Hello! I'm moving to Panama City, Panama in August and am looking for a place to dive regularly without too much travel (such as Portobelo or Taboga). Mainly it's to keep up my own skills/practice, but I'd also like to get involved with conservation/ coral restoration. Eventually, I am hoping to start a student dive club (I'm a teacher), as a way to promote more interest/ involvement in ocean conservation. So basically, although I will certainly go to the 'best' places in Panama (like Coiba), I want something closer to where I live/work to get more involved between longer trips... Any recs for dive shops?
Moving to Panama City, Panama
- Thread starter JeLe
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floppy5.25
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Welcome to Panama, I hope you find the life you are looking for.
The best option in my opinion if you are in the city and do not want to travel far is Portobelo, I recommend Rey from Golden Frog Scuba.
In my opinion Panama has the potential to become a major dive destination but as many things here the gap between potential and reality feels insurmountable at times. An independent diving club that promotes diving and conservation would be a great idea, let me know if you want to give it a shot.
The best option in my opinion if you are in the city and do not want to travel far is Portobelo, I recommend Rey from Golden Frog Scuba.
In my opinion Panama has the potential to become a major dive destination but as many things here the gap between potential and reality feels insurmountable at times. An independent diving club that promotes diving and conservation would be a great idea, let me know if you want to give it a shot.
TheArkDiversPanama
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Welcome to Panama! You'll love it!
Hit us up when you'll be coming on the Pacific Coast of Panama to dive Coiba National Park. We would love to host you here!
Happy bubbles,
Audrey and Mike
Hit us up when you'll be coming on the Pacific Coast of Panama to dive Coiba National Park. We would love to host you here!
Happy bubbles,
Audrey and Mike
floppy5.25
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Have not dived with Ark Divers yet, but they have a beautiful place overlooking the Pacific in Pixvae, just the view with your coffee makes the trip worthwhile. Pixvae offers a completely different experience than more commercial and busy Santa Catalina and the (long) drive time from Panama City is pretty much the same for both towns.
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I had a business trip to Panama/Panama City in 2011. I did one dive in the Pacific, it was awful. I had 3 dives in Portobelo. A dive at a site called the Airplane was poor. Dives at Patchboy and Buena Ventura were better, average Caribbean with a good variety of reef fish. It was a 1 1/2 hour plus drive from Panama City to Portobelo. I dived with Scuba Panama, who supplied the transportation.
Unfortunately, I had no time to dive farther away
I'm sure much has changed in 13 years.
Unfortunately, I had no time to dive farther away
I'm sure much has changed in 13 years.
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