Scuba Diving Courses in Panama
Why dive? Reasons for diving are about as numerous and varied as the fish in the sea: experiencing the adventure and adrenalin of currents and big animal encounters, finding the peace and quiet that comes with submerging yourself beneath the waves, curiosity to meet some of the most bizarre creatures living on this planet, fascination with the myriad colors and shapes of the coral, desire to overcome a fear of the ocean and its creatures, determination to change your life… the list goes on and on.
Whatever your reason, Coiba National Park is a beautiful place to begin this journey with the PADI Open Water Diver Course. In groups no bigger than four, your instructor will guide you through the exercises in shallow water and take you on the first 4 dives of your life.
If you have already taken that first step and are now keen to expand your knowledge about diving, you can sign up for the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course and get more comfortable with your diving skills. If you’re already addicted, and want to add a solid level of safety to your experience, we also offer the PADI Rescue Diver Course. And if you want to make diving your life, do your dive master training at Panama Dive Center and start your career in diving with us.
PADI SCUBA DIVER
The PADI Scuba Diver course is a subset of the PADI Open Water Diver course. If you’re short on time but really want to become a diver, the PADI Scuba Diver rating might be right for you, particularly if you expect to go scuba diving primarily with a dive guide. This course is an intermediate step for earning an Open Water Diver certification, if that’s your ultimate goal.
PADI Scuba Divers are qualified to:
- Dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet.
- Obtain air fills, rent or purchase scuba equipment and participate in dive activities as long as properly supervised.
- Continue dive training by completing the PADI Open Water Diver certification and taking certain specialty diver courses.
Prerequisites:
- You must be 10 years old or older.
- You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health (you will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand. It will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance).
- No prior experience with scuba diving is required.
Price: $325 (1,5 days) + $20/$5 (entrance fee to the park for foreigners/Panamanians or residents)
Includes: ebook, all rental gear, instructor, dives in Coiba National Park (3 confined and 2 open water dives), online certification, dive insurance for the duration of the course and lunch on your diving day.
Click here if you’d like to receive further information about becoming a Scuba Diver.
PADI OPEN WATER DIVER
If you’ve always wanted to take scuba diving lessons, experience unparalleled adventure and see the world beneath the waves, this is where it starts. Get your scuba diving certification with the PADI Open Water Diver course – the world’s most popular and widely recognized scuba course. Millions of people have learned to scuba dive and gone on to discover the wonders of the aquatic world through this course.
Prerequisites:
- You must be 10 years old or older. If you are between 10 and 14 years old, you will receive the Junior open Water Diver Certification.
- You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health (you will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand. It will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance).
- No prior experience with scuba diving is required.
Complete Course (2. 5 days on site)
Theory preparation (self study)
As soon as you make the reservation, you will receive access to the study material and you can begin your journey to becoming a scuba diver. In your own time you will be able to go through the theory and answer knowledge reviews questions, quizas and exam before even arriving in Santa Catalina.
Once you are in Santa Catalina:
Day 1: Meeting with the instructor at 3.30 pm for theory and briefing.
Day 2: Full day in Coiba National Park for part one of confined and open water sessions.
Day 3: Full day in Coiba National Park for part two of confined and 2 more open water sessions.
Price: $495 + $40/$10 (entrance fees to the park for foreigners/Panamanians or residents)
Includes: ebook, all rental gear, all dives in Coiba National Park (5 confined and 4 open water dives), online certification, dive insurance for the duration of the course and lunch on your diving days.
Book your spot now!
PADI ADVENTURE DIVER
The Adventure Diver course is a subset of the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course. There’s a long list of scuba adventures you can take part in during this program. Complete three Adventure Dives and you earn the Adventure Diver certification. It’s a great opportunity to work with your instructor to build your scuba skills and gain more confidence. Get a taste of what you like and enjoy scuba diving more than ever.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 10 years old (young divers may only participate in certain Adventures Dives).
- You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health (you will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand. It will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance).
