Panama Dive School
Panama Dive School
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Panama Dive School is a PADI diver center that offers dive services to customers of all ages. Our expert staff will make you feel at home while exploring the depths of Bocas Del Toro, Panama.
Bocas del Toro Province, Panama
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Panama Dive School
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
79 reviews
Excellent
79
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
angie m
6 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
I had such a great experience with Panama dive school! I had a dive experience with another company here in bocas, however I became very anxious and could not complete the skills assessment and the second dive. I communicated this experience with the manager at Panama dive school, Tony, who set me up with Carolina and both of their energies were so welcoming and supportive. I started off first in shallow water right where their headquarters are and did the skills right by the dock & once I was comfortable, Carolina and I swam throughout the dock and I got to see starfish, school of fish, coral, and puffer fish.
I highly recommend for those who might be feeling anxious or scared about their first time diving. I cried tears of joy afterwards knowing that the next time I dive I’ll be able to complete the task :)
I highly recommend for those who might be feeling anxious or scared about their first time diving. I cried tears of joy afterwards knowing that the next time I dive I’ll be able to complete the task :)
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victor L
5 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
I made a total of 20 dives with Panama Dive School, and couldn’t recommend enough this shop. I made my Advanced + fun dives there, while my girlfriend had her Open Water.
First of all, the location and aspect of the shop itself : Tony created a little slice of paradise. The shop is very nice, on a beach front with crystal clear water, and very nice vibes. This is a side aspect but the shop is sharing its space with a very good restaurant, which allows you to have delicious fish burgers on site after your dive.
The boat isn’t big, which makes the dive groups at human size and never too busy for a more relaxed and focused diving.
But most of all, the owners are both professional and very, very nice people. Tony is just great, very helpful, reactive on WhatsApp (the most reactive dive owner I met so far !) and makes his prices cheaper than any other shops in the whole country, which is not a small deal.
I wanted to improve my photography skills and the crew made everything to make that possible, taking their time above and under water for the gear preparation, etc.
My girlfriend had her Open Water and I was here to see her class : she is an amazing dive instructor, very patient, precise and human. The way she teaches the Open was impressively good. Also she is both able to teach in English and Spanish. Since most dive sites are rather shallow and without any current, it is a great place to learn diving.
Regarding the dive sites, there are very good wrecks. The visibility wasn’t very good but I went during the rainy season, so can’t tell for the rest of the time.
Oh, and the boat’s captain, Fernando, is also such a funny and cool guy :D
First of all, the location and aspect of the shop itself : Tony created a little slice of paradise. The shop is very nice, on a beach front with crystal clear water, and very nice vibes. This is a side aspect but the shop is sharing its space with a very good restaurant, which allows you to have delicious fish burgers on site after your dive.
The boat isn’t big, which makes the dive groups at human size and never too busy for a more relaxed and focused diving.
But most of all, the owners are both professional and very, very nice people. Tony is just great, very helpful, reactive on WhatsApp (the most reactive dive owner I met so far !) and makes his prices cheaper than any other shops in the whole country, which is not a small deal.
I wanted to improve my photography skills and the crew made everything to make that possible, taking their time above and under water for the gear preparation, etc.
My girlfriend had her Open Water and I was here to see her class : she is an amazing dive instructor, very patient, precise and human. The way she teaches the Open was impressively good. Also she is both able to teach in English and Spanish. Since most dive sites are rather shallow and without any current, it is a great place to learn diving.
Regarding the dive sites, there are very good wrecks. The visibility wasn’t very good but I went during the rainy season, so can’t tell for the rest of the time.
Oh, and the boat’s captain, Fernando, is also such a funny and cool guy :D
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin
4 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
My girlfriend and I wanted to get our Padi open water for a while. So when we came across Tony's dive school we went for a orientation and explained that my girlfriend had a bit of anxiety. Tony explained to us that it wouldn't be a problem.
He hooked us up with a very professional instructor (Modesto). Who was very clear and easy going.
The course took 3 days and those 3 days where over before we knew it. We've had a blast during those 3 days and at the end we where certified padi divers.
If you want your padi don't hesitate to contact Tony. Tony and his crew are amazing, relaxed and chill. Getting our padi with the panama dive school was one of the best decisions we've made during our trip on Bocas.
The dive sites offer plenty to see and more! And when your done diving there's a really great restaurant next door called leaf eaters with the best fresh fish, salads and smoothies. The restaurant is a family owned business by Tony's in-laws.
Thank you Tony and Modesto ❤
He hooked us up with a very professional instructor (Modesto). Who was very clear and easy going.
The course took 3 days and those 3 days where over before we knew it. We've had a blast during those 3 days and at the end we where certified padi divers.
If you want your padi don't hesitate to contact Tony. Tony and his crew are amazing, relaxed and chill. Getting our padi with the panama dive school was one of the best decisions we've made during our trip on Bocas.
