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World Class Scuba Diving in Colombia

8 Best Places for Scuba Diving in Colombia, South America

Colombia’s mega-diversity extends beyond the surface into the depths of the sea. Bordered by both the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean, and situated near the equator, Colombia is a scuba diving paradise boasting world-class dive sites. This unique geography fosters diverse marine ecosystems and incredibly rich underwater life.

From vibrant coral reefs and fascinating underwater landscapes to exciting encounters with marine megafauna, Colombia offers an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels, from beginners looking to get certified to experienced divers seeking new thrills. Colombia remains a somewhat hidden gem for diving – so explore its depths before the crowds arrive!

Discover the top dive destinations in Colombia in this mini-guide, and get ready for an incredible underwater adventure. But first, find out what makes diving in Colombia so special.

Why Colombia is a Scuba Diver's Dream

Colombia is a fantastic destination for scuba diving for a range of reasons.
  • Biodiversity hotspot: Colombia’s underwater realm is a biodiversity powerhouse. Where the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean almost touch, a wealth of marine species thrives, from colorful reef fish to larger pelagic creatures. Protected dive sites ensure these ecosystems remain vibrant and teeming with life.
  • Eco-friendly diving: Many dive centers in Colombia are committed to reef conservation and sustainable, conscious diving practices.
  • Affordability: Compared to other Latin American dive destinations, like Panama, Ecuador and Costa Rica, Colombia offers more value for money. A 2-tank fun dive may start somewhere around 270.000 COP at the lower end.
  • Dive sites for all levels: Whether you’re a beginner looking for calm, shallow reefs or an expert diver seeking challenging currents and deep walls, Colombia has something for you.
  • Hidden gem: Despite its unique attractiveness, Colombia is still seen as an emerging dive destination in South America, meaning less crowded dive sites and more intimate diving experiences.
  • Year-round diving: With warm waters between 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F) and excellent visibility, Colombia is an ideal destination for scuba divers throughout the year.
  • Many female instructors: Nice to know for women traveling solo to Colombia: There are quite a lot of female dive masters and instructors working in local dive centers! Just ask for them in the “Girls that Scuba” Facebook group.
  • Diving plus: Most of Colombia’s top dive spots, also have additional amazing things to offer, from historic colonial centers and paradisiacal beaches to diverse landscapes for ecotourism, as well as a rich culture, great hospitality and yummy food.

The 8 best Scuba Diving Destinations in Colombia

Colombia has dive sites for divers of all levels. Let’s get a quick overview before diving into the details of each site (pun intended).
  • Beginners: Try Cartagena, San Andrés, Tayrona, Capurganá, and Isla Fuerte for calm waters and relaxed diving.
  • Intermediate Divers: Explore Providencia, Nuquí, Bahía Solano, and Isla Gorgona for some extra torrents and unique marine life.
  • Advanced Divers: Head to Malpelo Island for challenging dives and encounters with sharks and other large pelagic species.

1. Relaxed Diving near Cartagena: Islas del Rosario

Beautiful Cartagena de Indias serves as a gateway to the Islas del Rosario, which are part of the fascinating Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo archipelago and National Park. The area boasts more than 25 dive spots known for their variety of corals and reef fish species. While not as renowned for diving as some other destinations in Colombia, the islands provide an easy and convenient opportunity for nice diving while visiting Cartagena and cherishing beach life.
  • For whom: The Rosario islands offer calm, clear waters perfect for beginners and those seeking relaxed diving.
  • Marine life: Expect to see colorful reef fish, sea turtles, rays, and perhaps even a shark or dolphin.
  • Dive centers: Several dive centers in Cartagena offer trips to the Rosario Islands, including Diving Planet Cartagena (Google Maps) and Cartagena Divers (Google Maps).
  • Price Level: Moderate
Diving near Cartagena: Rosario Islands, Colombia

Photo by Cyprus Niko, Islas del Rosario, Cartagena (mod.), Canva Pro

2. Santa Marta & Taganga: Varied Diving Experiences in Tayrona National Park

Located near Santa Marta and Taganga, Tayrona National Park is a protected area that offers incredible scuba diving opportunities in warm Caribbean waters. The park’s coral reefs and rocky formations are home to a diverse array of marine life. Tayrona National park is ideal if you want to combine diving with ecotourism on land. 

