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Diving and Snorkeling on the Caribbean Coast in Colombia

Explore one of the best marine habitats in Colombia while diving and snorkelling on the Caribbean coast. The area is famous worldwide for its fantastic coral reefs

Best time: April–November

Diving and Snorkeling on the Caribbean Coast
Diving and Snorkeling on the Caribbean Coast

On the Caribbean side, some popular snorkeling sites include San Andres and Providencia, Capurgana, Cartagena, and Taganga (Santa Marta). This area boasts some of the best corals worldwide.

The Caribbean side offers coral gardens and tropical reef fish including angelfish, butterflyfish, yellowtail snapper, green moray eels, barracuda, grouper, and snapper. Dives here are often shorter and shallower than on the Pacific side. It is more suitable for beginners and early stage divers.

The best time for diving on the Caribbean coast of Colombia is from April to November, as the winds and waves are not that strong during these months. As a plus, at that time you can see turtles coming to lay their eggs along the northern shore in late spring, with hatchlings coming out in June–July.

Practical info

What are some popular spots to go snorkeling on the Caribbean coast of Colombia?

San Andres and Providencia are popular snorkeling sites on Colombia's Caribbean coast. Clear visibility and inviting turquoise waters make them an ideal place for snorkeling. Other top snorkeling and diving spots are Capurgana, Cartagena, and Taganga (Santa Marta). The area is also well-known for its excellent coral reefs and countless marine life species that can be seen while snorkeling or diving. Show more

What type of marine life can you see if you go diving or snorkeling in this region?

A range of marine species can be seen while diving and snorkeling along Colombia's Caribbean coast. You can observe different types of fish such as angel fish, butterfly fish, yellowtail snapper, green moray eels, barracuda, grouper, and snapper. Besides, the area is home to an abundance of sponges, fan coral, soft coral and stony coral, and offers ample opportunity to witness pelagic creatures like whale sharks. Show more

What is the best period to go diving on Colombia's Caribbean coast?

The most suitable period to plan your diving trip along the Caribbean coast of Colombia is from April to November. During this time, the ocean conditions are optimal for diving because the winds and waves aren't too strong. Additionally, if you would like to observe turtles coming ashore to lay eggs, the late spring season is perfect. By June-July, you can see the hatchlings emerging from their nests. Show more

How does diving on the Caribbean coast compare to the Pacific coast concerning difficulty level and depth?

Diving on Colombia's Caribbean coast is relatively more comfortable for novice and early-stage divers than the Pacific coast. The dives here are usually shorter and more manageable, making navigation easier. Furthermore, shallow waters offer a more immersive feeling. Conversely, the Pacific side is thought to feature more challenging diving conditions, with deeper and erratic currents, making it ideal for advanced divers. Show more

Is it possible to observe the sea turtles laying eggs and hatchlings during your visit to the Caribbean coast of Colombia? If so, when is the best time to see them?

You can observe sea turtles coming ashore to lay eggs on the beaches of Colombia's Caribbean coast during the late spring season. The best time to witness this is around the end of May or the beginning of June. The eggs take around two months to incubate, and you can observe the hatchlings crawling their way to the sea. Organized tours can guide you respectfully to see them and avoid any disturbance to the turtles. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin