The Ark Divers is a dive centre with an eco-lodge in Pixvae on Panama’s Pacific coast. Its location close to Coiba National Park and the Contreras Islands makes it a strong base for divers who want remote, natural dive sites with plenty of big fish. The offer is aimed especially at more experienced divers who prefer small groups, a quiet setting and adventurous diving away from the classic tourist routes.
Shark diving
Coiba National Park is one of Panama’s most interesting regions for shark encounters. Around the reefs, rock formations and deeper offshore dive sites, divers may see whitetip reef sharks, bull sharks, large blacktip or spinner sharks and hammerheads. Whale sharks are also possible in the wider region, although they are seasonal and never guaranteed.
The area is especially interesting for hammerheads. The Ark Divers points mainly to June through November as a good period for hammerhead encounters, particularly around the Contreras Islands. Because the base normally closes during the strongest rainy months, October and November, the practical window for guests is mainly June through September. Whitetip reef sharks and bull sharks may be seen outside this main period as conditions allow.
Further important information
The Ark Divers is not a large resort-style dive operation, but rather a small, personal and nature-focused base. Dive sites around Coiba can bring current, depth and changing visibility depending on season and location. For that reason, the centre is best suited to divers with Advanced Open Water certification and enough recent experience.
Packages may include accommodation, meals, dive equipment, guide service and up to three dives per day. Dives are run in small groups, which can be a real advantage at more demanding sites and during possible big-fish encounters. Beyond diving, the surrounding area also offers snorkelling, nature trips, beaches, mangroves, waterfalls and seasonal encounters with humpback whales.
For shark divers, The Ark Divers is interesting above all because of its proximity to Coiba National Park, access to the Contreras Islands and the chance of hammerheads, bull sharks and other pelagic species.
