Diving --
Kevan is an amazing dive-master. He is the most experienced, helpful, caring, safety-conscious, and educational guide we've ever had, and we've dived the world! He works... read more with Smithsonian Institute scientists, BBC filmmakers, National Geographic explorers, and the occasional Hollywood star, yet still makes regular teens and adults feel like they are the reason he does what he does. He is passionate about the environment, is very involved in helping his local community of Pixvae, and has personally aided in the saving of Coiba Island as a UNESCO world heritage site. His stories will educate, entertain, and inspire, whether he is on the boat or having dinner with you in the evening.
Location
Dive Base Coiba is located in the small fishing village of Pixvae, and is a bit of a challenge (although a fun one) to get to. Because of the proximity to Coiba Island and the surrounding dive and snorkel sites, you save about 2 hours of boat time per day, as opposed to Santa Catalina, where all the less personalized operations are. You can catch the "bus" from Sona, or rent a vehicle, like we did. Kevan has great directions he will send you, but this 1.5 hour drive in the Panamanian mountains on steep little winding, dirt, rocky roads, at one point over a small stream without a bridge, is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced driver. If you drive yourself, be sure to get a 4x4 Jimmy (or preferably bigger 4x4), understand the difference between low and high 4x4, and check the road conditions with Kevan first.
Accommodations
The fishing village itself is a very interesting experience in the real culture and conditions many Panamanians live in. Think of it as camping with someone to cook for you! We had our own little room in the hostel, but shared a bathroom. We paid extra for the air conditioning, which came on for the evening. Electricity came on in the evening too. The meals were made with Panamanian authenticity, and were simple but very good. It was fun eating with the other diving couple (there were only 5 guests on board at all times), comparing photos, and chatting about our experiences. Although things are rustic, you won't notice because you will be listening to Kevan's stories, or remembering the amazing dive or snorkel trip you were just on!
Diving and Snorkelling
My husband and son were diving, and I was just snorkelling, so Kevan took the time to drop me at small island snorkelling places while he took the rest diving. His time and attention to everyone's needs are what makes Dive Base Coiba special.
Experience
This was an unforgettable trip, and we will remember it for the rest of our lives. At the end of the dive, we snorkelled with a whale shark for half an hour. Kevan knew where they would be, and one happened to find us at our boat as the group finished diving. Although some would say this was just a chance encounter, I believe it happened in large part due to Kevan's knowledge of the area, the fact that he could go places those from Santa Catalina didn't know about or have time to visit, his patience, and experience. Dive Base Coiba (don't confuse it with similarly named operations) with Kevan is not just a "dive or snorkelling trip," but an amazing experience--one that makes vacations memorable, and a real adventure. You won't be sorry.