The dive sites offer plenty to see and more! And when your done diving there's a really great restaurant next door called leaf eaters with the best fresh fish, salads and smoothies. The restaurant is a family owned business by Tony's in-laws.
Thank you Tony and Modesto ❤
Written November 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark H
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Our family had an exceptional experience diving with Panama Dive School starting with our initial communication with Tony- the shop’s owner. He helped us plan our dives taking into account the amount of time we would be in Bocas and considerate of a family on a budget. Everyone we met at the dive center was professional and kind. My wife and I have a few hundred dives under our belts between us while our kids have just been diving a few years. For them not only did they enjoy their first wreck dive (a sail-boat turned reef) but also had so much fun that they decided to do their first night dive that evening. They’re still talking about the bio luminescence and squid. We had been told that the diving doesn’t compare to places like Cozumel but even the two very close sites we visited Pandora and Casa Blanca featured healthy reefs with plenty to see. And Millie the Australian instructor with with whom we dove was top notch. Small groups of 4:1 or less. 2 groups on our boat and everyone had a great time. On the night dive my wife and 2 daughters had Millie all to themselves.
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin F
Santa Cruz, CA5 contributions
Dec 2022
We spent an amazing afternoon out on some beautiful reefs and wrecks with Panama Dive School. Highly recommend this outfit to anyone wanting to experience all the underwater gems of Bocas del Toro. Tony and Lana are friendly and welcoming owners, and their land based location is a beautiful place to get prepped for the outing. Our boat captain and scuba guides were knowledgeable, warm and friendly. We had a blast with our whole group of about 8 people, checking out some gorgeous live reefs teeming with fish and other marine life, as well as a cool wreck dive, all super close to their headquarters. Can't wait to join them again when we come back.
Written January 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wilcoxbs
San Francisco, CA67 contributions
Feb 2021
Super fun, comfortable and totally professional location to complete PADI Open Water Diver certification. It starts with Tony and his terrific communication, and really takes off with Lana and the dive team. The instruction is impeccable. Lana instructs slowly but with pace, ready to further dive concepts and answer questions. She is a born teacher, patient and serious but always with a smile. The equipment is in great shape, the dive preparation thorough, the boat is good sized and training dive locations were safe and interesting. I felt comfortable the entire time, even through some anxiety regarding diving safety exercises. I completed the dives, the exams and received certification and couldn't be happier about the entire process. Great job Tony, Lana, Milly, Katie, Bas and Fernando.
Written February 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tone
5 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
Did four great dives with divemaster Carolina, she is professional and knowledgeable! Nice sites, saw plenty of life and beautiful coral, and a few nice wrecks :) would definitely recommend and return for more dives.
And the dive center looks really nice, perfect location at the waterfront. Tony and his staff are very welcoming :)
And the dive center looks really nice, perfect location at the waterfront. Tony and his staff are very welcoming :)
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David F
3 contributions
May 2022
Did a two tank dive with Lana on May 18th. My son was doing his first dive/resort certification, I am certified but had not dove in 10 years. Lana was great. Very professional, very personable, very calm natured yet thorough to make sure everything is covered and everyone can enjoy the experience. I definitely recommend Panama Dive School, for a great experience.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aadoc
Gainesville, FL3 contributions
Jul 2021
My son and I had a perfect day in the water with Panama Dive School. Excellent gear, knowledgable crew and a great couple of dives. I recommend Panama Dive School to anyone wanting to get certified or do some fun dives if traveling through Bocas.
A+.
A+.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cristhy Yau
1 contribution
Nov 2022
THE coolest dive school in Bocas! I took the Open Water Diver course to get PADI certified with Panama Dive School! Tony, Modesto, and the rest of the staff are super cool and easygoing. 100000% recommended. If you're thinking about getting certified or going on fun dives, come here, and I'll guarantee you'll have a great time.
The dive shop is right on top of the water in Isla Carenero, so the confined water dives were done right there, and what's cooler is that they have so much marine life and corals to see right there. You'll spot some needlefish, starfishes, sea cucumbers, a seahorse, and fire corals, among many others.
The open-water dives were super cool as well. For mine, we went to these dive sites: Loro Verde, Pandora, Casablanca, and the Chiquita Channel, where we saw the coral wall and a shipwreck!
The dive shop is right on top of the water in Isla Carenero, so the confined water dives were done right there, and what's cooler is that they have so much marine life and corals to see right there. You'll spot some needlefish, starfishes, sea cucumbers, a seahorse, and fire corals, among many others.
The open-water dives were super cool as well. For mine, we went to these dive sites: Loro Verde, Pandora, Casablanca, and the Chiquita Channel, where we saw the coral wall and a shipwreck!
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Por supuesto, es una excelente opción para los chicos!
Written December 22, 2024
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