Did you know that Colombia is the only country in South America with presence in two oceans? This wonderful country enjoys an extension of 2,900 kilometers of coastline that make it a favorable place for the development of various aquatic activities. With a privileged geographical location, the country attracts hundreds of tourists from all over the world who come to dive in Colombian waters.  
With coasts on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Colombia offers multiple alternatives for scuba diving lovers around the world / Photo: Canva Pro
  The Colombian Pacific alone has 1,300 kilometers of coastline, with a great diversity of coral formations, fauna and flora. The region includes the departments of Cauca, Chocó, Nariño and Valle del Cauca. This region has beautiful places to dive. For example, the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary in Valle del Cauca, is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving, as it is home to a large number of sharks and marine species. 

1- Malpelo Island 

Malpelo is a must for diving enthusiasts because it is home to the most important coral formations of the Colombian Pacific and is the habitat of many marine animals, especially hundreds of hammerhead and silky sharks, which are its main attraction. In addition, divers from all over the world highlight this place for having a unique ecosystem and for being one of the most demanding places to dive in Colombia. Therefore, to practice this sport in Malpelo, it is necessary to have a 2-star scuba diving certificate and a minimum number of dives. It is also necessary to have a flashlight, dive computer, whistle, marker buoy, as well as the importance of having a GPS.  It is important to keep in mind that night dives are not allowed in Malpelo and that groups for scuba diving are limited to a maximum of 6 people plus the instructor or guide.  This place of marine enchantment was declared a protected area in 1995 in the category of Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, in 2002 it was recognized as a Specially Sensitive Marine 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.  

2- Gorgona National Natural Park

The Gorgona National Natural Park has an unsurpassable marine and historical richness. Among its marine attractions are schools of large fish, turtles and a large number of soft corals. From the surface you can see species such as dolphins, porpoises, sperm whales, whale sharks and the spectacle of humpback whales. Gorgona Island is one of the best underwater destinations in Colombia and the world. It is known as the Science Island of Colombia, thanks to its great variety of fauna and flora, both terrestrial and marine.  

3- Nuquí

Another outstanding place is Nuquí, a small town located in Chocó where many tourists go to dive and see species such as lemon sharks, tiger sharks, fintiblancos and aletinegros. Humpback whales come to this paradise every year from July to November to have their babies in these warm waters. Travel tip: If you have your own snorkeling gear, we recommend you bring it, remember that the Pacific waters are colder than those of the Caribbean.  
As in the Pacific, the Colombian Caribbean Sea offers a great diversity of marine species that can be seen from the Gulf of Urabá to the Guajira Desert / Photo: Canva Pro
 

4- Capurganá

This town located in Chocó, has about 20 dive sites where you can find species such as painted stingrays, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles and fish such as candiles, bishop, trumpet, surgeon and angel. Between La Miel (Panama) and the Aguacate inlet there are several dive sites with attractive coral reefs and a great variety of species such as mollusks, lobsters, manta rays, sharks, groupers and more. Most of the year it offers warm waters and good visibility, there are no currents or strong tidal changes and the waves are very gentle between May and October.   

5- Rosario Islands 

This National Park is a place located two hours by boat from Cartagena where you can see beautiful coral reefs and a great variety of colorful fish. A glimpse from the plane announces the impressive marine life of the place, because the beautiful shades that make this place be called the 'Sea of Seven Colors' are due precisely to the beautiful coral reefs. For this reason, many people head to this destination to make their dream of diving into the depths and see firsthand the fascinating underwater life of the Caribbean Sea come true.  

6- Santa Catalina

But this experience can be much more pleasant for you if you head to the islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina, affectionately called 'The hidden treasure of the western Caribbean', not only because they are quieter than the island of San Andres, but also because they have the third longest barrier reef in the world, which makes scuba diving the main activity. But this is not all. To this experience you must add the fact that large pirate ships were wrecked in the area in the past, which will make your underwater experience even more special and exotic. Travel tip: You can't leave Santa Catalina without visiting Cangrejo Key. Surrounded by sandbanks, this 500-square-meter key, more than crabs, has crystal-clear waters and one of the most spectacular views of the island.  
Santa Marta has beautiful diving sites where a great diversity of marine species can be observed. The Betín, Granate and Gayraca bays stand out / Photo: Canva Pro
 

8- Tayrona Park, Santa Marta

This destination is perhaps one of the most famous for scuba diving enthusiasts, among other things for its natural wealth and its white sand beaches bathed by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, as well as the ease of access to the city, since by plane you can get directly to Santa Marta from different parts of Colombia.   In this incredible place you will find certified scuba diving schools that take both tourists interested in learning about scuba diving, as well as expert divers to visit the most beautiful and strategic points for scuba diving in Colombia.  And if that were not enough, thanks to the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, it is not necessary to wear a wetsuit, which is a great advantage that will make you enjoy the experience even more.   
Be impressed by the marine ecosystem of the Caribbean Islands / Photo: Canva Pro
 

What do you need to dive? Tips, recommendations and more

To dive in Colombian waters there are some requirements that are demanded for safety. Among the basic rules are the following:  - You must be at least 10 years old, have a scuba diving certificate or be accompanied by a specialized guide. - Depending on the specifications of the dive site, a minimum number of immersions or special certifications are required. - To increase agility and dexterity in movements, it is advisable to perform a series of stretching exercises beforehand. - An approved training course, which also includes a medical examination. Inform yourself and register well in advance before scuba diving for the first time. Never dive without having taken this course, because our body is not used to the pressure existing in the depth of the sea, which is the cause of many accidents during dives. Travel tip: Do you dream of scuba diving to discover the underwater treasures hidden in the Caribbean Sea? Then we recommend you to book now a package on Dt4u. You will find thousands of options! Pack your bags, your swimsuit and your scuba diving gear and get ready to discover the marine universe of Colombia: a country that has everything for everyone, come and see for yourself!   
  By: Nathaly Bosch, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Spanish editor for Daytours4u.