Playground: 2 Dives

The Playground is a five-minute boat ride from Bocas, and boasts a profusion of soft coral formations which are home to strikingly coloured sea slugs and mollusks. There is much to see in the first fifteen metres, including a shipwreck and plenty of marine life. On the deep edges of the reef, you might view a stinging cauliflower, the largest jellyfish in the Caribbean, but BDC instructors will remind you to stay clear. You will also learn extra safety measures because of ongoing boat traffic. A circular reef in the bay in front of Bocas town forms the Playground. This site has more soft coral formations than most others in the area and green/hawksbill turtles can often be sighted here between April and June. The playground is VERY close to Bocas town, just a short 3-minute boat ride away. Nudibranches and colourful mollusks abound in the soft corals from 5-8m, and theres some kind of nearly-unidentifiable wreck around 7m. Generally, best to stay above 15m here, because theres not much to see below that due to heavy freshwater runoff and a slow tidal change. Stinging cauliflower jellies are not uncommon here (on the deeper fringes of the reef) and can deliver a serious sting, so be watchful. Also, make sure not to linger on or near the surface; boat traffic here is the heaviest in the area. Conditions: boat traffic, stinging cauliflower, trash