Colombia is a country known as a destination full of spectacular landscapes, the kind that are worth embedding in your mind and always bring a smile and goosebumps. One of the best examples is the immensity of Colombia's seas, located on two different coasts: both in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This allows travelers interested in water sports, especially diving, to have an unforgettable experience in Colombia. 

If you are passionate about diving or eager to learn and get your certification, you can find marine ecosystems for all types of divers and preferences. Below, we will share some of the best diving destinations, so get on a plane or travel by land, pack your gear, and experience some of these places where you'll feel like you're in another world. 

must-visit places for diving in Colombia
Photo by: euvouporai

Malpelo Island 

Malpelo is a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts as it houses the most important coral formations in the Colombian Pacific and is home to a large number of marine animals, especially hundreds of hammerhead and silky sharks, which are its main attraction. Additionally, divers from around the world highlight this place for its unique ecosystem and for being one of the most challenging spots for diving in Colombia. Therefore, to practice this sport in Malpelo, it is necessary to have a 2-star diving certification and a minimum number of dives. It's also essential to have equipment such as a flashlight, dive computer, whistle, signaling buoy, and the importance of having a GPS. 

It is important to note that night dives are not conducted in Malpelo and that diving groups are limited to a maximum of 6 people plus the instructor or guide. 

This enchanting marine place was declared a protected area in 1995 in the category of Wildlife and Flora Sanctuary, in 2002 it was recognized as an Especially Sensitive Sea Area by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and in 2006 the island was declared a World Heritage Site by the 21 member countries of UNESCO. 

You might also be interested in: Learn more about Malpelo, sanctuary of flora and fauna

 

A person diving in San Andrés, one of the diving locations in Colombia.
Photo by Benoit Daoust

Providencia

In Providencia you will find crystal-clear waters where activities like snorkeling, diving, and other water sports have become increasingly popular. Both young people and adults can explore the wonders of a marine world full of life, where the stars of the adventure are the coral reefs and the 406 marine species that can be found in these waters.

If you're looking to learn how to dive or improve your technique, Providencia and its sea of seven colors should be one of your first destinations in Colombia. Here, you'll find numerous diving schools that provide all the necessary gear for your dives, allowing you to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and the rich marine ecosystem of this wonderful island. This way, you can experience a true Caribbean paradise.

Some of the most notable attractions in Providencia are the number of coral species available, as it boasts the third-largest coral reef in the world, extending 32 kilometers. This marine wonder allows for the observation of countless colorful fish, octopuses, turtles, and even reef sharks.  

You might also be interested in:Experience the incredible sea of seven colors 

Santa Marta – Tayrona Park

The Tayrona National Natural Park, located in Santa Marta, a picturesque city on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is also one of the must-visit diving destinations in Colombia. In this area, in addition to finding the world's highest coastal mountain, you can also dive in famous spots like Taganga, Playa Blanca, Bahía Concha, Chengue, or Isla Aguja, places where you'll discover a unique marine richness.

This destination is perhaps one of the most famous for diving enthusiasts, partly due to its natural wealth and its white-sand beaches washed by the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, as well as the easy access from the city, since you can fly directly to Santa Marta from various points in Colombia.  

In this incredible place, you'll find certified diving schools that take both tourists interested in learning about diving and experienced divers to explore the most beautiful and strategic spots for diving in Colombia. And to top it off, thanks to the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, there's no need for a wetsuit, which is a significant advantage that will enhance your experience. 

Surely you don’t need more reasons to choose Colombia as your next destination to learn or indulge your passion for diving. You will find these and many other destinations that are must-visit spots for those who love water sports, especially diving. Pack your bags, your swimsuit, and your diving gear, and get ready to explore the marine universe of Colombia: a country that has it all for everyone. Come and feel the rhythm of its magical destinations!