Your Adventure (1 day)
Choose three of the following adventures to get a step closer to becoming an Advanced Diver:
- deep diver (minimum age is 12)
- navigation
- peak performance buoyancy
- fish ID
- drift dive (minimum age is 12)
- Nitrox (minimum age is 12)
Price: $325 + $20/$5 (entrance fee to the park for foreigners/Panamanians or residents)
Includes: ebook, all rental gear, 3 adventure dives in Coiba National Park, online certification, and lunch on your diving day
Click here to get more information.
PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER
You don’t have to be “advanced” to take it – it’s designed to advance your diving, so you can start right after earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification. The course helps build confidence and expand your scuba skills through different Adventure Dives. You try out different specialties while gaining experience under the supervision of your PADI Instructor. You log dives and develop capabilities as you find new ways to have fun scuba diving.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 12 years old.
- You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health (you will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand. It will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance).
Complete Course (2 days):
Theory
As soon as you make the reservation, you will receive access to the study material and you can continue your journey in the world of scuba diving. In your own time you will be able to go through the theory and answer all the knowledge reviews.
Day 1: Meeting with the instructor for theory and briefing at 7 am. Full day in Coiba National Park.
Day 2: Meeting with the instructor for theory and briefing at 7 am. Full day in Coiba National Park.
The adventure dives we offer are:
– Deep Adventure Dive
– UnderWater Navigation Adventure Dive
– Fish ID Adventure Dive
– Peak Performance Buoyancy Adventure Dive
– Drift Adventure Dive
If weather permits, on one of the days you will have the option of adding a fun dive for an aditional $25.
Price: $475 + $40/$10 (entrance fee to the park for foreigners/Panamanians or residents)
Includes: ebook, all rental gear, 5 adventure dives in Coiba National Park, online certification, and lunch on your diving days.
Click here to reserve your spot.
PADI Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox)
The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is PADI’s most popular specialty scuba course. Why? Because scuba diving with enriched air Nitrox gives you more no decompression time, especially on repetitive scuba dives. If staying down longer and getting back in the water sooner sounds appealing, then don’t hesitate to become an enriched air diver.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI Open Water Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 15 years old.
- You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health (you will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand. It will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance).
Price: $315 (1.5 days) + $20/$5(entrance fee to the park for foreigners/Panamanians or residents)
Includes: ebook, online certification, all rental gear, 2 dives in Coiba National Park, and lunch on your diving day.
If you wish to receive more information on this course click here to contact us or here to reserve your spot.
PADI Sidemount Diver
Having scuba tanks on your back isn’t a requirement for exploring the underwater world. Many scuba divers have discovered the joy of mounting cylinders on their sides. Sidemount diving gives you flexibility and streamlining options. Plus, you don’t have to walk with heavy cylinders on your back – just enter the water, clip them on and go. Sound interesting? Sign up for the PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty course.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI Open Water Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 15 years old.
- You need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health (you will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand. It will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance).
Price: $440 (3 days) + $40/$10 (entrance fee to the park for foreigners/Panamanians or residents).
Includes: one-on-one instruction, theory, 1 confined and 3 open water dives, lunch on the two diving days and online certification. You can upgrade to TEC Sidemount by adding one more day and 2 more dives for $280 – check the booking system for more info or just write to us for more information about this option.
Course Outline:
- Day one: theory and equipment setup
- Dive day 1: confined and first open water dive
- Dive day 2: second and third open water dives
Possible add ons:
- eLearning available for $101.70
- Add some dives: If weather conditions permit, it is possible to add one open water dive on each of the training days for an additional $20 each dive.
- Nitrox Specialty: To really take advantage of the benefits of diving sidemount we also recommend signing up for the Nitrox Specialty for an additional $95.
- TEC Sidemount: $280 and 2 more dives in Coiba National Park
If you wish to receive more information on this course click here to contact us.
PADI SPECIALTIES
We offer the following PADI Specialties. Do not hesitate in contacting us if you wish to receive more information about any of them. None of the prices below include the park entrance fees which are $20 for foreigners and $5 Panamanians or residents per day.
