QUIDNET - Bocas del Toro

QUIDNET. Just the name sounds like a Cold War-era spy novel, doesn't it? This isn’t your typical Caribbean coral garden, and that’s why we love it. The *QUIDNET*, a substantial 110-meter carrier vessel, came to its end in 1979 after a run-in with another ship in the Panama Canal. Here in Bocas, she rests on her side in just 5 meters of water, making it one of the most accessible large wrecks you’ll ever dive. We’ve spent hours poking around this hull. The sheer scale is impressive, even in such shallow water. You can follow the deck plating, which now forms a vertical wall, and peer into cargo holds that are surprisingly open. Sunlight streams through the openings, illuminating schools of snapper that dart between the corroded metal. Look closely at the superstructure; it's practically encrusted with hard corals and sponges. We often find large parrotfish grazing on the hull, and nurse sharks are known to take shelter under the deeper sections. It’s a shallow dive, so you get incredible bottom time, perfect for photography or just soaking in the atmosphere of a truly historical wreck. We'd suggest going mid-morning, before the wind picks up, for the best visibility.

Location
Bocas del Toro, Panama, Central America
Coordinates
9.120833, -79.787500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Manglares de Panamá Viejo

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Bocas del Toro

Nearest Dive Centres to QUIDNET

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for QUIDNET

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