Scuba Diving in Portobelo

With this scuba diving activity in Portobelo, you will explore the tropical Atlantic seabed in Panama.

Description

Upon booking, you can choose between two options: with or without a diving license. Both options last 8.5-9 hours and include hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by minibus and boat, an English-speaking guide, diving equipment, and lunch.

Diving with a license

The activity begins with a 7:30 am pickup at your hotel in Panama City, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Portobelo. After reaching the coast, you will dive into the Atlantic Ocean. Depending on your license, you will have two dives lasting 45-60 minutes each. The first dive, weather permitting, will be at Drake Island, known for its rich biodiversity including corals, tuna, marlins, seahorses, turtles, and manta rays. Lunch will consist of chicken or fish with a choice of coconut rice, French fries, or patacones. After lunch, there is a short walk around the city to see historical forts. The return to the hotel is scheduled between 4 and 5 pm.

Diving without a license

This option follows the same itinerary but dives occur near Portobelo Bay in shallow waters. Basic instructions will be provided to allow you to dive independently with a guide, reaching a depth of 10 meters.

Diving areas

Possible dive sites include Drake Island, Buenaventura, Salmedina, El Faro, Padre Island, Tres Hermanas, Huertas, Parche Point, or El Avion, selected based on conditions on the day of the activity.

Diving license requirements

You must have the international Open Water Diver certificate or similar to participate in this dive trip.

Hotel Pickup

Hotel pickup is available only from hotels in downtown Panama City.