International expedition · Panama
Coiba
Several days diving the wildest marine park in the American Pacific. Hammerheads, giant mantas and schools of fish that darken the water. We leave from Santa Marta with everything sorted.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- One departure a year
- Limited spots
Why Coiba
Where the Pacific is still untouched
Coiba National Park, in the Gulf of Chiriquí, protects Coiba island plus 38 more islands and islets and 2,700 km² of sea. It was a prison until 2004 and that saved it: almost a century without tourism or fishing left a reef and a fauna that no longer exist elsewhere on the coast.
It sits on the Eastern Tropical Pacific marine corridor, the same route that connects Galápagos, Malpelo and Cocos Island. The big pelagics pass through here, and diving Coiba means putting yourself in their path.
2005
World Heritage Site
38
protected islands
760
recorded fish species
27°
surface water, °C
What you will find
Coiba is pinnacle and drift diving. Hard coral is scarce; big life is not.
June to November
Hammerhead shark
Whole schools on the seamounts near the Contreras islands. Bajo Hannibal is the pinnacle where they show up most.
May to November
Giant manta
They arrive when plankton rises with the upwellings. Five-meter wingspans gliding overhead.
December to April
Whale shark
The biggest fish in the world, in the dry season with clearer water.
July to October
Humpback whale
They come to calve in the warm gulf. Seen from the boat, breaching, and sometimes heard during the dive.
Year-round
Whitetip reef shark
Resting on the ledges of Bajo del Diablo. Almost guaranteed on every dive.
Year-round
Schools and pelagics
Jacks, barracuda, tuna, sailfish at Wahoo Rock. Eagle rays, turtles, dolphins and, with luck, orcas.
Dive sites
- 01
Bajo Hannibal 22 to 35 m
Open pinnacle, current and hammerheads.
- 02
Bajo del Diablo 18 to 30 m
Wall with whitetip sharks and schools of snapper.
- 03
Wahoo Rock 15 to 28 m
Rocky point off Isla Afuera: sailfish, tuna and jacks.
- 04
Frijoles 18 to 32 m
Vertical walls and big schools.
- 05
Don Diego 8 to 22 m
Coral garden and tropical fish for the first day.
- 06
Iglesias 8 to 18 m
Macro: seahorses, frogfish and octopus.
How the expedition works
Five days, nine dives in Coiba National Park and lodging in Santa Catalina. This is the plan, day by day.
Day 1
Arrival in Santa Catalina
- Lodging in a hotel or dive house, your choice.
Day 2
Coiba National Park
- 3 dives in Coiba National Park.
- Snack and beach break.
- Check-in at basic cabins near Coiba National Park.
- Barbecue included.
- Optional night dive: 30 USD.
Day 3
Northern part of the park
- 3 dives in the northern part of Coiba National Park.
- Experience for Advanced-level divers.
- Snack and beach break.
- Return to Santa Catalina.
- Lodging in Santa Catalina.
- Dinner on your own.
Day 4
Coiba National Park
- 3 dives in Coiba National Park.
- Snack and beach break.
- Lodging in Santa Catalina.
- Dinner on your own.
Day 5
Return
- Return to Panama City.
- Optional waterfall visit.
What is included
- Daily dives in Coiba National Park
- AQABA guides throughout the expedition
- Lodging in Santa Catalina
- All meals
- Boat, tanks and weights
- Park entry permits
- Dive insurance
Not included
- Flights to Panama
- Personal gear (rental available)
- Tips and personal expenses
Requirements
- Advanced Open Water certification, or Open Water with 30 logged dives
- Valid passport
- Good health and PADI medical questionnaire
- 3 to 5 mm wetsuit: cold thermoclines between February and April
Investment
$4.180.000
per person
Secure your spot with a deposit; the balance is paid before departure. We confirm dates, payment options and flight plan on WhatsApp.
Small groups: at most 10 divers per expedition.
Questions
Yes, or have at least 30 logged dives. Coiba has current and depth; if you are not there yet, we help you prepare in Santa Marta before departure.
It depends on what you want to see. December to April brings clearer water and whale sharks; June to November, hammerheads and mantas; July to October, humpback whales. We go to Coiba once a year; our other expeditions go to other destinations.
You fly to Panama; we coordinate the transfer to Santa Catalina and everything after. We can help with flights if you want.
Yes. Santa Catalina is a surf town and the park has snorkeling and trails. Tell us and we will quote it.
Save your spot
Leave your details and we will message you on WhatsApp with the next dates and the step by step.