  • For whom: You can find everything from shallow, protected dive sites to challenging currents, so it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. If you stay until after sunset, you may see magical bioluminescent plankton!
  • Marine life: You can encounter sea turtles, moray eels, stingrays, colorful small tropical fish, and even an occasional shark or dolphin. 
  • Dive centers There are a lot of good dive centers in both Santa Marta and Taganga. I’ve been diving with Caribbean Pro (see on Google Maps) in Santa Marta several times and can warmly recommend them. 
  • Price level: Budget-friendly to Moderate. Prices in this area are typically the lowest in Colombia, offering an extraordinary value for money.
Caribbean Sea at Tayrona National Park, ideal for diving

Photo by Travelhapp, Caribbean sea, Tayrona National Park

3. Amazing Scuba Diving in San Andrés & Providencia

Located close to Nicaragua and Costa Rica, the islands of San Andrés and Providencia are home to pristine waters and amazing coral reefs with abundant marine life. San Andrés is famous for its underwater caves and unique rock formations. The island is also a great place for snorkeling, featuring some shallow reefs. I did my first night dive in San Andrés and it was a truly magical experience with the dark underwater world illuminated by mysterious green plankton. Providencia is located within the UNESCO-protected Seaflower Biosphere Reserve and surrounded by the “Sea of Seven Colors”. The island offers remote and pristine dive sites like Crab Cay, which is known for its incredible visibility and vibrant underwater life.
  • For whom: San Andres has sites for all levels, while Providencia leans towards intermediate and advanced divers due to its strong currents.
  • Marine life: You may spot different types of sharks and rays, barracudas, turtles, colorful parrotfish and many other tropical species.
  • Dive centers: Several good dive centers operate on both islands. Please specify exactly what you want! It happened to me once on San Andrés that I booked a dive and instead of the expected fun dive I was welcomed by a discovery dive group of newbies. On Providencia, you may check out, for example,  ANDA DI WATA (Google Maps) and on San Andrés Banda Dive Shop (Google Maps).
  • Price level: Moderate to high – similar to Cartagena. (Providencia can be a bit more expensive due to its remoteness).
Crab Cay, Providencia Island, Colombia

Photo by Dronoptera, Crab Cay, Providencia Island, Colombia

4. Malpelo Island – Shark Encounters for Adventurous divers

The remote, uninhabited Pacific island of Malpelo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most renowned diving spots for experienced divers seeking big pelagic encounters, especially with sharks. It’s an extremely challenging but also very rewarding destination guaranteeing an unforgettable experience.
  • For whom: Strong currents and the island’s remote location require advanced diving skills and experience. Ideal for adventure-seekers!
  • Marine life: Malpelo is famous for its large quantities of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and silky sharks.
  • Dive centers: Due to its remote location 500 km from the mainland, diving trips are typically organized through liveaboard operators specializing in advanced diving expeditions, for example Malpelo Tours (website).
  • Price level: Premium. (It’s a 35-hour boat trip from Buenaventura to reach Malpelo island).
Adrenaline diving at Malpelo Island, Colombia

Photo by Jdmacarenoq (CC BY-SA 4.0), Isla Malpelo Colombia (mod.)

5. Pristine Diving at Chocó's pacific coast: Nuquí & Bahía Solano

Located on the Pacific coast of the remote Chocó region of Colombia, tropical beach paradises Nuquí and Bahía Solano offer pristine dive sites with abundant marine life in an untouched, off-the-beaten-path natural setting.

  • For whom: The Pacific coast’s dynamic conditions offer rewarding experiences for Intermediate to advanced divers.
  • Marine life: The area is most famous for watching humpback whales in the migration season (roughly between July and October). You may also see different types of colorful reef fish, sea turtles, rays, and large schools of sardines, among other species.
  • Dive centers: Local operators offer diving excursions, but facilities may be more basic compared to other destinations in Colombia. Check out Estación de buceo Aquasub (Google Maps) and Ankla Azul (Google Maps) in Bahía Solano for good options.
  • Price level: Moderate to High. Due to the remote location, prices can be a bit higher than in some other destinations in Colombia. 
Whale Watching Chocó Colombia

Photo by Silvana Palacios, Whale watching in Chocó, Colombia (mod.)

