Traveling to the Pearl Islands is a 40 mile trip and takes about 20 minutes on plane, 2 hours by boat.

Services

Diving

• Diving excursions
• Night diving

Diving Sites in the Pearl Islands

Diving sites are all relatively close to the dive center in Contadora Island. We leave from Contadora Island and arrive within approximately 10 minutes in a quick boat.

The Pearl Islands are a collection of more than 100 islands. The origin of the majority of the islands is volcanic rock. This large variation of islands provides various natural nutrients and minerals, resulting in an abundance of sea life. The bottom holds a wide variety of rock formations, beautiful sea coral, including orange coral, brain coral and other coral that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.

Diving in the Pacific Ocean is very different than diving in the Caribbean Sea, as there are much larger variety and abundance of fish. You might see butterfly fish, angel fish, sand fish, parrot fish, various eels, different types of tuna, brown sharks, reef sharks, sting rays, manta rays, lobsters, oysters and much more…

Sites

The Channel: is a rocky place where the geography is very interesting, the diving depth goes from 20 to 60 feet, with formations of platforms and eaves. The marine life is abundant, schools of fish, lines, brown sharks, depending on the tide when we go diving we can dive with the drift.

The Cave: this site is a must see, with channels and passageways winding between two islands. Sharks and other marine life. Maximum depth is 10 meters.

South Coral: this site is designed for beginners, maximum depth of 8 meters with a bounty of coral life.

North Coral: this is an intermediate level site. In July the visibility is of more than 100 feet with a constant abundance of fish and other marine life.

Diving Courses with PADI Certification

• Refresh Course
• Discovery Scuba
• Open Water Diver
• Advance Open Water
• Rescue Diver
• EFR
• Divemaster
• Specializations

Snorkeling and other Tours

• Tours of the Islands
• Whale watching (July – October)
• Bird watching
• Private charters
• Snorkeling equipment rentals

Reserve a Scuba Diving or a Snorkeling Tour: info@panamatravelgroup.com

+507-836-6542 y 43 (Panama)

1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)

Hours of operation will be on Wednesday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with the following schedule:

From Madrid to Panama – will depart at 13.45 arriving in Panama at 17.15. With a total of 10.30 hours. The flight number will be IB-6345 *

From Panama to Madrid - will depart at 21.15 arriving at Madrid at 14.05 the next day. With a total of 9.30 hours. The flight number will be IB-6346 *

* Subject to government approval. All times are local.

Iberia hopes that this new schedule, with direct flights to Panama, is convenient for you.

With this action, Iberia helps the advancement of Panama and the development of tourism.

Iberia thanks their passengers for choosing them on their trips to Europe.

Panama Province

• InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa

The Pearl Islands:

Contadora Island:

• Perla Real Inn
• Villa Sea Star
• Los Caracoles
  
• Villa Romantica Hotel
  
• Punta Galeon Resort

San Jose Island:

• Hacienda del Mar Resort

Taboga Island:

• Cerrito Tropical Bed and Breakfast

Lake Bayano and Chepo:

• Rural Hostel and Camping at Lake Bayano

Bocas del Toro Province

Isla Colon:

• Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge
• Bocas Paradise Hotel
• Playa Tortuga Hotel & Beach Resort
• Jardines Vista del Mar – Apartment Rentals
• Hotel Bocas del Toro
  

Isla Careneros:

• Careening Cay Resort
• Casa Acuario Hotel  Suites Over the Sea
• Tierra Verde Hotel
  

Isla Bastimentos:

• Al Natural Resort
• Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge
  
• Red Frog Bungalows in Red Frog Beach
  

Isla Popa:

• Popa Paradise Resort

Colón Province

City of Colon and Free Trade Zone:

• Hotel Meliá at the Panama Canal

Portobelo:

• Sunset Cabins and Dive Center
• Octopus Garden Hotel and Dive Center
• Coco Plum Hotel
  

Isla Grande:

• Bananas Village Resort
  

Cocle Province

Pacific Beaches:

• Bristol Buenaventura Hotel
• Playa Blanca Hotel and Resort (All Inclusive)
• Royal Decameron Golf Beach Resort & Villas (All Inclusive)
• Breezes Super Club (All Inclusive)
  

