Ankay Conservation SA

Located on Isla Solarte in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Ankay Conservation SA operates at the intersection of recreational diving and marine science. The centre is built around the principles of ecotourism, focusing on the health of the local ecosystem and the protection of the coral reefs that define this region of Panama.

Rather than just observing the underwater world, you are invited to engage with it through citizen science. The centre's programmes are designed to turn a standard dive holiday into an opportunity to contribute to coral reef restoration, 3D mapping, and species monitoring, providing data that is used for global reef health reporting.

The centre's mission is driven by a commitment to marine conservation and scientific integrity. They focus on teaching divers how to understand the local ecosystem, identify marine species, and implement protection strategies through active reef management.

For those looking to stay on-site during extended programmes, such as the Reef Check EcoDiver courses, Ankay offers accommodation featuring private double rooms and shared bathrooms. This allows for a cohesive experience during multi-day training sessions.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses, starting from Discover Scuba Diving for beginners through to Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver. For those looking to progress their professional career, they provide Divemaster and Rescue Diver training, including the EFR certification add-on.

Beyond standard certifications, Ankay specialises in ecological and technical training. You can enrol in PADI specialties such as Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, and Night Diver, or focus on buoyancy with the Peak Performance Buoyancy course. Their unique curriculum includes Ankay-specific certifications in Marine Ecosystems and Marine Species Identification, alongside the Reef Check EcoDiver programme which focuses on reef monitoring and restoration.

Ankay provides full equipment hire for divers who do not wish to travel with their own kit. This includes all the essentials required for both recreational and specialised dives.

Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom time or manage nitrogen loading more effectively. The centre is also equipped to support night diving activities.

The reefs are teeming with a diverse array of life, from large schools of fish to intricate coral formations. You will frequently encounter groupers, snappers, grunts, and various species of damselfish, alongside moray eels and scorpionfish.

The hard and soft coral structures provide a home for a vast range of invertebrates. Look closely to find colourful sponges, sea fans, gorgonians, and various anemones that carpet the seabed.

For those with an eye for macro life, the area offers incredible variety. You can find nudibranchs, shrimp, and various species of crabs and snails hidden within the reef crevices.

Larger animals also frequent these waters, including nurse sharks, stingrays, and pufferfish. In deeper or more current-driven sites, you may encounter larger pelagic fish and sharks.

Diving conditions in Bocas del Toro vary by site. While many reef sites are calm, Buoyline can experience occasional currents, and Dolphin Rock is subject to potential swell and currents. Silverbacks is a high-current site that requires advanced certification.

Some sites, such as Dolphin Rock and the cave systems at Polo Caverns, are considered seasonal. These locations are best visited when conditions allow for safe access to the rock formations and underwater tunnels.