As the only PADI 5* IDC center in Bocas, we are committed to providing the best experience, education, equipment and environment for our divers.

Bocas Dive Center is the best dive academy in the area, ready to take your diving to the next level - whatever your level! You can undertake all the PADI core courses and programs, from Bubblemaker for kids, Discover SCUBA, Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and more than a dozen specialty courses. You can access online e-learning for PADI courses, to study in the comfort of your own space in your preferred language. Or alternatively, we have peaceful AC classrooms for you to escape the Caribbean heat, and especially for new divers, a confined Open Water area right off the dock. You can also GOPRO with a full range of PADI professional courses from Divemaster, Instructor through to Staff and Master Instructor level at Bocas Dive Center we focus on training professionals ready to work.

Our hand-picked team are highly experienced PADI Instructors and Divemasters, with a variety of specialities between them. When you dive with us, your safety is always the number one priority. All our dive professionals are first aid and CPR responders/instructors, and you will receive unforgettable service and attention. We’re all passionate about the ocean and marine life, and are excited to share our passion with you

Bocas Del Toro is a diver’s paradise which is home to more than 90% of all coral types in the Caribbean Sea. Warm waters and a protected bay area allow us to dive comfortably all year around, with most dive sites just a short 5-10 minute boat ride away. In September and October, when sea conditions permit, we take trips out to Tiger Rock, Dolphin Rock and the caves at Bastimento. There’s a variety of dive sites and environments including shipwrecks, Pinnacles, Caverns and swim-throughs, suitable for all levels of divers. You can also explore our very own dive site Mayday - named after the sunken airplane and shipwrecked sailboat, with our house coral reef and ‘I love Bocas’ underwater sculpture.

We provide a five star experience for our small dive groups (max. 6 people per guide) and you will be taken care of at every step of the way. For fun divers, we take care of your gear set-up, help you gear-up, and rinse, dry and store all your gear ready for the following day, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation. We customize dive trips according to the needs of our clients, including private charters. After your dives, learn more about the marine life you spotted on your dive during our dive debrief, whilst enjoying a complimentary drink with us.

Our three boats Jumbo, Grande and Chica are fast, clean, comfortable, covered to provide shade and are driven by our experienced local boat captains. They are licenced, insured and well-maintained, as well as being fully equipped with first aid kits & emergency oxygen. Our certified compressor provides reliable, high-quality air, so you can have confidence in the air you’re breathing during your dives.

If you don’t have your own gear, our equipment is well-maintained and we have enough to cater for groups of 20+ divers, all in a variety of sizes. Brands include: Scuba Pro, XS Scuba, Aqualung, BARE, Cressie, SeaDive, Suunto and more.

The Center is conveniently located in Bocas Town on Isla Colon, just a few minutes walk from the main street. We are right next to the ocean and have a beautiful view from the restaurant Pier19, where you can enjoy a coffee/tea in the morning, or a post-dive beer. All divers receive 10% off food. You can also stay on-site and receive 10% off your stay at Divers Paradise Boutique Hotel (restrictions apply). 

Conservation and ocean environment are extremely important to us, and we are a 100% PADI AWARE facility. This means that we have made a pledge to not only protect, but to monitor our dive environment. We organize a monthly Dive Against Debris underwater clean up dive on the last Sunday of every month, and invite our new divers and the local diving community to participate to help them understand the importance of protecting the ocean. 

Our continued pursuit to ensure that our clients have the best SCUBA diving experience has enabled us to continue to receive 5* ratings from our guests and be the #1 dive center on Trip Advisor in Bocas Del Toro.

How it all began…

Gadi loved scuba diving from the moment he first walked into the Red Sea. He became a Scuba Instructor, and years later, his three daughters also learned to scuba dive. They all inherited his passion for the underwater world and enjoyed diving in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. Then one year, he accompanied his youngest daughter and her friends on a scuba diving trip to Bocas del Toro.

The first thing Gadi loved about the archipelago was the Bocas vibe.  After a lifetime of working long, hard hours in a fast-paced, challenging business, he’d found a place where he could feel at peace both below and above the water.

During the following years, he and his family returned often to this charming part of the Caribbean. They loved Bocas with its easy logistics, simple access, tranquil weather, and unique culture.  

Gadi decided to help build the Bocas Dive Center into a world-class 5 Star Professional Dive Academy. He spearheaded renovations, brought in top instructors from around the globe, and bought new equipment. He built specially-designed boats for the distinct conditions of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Then he built a state-of-the-art boutique hotel to cater to divers so that they could be steps from their equipment, the dive school, and the Caribbean.

Gadi supervises daily operations to ensure high quality service in all areas.  He loves to welcome guests personally, so please make sure to say hello when you come dive with us. 

LOCATION

CONTACT

☏  + 507 6348-9597

✉  info@bocasdivecenter.com