El Valle:

• Los Mandarinos Boutique Hotel & Spa
• The Anton Valley Hotel
• Hotel Residencial El Valle
• Hotel Campestre
• Canopy Lodge for Birdwatchers

Chiriqui Province

Boquete:

• The Panamonte Inn & Spa
• Casa del Risco, Boutique Hotel – Hacienda los Molinos
• Valle Escondido Residential Community and Hotel
• Finca Lerida Coffee Plantation and Eco Resort
• Los Establos Boutique Coffee Estate Hotel
• Hotel Valle del Rio Inn
• El Parador Family Cabins
• Isla Verde Hotel
  
• The Riverside Inn in Palo Alto River
• Boquete Garden Inn
• The Haven Spa and Wellness Center

Bambito:

• Casa Grande Highlands Resort
• Bambito Hotel and Resort

Cerro Punta:

• Los Quetzales Eco Lodge

Gulf of Chiriqui:

• Boutique Hotel Cala Mia
• Morro Negrito Surf Camp

Las Lajas Beach:

• Las Lajas Beach Resort

City of David:

• Gran Hotel Nacional
• Hotel Ciudad de David
  

Los Santos Province

Pedasi:

• Hotel Casa de Campo in Pedasi Town
• Casita Margarita Boutique Hotel
• Villa Camilla Boutique Hotel

Playa Venao:

• Villa Marina Hostel and Hotel in Playa Venao
• La Playita Resort
  

Cambutal:

• Boom Shiva Bungalows

Veraguas Province

Santa Catalina:

• Hibiscus Garden Hotel in Lagartero Beach
• Hotel Santa Catalina (formally known as Kenny’s Surf Camp)
  

San Blas Islands (Kuna Yala)

• Dad Ibe Lodge in Ailigandi
• Sapibenega The Kuna Lodge in Playon Chico
• Uaguinega Dolphin Island Lodge
• Kuanidup Lodge
• Hostal Carti Homestay
• Corbiski Eco Lodge
• Akwadup Lodge in Achutupu
• Yandup Island Lodge, Eco/Etnic Tourism
• Coral Lodge Resort
  

Services

Natural Medicine

The Haven Spa in Boquete has over 20 years experience in natural medicine dealing with situations like:
arthritis, asthma, rehabilitation and recovery after surgery, detoxification programs, high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, digestive problems and more.

The Haven Spa offers a variety of “health stays” ranging from 3 to 14 days, each individual package is created based on the unique situation of each client. Acupuncture, naturopathic consultations, diet programs and lifestyle, spinal manipulation and reflexology are just some of the services provided in the area of health.

Spa

The Haven Spa offers the perfect environment in which you can immerse yourself in relaxation and enjoy a wide range of treatments and therapies.

All products used are all natural and up to 95% organic ingredients.

Hotel

Four Deluxe Rooms: King Beds with Pillow Top mattress, air conditioning, ceiling fan, 32-inch plasma TV, cable tv., Facilities for tea and coffee, DVD player, mini fridge, wireless internet, hair dryer, a spacious bathroom and private terrace.

One Double Room: Queen Pillow Top mattress, fan, 32-inch plasma TV, cable tv., Facilities for tea and coffee, DVD player, mini bar, wireless internet and hair dryer.

Facilities

Guests of the The Haven Spa in Boquete have access thought their stay to the use of the relaxation areas and the fitness center that includes:

• Gym
• Exercise Pool (Endless Pool)
• Racquetball
• 100 Jets Jacuzzi
• Steam Rooms
• Infrared Saunas

The Haven Spa has a “Green” 
Concern for the environment in tourism, including luxury hotels, is increasing and The Haven Spa in Boquete is no exception. Making a commitment with nature without sacrificing quality or service. Solar panels, low energy bulbs, environmentally friendly cleaning products are just some of the efforts to achieve this commitment.

