dive resort
FAQS
You Asked, We Answered
-
HOW DO I GET TO PANAMA DIVE SCHOOL?
We are located on Isla Carenero. just a one minute taxi boat ride from the main island.
the Carenero Boteros taxi boat dock is located on 1st street down Ave central from the central park. the entrance to the boat dock is next to tropical birds restaurant.
the fair is $1 per person. Ask your Captain to take you to "Panama Dive School, la escuela de buceo"
-
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO DIVING ?
Fun dives for certified divers are $85 USD, discover dives for non certified divers $100 USD, PADI courses range from $100-$360 USD.
-
WHATS THE BEST SEASON FOR DIVING IN BOCAS DEL TORO?
Diving season in Bocas del Toro is year round! However, the best season for diving is late August to early November, also known as cave diving season. Swell is down and seas are flat this time of year allowing safe and beautiful conditions to explore Isla Bastimentos intricate cave systems.
-
WHEN CAN I DIVE TIGER ROCK?
Tiger Rock is one of Panama's Best dives! this dive is only available in September to advanced divers
-
DO YOU OFER NITROX?
No, the reefs in the Bocas del Toro area are scattered/spotted reefs that break up along the bottom and the best parts of the reef can be observed best by moving from site to site instead of doing longer dives at one site, with only a small boat rides in between dive sites.
-
HOW FAR AWAY ARE THE DIVE SITE?
All dive sites in the bay are only a max 10 minute boat ride away! (with the exception of seasonal trips)
-
HOW DEEP ARE THE DIVES?
Diving in Bocas is shallow with the exception of Tiger Rock. most dive sites reach a max depth of 16-18m/55ft-65ft with an average depth of 10m-14m/33ft-45ft on the reefs. This means lots of light and long bottom times!
-
HOW LONG DO YOU DIVE FOR ?
Fun dives can be anywhere from 50 - 70 mins under the water depending on air consumption
-
HOW MANY DIVERS PER GROUP?
We like to keep small groups underwater, 4 divers per divemaster. We add one DM per every 2 additional divers
-
HOW DIFFICULT IS DIVING IN BOCAS COMPARED TO OTHER PARTS OF PANAMA ?
Diving in Bocas del Toro is extremely easy and accessible for diver of all levels. Small tidal change on the Caribbean side allows for very consistent conditions
-
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING ON MY FUN DIVE TRIP?
All equipment is included in the price of your fun dive, here are a few things you can bring:
- Reusable water bottle
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Towel
-
WHAT TIME ARE THE DIVES?
Morning 2 tank dive - 8:30am at the dive shop - returning around 12:30pm
Afternoon 2 tank dive - 1.30pm at the dive shop - returning around 5.30pm
Night dive 1 tank dive - 6.30pm at the dive shop - returning around 8pm
*students arrive half hour early for gear assembly and skill briefing
-
WHAT IS VISIBILITY LIKE AT THE DIVE SITES?
Year round dive sites get and average of 8-10m/25-33ft
-
DO YOU DIVE IN THE RAIN?
Safety is priority but luckily in bocas most of our dive sites are protected in the bay and are safe to visit on rainy days. if conditions appear unsafe we can postpone until conditions improve.
-
HOW FAR IN ADVANCED DO I NEED TO BOOK MY FUN DIVES?
Minimum one day notice for morning dives. we accept walk ins for certified divers. If we have space on board your welcome to join! A heads up! In high season we recommend you book you're dive with a little more anticipation!!
-
DO I NEED TO LEAVE A DEPOSITE FOR MY FUN DIVE TRIP?
Yes, we take a small $20 deposit per diver to reserve your divemaster and save your seat on the boat. Deposits can be sent in advance via Paypal or paid in Cash at the dive shop at least one day prior to the dive trip.
-
WHAT ARE MY PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR MY FUN DIVE/ DIVE COURSE ?
We accept Cash (no fee), Paypal, Visa & Mastercard! (a %4 fee will apply when paying by card)
-
CAN I DIVE IF I AM NOT CERTIFIED?
Yes! This program is called Discover Scuba Dive, learn more here.
-
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN TO DIVE
The PADI Open Water course takes 3 days to complete, find more info here.
-
HOW OFTEN DO YOU START OPEN WATER COURSES?
We can start an open water course any day of the week whether we have an ongoing course or not.
-
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET DIVE CERTIFIED?
The PADI Open Water course cost $340.00 USD
-
CAN I COMPLETE THE THEORY FOR MY COURSE ONLINE?
Yes, all course come with PADI elearning.
-
HOW FAR IN ADVANCED SHOULD I BOOK MY COURSE?
We accept last minute bookings but we recommended 3 days notice before starting your course so students have time to review course materials.
-
DO I HAVE TO LEAVE DEPOSITE TO BOOK MY DIVE COURSE?
Yes, we take $100 USD deposit to book your instructor and issue the elearning for your course. Deposits can be sent in advance via Paypal or paid in Cash at the dive shop at least one day prior to the dive trip. (A heads up! in high season we recommend you book you're dive with a little more anticipation.) Students will not receive eleaning materials till a deposit has been sent.
-
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME FOR MY DIVE COURSE?
We provide all materials and equipment needed for your PADI course. Here are a few things you can bring:
- Reusable water bottle
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Towel
On Thursdays and Fridays the restaurant next to the dive shop is closed. We recommend you bring lunch with you as Isla Carenero is a small island and options are limited.
-
IS LUNCH INCLUDED?
No, lunch is not included in your PADI course or fun diver trips.
Some of the best food in the Bocas Del Toro area is available on location at the dive shop.
Leaf Eaters Cafe with full Vegan menu & The Big Fish with only sustainably sourced fish from Open Blue the only open water fish farm in Panama, both kitchens are open SATURDAY - WEDNESDAY 11am-4pm.
WHAT CURRENCY DO THEY USE IN PANAMA?
Panama runs on $US currency and most business only take cash. exchanging money on the island can be a difficult task.
HOW MANY ATM'S ARE ON THE ISLAND?
there are now 3 working ATM's located on Isla Colon. during high season beware the ATM's do run out of cash!
HOW DO I GET TO BOCAS DEL TORO?
Bocas del toro can be accessed by boat or plane. There is a small international airport on the main island, Isla Colon. You can book a flight straight to bocas from both Panama city and the city of David. You can also get to bocas by over night coach bus from Panama city to the port Almirante and from there 15-20 min boat ride to the island.
if you're looking for cheap flights to Panama or Bocas click here.
Find <a href=" https://www.kayak.com/flight-routes/United-States-US0/Bocas-Del-Toro-BOC" >flights to Bocas del Toro</a> for your stay.