Description
Scuba diving in Taboga is the closest option for diving from Panama City, Panama. Located only 12 kilometers from the city, it is possible to get to Taboga Island in 30 to 45 minutes depending on the ferry. The proximity is advantageous in order to do a day dive. Those who want to do a night dive should spend a night in a hotel in Taboga Island. It is also recommended to stay in Taboga in order to do two diving immersions.
Diving location will be chosen the day of the dive considering the schedule and climatic conditions. The Gulf of Panama has a sandy bottom with little depth, which can affect the visibility when scuba diving in Taboga. Diving sites are generally selected to have rocky bottoms and corals which have biodiversity. There are 11 dive spots which include: El Morro, Playa Tamarindo, Puerto de los Otoqueños, El Canal, Santa Cruz, 5 Naufragios, La cascada, Isla Taboguilla, Isla Uraba, Isla Otoque and Isla Bona.
Those who go scuba diving in Taboga can expect to see plenty of sea life including turtles, rays, small sharks, schools of fish, eels, lobsters and more. There are coral reef sites, rock walls, and wrecks. All dives are accompanied by a certified PADI instructor.
Includes:
- Divemaster or Instructor
- Tank and Weights
- Taxes
Does not Include:
- Wetsuit ($5)
- Mask, tube and fins ($5)
- BCD and regulator ($10)
- Ferry from Panama City to Taboga Island and return
- Hotel
- Food
Available: daily.
Time: 1:30-4 hours.
What to bring? bathing suit, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, flip flops or aqua shoes, cash and identification or photo (cedula or passport).
Important information: to go scuba diving in Taboga you need to have a diving certification by one of the international certification agencies. This tour does not include the ferry to Taboga Island or a hotel in Taboga. We can help you coordinate this as well. Tide and visibility must be suitable for diving in order to do this tour. Visibility is variable in this part of the Pacific Ocean.
Dives can be done from shore or on a boat in case there are four or more divers. This must be coordinated 72 hours prior. Shore scuba diving in Taboga island requires a minimum of two divers and 48 hours notice. In order to do a two tank dive in one day you must reserve the first fast ferry at 8 a.m. and come back in the last one at 4 p.m. Taboga Island is usually dry and sunny, but the meteorological conditions can vary so this is why it is recommended to stay a night on the island.