The best diving and fishing spots in Panama and Central America

Central America is a true paradise for diving and fishing enthusiasts. Here, in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, underwater world hide amazing creatures, and numerous rivers and lakes abound with a variety of fish. In this article, we will look at some of the best diving and fishing spots in Central America, and also we will talk about Panama.

Belize Coral Reefs and the Great Blue Hole

The Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, is a real mecca for divers. Here you can meet tarpon, barracuda, many species of sharks, turtles, manta rays and other marine animals.

The Blue Hole is especially popular with divers – a huge underwater sinkhole-cave filled with crystal clear water. The Blue Hole was formed by the collapse of the ceiling of an ancient cave and is very popular among diving enthusiasts and underwater photographers.

Cocos Islands, Costa Rica

The Cocos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, are considered one of the best places for diving with marine animals. Here you can meet whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays and dolphins. The islands are also famous for their untouched nature and rich marine flora and fauna. In such places, you always need to monitor safety, but we will talk about these issues at the end of the article.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are a unique archipelago, famous for its endemic species of animals and plants. The underwater world of the islands is no less rich and diverse, and attracts diving enthusiasts from all over the world. Here you can see sea lions, penguins, sea turtles and many other marine inhabitants. However, keep in mind that there are restrictions on fishing and spearfishing.

Roatan Reef, Honduras

The Roatan Reef is one of the largest barrier reefs in the Caribbean. It is home to over five hundred species of fish, a variety of corals and other marine life. Roatan also offers excellent snorkeling and cave diving opportunities.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, surrounded by volcanoes. The lake is home to a large variety of fish, making it a popular sport fishing spot. There are also many hot springs around the lake to relax, and the jungle offers plenty of trekking experiences.

Nicaragua River

The Nicaragua River is the longest river in Central America. It is famous for its rich diversity of underwater life, which attracts true fishing enthusiasts from all over the world. Fish species such as tarpon, barracuda, mackerel and many others are found here. The Nicaragua River is also a popular spot for sport fishing for big game fish, and locals often earn money by providing goods and services to professional fishermen.

Panama: Unforgettable Adventures

Panama is a unique place where two oceans meet. On the Pacific coast, you can dive to sunken ships and explore underwater caves, and in the Caribbean Sea, you can enjoy the beauty of coral reefs and the diversity of marine life. Fishing in Panama is also very popular. Here you can catch marlin, tuna, snapper and other fish.

Diving or fishing?

Panamanian waters are famous for their biodiversity. Here you can meet whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins, as well as a variety of colorful coral reefs and exotic fish. Fishing in Panama is an unforgettable adventure. The Pacific Ocean is home to many species, and you can see all of them, you just need to know – where. However, Panama has quite strict restrictions on fishing and hunting in protected areas. 

In many towns on the coast, you can rent a boat for fishing and the necessary equipment. By the way, Panama is also known for its low prices, which is an additional advantage. At the same time, the country has many different protected areas, reserves and waters where fishing and spearfishing are prohibited. Therefore, when you go fishing, be sure to clarify this aspect.

Hannibal

This is one of the most popular places for sport fishing in Panama. Here you can catch marlin, tuna and other large inhabitants. And in this place you can also meet tiger sharks and sailfish. The presence of such a variety of underwater life here is explained by the Humboldt Current, which brings a large amount of plankton from the depths. This plankton attracts the fish.

Colon

A small city located on the Atlantic coast of Panama, also offers excellent opportunities for diving and fishing. Here you can dive in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and admire the beauty of the coral reefs. Fishing and diving in Colon is also very popular, especially among marlin and tuna lovers.

Portobelo

A historical city known for its colonial buildings and fortresses. But Portobelo is famous not only for its history. The underwater world here is no less rich and diverse. Divers can explore stunning coral reefs, underwater caves and shipwrecks. Fishing in these waters also brings a lot of pleasure.

Chiriqui Gulf

In the Gulf of Chiriqui, you can go deep-sea fishing and shallow-sea fishing. A variety of fish live here, including snappers, groupers and barracudas.

In addition, the bay is known for its many islands, each of which offers unique diving opportunities. Here you can dive into caves, explore shipwrecks and watch sea lions.

Many people believe that it is here, in the Gulf of Chiriqui, that the best places for diving and snorkeling are located. Coral reefs and an extremely diverse underwater world attract tourists from all over the world. The numerous islands deserve special attention, most of which are uninhabited and have an amazing ecosystem and charm. 

Islands

When we talk about diving, snorkeling and fishing, Panama has something to surprise us with. However, first let’s talk about places that are not yet world famous, but are already considered some of the best. First of all, we are interested in three islands.

Secas Island

Here you will be greeted by uninhabited jungle, a complete absence of people and snow-white sand. You can swim and fish around the island by booking a boat on the mainland. The island is very small, there is no pier, so you will not be able to moor a large boat.

