The project

Catching a glimpse of the vibrant life that lurks beneath the ocean’s surface is what attracts many marine enthusiasts and divers to Bocas del Toro in Panama. Here, you will find bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, rays, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, lobsters, squid and various tropical fish.  But what if you could explore the ocean through diving while making a meaningful impact at the same time?

As ocean lovers, we recognise the urgent need to address the challenges facing our coral reefs, which include degradation due to overfishing, pollution and climate change. 

Joining our Marine Conservation Expedition diving program will ensure you play your part in the conservation of the protected coral reefs in Panama. We aim to transform pure tourism diving into educational diving with a purpose. Meaning that you can do what you love, while protecting what you love. 

The program

During our program in Bocas del Toro, you will live at our research station and assist in the conservation of coral reefs by collecting data at individual dive sites across different depths. Our dive centre is a PADI 5-star Dive Resort, the first PADI Eco-center in Panama and a Green Fins member. 

Due to the nature of our research, participants are required to earn their PADI Advanced Open Water certification. Not qualified yet? Don’t worry – we can provide training for Open Water and Advanced Open Water as an add-on! Divers of all experience levels are welcome.

Designated a Hope Spot in 2019, the protected waters of Bocas del Toro host several marine species including sharks, rays, crabs, dolphins, squid, sea cucumbers and more than 120 varieties of sea sponge. 

During your stay, you will explore the oceans, specialise in substrate and coral monitoring and contribute to key project activities. 

Program highlights include:

1. Theoretical training: Gain essential knowledge on coral reef substrate (sponges, algae, coral), anatomy, feeding and reproduction, health indicators and more. 

2. Monitoring technique dives: Practise precise data monitoring techniques underwater using scientific instruments and standardised protocols. 

3. Coral identification dives: Acquire practical skills needed to identify and classify coral reefs as well as document characteristics for scientific research. 

4. Polys and reef structure dives: Study polychaetes and investigate reef structures and marine life diversity in Bocas del Toro’s underwater ecosystem.

5. Substrate and coral health dives: Assess substrate diversity and coral colony health. 

6. Fun dives: Participate in weekly leisure dives, discover unique species and gain a deeper understanding of the reef ecosystem’s complexity.

7. Data entry: Collect diverse data and help organise and input into Excel files daily for digital record-keeping.

Location

On the island of Solarte, nestled in a tropical jungle, and just 80 metres from the ocean, is where you will find our program hub. The island is part of the Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama. A 10-minute boat ride takes you to Isla Colón where you can satisfy your cravings for delicious Panamanian food at one of several restaurants, explore local supermarkets and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. 

Not only is Bocas del Toro visually stunning, the region was designated a Hope Spot by Mission Blue in December 2019, declaring it a protected location critical to the ocean’s health. Its rich marine ecosystem is home to turtles, sharks, bottlenose dolphins, rays, squid, over 120 species of sea sponge and various tropical fish including parrotfish and angelfish. 

The thriving jungles are inhabited by the famous red frogs, pygmy three-toed sloths, the blue morpho butterfly and an array of tropical birds like parrots and keel-billed toucans. 

Our project collaborators belong to the original Ngäbe people, an indigenous community within Panama. By participating in this program, you will not only learn about conservation, but will also have the opportunity to learn more about this rich Panamanian culture. 

Species

Dive into the waters of the Caribbean and allow yourself to be enchanted by the wonders that lie beneath. The protected Bocas del Toro coral reefs are brimming with life, hosting sea turtles, nurse sharks, mangrove crabs, southern and yellow stingrays, spiny lobsters, Caribbean squid, reef urchins, sea cucumbers, spotted cleaner shrimp and tropical fish like parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and more. 

Scattered between the coral are over 120 species of sea sponge for you to examine. 

On land, exotic wildlife roam freely in the lush jungles. Keep an eye out for pygmy three-toed sloths, blue morpho butterflies, red frogs, strawberry poison frogs and a variety of tropical birds like parrots, montezuma oropendolas, keel-billed toucans and three-wattled bellbirds. 

Free time

You will have Sunday off each week. This is your time to freely explore and allow yourself to be captivated by the breathtaking sights of Bocas del Toro. Go swimming, snorkelling, surfing, sunbathing or visit the eco-center where you can make new connections while taking part in a spirited game of volleyball. Away from the ocean, scenic jungle trails await, ready for exploration. If you’re feeling active, take a hike through the vibrant vegetation and listen for the calls of tropical birds like parrots and toucans. 

The main town of Isla Colón is just a 10-minute boat ride away and has a variety of shops, restaurants and bars for you to visit. Socialise with locals and indulge in delicious cuisine while there. 

If you don’t feel like planning your own activities, why not join a tour? Get to know the island and its people on a deeper level, immerse yourself in the Ngäbe culture and visit chocolate farms where you can participate in tastings.