What should have been a great day diving on NYE, was basically ruined by a rude dive shop manager Julie and very poor management that required 3 different boats to get back after diving. In November we booked with Coiba Dive Center, first time with them (and last) although we have dived Coiba and Contreras many times with other shops. We choose Coiba Dive Center because Julie via Whatsapp confirmed in writing in November that they would take us to Contreras, whereas the other centers could not commit. Again we had a whatsapp message from Julie confirming Contreras in November. We went to the office the day before the dive and was told by Julie they would not be going to Contreras, when we inquired (politely) she got very defensive and rude even though we reminded her of her previous messages. She said they had multi day divers and and they try to do different dives - fine but that does not mean we could not dive Contreras, when I pointed out that made no sense as an argument she stated, I don't need this "shit" and walked out. When she came back I inquired about a full refund and she refused. Next day we showed up to dive and she came up and apologized and said she was having a bad day and was sorry for being a bit*h - HER words not mine. I said it was not a big deal and was looking to a good day, she then said they had arranged to go to Contreras - Great!. We got on the boat and started off then on the water had to change boats as they said the boat had an engine problem. All the tanks, bags, equipment etc had to change boats on the water. On our way the "new" boat clipped a line of another boat but we continued. The 2nd boat also started having engine problems and so they took us to the closet islands in Coiba - really did not see much on our three dives - first and 3rd dive were basically the same spot. 1st dive they dropped us where people were snorkeling. With diving finished it was time to leave, but the boat continued to have problems so they put us on a 3rd boat with snorkelers. We made it back to the shop and there was Julie again, she said she did not know about the problems until later in the day. She also said she would refund the money we paid to go to Contreras (it's extra as it's further away) We paid $40 extra to go which included $10 for the park fee, but only gave us $20 back vs. $30. Not worth arguing, while we were finishing up one of the other divers inquired about a refund and she sarcastically said she should not have refunded us as now she has to deal with others, which my Wife responded that the dive guide had mentioned to everyone on the boat that there would be refunds. She should take up any issues with him. A very disappointing experience with Coiba Dive Center. Rude employees, questionable boat safety by taking us out on a single engine boat with a known problem when we left. I believe they did this to avoid refunds. There are better dives shops in Santa Catalina - we will not dive with Coiba Dive Center again.

Great time!

I had a great time diving Coiba National Park with Coiba Dive Center. Kat and her team were incredibly friendly and welcoming from the start. What impressed me most, however, was Kat's professionalism and high level of diving expertise, while being engaging and fun. I felt completely safe and well-guided. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a skilled crew to dive Coiba.

We had a great time! Our dive instructor Ivan was amazing!

I hadn’t gone scuba diving in over a year and instructor Kat did a great job guiding the dive! We saw a whale shark, tons of fishes and it was an absolute 10/10!!!