Pana Divers - Lake Atitlan
Forget what you think you know about diving in Guatemala. Pana Divers in Lake Atitlan isn’t about big pelagics or colourful reefs; it’s about a uniquely high-altitude, volcanic experience. The team at Pana Divers are genuinely enthusiastic about this unusual niche, and it shows in their relaxed, professional approach. We love that they make diving in a cold, freshwater lake feel like an adventure, not a chore. Our favourite dives here are around the submerged villages, especially when you can still make out the old stone walls and foundations. The thermoclines are wild, creating these shimmering, blurry layers in the water, and we’ve seen freshwater crabs scuttling over ancient pottery shards. Visibility can swing, but when it’s good, the light filtering through the green-blue water from the surrounding volcanoes is just magic. It’s definitely a spot for those who’ve "been there, dived that" and are looking for something truly different. Just remember, it’s cold, so bring your layers, or be prepared to bundle up in their thick rental suits.
- Location
- Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, Central America
- Coordinates
- 14.595789, -90.507385
- Phone
- +502 2416 3300
- [email protected]
- Website
- http://panadivers.com/
- Certification Agencies
- ["PADI"]
- Courses
- PADI 5 Star Dive Center [padi:2317]
- Address
- Ave Las Americas #16-39 Zona 14, 01014- Guatemala City, Guatemala
Dive Sites Near Pana Divers
Pana Divers provides access to 8 dive sites in Lake Atitlan.
- Agua Caliente
- Agua Caliente (cave)
- Casa del Mundo (cave)
- DON ADAN - 0m (wreck)
- JUPITER A. - 2m (wreck)
- ORIENTAL ARGOSY - 5m (wreck)
- Samabaj - 15-30m
- San Buenaventura - 5-20m
Other Dive Centres in Lake Atitlan
Best Time to Dive in Lake Atitlan
The warmest water temperatures in Lake Atitlan occur in January, averaging 28.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.4°C.
Monthly Water Temperatures
- January: 28.4°C (air: 17.9°C)
- February: 28.4°C (air: 18.3°C)
- March: 28.4°C (air: 18.7°C)
- April: 28.4°C (air: 19.2°C)
- May: 28.4°C (air: 19.4°C)
- June: 28.4°C (air: 18.7°C)
- July: 28.4°C (air: 19.3°C)
- August: 28.4°C (air: 19.2°C)
- September: 28.4°C (air: 18.9°C)
- October: 28.4°C (air: 18.8°C)
- November: 28.4°C (air: 18.3°C)
- December: 28.4°C (air: 17.8°C)
Marine Life in Lake Atitlan
Home to 2 recorded species including 1 other, 1 reef fish.
Notable Marine Life
- Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- Mozambique mouth-breeder (Oreochromis mossambicus) - Reef Fish
Recommended Packing List for Lake Atitlan
Based on average water temperature of 28.4°C.
- Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
- Mask - essential for every dive
- Fins
- BCD - buoyancy compensator
- Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
- Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
- Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
- Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
- Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories