Diving in Bocas del Toro

Explore 26 dive sites in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Bocas del Toro

The warmest water temperatures in Bocas del Toro occur in December, averaging 29.4°C. The coolest conditions are in November at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.3°C
  • February: 29.1°C
  • March: 28.9°C
  • April: 29.1°C
  • May: 29.1°C
  • June: 29.0°C
  • July: 29.1°C
  • August: 29.2°C
  • September: 29.0°C
  • October: 28.7°C
  • November: 28.3°C
  • December: 29.4°C

Marine Life in Bocas del Toro

Home to 175 recorded species including 166 reef fish, 4 sharks & rays, 2 hard corals, 2 other, 1 whales & dolphins.

Recommended Packing List for Bocas del Toro

Based on average water temperature of 29.0°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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

Marine Protected Areas in Bocas del Toro

  • Sarigua - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Taboga-Urabá - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Isla Iguana - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Peñón de La Honda - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Punta Patiño - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Humedal de Bahía de Panamá - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Humedal de Bahía de Panamá - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Portobelo - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Reverendo Padre Jesús Héctor Gallego Herrera - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Banco Volcán - Area of Managed Resources (IUCN Category VI)
  • Isla Boná - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Manglares de Panamá Viejo - Without Category Defined (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Bocas del Toro - Nearest Airports

  • Tocumen International Airport (PTY), Tocumen - 21 km away, approx 38 min travel time
  • Rafael Nuñez International Airport (CTG), Cartagena - 439 km away, approx 494 min travel time
  • Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport (ADZ), San Andrés - 452 km away, approx 508 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres