PADI Discover Scuba Experience

Coiba National Park

CD
Coiba Dive Center S.A.
  • Email address verified
58 reviews
Duration: 1 day
Group size: 1 - 6
PADI Discover Scuba Experience
Coiba National Park

Coiba Dive Center S.A.
  • Email address verified
58 reviews

$NaN
Duration: 1 day
Group size: 1 - 6

About this trip

What’s included

  • All Gear and Materials
  • Lunch
  • Personalized Instruction

What’s not included

  • Coiba National Park fees

Available Packages

PADI Discover Scuba Experience
Available until 1 days before departure
$170

Itinerary

Morning
Theory & Breathing Underwater!

Your Organizer


CD
Coiba Dive Center S.A.
58 reviews
Coiba Dive Center is located in the heart of Santa Catalina, Panama, just a one-hour boat ride to world class diving. Coiba National Park has been described by many as the "New Galapagos" and the "New Cocos," Isla Coiba is by far the best diving Panama has to offer. Day Tours Wildlife abounds under Coiba’s waters. Amongst many other amazing animals, we see White Tip Reef Sharks (Guaranteed for all 3 tank divers), Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales, Mobula and Giant Mantas, Frogfish, Seahorses, Turtles, tons of Eels and much more.

Reviews

We can’t recommend Coiba Dive Centre enough. Even during high season, they expertly managed divers of varying abilities while maintaining excellent safety standards and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Small groups (no more than six divers per DM) made a huge difference. Highly professional and well run.
By ALEXANDRA K for Coiba Dive Tour on Jan 06, 2026
I had an absolutely outstanding experience with Coiba Dive Center and can highly recommend them to anyone planning to dive in the Coiba National Park area. From the very beginning, everything was perfectly organized and professional. The team made sure that all equipment was in excellent condition, safety briefings were thorough, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. You could really tell that the staff is experienced, passionate about diving, and genuinely cares about their guests. A very special highlight of my experience was my dive instructor, Cat. She was absolutely amazing – incredibly knowledgeable, calm, patient, and enthusiastic. Cat took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all questions with great detail, and made sure everyone felt comfortable and confident in the water. Her positive energy and professionalism made the dives not only safe, but also extremely enjoyable. Thanks to her, I was able to fully relax and truly enjoy the breathtaking underwater world of Coiba. The dives themselves were simply incredible. Coiba offers stunning marine biodiversity, and thanks to the excellent guidance and planning by the dive center, we were able to experience it in the best possible way. Everything ran smoothly, from the boat rides to the dive sites to the surface intervals. Overall, my experience with Coiba Dive Center exceeded all expectations. If you are looking for a highly professional dive center with a fantastic team and outstanding instructors, this is the place to go. I would definitely dive with them again and recommend them without hesitation. Thank you to the entire team – and especially to Cat – for such a memorable and wonderful diving experience!
By Simon B for PADI Open Water Certification Course on Jan 06, 2026
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.
By Sherry H for Coiba Dive Tour on Jan 04, 2026
Great time!
By Malon E for Coiba Dive Tour on Jan 01, 2026
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.
By Will B for Coiba Dive Tour on Dec 31, 2025
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References

Our 4 teenagers had an amazing dive experience with Kat. She is very helpful and friendly. The kids were overwhelmed about the see wildlife and they were very relaxed with such a professional dive instructor. We had a dive with Damien and saw bull sharks. An experience to never forget. A very professional dive center with amazing staff. Thanks.
By Elke J on 17 Jul, 2025