Gatun Lake

Gatun Lake is one of the best diving sites in Panama. It was created by damming the Chagres River during the construction of the canal. As the flood advanced, it swept away villages, construction equipment, machinery, and even a train. These are interesting for divers to explore as they swim with the tarpon, snook, and peacock bass that use the remnants as home, to the background sound of passing ships.

Under the vast lake, construction equipment, villages, railways, and houses all still exist and provide an interesting place to explore. The clarity is not as good as it is in the ocean because it is a freshwater lake, but there is still plenty to see. Many species of fish and marine life live in the underwater plant life. Large tankers navigate the lake on a daily basis, so be careful where you dive and keep out of any forbidden areas.

It was the world's largest man-made lake when it was built in the early twentieth century. The Gatun Dam was built across the Chagres River during the construction of the Panama Canal. Everything behind the dam gradually submerged, and the lake was formed over several years.