AWARE Fish Identification
“What was that fish?” is a common question heard after a dive. If you want to be the scuba diver with the answers, instead of the one asking the questions, then take the AWARE – Fish Identification Specialty course. You’ll enjoy your dives even more when you recognize the creatures that you see and can identify the main fish families and their characteristics.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 10 years old.
- You need to be in good physical health. You will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand (it will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance) to ensure you are fit for diving.
Price: $200 (1.5 days)
Includes: theory, two dives, equipment, lunch and online certification.
If you wish to receive more information on this course click here to contact us.
Deep Diver
The lure of the deep. There’s something exciting and mysterious about exploring deeper dive sites while scuba diving. Sometimes it’s a wreck that attracts you below 18 meters/60 feet, and on wall dives it may be a giant fan or sponge. Whatever it is, to scuba dive with confidence at depths down to 40 meters/130 feet, you should take the PADI Deep Diver Specialty course.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI Adventure Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 15 years old.
- You need to be in good physical health. You will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand (it will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance) to ensure you are fit for diving.
Price: $380 (2.5 days)
Includes: theory, four dives, equipment, lunch and online certification.
If you wish to receive more information on this course click here to contact us.
Digital Underwater Photographer
Underwater photography is one of the most popular diving specialties, and with so many underwater cameras to choose from, it has become easier and more fun than ever to capture images of your underwater scuba adventures. The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course gets you going quickly, whether you use a point-and-shoot camera or a sophisticated dSLR like the pros (NOT for GoPro).
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI Open Water Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 15 years old.
- You need to be in good physical health. You will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand (it will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance) to ensure you are fit for diving.
Price: $200 (1.5 days)
Includes: theory, two dives, dive equipment, lunch on your diving day, online certification,
If you wish to receive more information on this course click here to contact us.
Drift Diver
The PADI Drift Diver Specialty course teaches you how to enjoy going with the flow as you scuba dive down rivers and use ocean currents to glide along. It feels like flying – except that you’re underwater using scuba equipment. Drift diving can be relaxing and exhilarating at the same time. If this sound like fun, then the Drift Diver course is for you.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 12 years old.
- You need to be in good physical health. You will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand (it will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance) to ensure you are fit for diving.
Price: $200 (1.5 days)
Includes: theory, two dives, equipment, lunch and online certification.
If you wish to receive more information on this course click here to contact us.
Emergency Oxygen Provider (non-diving)
Knowing how and when to use emergency oxygen is a great skill to have and means you’re ready to help others should the need arise. Becoming a PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider lets you breathe easy knowing that you can recognize scuba diving illnesses treatable with emergency oxygen, and are prepared to offer aid.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites.
Price: $100
Includes: theory and online certification
If you wish to receive more information on this course click here to contact us.
Equipment Specialist (non-diving)
Don’t miss a dive due to minor issues with your scuba diving equipment. Whether it’s a missing o-ring, a wetsuit tear or a broken fin strap, the PADI Equipment Specialist course teaches you to manage basic repairs and adjustments. You’ll also learn more about how your gear works, making you more comfortable with it and better prepared to take care of your investment.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI Rescue Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 15 years old.
Price: $250 (2 days)
Includes: theory and online certification
If you wish to receive more information on this course click here to contact us.
Underwater Navigator
Be the scuba diver everyone wants to follow because you know where you are and where you’re going. The PADI Underwater Navigator course fine-tunes your observation skills and teaches you to more accurately use your compass underwater. If you like challenges with big rewards, take this course and have fun finding your way.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 10 years old.
- You need to be in good physical health. You will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand (it will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance) to ensure you are fit for diving.
Price: $280 (1.5 days)
Includes: theory, three dives, lunch and online certification
If you wish to receive more information on this course click here to contact us.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Excellent buoyancy control is what defines skilled scuba divers. You’ve seen them underwater. They glide effortlessly, use less air and ascend, descend or hover almost as if by thought. They more easily observe aquatic life without disturbing their surroundings. You can achieve this too. The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course improves the buoyancy skills you learned as a new diver and elevates them to the next level.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 10 years old.