Cancellation Policies

As a small inn, The Haven Spa is greatly affected by late reservation cancellations. Cancellation fees are based on the length of stay originally booked:

Green Season

• 20 – 10 days notice: 25% charge.
• 11 – 6 days notice: 50% charge.
• Less than 5 days notice (includes early checkouts): 100% charge

Holiday Periods & High Season

• 20 – 10 days: 50% charge
• 10 days or less: 100% charge

Special Holiday Periods  2010 / 2011

• Panama Independence Holidays:  November 2 to 7 and November 26 to 28.
• Christmas & New Years: December 17 to January 5.
• Flower and Coffee Festival: January 13 to 23rd, 2011.
• Carnival: March 4 to 8, 2011
• Easter: April 17 to 24, 2011
• High Season: November 2nd to May 1st.
• Green Season: 2nd to November 1st.

Hotel Policies

The Haven Spa offers a tranquil and relaxing setting for all guests. In keeping with this atmosphere the hotel is unable to accept guests under 18 years old. No pets allowed.

All rates are subject to 10% Tourism Tax.

Check in time is 2:00 pm, check out time is at 11:00 am. Early check in or check out could be available upon request and a charge may apply.

Once checked-in the relaxation areas and fitness center facilities are included. Guests are responsible to make themselves aware of our rules and regulations about the use of the facilities. The Haven Spa is not responsible for accidents or lost or missing items.

Hours of Operation

Fitness Center Facilities: Monday to Saturday 7 am to 7 pm
Sunday 9 am to 5 pm.
Spa Services: From 9 am to 5 pm.

Rates

High Season :         B/.180.00 per night
Green Season:        B/.150.00 per night

Reserve this hotel: info@panamatravelgroup.com

+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama)

1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)

SCUBA COIBA is located in Santa Catalina, Province of Veraguas, Panama and started operating in December 2003 making it the first landbased diving operator / dive center in the Chiriqui Gulf at the Pacific coast of Panama with easy and fast access to the world class dive sites of the Coiba national park.

The quiet fishing village Santa Catalina, on Panama’s Pacific coast is visited by few people for its excellent surfing conditions and for its easy access to some of the world’s finest and most spectacular dive sites, scuba diving here is often described as a mixture between Galapagos and Cocos Islands. The world famous national park of isla Coiba can be reached by boat from here in about 1:00 hour to 1:30 hours. But also much closer to Santa Catalina we have discovered world class dive sites, where we have been diving with incredible amounts of fish – including whale sharks, mantas and eagle rays. We are still discovering new dive sites frequently and there are chances that you will be diving at some spots as the first human.

Santa Catalina is also one of Panama’s very few villages located directly at a sandy beach. Still there are a lot more secluded sand beaches in the vicinity, what offer good swimming- and snorkeling opportunities for the non diving guests. We also can organize eco adventure tours to the Coiba national park.

Scuba Coiba Dive Center

Scuba Coiba dive center is owned by PADI instructor Herbie Sunk, who is living and diving in Panama since 2000. The team is completed by PADI  instructors Claire O’Brien (UK) and Adrian Sultana (Malta) as well as the local captain Orlando Godoy and diveguide/assistant Luis Terrero, who are well acquainted with the divesites and the area and are working with Scuba Coiba since 2003.

Claire, Adrian, Luis and Herbie have together more than 20 years experience in teaching and dive guiding, made about 6000 dives (more than 1000 thereof in this area of Panama) and certified around 1000 students from Open Water Diver to Divemaster.

Safety is the main concern for serious dive operators, therefore we provide beyond our experience and training First Aid Oxygen, First Aid kits, a VHF radio, compass, GPS, life vests, signal devices, fire extinguisher and a comprehensive waterproof emergency plan at our dive trips.

Dive Spots – Diving conditions and dive sites of Coiba and the Chiriqui Gulf of Panama and some facts,  mysteries, what and what not to expect.

Tidal exchange of 2 – 5 meters / 6 – 15 ft is present in this area of Panama and causes at some times currents at several places, what can affect the diving in Coiba as well as around Santa Catalina. Currents can be strong depending on tides, moon phases and dive sites.  Some of the best dive sites are frequently swept by currents, therefor they are the best but you should not accept “swimming pool” conditions on every dive.

The visibility around Coiba is usually between 12 and 25 meters / 40-80 ft, closer to the Pacific coast of Panama it is  between 10 and 20 meters / 35-70 ft, but can be worse, depending on currents, thermo climes and tides. You should not expect always perfect visibility on every dive.