6. Tranquil Diving at Chocó's Caribbean coast: Capurganá and Sapzurro

Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast close to the Panama border and the Darién Gap, the remote villages of Capurganá and Sapzurro offer access to some of the best-preserved coral reefs in the country. The area features various dive sites and is known for its untouched beauty and laid-back atmosphere, far from the crowds. The “Cementerio de las Redes” dive site near Sapzurro offers a unique underwater landscape with volcanic rocks, submarine walls, and “a cemetery of old fishing nets”, attracting a wide array of marine life.
  • For whom: With its calm waters the area is ideal for beginners and intermediate divers seeking relaxed diving and a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path experience.
  • Marine life: Expect to see a variety of colorful reef fish, rays, moray eels, sea turtles, groupers, parrotfish, nurse sharks, lionfish, barracuda, and more.
  • Dive center: You can find several local dive centers in the area,  for example Buceo en Capurganá Shark Dive Center (Google Maps).
  • Price level: Moderate
diving capurgana colombia

Photo by Oscar Garces, Capurganá (mod.), Canva Pro

7. Unique diving experiences at Isla Gorgona, Colombia (Hidden Gem)

Hidden diving gem Isla Gorgona is a former prison island in the Pacific Ocean of Colombia, which was turned into a national natural park and is recognized as one of Colombia’s sustainable travel destinations. The island is known for its unique marine ecosystem and topography enabling an exceptional world-class diving experience. Isla Gorgona is also a popular spot for whale watching during migration season (roughly between July and October).
  • For whom: While featuring also some sites for beginners, strong currents and deep walls make this dive site more suitable for Intermediate to advanced divers.
  • Marine life: Isla Gorgona is home to a wide range of species, including hammerhead sharks, octopuses, rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and various coral species. During migration season you can spot humpback whales and hear their songs underwater.
  • Dive centers: The National Natural Park Gorgona has its own dive center on the island (see P.N.N. website). You can also find dive tours from Cali.
  • Price level: Moderate to High
diving isla gorgona colombia

Photo by Aviatur, Beach on Gorgona island, Colombia (mod.), CC BY-SA 2.5

8. Off-the-beaten-path Diving at Isla Fuerte, Colombia

The small Caribbean island Isla Fuerte is a lesser-known dive destination, offering tranquil diving experiences with healthy coral reefs featuring diverse marine life. The island is also known for its pirate cave “Cueva de Morgan” and good snorkeling opportunities.
  • For whom: With its calm water conditions and relatively shallow dive sites Isla Fuerte is perfect for beginners and intermediate divers seeking a relaxed, off-the-beaten path experience.
  • Marine life: Expect to see colorful reef fish, sea turtles, rays, and various invertebrates.
  • Dive centers: Local dive operators offer trips around the island, for example Isla Fuerte Ecolodge & Diving Center (Google Maps).
  • Price level: Moderate

Getting Scuba Diving Licenses in Colombia

Colombia is an excellent place to get your PADI certifications. (NAUI is also possible, but less common.) Most dive centers offer open water and advanced courses, and the prices are very competitive.

Cartagena, Santa Marta, Taganga, and San Andrés are all popular destinations to get certified – with Taganga and Santa Marta typically offering the best value for money.

I did my Open Water course with a dive school in Taganga back in 2011 (which unfortunately does not exist anymore). During the course we stayed on the secluded beach “Playa del Amor” inside Tayrona National Park – without electricity, sleeping outside under the open night sky in hammocks. One of the best experiences of my entire life!

Best time for diving in colombia

Basically, diving in Colombia is great all year-round. The dry season, from December to end of March, typically offers the best visibility and calmer waters. There is slightly more rain and potentially lower visibility during the rainy season (April-November, with a potential break between June and September, depending on the region). For Capurgana and Sapzurro, May to October is considered the best time of the year for diving. Humpback whale season on the Pacific coast runs approximately from July to October, making this a particularly special time to visit destinations like Nuquí, Bahía Solano, or Isla Gorgona.
Scuba diving colombia, lionfish,

Photo by Arnhue Tan, Scuba diving: lionfish

Final Tips for diving in Colombia

With its extremely diverse marine life and unique underwater landscapes, Colombia is a top scuba diving destination with world class dive sites that should be on every diver’s bucket list. 

Remember to research dive operators thoroughly, check reviews and choose dive centers that prioritize safety, marine conservation and sustainable diving. If you are new to diving, please carefully check health and safety guidelines for safe diving – and safe behavior before and after your dives.

Dive centers in Colombia usually provide equipment and many of them take photos and videos during the dive which they are happy to share with you. While most dive centers are PADI, they also recognize other certifications like NAUI, CMAS, SSI, and SDI.

For more details on the individual dive sites, you can check out the PADI Colombia Travel Guide.

Enjoy your underwater adventures in Colombia!

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Last Update: February 27, 2025

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Nicole
Curious Solo Traveler – living in Colombia

Image credits: Title image (top) from Pixabay (mod.)

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