Pixvae is a small fishing village on Panama’s Pacific coast, renowned for its incredible marine life and pristine waters, making it a sought-after destination for divers. Founded in the early 20th century, Pixvae has evolved into a popular hub for scuba diving and snorkeling due to its proximity to the protected Coiba National Park. Divers flock to Pixvae to explore its diverse underwater ecosystem, including sharks, rays, dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs.
In recent years, Pixvae has become a beacon of sustainable tourism, promoting the preservation of its natural beauty and biodiversity. The local community plays an active role in the conservation efforts, ensuring that the area remains pristine for future generations to enjoy. As a result, Pixvae has transformed into a haven for divers seeking unparalleled experiences. Its crystal-clear waters and thriving marine life make it a true paradise for underwater enthusiasts, offering a variety of dive sites suitable for divers of all skill levels.
Pixvae is an ideal base for exploring the underwater wonders of Coiba and Contreras. The village provides convenient access to numerous dive sites showcasing a variety of marine species, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks and rays. Additionally, visitors can enjoy activities like beach exploration, snorkeling, kayaking, and mangrove forest tours. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot monkeys, birds, and sea turtles in the area.
Beyond its diving opportunities, Pixvae charms visitors with its tranquil atmosphere, authentic village setting, and delectable local cuisine served in its restaurants. Immersion in the local culture and way of life adds to the overall experience.
In summary, Pixvae offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation for divers seeking an unforgettable experience. With its stunning surroundings, diverse activities, and welcoming community, Pixvae is a gateway to the underwater wonders of Coiba and the Archipelago of Contreras.
Starting from Panama, you can embark on an enjoyable journey along the Interamericana highway towards Santiago de Veraguas. In case you don’t have access to a GPS device, it would be advisable to seek directions for joining Route 4, which heads towards Soná. Upon reaching Soná, you continue straight on the main street until you can turn left heading to a football stadium, then continue straight to Pixvae. The overall duration of this excursion typically amounts to approximately six hours.
We are available on WAZE and Google Maps!
For an efficient journey, it is recommended to catch an early morning bus from Albrook Bus Station in Panama (preferably before 6 AM) heading to Soná. The bus ride typically takes around five and a half hours and costs $9.65.
Upon reaching Soná, you have the option of continuing your travel to Pixvae by either taking a Taxi or by taking the Chiva (a 4×4 Landcruiser). The duration of this leg of the journey is approximately one hour, with a fare of $6.95.
It’s important to note that there is only one bus (Chiva) departing from Soná to Pixvae, and it typically leaves around 12:30 PM. In the event of missing this bus, your alternatives would be either hiring a taxi or staying in Soná until the following day.
We offer private transportation from Sona and Santiago to Pixvae with our private transfer service. We provide convenient pick-up from the terminal and offer secure parking in Sona for your vehicle. Please contact us to know more about this option.




Located in a calm village, this centrally situated hostel offers a tranquil escape. With two floors and nine rooms, it provides a cozy retreat just steps from the beach. Embracing the serenity of its surroundings, guests can unwind and relax. Whether exploring the sandy shores or savoring local delicacies, this hostel is an ideal coastal getaway.
Discover one of the two centrally located hostel in this calm village. Nestled in the heart of this peaceful retreat, the two-story accommodation offers a serene escape. Experience the perfect balance between convenience and tranquility, with local attractions just a stone’s throw away. Rent the entire house for a private and exclusive stay, ideal for larger groups or families. Immerse yourself in the charm of this village.












Unique Find: The Only Private House Rental in Pixvae
Sonia’s Place is the only private rental in the peaceful fishing village of Pixvae, barely on the tourist map. Expect white sand beaches, horseback traffic and a very authentic experience.
At Sonia’s Place the beach is your front yard. The building is brand new, and the living space is second story to capture a perfect coastal view and collect the ocean breezes. With two little bed rooms, 1 bathroom, and a kitchen expect a simple beach house. There is plenty of covered outdoor space to protect you from the mid-day sun, kayaks to use free of charge and a motor boat and captain on call.
Highlight of our trip ! - This was, hands down, the most special time of our road trip from California to Panama.
We found out about Kevan and Dive Base Coiba randomly. After exploring his... read more web site, and reading comments here on trip advisor, we decided it was right up our alley : a secluded, small village, at the end of a challenging dirt road our 4X4 was made for, a place untouched by mass-tourisme, a postcard paradise beach, and a professional diver with massive knowledge and love for what he does.
We made that decision last minute, on a Sunday night, send an email in the middle of the night, and drove out there without waiting for an answer.
We got to Pixvae Monday afternoon, were stunned by its beauty, and drove across the sleepy village, all the way to a beautiful beach where we set up camp. We were quickly welcomed by a very friendly local family, who helped us understand how things were working here, where and when we could get online to communicate with Kevan. Without news we spent our Tuesday free diving in 4 différents beautiful location, and the afternoon cooking with the family.
Kevan had been out on sea on an 8 days scientific diving mission, and only got our message on Tuesday. Needless to say, we were his first ever « walk-in » customers ! He was super responsive to us, and after a very short night with his family, drove from Santiago to Pixvae on Wednesday morning, to take us on what was gonna be the 2 most epic days of diving of our life.
Playful jumping humpback whales and dolphin on our way to and back from the dive sites, incredibly beautiful and rich marine life during the dives (countless colorful fish, sharks, turtles, garden eels, lobsters, barracudas, and to top it off, a majestic Manta Ray ).
Kevan is a true, passionate professional, with both his head and his heart in the right place. He uses the local community for his diving activities, and strives in many way to have a long lasting positive impact here. He loves the ocean, and it radiates in all the stories he will share with you. He is one of the most knowledgeable diver I have ever met, and his very long history working with scientists and production crew in the area makes him, without comparaison, the most in depth specialist of the underwater area. He is also safety oriented, in ways you probably have not very often encounter in « diving in paradise » type of operation.
Over all, he has been beyond helpful, welcoming and accommodating with us.
I could not recommend him more, and we’re already making plans to come back to this very special little corner of the world!

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