Bajo Piñon - Coiba National Park

Bajo Piñon, just off Isla Afuerita, is our pick for a macro feast in Coiba. A lone rock pokes above the surface, marking the spot, and it’s a good idea to scout that out before you drop in. We generally kick off in the shallows, maybe 5-7 metres, where the coral clings to the rock, before following it down to its base at 20 metres. Here, the current can pick up, so keep an eye on your dive guide. We love this site for its smaller residents. Peer into the crevices and you’ll find plenty of Greater Soapfish, their bodies mottled, blending in perfectly. Look for Redhead Gobies darting between the coral branches, and we’ve spotted tiny Codlets tucked away too. While the big stuff like white tip reef sharks and turtles sometimes cruise by, our favourite finds here are the Baja California Ceriths clinging to the rocks, and the colourful Cortez Angelfish. Visibility averages around 17 metres, which is usually plenty to appreciate the intricate details of the reef. It's a great spot for photographers, especially if you’re into the smaller subjects, and it suits divers comfortable with a gentle drift.

Location

Coiba National Park, Panama, Central America

Coordinates

7.703500, -81.640300

Type

reef

Marine Protected Area: Coiba