The water temperature at the surface is around 27-29 C / 80-85 F all the year. At depth it can drop to around 24 C / 75 F, sometimes lower to 19 C / 66 F.  A 3 mm shorty or full  wet suit is recommended the year around, from late January to mid of May a 5 mm full suit is a good option at least for serious divers planning on doing more than one or two days of diving.

The weather conditions and seasons are changing between a dry season December – May and a rainy season from May to December.

At the beginning of the dry season in December and January visibility can be best and reaches sometimes 30 or more meters / 100 or more feet. Currents can be very strong this time of the year. Beginning end of January / mid of February till end of March / mid of April a continuous north wind brings very dry weather but can affect the surface conditions and may restrict the access to remote dive sites in the open sea. The upwelling caused by the north wind and the influence of Pacific currents bring lots of nutrients and with it big schools of migrating pelagic fish like manta rays, giant pelagic sting rays, tunas, amber jacks, even Orca whales and more.

But this conditions also bring a thermo clime of 19-20 C / 66-68 F reaching up to 25 – 30 meters / 80-100 ft depth. While the visibility at the surface and also down in the cold water is excellent a layer of greenish water between the two layers starting between 5-15 meter / 15-50 feet depending on dive sites and tides can reduce the visibility.

In the rainy season the wind ceases and the water calms, the thermo climes are deeper and till July and August the visibility can range between 12 – 20 meter / 40 – 65 feet down to recreational depth limits, also the water temperature does not drop lower than 24-26 C / 75-78 F all the way down. Thunderstorms and heavy rain should be expected in the later afternoons. Humpback whales are visiting the area from July to October.

September and October are the wettest months, winds can make the surface choppy, big amounts of fresh water in the rivers can reduce the visibility especially at sites close to mainland or to big rivers at Coiba and lower the surface temperature to 25 C / 76 F. Diving is still excellent this time of the year, but because of rain and wind it is recommended to take a multi day trip into consideration, staying at the ranger station at Coiba, having a lot of dive sites within 15 minutes boat ride from there avoiding lengthy daily boat rides from and to Santa Catalina.

If you are browsing the internet looking for information about Coiba and its marine life you will find a lot of stories about big sharks, giant sharks and schools of sharks. It is a fact that 33 species of sharks have been spotted including hammerhead-, bull-, tiger- and whale sharks. But it is also a fact, that they are not a regular or common sighting.

What you will see  for (almost) sure are lots of white tip reef sharks the year around, as are big schools of snappers, jacks, grunts, barracudas, bat fish, colourful reef fish like angelfish, butterfly fish, surgeon-, trigger- and parrot fish, all kinds of moray eels and rare fish like frog fish or sea horse.

At certain times of the year you will see big schools of small manta rays (mobulas)and other schooling rays like pelagic sting rays, eagle rays or cow nosed rays. There is a fair chance of seeing turtles and also giant mantas, whale sharks and big sharks from time to time at certain dive sites, but don’t expect being surrounded by 100’s of hammerheads at every dive.

Diving in Coiba

“Think of the number of fish you have seen elsewhere and double it. Think about the size of the fish you have seen and double that as well. That sums up the promise of diving… …Coiba” (DIVER May 2005).

“So many fish swam over, under and around us that I gave up naming and counting  and just enjoyed them” (UNDERCURRENT March 2006)

The national park includes the islands of Coiba, Rancheria, Jicaron, Jicarita, Afuerita, Canal de Afuera, Uvas, Contreras, Pajaros, Brincanco and covers an area of 270.125 ha, of which more than 80% is sea and it contains the largest coral reef in the tropical Eastern Pacific. Just a short distance off its west coast, at Hannibal Bank and Jicaron, the sea drops down to several 1000 feet / meters. Because of the upwelling of deep-sea water and the mixture of different Pacific currents you will find here an incredible abundance of fish and other marine life.

Encounters with whitetip reef sharks, different rays and turtles is quite normal, as is swimming with schools of surgeon-, butterfly- and angel fish, barracudas, Pacific spade fish, jacks and tunas. Also sightings of humpback (July to September) and pilot whales, orcas, dolphins, tiger-, bull- and hammerhead sharks, as well as whale sharks are possible at certain times.

