Colombia
Diving in Colombia
Photo: Fuka jaz / Pexels
Colombia is the only South American country with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, offering two completely different diving experiences in one destination. The Caribbean coast features vibrant coral reefs, historic wreck sites, and the stunning Rosario Islands near Cartagena. The Pacific coast is a world-class destination for pelagic encounters, including hammerhead sharks at Malpelo Island (a UNESCO World Heritage site), humpback whales, and large marine life in nutrient-rich upwelling waters.
Explore the map
Select a pin to learn more. Use the zoom buttons or pinch to zoom.
Loading map…
Places on this map (35)
20 places have no verified map location yet. Browse the page lists for more places.
Conditions
26–30 °C
10–30 m
5–40 m
Moderate
December to April for Caribbean coast; May to November for Pacific coast
| Month | Summary |
|---|---|
| Jan | January on the Caribbean coast offers excellent diving conditions with warm water (27-29°C), calm seas, and visibility up to 30m. The dry season means sunny days and clear waters around Cartagena and the Rosario Islands. Pacific coast diving is also good with temperatures around 28°C. |
| Feb | February continues the peak Caribbean season with warm water (27-29°C), excellent visibility, and calm conditions. Ideal for visiting the Rosario Islands, Taganga, and San Andrés. Pacific coast remains warm with good visibility for whale watching season approaching. |
| Mar | March is still excellent on the Caribbean coast with warm water and clear skies. The dry season continues through early March. Pacific coast whale watching season peaks with humpback whale encounters. Good conditions for both coast diving. |
| Apr | April marks the end of the Caribbean dry season. Water remains warm (28-29°C) and visibility is still good. Some afternoon clouds may appear toward late April. Pacific coast continues to offer whale watching opportunities as the season winds down. |
| May | May brings the start of the rainy season on the Caribbean coast with increased afternoon showers. Water temperatures remain warm (28-30°C) and visibility may decrease slightly. The Pacific coast enters its dry season with better conditions for diving in Nuqui and Bahia Solano. |
| Jun | June on the Caribbean coast sees more frequent rain and slightly reduced visibility (15-25m). Water stays warm at 28-30°C. The Pacific coast enters its best diving window with calmer seas and good visibility. Malpelo liveaboard trips operate year-round. |
| Jul | July is a good month for Pacific coast diving with better weather patterns. Caribbean coast sees moderate rain but water is warm (27-29°C). Humpback whale season peaks in the Pacific with excellent viewing opportunities from boats between dives. |
| Aug | August continues the Pacific diving season with favorable conditions. Caribbean coast remains warm but rainy. Visibility on the Caribbean may drop to 10-20m during heavy rain periods. Pacific coast offers encounters with pelagic species and humpback whales. |
| Sep | September is one of the wettest months on the Caribbean coast with reduced visibility possible. Water temperatures peak at 29-30°C. Pacific coast diving remains good. Whale watching season continues through September in the Pacific. |
| Oct | October marks improving conditions on the Caribbean coast as the rainy season wanes. Water stays warm (28-29°C) and visibility gradually improves. Pacific coast whale watching season continues through October with increasing frequencies of sightings. |
| Nov | November brings improving conditions to the Caribbean coast with less rain and better visibility returning. Water temperatures remain pleasant at 27-28°C. Pacific coast diving is excellent with calm seas and good visibility as the dry season begins. |
| Dec | December starts the dry season on the Caribbean coast with excellent diving conditions returning. Water temperatures warm at 27-29°C, visibility improves to 20-30m. Caribbean reefs are at their best. Pacific coast diving remains good with fewer visitors. |
Dive Sites (51)
Aquamarina
Advanced
Bahía Solano
5–25m · Intermediate
Whale diving · Warm water · Rocky reef
Bajo del Anda
Advanced
Bajo del Cholo
Advanced
Bajo del Junior
Advanced
Bajo del Monstruo
Advanced
Barcazas
Beginner
Bombita
Beginner
Marine Life (119)
must-seeSpotted Eagle Ray
must-seeHawksbill Turtle
must-seeGreen Sea Turtle
must-seeNurse Shark
must-seeStone Triggerfish
must-seeBull Shark
must-seeGiant Electric Ray
Rooster Hind
Blue Spiny Lobster
Rainbow Pearl Oyster
Black Sea Nettle
Longspined Porcupinefish
Dive Shops (4)
Guides
The 6 Best Dive Sites in Colombia: Hammerheads & Coral Walls
From the world-class hammerhead shark sanctuary of Malpelo Island to the pristine coral gardens of El Acuario in San Andrés. Explore Colombia's top 6 dive sites.
Colombia Diving Guide: Two Oceans, One Destination
Colombia is the only South American country with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Dive vibrant coral reefs, encounter hammerhead sharks at Malpelo, and explore San Andrés Island — a leading dual-ocean diving destination.
Colombia Dive Conditions: Temperature, Visibility & Seasons
Water 25–30 °C, visibility 10–30 m, and coast-specific currents. Complete temperature, visibility, and season guide for diving Colombia's Caribbean and Pacific.
Safety
Bring Colombia underwater
Offline access, dive log, AI fish ID, live site maps, and trip planning.
Download on the App Store