Diving in Colombia

Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, hosting almost 10% of the planet’s biodiversity, that is to be discovered not only on the surface, but also under the sea. Colombia has coasts in both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is home to some of the most impressive coral reefs in the world. These reefs are home to an astonishing array of marine life, from colorful tropical fish to turtles, whales and sharks.

Whether you are a certified diver or a beginner, the underwater world of Colombia has something to offer for every level of experience. Most dive centers in Colombia are PADI, but they also recognize CMAS, SSI, SDI, NAUI and others. The conditions for diving in Colombia are ideal. Water temperatures typically range from 26°C to 30°C, making diving comfortable all year round. Colombia is known for its warm hospitality and diverse culture. Divers can immerse themselves in the local culture after their dives, tasting delicious Colombian food and exploring the country’s historic richness. Dive in with us and discover the underwater wonder of this beautiful country.

Diving spots in Colombia

Tayrona National Park

Santa Marta is a unique place on earth for its coastal mountains, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, reaching 5,700 m just 42 km from the Caribbean coast. Taganga is a district of Santa Marta, a traditional fishing village, that you can reach with a 15 min ride by bus or a taxi from Santa Marta. It is a favorite spot of backpackers. It is famous for its stunning sunsets between the mountains and the sea and the typical dish of fried fish with patacón and coconut rice. It is a diving capital of Colombia. The majority of the dive sites are located inside the Tayrona National Natural Park. It is one of the few national parks in the Caribbean with coral reefs on its territories. 

Malpelo Island

The most remote and unique dive site. Malpelo Island is a real underwater treasure of Colombia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, 500 kilometers from the Colombian mainland, it can only be reached by boat, a 35-hour ride in a liveboard from the port of Buenaventura (Buenaventura is easily reached by plane from Cali). This long and difficult journey is definitely worth the time and money. Malpelo is a shark paradise. Divers can easily spot hundreds of hammerhead, whale, or silky sharks circling around the island. As it is a very remote location with strong currents it is only available for advanced divers. 

Malpelo Island has been protected as a wildlife sanctuary since 1995 and identified as a particularly sensitive sea area by the International Maritime Organization in 2002. The island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

Gorgona Island

Another dive spot in the Colombian Pacific region. Gorgona is an uninhabited island, a nature reserve, formerly used as a prison. It is now mostly visited by divers for whale-watching as it is a breeding area for humpback whales. The best time to visit Gorgona and experience the extraordinary diving with the sounds of the whales around you and if you're lucky enough even spotting one is between July and October. You can take a liveaboard dive boat or ferry from Buenaventura or a high-speed boat from a little town called Guapi and stay overnight.

Providencia

Providencia, located in the Caribbean Sea, is the home of the third-largest coral reef in the world. Even thought it is far away from the mainland, the island belongs to Colombia. It is surrounded by the 'Sea of Seven Colors', named for its multiple shades of turquoise and blue. Thanks to its calm, crystal clear, and warm waters it is an ideal place for beginner divers to practice their new diving skills and for the experienced divers to explore more than 40 dive sites. The seas around Providencia have been declared a UNESCO-protected area. You can experience diving with sharks, in caves, blue holes, and even sunken pirate ships. You can easily get to Providencia by plane from San Andres.

Capurgana and Sapzurro

Located close to the Panama border near the Darien Gap, it is one of the less accessible dive sites and therefore well preserved with a stunning coral reef and with a possibility to make a dive trip to the beautiful San Blas Island. The best time to come dive is between May and October.