Welcome to
La Buga Dive & Surf
We are a PADI 5 Star Dive Center and Surf School located in the heart of Bocas town on Colon Island.

Our Services
If you would like to spent a thrilling day in, under and above the warm Caribbean water of world famous Bocas del Toro, we have all the facilities and would love to help make these moments a memorable experience for you!
Dive Master
The Divemaster training develops your leadership abilities, qualifying you to supervise dive activities with certified divers and assist instructors with student divers.

Single/Two Tank Dive
Explore twice the beauty with our thrilling two-tank dive experience to two of the many unique dive-sites.
Night Dive
Bocas has unique Bioluminescence and nightactive animals, that you encounter in the night.
Two Tank Dive + Night Dive
A full day of diving: Discover the underwater world of Bocas both in daylight and at night.
Four Tank Dive
Get the most out of your diving experience by having four tanks at hand with a lunch break in between the dives.

Headstart Package
Recommended for you
Two Tank Dive
Explore the beauty with our thrilling two-tank dive experience to two of our unique dive-sites
Everyday at 9am and 2pm
- For Certified Divers
- Full Service
What's included
- All Equipment needed (wetsuit, fins, mask, BCD)
- Two full tanks
- Boat rides and instructors
- Fresh fruits and water
Dive Locations
in Bocas
Explore one of the wonderful dive sites in Bocas del Toro








Our core values
Dive with La Buga
Our history brings us to what we are now: A five star PADI certified dive center and surf school.
One of our unique selling points is our qualified national staff. They provide top quality service by constantly reflecting our core values: Safety, Convenience and Fun!
With these values in mind, our PADI Instructors will teach you the skills you need to discover (or rediscover!) the wonders of scuba diving in Bocas del Toro.
Safety
Safety is our top priority and is accomplished by maintaining equipment, integrity and having trained personal on-site at all times.
Convenience
In line with a relaxed island mentality, we offer great flexibility supporting you with the organization of your trip and other services within our capabilities.
Fun!
We trust in the enthusiasm of our qualified staff to guide you through the experience of underwater exploration and help you to build long lasting memories.

About us
Our Experience
Backed by many years of experience working for and operating dive centers, the creator of La Buga, Ricardo, established high standards for the shop equipment and first class service to provide the best possible customized dive experiences Bocas had and still has to offer. As time went by, La Buga quickly built up a reputation as a reliable and renowned Dive Center in Bocas del Toro.
Discover E-Learning!
PADI 5 Star Dive Center
If you’re looking for a flexible way to fit a scuba certification into your busy schedule or if you just prefer web based learning, then PADI’s online scuba programs are the way to go!
Whether you want to take scuba lessons for beginners or you’re ready to advance your scuba skills training, PADI eLearning is a convenient way to learn.
You can get started immediately with scuba knowledge development and work at your own pace using the PADI eLearning system.
PADI continually adapts course content for online delivery, which means you should check back regularly to view newly released online programs.
PADI E-learning course
Start now
- Start Immediately
- All courses material included
- Work at your own pace and from home
- Continuous improvement of course materials
- Start immediately
- All courses material included
- work at your own place and from home
- continuous improvement of course materials

Surfing with La Buga
Surf Lessons
Our award winning surf instructor will lead you through the thrill of riding your first wave on a surf board. If you’re an advanced or experienced surfer, he will share some professional tips and local surfing advice to help you find your wave.

In Panama
Stay with us
We offer three houses for rent in the Big Creek area, where you are surrounded by nature but can bike to town fast and easy. Being only 4 kilometers away from our dive center, it is the perfect place to recharge and rest after exploring the underwater world.

What our clients say
What a team, what a quality, what memorable dives with La Buga - THANK YOU! So I’ll be honest, Bocas is not typical world class diving. But somehow the entire team at La Buga managed to make every dive magical. They always found amazing wildlife, corals and dive spots that I will remember for life. And I’ve dived many places…! A special shout out to divemaster Manuel - the boss! Thank you for being such an intuitive brilliant guide down under. And thank you for your epic electronic tunes that you dj’d for us back on the boat. I hope I get to dive with you again one day! Also thanks to captain Santiago for navigating us like no other.
I received my open water dive certification at La Buga in November 2021. Ivan was my instructor and I had a great time. Ivan was a great instructor as he explained every thing clearly and in great detail. The course was both fun and informative. After two days and 5 dives I feel confident in my diving ability and can’t wait to do it again. I would definitely recommend the program at La Buga. As for the the diving locations, they are great. Lots of coral, fish and a rainbow of different colors. Plenty of variety. Shipwrecks we’re very cool to see as well.
Could not recommended this place more. As a group of 20 we reached out to La Bugs for a daily boat rental for snorkeling. We took the trimaran (see in pictures) and a captain/guide. The experience was SPOT ON. The captain took us to perfect spots for snorkeling , was very patient with us (as we have many kids) and took care of everything for us. Thanks La Buga for an unforgettable perfect day!
This was my second visit to Bocas and La Buga (first in July 2017-where i was certified with them). I was impressed yet again with Leandro, Ivan and the entire dive staff. We had a great day diving where safety was a top priority. We saw a shark, octopus, eel, lionfish, stingray and a TON of beautiful reef fish. The surfboard selection is average but i found a decent enough board and the discount (because i was a dive client) was great. The young lady that works the front desk was super helpful with all of our questions. I will be back in a few months and look forward to diving with them again!! The food and coffee at their shop, La Bugita is excellent, as well!!
Definitely the best diving place in Bocas. Friendly, qualified and enthusiastic dive instructors have this exactly experience to provide dive travel information on dive sites, diving trips and liveaboards. Feel very safe, and taken care of, all necessary instructions and briefings. They provide obtaining all kinds of certifications you may want to get and be a professional diver. All the dive musters are supper professional fun and friendly- great pleasure to dive with! Loved the night dives !!!And plus to this the place itself after/before dive you can stay for breakfast, lunch or dinner with delicious meals, coffees and smoothies. Highly recommend!!!