With two oceans to explore, Panamá's diving and snorkeling spots are endless. On one side is the Caribbean Sea, with a variety of corals and colorful fish. On the other, the Pacific Ocean, home to huge marine mammals, sharks, turtles and manta rays, awaits. We've selected the best diving spots in Panamá for you, but remember that you'll also find a large number of underwater attractions a short distance away.

Diver under the sea at The Old Wreck in Colon Island, Bocas del Toro

1. The Old Wreck

Dive in the middle of a sunken ferry that has slowly formed its own ecosystem. Here you will see shrimp and crabs alongside fish and seahorses. In addition, this spot in Bocas del Toro is ideal for advanced divers who want to do night dives and experience the magic of bioluminescence.

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Man diving in a very blue sea with school of fish at Coiba

2. Jacob’s Ladder

Have an adrenaline-filled dive at this spot in the Isla Coiba National Park, located on the Pacific Coast of Veraguas. There you can swim with Galapagos sharks and tiger sharks. Go on an adventure and look for snapper, barracuda, sailfish and much more.

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Small island covered in dense vegetation, with a few sandy beaches visible. The water is shallow and clear, with a visible sandy bottom.

3. Pachequilla Island

Visit Pachequilla Island in the Las Perlas Archipelago for diving near Panama City. From the island's four diving spots, you can see jack mackerel, moray eels and lots of little fish. And to add to the adrenaline rush, you can even swim with manta rays.

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Diving at Playa Huerta Reef Portobelo, Colón Province, Panamá

4. La Pared de Huertas

Starting from the port of Portobelo in the Caribbean, you can find several diving spots. Visit the Pared de Huertas to see the largest collection of live coral. Be amazed by the hundreds of corals and look for curious specimens like the lionfish and explore in the middle of a vividly colorful landscape.

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Diver in the background points to coral reef in the foreground at Punta Hospital, Bocas del Toro

5. Punta Hospital

In the middle of the Caribbean, very close to Isla Solarte, you will find this incredible diving spot. It is a wall 40 to 50 feet high, perfect for experts and beginners. Snorkel at the top or go straight down to discover all the coral and its small caves.

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