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Colombia

Courses

Courses

Dive Sites

Dive Sites

Wildlife

Wildlife

Dive Trips

Dive Trips

Events

Events

© Shutterstock-mehdi33300

Explore Colombia

Colombia is a country which lies on the north west coast of South America, its capital city is Bogota. Its coasts border on the North Pacific Ocean and and the Caribbean and there is an exciting array of different kinds of diving experiences to be had here. Columbia is classified as one of the Megadiverse Countries of the world, meaning it is one of the countries harbouring a high density of the world's marine species. Due to this, marine conservation and marine protection are important. Some of the diving locations have a high number of dive centres and dive resorts, but some locations lie offshore or in locations which are only accessible by day trip boats or liveaboards. Some of the spectacles which can be seen here are the third largest coral reef in the world, the chance to see the graceful Humpback whales, to dive among schools of around 500 sharks and more! There are many different types of diving which can be done here which include some exhilarating wreck dives, some thrilling steep walls, a Blue Hole, caves, caverns and more.

Providencia, San Andres and Catalina are three islands which lie in the Caribbean are some of the best diving locations here. Alongside these, some of the main diving destinations include Cartagena, Medellin, Cali and Taganga. Having both the Pacific and the Caribbean coast means many different types of diving which are bound to excite divers of all levels and of all interests.

Power Plug Type
A, B
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX
Tipping
10% / Service Staff / Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Currency
COP
Dial Code
+57
Electricity
110V / 60Hz
Time
UTC-5

Places to explore

Courses and Events

Advanced Open Water Diver

Advanced Open Water Diver

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You will try Deep Diving and Navigation plus a variety of 3 more specialty areas of choice before committing to full specialty training. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will experience 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. By taking this program you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full Specialty trainings any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

May 15, 2026 +2 More
$736.82
COP 2,660,000.00
Open Water Diver

Open Water Diver

It is a comprehensive training program that combines modern digital learning with real-world skills. Unlike a "Try Dive," this course earns you a permanent license. You will learn the science of diving, how to assemble and use your gear, how to solve problems underwater, and how to dive safely with a buddy. Upon completion, you will receive a digital SSI certification card recognized globally (ISO certified).

May 1, 2026 +13 More
$736.82
COP 2,660,000.00

In SSI's Basic Diver program, you'll learn the skills and knowledge you need to experience diving down to 12 meters with an SSI professional. It's a great way to explore the underwater world more fully during your diving experience. The Basic Diver program can be fully credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your diving adventure.

May 5, 2026
$132.96
COP 480,000.00

SSI's Stress and Rescue Specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You'll learn how to identify a stressor, how to prevent accidents, and practical techniques for conducting rescues and providing emergency care. By combining pool and open water training sessions, you will become prepared and confident in handling emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion, you will receive the SSI Stress and Rescue Diver Specialty Certificate.

May 5, 2026
$515.22
COP 1,860,000.00

Dive Centers

REDFROG DIVE CENTER

REDFROG DIVE CENTER

km 1.8 Vía, El Tablazo - Rionegro, cerca a las torres de aproximación del Aeropuerto, 54048 Rionegro, Colombia
Felipe Diving Shop

Felipe Diving Shop

Sector Aguadulce, 880020 Providencia Isla, Colombia
Ankla Azul

Ankla Azul

Carrera 2, Main town, 276038 Bahia Solano-Choco, Colombia
Isla Fuerte Ecolodge & Diving Center – Narval, Juan Carlos Tobón Trujillo

Isla Fuerte Ecolodge & Diving Center – Narval, Juan Carlos Tobón Trujillo

Ensenada del Bajo, Puerto Limón, Isla Fuerte, 130027 Cartagena de indias, Bolívar, Colombia

Centro de Buceo Rincon del Mar

Rincón del Mar, Sector la Punta, 707010 San Onofre, Colombia

Reef Shepherd Dive Center

Calle 14 # 1-02, A70001 Taganga, Santa Marta, Magdalen, Colombia

Dive Sites

Isla Fuerte Ecolodge & Diving Center – Narval, 130027 Cartagena de indias, Bolívar
El Planchón <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

El Planchón (★4.7)

Depth: 10 meters, 30 feet. The wreck is 30 meters long, 12 meters deep and protrudes 2 meters from the bottom. Its structure has been colonized by countless organisms and its interior serves as a refuge for fish and sharks.
Isla Fuerte Ecolodge & Diving Center – Narval, 130027 Cartagena de indias, Bolívar
Burbujas <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

Burbujas (★4.7)