Diving can truly be called spectacular and is often compared to Cocos Islands and Galapagos. The Lonely Planet for Panama describes it as the best between Mexico and Colombia.

We offer daily 2 tank dive trips, as well as special multiple days trips to the national park. During the multiple days trips we are using the ANAM scientific station as our camp. Except otherwise outlined in trip descriptions we are sleeping and eating (breakfast and dinner, lunch sometimes at the station, sometimes at a beach) at the station. There are no other accommodations in the park. Check out the usual trip outline at our itinerary page for more information.

Every cabin has 2 dormitories for 5 to 6 people each and a bathroom per dormitory. The accommodation is basic, though the rooms have air condition. But as electricity is provided by a diesel driven generator, who breaks down from time to time, or the rangers are short on fuel, or both, air condition as well as light is not always available the whole time.

Due to the unique terrestrial flora and fauna as well as beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots, it is also a very worthwhile destination for non-divers. We gladly can organize also eco adventure trips to the national park for non divers or in addition to your dive experience.

Islands around Sta. Catalina – (Octavia, Pelonas, Cebaco, Cativo)

We are diving our “house sites” in daily dive trips, including 2 dives on 2 different spots. If possible, we are resting between the dives at a secluded sandy beach, what makes these trips also very popular for non-diving family members and friends. The dive sites are outside the national park of Coiba, closer to Santa Catalina; some of the spots can be reached in as less as 15 to 30 minutes.

Diving outside the national park does not mean, that it’s worse.

“Our dives around Santa Catalina…where notable for their huge aggregations of schooling fish. There were enormous schools of oversized jacks, snappers and grunts and numerous moray eels”  (DIVER May 2005).

“Again, splendid fish action, plus green and brown morays that squirmed around the rocks” (UNDERCURRENT March 2006).

Many of our dive spots can be compared to sites within the national park. Besides tons of snappers, jacks, tunas, butterfly-, angel-  puffer fish and free swimming moray eels, what you can see here at almost every dive, we have seen here also whale sharks, white tip sharks, bull sharks, manta- and eagle rays, dolphins, humpback- and pilot whales, as well as turtles at certain times.

At these dive sites you guaranteed don’t meet other divers in the water and as we still are discovering regularly new spots, you well might be the first human diving here.

Itinerary

Multiple day trips to Coiba require some experience above beginner level and offer up to 3 dives a day, also to remote sites which cannot be reached in one day trips. They are the ultimate diving adventure in Panama. Day trips are also available every day.

Typical schedule for Diving adventures for 2 or more days:

Day 1 - meeting at the dive center of Scuba Coiba in Santa Catalina at 08:00 am leaving to Coiba, first dive late morning
lunch at the Coiba ranger station or beach pick-nick, second (and third) dive in the afternoon, dinner and night at the ranger station.

Day 2 –  breakfast at the ranger station, usually 2 dives in the morning, lunch, one dive in the afternoon and either back to the ranger station for dinner and accommodation in case of diving trips for more than 2 days or back to Santa Catalina in case of 2 day trips

Day 3 -  like day 2

What should I know, what should I bring?

Coiba and also Santa Catalina are in very remote areas and many “normal” things have to be brought from outside. In our multi day trips we have to bring all the food, ice, gasoline for the boat and diesel for the generator in Coiba plus the cook from outside too. In Santa Catalina are no super markets or ATM’s. Normal things like sun blocker, towels, mosquito repellent etc. just are not available here. Please get everything you might need including cash money from Santiago, what is the last bigger city before turning “south”.

There is absolutely nothing to buy in Coiba. We provide full board on multi day trips including non alcoholic beverages. If you have any diets or special needs or requests please let us know in advance. If you would like some alcohol, cigarettes, etc. please make sure to bring them.

Photo and Video: there have been problems and discussions with filming videos several times in the past. Though the rules are clear now and filming for private use should be no problem and free of fees, please let us know, if your main purpose is to film in Coiba, under or above water. For professional / commercial filming and picture taking you should apply for a permit at least 14 days prior to your planned stay. You also should apply for one, if you are filming for private use only but are using a very professional looking video equipment. We gladly assist you in this process.