Landrones Island

Another magical island in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Coral reefs, a large number of rare fish and uninhabited jungle will make your vacation unforgettable. In addition to diving and fishing, you can also spend time on the island itself. Like Secas Island, Landrones does not have a pier, which is something to keep in mind if you want to not only dive, but also spend time on land.

Isla Parida

There are legends about this place. Firstly, in the golden age of piracy, pirates often took a break on the Isla Parida. There are also no human settlements, but there is a pier for boats and a small cafe where you can enjoy a fresh fish menu. The cafe is open only during the tourist season, and there are no human settlements on the island. The sand here has a darkish shade in places from volcanic inclusions, the jungle is full of wild animals, rare birds and insects.

Despite the absence of human settlements, it is planned to create an eco-friendly glamping zone here, where you can take a break from ordinary, everyday life, do meditation, yoga, qigong, and enjoy the perfectly clean ocean and best secluded beaches in Panama. Since Isla Parida is part of a nature reserve, hunting and building construction are prohibited here. For this reason, no long-term buildings are planned, and the entire glamping zone will consist of eco-friendly hemispheres.

Oxen sort fishing and diving in Panama, in the triangle of three islands will give you a lot of unforgettable impressions. But here you need to be careful, since in the Gulf of Chiriqui there are many nature conservation areas that cover a large part of the water area. This is due to the fact that various rare species of animals, birds, and fish live here. For example, on the islands you can annually observe large green turtles – an endangered species, hunting for which is strictly prohibited by the law due to a catastrophic decrease in population over the past 100 years.

You can get to each of the three islands by booking a boat on the mainland (in Churca village) – it is convenient and inexpensive. There are no regular boat trips. You can book a boat for a simple trip to the island, or for fishing or diving.

Pearl Islands

The Pearl Islands archipelago consists of over 200 islands and islets. Here you can find both calm spots for beginner divers and challenging dive sites for experienced divers.

Cohiba Island

This is one of the most popular diving spots in Panama. Here you can dive among coral reefs, explore shipwrecks and meet a variety of marine life. The park is famous for its population of sharks, including hammerheads and whale sharks. It’s a real paradise for underwater filming. 

However, there are very strict fishing regulations around the island, and hunting is prohibited on the island itself. In fact, Cohiba Island is a nature reserve, and fishing near the island is not the best idea. Diving, on the contrary, will give you an unforgettable experience.

Malpelo Island

This small island in the eastern Pacific Ocean is a true paradise for divers. In fact, the island is just the highest point of a huge underwater volcanic ridge 300 km long, so Malpelo is just a section that rises above the water.

Here you can observe large groups of hammerhead sharks and other shark species. By the way, a small sandbar shark, an extremely rare marine predator, was spotted near this island. In a radius of 9500 km around the island there is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so fishing is prohibited here. However, this is the best place to watch sharks, take photos and videos.

Bocas del Toro

Perhaps the most popular place for snorkeling in Panama. The Bocas del Toro archipelago consists of many islands, each of which offers unique underwater landscapes. Here you can meet colorful fish, sea turtles, stingrays and even sharks. Diving to sunken ships and underwater caves is especially popular.

San Blas

An archipelago consisting of more than 350 islands inhabited by the Kuna Indians. This is one of the most secluded and untouched places in Panama. Here you can enjoy crystal clear water, white beaches and a rich underwater world. Diving and fishing in San Blas is a real adventure.

Things to Know Before You Go

There are a number of safety precautions that, if you know them, can not only make your vacation much easier, but also help you avoid problems with the law:

• Best Time to Go. The rainy season in Panama lasts from May to November. The dry season, from December to April, is considered the best time for diving and fishing. If you are interested in hammerhead sharks, plan your trip from December to April or November. Groups of silky sharks numbering more than 1,000 individuals can be seen from May to August. But humpback whales are best observed from July to September.
• Necessary Equipment. For diving, you must have a PADI certificate or equivalent, as well as all the necessary equipment. For fishing you will need necessary equipment (obviously).
• Safety. Before your trip, be sure to consult with experienced divers or fishermen to find out about local conditions and safety rules. And watch some videos on YouTube – it can be helpful. 
• Restrictions. You can encounter many rare endangered species, hunting of which is strictly prohibited. For example, the large green turtle is a subject of interest to many poachers, so the authorities strictly monitor the protection of rare marine species. However, there are also restrictions that apply to nature conservation areas – in such places, fishing and spearfishing are also prohibited. 

Central America is a real paradise of scuba diving and fishing. Each corner of this region offers unique opportunities for adventure. The choice of location depends on your preferences and level of training – for example, for the Gulf of Chiriqui in Panama, it is recommended to have at least 30 dives and an Advanced Open Water certificate. Regardless of whether you choose Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, Panama or Honduras, you will definitely get an unforgettable experience. Although, of course, the best solution is to visit them all.