Ankay Conservation

Yoan

★★★★★

I stayed there for 3 weeks and it was an amazing experience. I completed my Open Water certification there, and it completely changed the way I see scuba diving, I absolutely loved it! The dive sites are incredible: shipwrecks, sharks, and so much marine life and coral to explore. My room was very clean, comfortable, and private. The food was great, and the chefs were both friendly and fun. Breakfast was also excellent, with fresh local fruits every day. If you’re lucky, you might even spot sloths nearby, along with many beautiful birds. Paula and Felipe were fantastic hosts. They made us feel safe and confident in the water, and their experience really shows. They were always attentive and supportive. Thanks to Summer as well that helped us with organizations and activities, that was really a fun experience ! I highly recommend this place, so much that I already want to go back!

Delphine G

★★★★★

I spent three weeks at Ankay Conservation doing the Coral Conservation Program, and it was honestly one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences I have ever had. I came with the simple intention of helping, learning, planting corals, and contributing as much as possible to the center’s mission. What I found was so much more than I expected. This was not only a beautiful travel experience, but also a truly impactful one. It gave me the feeling that I was using my time for something real and important. During my stay, I completed my Advanced certification with Paula as my instructor, and I am very grateful for the experience. The teaching was structured, immersive, and full of learning opportunities. I even had the chance to do a night dive with Felipe, which was a highlight for me. After two weeks of underwater classes, study, and practical training with Rho, I was able to take part in reef surveys, which made the whole experience even more meaningful. What I especially appreciated is that the surveys are not just volunteer activities for show. They are real data collection used to assess reef health, support reports, contribute to scientific work, and help organizations working to protect marine ecosystems. Being part of that process made me feel like I was genuinely contributing to ocean conservation, not just observing it from the outside. The educational side of the program is excellent. I learned so much about coral reefs, substrate, marine life, and conservation methods in a way that felt serious and well organized. This is a place for people who truly want to understand what conservation work looks like on the ground and in the water. I also had a very positive experience with the diving and felt safe throughout my stay. I spent a lot of time in the water over those three weeks, including while doing my certification, and I always felt supported and well guided. For me, the safety, supervision, and general organization underwater were all very reassuring and on point! The center itself is also a beautiful place to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature. The setting is peaceful, immersive, and full of charm. I loved the simplicity of island life, the comfort of the facilities, and even small details like the rainwater showers, which made the whole experience feel even more special and connected to the environment. The food was also great during my stay. I always felt well fed, and meals were an enjoyable part of the rhythm of the day. After diving, studying, and working outside, that made a big difference. Thanks to Ale & Ana, the best chef of the island! What stayed with me most is the feeling of purpose I had while being there. This experience reminded me that travel can be much more than sightseeing — it can be a way to learn, contribute, and have a real positive impact. I left with new skills, new knowledge, and a much stronger connection to ocean conservation. I honestly had such a magical experience that coming home gave me a real sense of sadness, simply because those three weeks had been so special. I would recommend Ankay Conservation without hesitation to anyone looking for a meaningful, educational, and genuinely impactful experience. If you want to disconnect, learn deeply, and be part of something that matters, this is a wonderful place to do it. Five stars, absolutely.

Kim Comerford

★★★★★

I attended the coral reef conservation course in July 2025 and I absolutely loved it. Pau and Felipe are wonderful hosts and instructors. As a late comer to all things diving, I wasn’t as experienced or savvy as the other participants but everyone was so accommodating that I felt very confidant and rewarded. One thing I really benefitted from was the expectation of doing everything myself (gear-related). I DID also learn a ton about coral and sponges and fish, which was very fascinating, but I think it was the day to day routine of prepping and maintaining gear and being responsible for oneself (in terms of diving)during the entire two weeks that allowed me to become a more self confidant diver all around. I would highly recommend this experience for anyone. With its beautiful location and welcoming hosts, this experience will allow you to forget the world and immerse yourself in learning about the breathtaking underwater world around Bocas del Torro. Oh! And the food is fantastic! GO!

Matteo Ducci

★★★★★

Ankay Conservation is a really special place. The hosts are brilliant, genuinely dedicated people and you can feel how much they care about the sea and what they do. The location itself feels like paradise, and I learned a lot about marine conservation through the program which is tought with genuine passion and love for the ocean and reef. I didn’t need to take any diving lessons myself, but I got to see the instructor working with students and he was absolutly great with them. I’d highly reccomend Ankay Conservation if you’re looking for a “holiday with purpose”, whether that’s getting a diving certificate or simply exploring an amazing reef with guides who know it inside out. Ps: the chefs were also really good if you were wondering about the meals add on :)

Peyton Sanborn

★★★★★

Definitely recommend Ankay for anyone looking for first-hand experience in diving for marine conservation! I had the most wonderful stay. Over just two weeks, I learned so much from completing the coral conservation program and my rescue diver certification. I left a more confident diver with a deeper appreciation for the fragility of reef ecosystems. Not to mention the surrounding garden, jungle, mangroves, bay, and town are unbelievably vibrant and fun to explore. Thank you for being so welcoming and bringing awareness to our oceans, Pau y Felipe!