Diving Class are offered in Santa Catalina, for more information view:

“PADI Diving courses in Santa Catalina and Isla Coiba”

Reserve a Scuba Diving Trip: info@panamatravelgroup.com

+507-836-6542 y 43 (Panama)

1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)

Courses:

PADI Open Water Diver (3 to 4 full days):

The world’s most popular entry-level certification enables you to rent and fill scuba tanks and dive with a buddy in
environments and conditions suitable to your experience. This comprehensive program is split up into three parts:

1) a self-study based theory section (manuals and videos are available in English and Spanish)

2) a confined water section, which familiarize you with the equipment you are using, as well as practicing skills in a calm
and shallow environment

3) 4 open water dives where you will apply what you have learn in real dive environments

Offer: (**)

Combine your certification course with some world class diving and get more out of your course, start your course in
Santa Catalina, finish it in Coiba Island for USD 300.00

Included:

• 2 days (if necessary 3 days) of theory, confined water dives and two of 4 Open Water training dives in Santa Catalina
• 1 day of the last two Open Water dives in the Coiba National Park
• PADI Open Water certification (if course completed successfully)
• All rental gear

Excluded:

• Park entry and permit fee for the national park USD 20.00 (subject to change)
• Book (we can provide a copy in English and Spanish during the course, but you have buy your own copy at home in
• your language)

(**) Offer based on 2 people joining the course, or one student and one licensed diver are going the day to Coiba

Other Courses:

PADI Scuba Diver (2 days):

If you don’t have time to complete the whole Open Water Diver course, or are only planing to dive accompanied by a
divemaster or instructor to a maximum depth of 12m/40ft, this program might be your choice. And if you decide later to
upgrade to Open Water Diver, you can do this at any PADI facility around the world by simply completing the remaining
sections of the Open Water Diver course.

PADI Discover Scuba Diver (1/2 day):

This is an introductory program and is no certification course. It is designed for people, who are not sure what’s scuba
diving about, but want to give it a try. You are getting a brief basic instruction, a short shallow water practice session and
already you are doing your first open water dive closely watched by an instructor. And if you like it, you can do even
more supervised dives with us, or continue on to Open Water Diver or Scuba Diver.

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (2 or more days):

This program introduces you to the basics of specialty under water activities and leads to a certification higher than the
entry level Open Water Diver course. This proof of broader experience might be a pre-requisit to dive at certain locations or to take part in specialised activities like e.g. night- or wreck dives. You achieve this certification by mastering two mandatory dives (navigation and deep diving) plus three more dives depending on your preferences, as well as environmental and logistical conditions. Possible options available are night diving, peak performance buoyancy, under water naturalist, fish identification, under water photography and drift diving.

It is a great opportunity to combine the course with one of our dive trips to Coiba.  And no worries, it is mainly diving and
only very little theory.

PADI Rescue Diver, Divemaster and specialty diving courses available on request

Referrals: make your knowledge- and confined water parts at your local PADI dive center and complete only your open
water dives with us enjoying great diving in warm waters.

Refreshers: your last scuba dive was some time ago, testing first time new or unfamiliar equipment, or just a little bit
nervous? Our comprehensive tune-up program makes you feel confident.

ASK FOR COMBINATION OF COURSES WITH TRIPS TO THE COIBA NATIONAL PARK!!

For more information on trips view:

“Diving in Isla Coiba National Park and Santa Catalina with Scuba Coiba”

Reserve a Scuba Diving Class: info@panamatravelgroup.com

+507-836-6542 y 43 (Panama)

1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)

Pictures of Dives in Santa Catalina and Coiba Island:

The demand for visits to the site is so high that for the month of September, the reserves are depleted. And no wonder. It is the work of famed architect Frank Gehry and the location is magnificent overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A strategic point at the entrance of the Panama Canal, with a panoramic ocean and city view in the background.

Visitors to the site do not observe the progress of the work from afar, but rather, after coordination of the tour in administrative offices, have the opportunity to enter the building.

Procedures and requirements

Every Friday talks and tours are organized with the purpose that people know firsthand the story of the birth of the isthmus and how that process transformed the entire planet’s biodiversity.

This initiative began in December 2009 and to date has received 750 visitors, said the communication coordinator of Panama Biodiversity Museum, Margot Lopez.

