead of time if they will have snacks on the boat or if there will be a lunch stop. Stay well fed and hydrated so the adventure never stops.
Bocas offers night diving in almost every spot. But in order to have this unforgettable experience, you will need an Advanced license. Do not forget to ask for this possibility!

Want to explore the warm waters of Bocas del Toro? On the western side of the Panamanian Caribbean, you will find a place full of colorful and diverse marine life. Its crystal clear waters give you everything from snorkeling to deep sea diving. Bocas del Toro has the perfect plan for you to discover