Pana Divers

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

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.