- You need to be in good physical health. You will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand (it will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance) to ensure you are fit for diving.
Price: $200 (1.5 days)
Includes: theory, two dives, equipment, lunch and online certification.
If you wish to receive more information on this course click here to contact us.
Search and Recovery Diver
It happens: People accidentally drop things from docks, off boats or even while scuba diving. If you’ve ever lost something in the water and wanted to go find it, then the PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty course is for you. There are effective ways to search for objects underwater that increase your chances of success, and there are particular methods for bringing up small, large or just awkward items. Search and recovery can be challenging, but a whole lot of fun.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI (Junior) Advanced Open Water Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 12 years old.
- You need to be in good physical health. You will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand (it will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance) to ensure you are fit for diving.
Price: $380 (2.5 days)
Includes: theory, four dives, lunch on diving days and online certification.
If you wish to receive more information on this course click here to contact us.
Tec Gas Blender (non-diving)
The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is the most popular diver specialty course and the number of technical divers is on the rise, which means that lots of scuba divers want enriched air and gas blends. The Tec Gas Blender course teaches you to blend Enriched Air Nitrox gases using one or more blending methods. Being the blender is a key job at a busy PADI Dive Center or Resort and your work allows other divers to do what they love to do – scuba dive.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI Enriched Air Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 18 years old.
Price: $280 (2 days)
Includes: theory and online certification
If you wish to receive more information on this course click here to contact us.
EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE
Emergency First Response training focuses on building confidence in lay rescuers and increasing their willingness to respond when faced with a medical emergency. Course participants learn simple-to-follow steps for emergency care and practice applying skills in a non-stressful learning environment. All courses are supported by self-study manuals, videos and quick reference cards to enhance learning and allow you to start learning right away.
EFR courses meet the CPR and first aid training requirements for the PADI Rescue Diver course and all professional-level ratings. Most PADI Instructors are also Emergency First Response Instructors.
The following EFR courses are based on internationally recognized medical guidelines for emergency care.
• Primary Care (CPR) – This course teaches you the steps and techniques for handling life-threatening emergencies. You’ll practice eight skills for aiding patients who aren’t breathing, have no heartbeat, may have a spinal injury, may be in shock or who may have serious bleeding. You’ll learn how to perform CPR and continue to monitor the patient, so that you provide every possible chance of survival while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.
• Secondary Care (First Aid) – Because many medical conditions are not life-threatening and emergency medical services are sometimes delayed or unavailable, this course teaches you how to provide first aid that eases pain and reduces the risk of further harm. You’ll learn to assess a variety of injuries and illnesses and practice bandaging and splinting.
Prerequisites: there are no prerequisites to take this course.
Price: $110 (1 day)
Includes: theory, practical application and certification
For more information click here!
PADI RESCUE DIVER
Scuba divers describe the PADI Rescue Diver course as the most challenging, yet most rewarding course they’ve ever taken. Why? Because you learn to prevent and manage problems in the water, and become more confident in your skills as a diver, knowing that you can help others if needed. During the course, you learn to become a better buddy by practicing problem solving skills until they become second nature. Plus, the course is just fun – it’s serious, but still allows for lots of laughter in between the focused learning.
Prerequisites:
- You need to be PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certified.
- You need to be at least 15 years old.
- You also need to have Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (CPR and First Aid) training within the past 24 months.
- You need to be in good physical health. You will be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire beforehand (it will be sent to you when you make your reservation, so you can go to a doctor if necessary for clearance) to ensure you are fit for diving.
Full Course (4 days)
Price: $720 (park entrance fees are not included, $20 for foreigners and $5 for Panamanians or residents per diving day)
Includes: ebook, all rental gear, 2 days of training in Coiba National Park, online certification, and lunch on your diving days.
Special Offer: Emergency Oxygen Provider
Add this certification to your Rescue Course for an additional $50.
If you need any further information on the PADI Rescue Diver or you want to reserve your spot click here.