To see what will be the first natural history museum designed and built in the XXI century, you must visit http://www.biomuseopanama.org and complete an on-line form. The administration of the Panama Biodiversity Museum will tell you, via email, the dates available for the visit.

Already in place, attendees will receive an introductory talk about the exhibitions that the museum will have and take a tour of the construction. Each lasts 35 minutes.

These tours and lectures have no charge and are held in groups of 25 persons. Tours can be canceled without notice, for any work whose complexity is not allowed visitors or for safety reasons in case of rain. In both cases the presentation is only given in the model room. However, from December 2009 till present only one visit was canceled because of rain, said Lopez.

For safety reasons, minors can not enter the building.

Meanwhile, adults should go with long pants and closed shoes, and women should not wear high heels or they are not allowed to enter.

Those who make the journey these days can see that they are doing tests to reach the color tones that set the design.

Another form of interaction that has provided the administration of the Panama Biodiversity Museum is the creation of the Friends of the Biomuseum. To be part of it only requires payment of an annual membership, which ranges from 25 to one thousand dollars, which gives everyone who enters this year the opportunity to be part of the history and attend the day of inauguration as a guest.

There is also an agreement with the National Environmental Education of the Ministry of Education (Meduca) through which the museum will provide the scientific knowledge needed for schools in the country and Meduca will review and approve documents and scripts scientists that the Panama Biodiversity Museum presents.

Advance Work

Currently working on the structure of metal, 780 tons of steel to be placed on the roof. There, at least 50 workers are moving steadily, but the number of workers varies with the work performed.

In the environment of the room highlighting the biodiversity models as images combine the richness of natural life, diversity of environments and abundance of water. This environment impacts and calls details of the exhibits will be installed shortly in the Panama Biodiversity Museum.

There are eight halls: Hall of Biodiversity, Panamarama, The Bridge Arrises, The Great Exchange, The Human Footprint, The Oceans Divided, The Living Network and Panama will be the Museum. In them, visitors will have educational games and interactive displays that will enable them to find the information and experience an exhilarating experience.

Article courtesy of La Prensa Newspaper

A source close to the negotiations said that for the last 15 days the representatives of both companies sat down to talk about the possibility of an alliance and have set a maximum of two weeks from the date, to finalize the partnership.

If they reached an agreement passengers traveling with Copa airlines from 45 destinations that  the company operates would arrive at Tocumen International Airport and board a plane from Air Panama to travel to the city of David or Bocas del Toro with a single ticket.

Copa Airlines thus enter the business of domestic flights from the hand of Air Panama, while the latter would be ensure many passengers because of the alliance.

If Copa Airlines and Air Panama materialize this connection, flights would begin late 2010 or mid next year.

On the other hand, if the agreement fails, there is the possibility that Copa Airlines would individually target the local business and rent or buy small aircraft that carry the logo of the company to operate the route.

Copa’s interest by the domestic market is such that the company sent a letter to the Civil Aviation Authority of Panama on the points that need to be improved at the three airports that would be linked in this connection, Tocumen airport, Enrique Malek Airport in Chiriqui and Isla Colon Airport in Bocas del Toro.

They recommended that the Tocumen airport terminal a separate registry point is created for those who would make the transfer to Chiriqui or Bocas del Toro.

Also, Copa Airlines considers it important to have special parking for these passengers and baggage transfer point directly to the small aircraft to prevent passengers from passing again by the security checkpoints.

In relation to the airports in Bocas del Toro and Enrique Malek in the province of Chiriqui, the Civil Aviation Organization (OACI) has recommended building a perimeter fence to prevent access to people and animals to the runway and the installation of X-ray equipment to check the baggage.

Also been asked to increase the number of customs and immigration agents and implement a contingency plan for avian risk, as well as installing a fire station.

In the specific case of Bocas del Toro was asked to appoint a surgeon at the hospital in Isla Colon to meet passengers in the event of a medical emergency.

Article courtesy of La Prensa Newspaper

Literally at the end of the road, the tiny fishing village of Santa Catalina in the Veraguas Province of Panama sits near some of the best surfing spots in the country, and is the closest port to Isla de Coiba, Panama’s top diving and fishing destination.

