## Does Panama Have Good Scuba Diving?
Yes, Panama has excellent scuba diving. The country’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts offer a range of dive sites, from shallow reefs to deep walls, with diverse marine life.
The Pacific coast is known for its clear waters and strong currents, which attract large schools of fish and manta rays. The Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best dive destinations in Panama. The park is home to over 760 species of fish, including hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and dolphins.
The Caribbean coast is calmer and has many shallow reefs, which are perfect for beginners and snorkelers. The Bocas del Toro archipelago is a popular dive destination, with over 90 dive sites. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs, seamounts, and shipwrecks.
## Best Dive Sites in Panama
Here are some of the best dive sites in Panama:
Coiba National Park: The park is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and dolphins.
Bocas del Toro archipelago: The archipelago is known for its coral reefs, seamounts, and shipwrecks.
Portobelo: The historic town of Portobelo is a popular dive destination, with several wrecks and reefs nearby.
Pedasi: The town of Pedasi is located on the Azuero Peninsula and is known for its diving and fishing.
Isla Coiba: The island of Coiba is located in the Coiba National Park and is home to over 760 species of fish.
## What to Expect When Scuba Diving in Panama
When scuba diving in Panama, you can expect to see a variety of marine life, including:
Fish: Over 760 species of fish have been recorded in Panama, including sharks, rays, turtles, and dolphins.
Corals: Panama has a wide variety of coral reefs, including hard corals, soft corals, and gorgonians.
Wreck: There are several shipwrecks in Panama, including the SS Ancon and the SS Cristobal Colon.
Other marine life: Other marine life that you may see in Panama include sea turtles, dolphins, and whales.
## Tips for Scuba Diving in Panama
Here are some tips for scuba diving in Panama:
Get certified: It is important to be certified in scuba diving before diving in Panama.
Choose a reputable dive operator: There are many dive operators in Panama, so it is important to choose a reputable operator.
Be aware of the currents: The currents in Panama can be strong, so it is important to be aware of their direction and strength.
Stay hydrated: It is important to stay hydrated when scuba diving, so drink plenty of water before and after your dive.
Be respectful of the marine life: Do not touch or harass the marine life.
## Conclusion
Panama is a great destination for scuba diving. The country’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts offer a range of dive sites, from shallow reefs to deep walls, with diverse marine life.