Frijoles - Coiba National Park

Labyrinthe 1 is a standout site, exactly what you hope for when you hear "Loyalty Islands diving." It’s less a dive site and more a geological playground, a network of swim-throughs, tunnels, and arches that feel custom-made for divers. We love the way the light filters in, creating these incredible shafts through the gloom, especially in the larger fault lines. You’ll be squeezing through passages draped in gorgonians, then popping out into sunlit clearings. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; we’ve spotted Honeycomb coral clinging to the walls and even some well-camouflaged Prickly Spotted Drupes. The maximum depth of 22 metres means you get plenty of bottom time to explore without rushing. Our best advice? Stick close to your guide. Seriously. It’s called Labyrinthe for a reason, and it’s surprisingly easy to get turned around with so many twists and turns. The adjacent cleaning station means you might just get a curious oceanic manta ray checking you out as you navigate the passages, which is always a bonus. It’s perfect for divers who enjoy intricate topography and aren’t afraid of a bit of close-quarters navigation.

Location
Coiba National Park, Panama, Central America
Coordinates
7.641100, -81.730600
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Coiba

Nearby Dive Sites in Coiba National Park

Nearest Dive Centres to Frijoles

Marine Life in Coiba National Park

Home to 355 recorded species including 317 reef fish, 13 sharks & rays, 7 whales & dolphins, 6 other, 5 hard corals, 2 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Frijoles Island?
The maximum depth for diving at Frijoles is 21 meters. Divers can choose to explore the shallower reef sections around 10 meters or follow the gravel-covered sand bottom towards deeper reef areas. This allows for varied exploration depending on your comfort and certification level.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Frijoles Island?
At Frijoles, divers will encounter impressive underwater features, including large boulders that form a complete, elongated reef, and the site is categorized as a "cave" type, suggesting interesting rock formations or swim-throughs. Marine life is abundant, with colorful reef fish, schools of blue spotted and big eye jacks, barracudas, sharks, and turtles often sighted. You can learn more about these species in our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Frijoles Island dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Frijoles dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This means it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers. Divers should have some experience and comfort in various underwater conditions to fully enjoy and safely navigate this site.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for Frijoles Island?
Given the intermediate difficulty and a maximum depth of 21 meters at Frijoles, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is highly recommended. While the site description mentions "cave" type, it likely refers to interesting rock formations or swim-throughs rather than requiring specialized cave diving certifications. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for the planned dive.
When is the best time of year to dive at Frijoles Island for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for diving at Frijoles for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to dive section.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Frijoles Island dive site?
Divers at Frijoles can expect an average visibility of 12 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this dive site. It's always advisable to check local conditions before diving.