A quiet fishing village in seclusion until discovered by surfers in the 1970s. Protecting their hidden world class surf, Santa Catalina was kept secret by the surfers for quite sometime. For years, only adventurous surfers visited Santa Catalina who made the long trip here on rough roads and slept in rustic rooms for the pleasure of riding La Punta, a right point break. The roads and accommodations have improved, while still keeping a rustic charm. For the moment, Santa Catalina remains a quiet beach town with little to offer other than ocean views through the palm fronds, friendly locals, cheap seafood, and amazing surf and diving.

Surf Spots include Santa Catalina, Punta Brava, Punta Roca, La Puntica and El Estero.

Today, Santa Catalina offers a smattering of surf camps, low cost hotels and a few eating establishments.  Still fairly secluded, the closest town with ATM, grocery, other basic services is Soná which is about an hour away.

Visitors to Santa Catalina come for outdoor recreation and relaxation. While there are a number of gathering spots for evening dinners and socializing, Santa Catalina is not the all night party spot found in a lot of Central American surf destinations.

The attraction to Santa Catalina, Panama is its natural beauty and vast natural resources.  With the Pacific Ocean roaring up on its beautiful black sand beaches (Playa Santa Catalina and Playa Estero), lush forest and friendly people, Santa Catalina is a great stop for travelers wanting to enjoy some of the best of Panama’s natural beauty and local flair on a minimal budget.

Dozens of islands are scattered through out the ocean, just a short boat ride from Santa Catalina.  Many of these islands offer relatively unexplored white sand beaches with surf breaks that equal and sometimes better the world renowned break at La Punta in Santa Catalina. Islands around Santa Catalina include Cebaco, Cativo, Octavia, Pelonas and Isla Coiba and Coiba National Park.

Hotels in Santa Catalina:

• Hotel Santa Catalina (Kenny’s Surf Camp)
  
• Hibiscus Garden Hotel in Lagartero Beach
  

Tours in Santa Catalina:

• Diving Courses in Santa Catalina and Coiba Island
• Diving in Isla Coiba National Park with Scuba Coiba
  

More photos of Santa Catalina:

Increase. The airport recorded a 15% annual growth in passenger movements, and by 2015 the projection is of 8 million people. For this they will make investments in neighboring lots.

The construction of two new terminals in Panama’s Tocumen airport accompanied by a commercial infrastructure, hotel and hospital whose investment will reach 400 million dollars.

The administration of Tocumen Airport in Panama has named the new project “aeropolis or airport city.” The work will be developed in one part of the 300 hectares that Tocumen Airport negotiated to purchase from the University of Panama for $109 million last June.

Juan Carlos Pino, General Manager of Tocumen Airport in Panama, said the concept will be developed by the Government and the areas of construction to the private sector concessionaire, in order to be exploited also the rights of local and create a new source of income for the airport, as happens today with the duty free. Although the project is in its infancy, it is projected that between design and construction investment will reach 400 million dollars.

The Tocumen Airport in Panama is conducting feasibility studies and early 2011 the final concept of the commercial complex should be ready.

“There are hotel chains are interested in participating in the project as well as investors who have shown interest in building a hospital to develop the business of medical tourism in Panama,” said Pino.

Felix Carles, a businessman linked to real estate, said that this development will enhance the attractiveness of the country and make Panama up to par with developed nations that have developed similar concepts.

This complex will be part of the work of expansion of the terminal, which includes the construction of the North Pier, now under construction, and the South Pier, whose plans will be designed next year.

The South Pier will feature about 20 gates and will require the construction of a new terminal, and its construction will start once the North Pier is in operation, with a 50% increase in airport capacity and 12 new boarding gates.

It is projected that the North Pier will be in operation by mid-2011. To develop this terminal Panama’s Tocumen Airport had to resort to loans to finance the business expansion that built by Conconcreto and Odinsa Group and the equipment of the terminal for $75 million.

The state company that manages the airport had to borrow despite having provided $ 173.2 million in 2007 for the rights of exploitation of the duty free shops of the terminal. Instead of allocating the income to savings to fund the planned extensions, the last administration diverted the funds to meet shortfall of government institutions.

Article courtesy of La Prensa Newspaper