Santa Catalina Beach, in front of Scuba Coiba
Over 1000 dives, dive trips to dozens of locations all over the world.
Current level of training: Master Instructor
Vis: 20 to 50 Feet. Water: 74 to 80 Fahrenheit, choppy, surge, currents.
Although there were many email exchanges with Scuba Coiba owner, Herbie
Sunk responses were lacking in accuracy. Despite pointed questions, he
was not forthcoming in accurate information. I was told that the boats had
ladders. However, they did not and it was awful pulling yourself up in
the boat to encounter your face in urine smelling benches. We were also
told the fee included breakfast and nothing was provided. The dive shop
was shappy and the description of "primitive" would be generous.
Herbie only met us once, when we arrived to collect payment of which we
were not provided all the dives we paid for. Overall there was not a focus
on customer services. You were expected to carry you equipment to and
from the boat. Jeremy, the Divemaster, was not enthusiastic and did the
minimum. Luis, the boat captain was outstanding and very helpful.
The logistics of hotel accommodations and restaurants were not within
responsible walking distance and there was no infrastructure in the town
(no taxis or buses) to allow transportation to readily get around. The
owner of Sol y Mar Hotel went out of his way to assist us. He is in
process of openning up a dive shop as well. The beaches were dirty and
litter was disturbing. Everything was hard and I lost the will to dive.
Isla Coiba accommodation were bunk house style. About the equal to
camping. You need to bring everything including sheets and towels. Be
ready to share with strangers. Scuba Coiba actually splurged and provided
toliet paper!
This was the worse dive trip I have ever experienced. I have lived and
traveled in third world countries since I was 5 years old. I found the
conditions shockingly primitive for 2007 and the people overall
unfriendly.
UW Photography Comments: By no means photography friendly. No
accommodations of rinse bucket on boat. Despite providing prior
information of our extensive photography interest we encounter that on
Isla Coiba an extortion of attempting to charge $3000 a dive to film (in
cash!!). We were escorted out of the area by patrol boat like a group of
criminals. They also carried guns which was a bit nerve raking. Overall
visibility was not good. Primitive conditions made it difficult for
camera handling.
Santa Catalina Beach, in front of Scuba Coiba
Link to another trip report for Panama/Coiba/Santa Catalina
Link to another scuba dive trip report for Panama/Coiba/Santa Catalina