Depth 18 to 30 meters (60 to 100 feet) Located 10 kilometers northeast of Isla Fuerte Burbujas is the first of the three far shelf reefs we dive. It is an underwater mud volcano that rises from 120 meters depth reaching with its small crater up to 18 meters.
Centro de Buceo Rincon del Mar, 707010 Rincon (San Onofre), Sucre
MagiColor <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.8)</span>

MagiColor (★4.8)

One of the most beautiful places in the area is a small reef in the middle of a large portion of area, which makes the fauna is concentrated in the sector.
Felipe G. (#3190478)
Malpelo <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

Malpelo (★4.7)

Malpelo is an oceanic island located in the Pacific Ocean area that belongs to the Republic of Colombia. It is part of the department of Valle del Cauca, belonging to the jurisdiction of the special district of Buenaventura. Only accessible with special permission and by Liveaboard.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Colombia

Being classified as one of the Megadiverse Countries in the world, the density of marine life is incredibly high here, and that is definitely something divers will notice here. The reefs are made up of an impressive collection of corals, around 85 species, with an array Sea Sponges, including some magnificent Barrel Sponges, large, majestic Gorgonians, Hard Corals, Soft Corals, Sea Fans, Anemones, Algae and Seagrass also being in the forefront. There are over 200 species of fish which inhabit these waters. Some of these smaller reef fish include Angelfish, Surgeonfish, Parrot Fish, Puffer Fish, Butterfly Fish, Trevally, with other species such as Moray Eels, different species of Rays and Octopus also often making an appearance. Other fish include Tuna, Snappers, Barracuda, large Groupers and Jacks. Of course, the main spectacle here, which is also what attracts many divers here, is the sharks. The species spotted here include Hammerhead Sharks, Silky Sharks, Whale Sharks, Nurse Sharks, and more. There is also the chance to spot Humpback Whales at Gorgona Island.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
417 Sightings
J
22
F
19
M
37
A
52
M
11
J
53
J
43
A
37
S
20
O
53
N
50
D
20

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda

Barracuda
227 Sightings
J
14
F
2
M
6
A
47
M
7
J
18
J
20
A
17
S
19
O
28
N
23
D
26

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse

Wrasse
139 Sightings
J
13
F
3
M
0
A
3
M
4
J
27
J
32
A
3
S
5
O
11
N
24
D
14

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
90 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
0
A
12
M
1
J
21
J
3
A
11
S
1
O
20
N
10
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
961 Sightings
J
48
F
4
M
65
A
140
M
47
J
128
J
119
A
71
S
51
O
114
N
85
D
89

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
927 Sightings
J
54
F
28
M
81
A
119
M
46
J
138
J
105
A
54
S
45
O
98
N
80
D
79

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish
922 Sightings
J
51
F
12
M
70
A
115
M
42
J
114
J
117
A
59
S
55
O
113
N
78
D
96

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
836 Sightings
J
42
F
12
M
68
A
88
M
47
J
131
J
106
A
46
S
43
O
106
N
68
D
79

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby
Lionfish

Lionfish
736 Sightings
J
23
F
10
M
56
A
118
M
39
J
100
J
77
A
54
S
41
O
84
N
53
D
81

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
566 Sightings
J
37
F
1
M
49
A
48
M
34
J
85
J
75
A
27
S
20
O
82
N
51
D
57
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish
492 Sightings
J
12
F
9
M
39
A
51
M
31
J
51
J
58
A
25
S
30
O
78
N
55
D
53

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
473 Sightings
J
41
F
5
M
33
A
59
M
24
J
57
J
52
A
30
S
14
O
70
N
29
D
59

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Soldierfish

Soldierfish
441 Sightings
J
38
F
14
M
46
A
45
M
21
J
61
J
35
A
11
S
41
O
43
N
46
D
40

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
366 Sightings
J
4
F
9
M
29
A
56
M
16
J
43
J
54
A
30
S
29
O
30
N
33
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab

Crab
317 Sightings
J
23
F
3
M
20
A
37
M
10
J
45
J
37
A
18
S
9
O
51
N
31
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
273 Sightings
J
13
F
0
M
18
A
26
M
7
J
63
J
43
A
9
S
14
O
38
N
32
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish

Boxfish
240 Sightings
J
16
F
4
M
25
A
36
M
11
J
14
J
20
A
11
S
22
O
40
N
23
D
18

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish

Goatfish
235 Sightings
J
5
F
1
M
14
A
19
M
21
J
52
J
34
A
12
S
14
O
31
N
14
D
18

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish
223 Sightings
J
22
F
5
M
7
A
26
M
11
J
25
J
26
A
13
S
7
O
26
N
21
D
34

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs
Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish
206 Sightings
J
13
F
5
M
9
A
34
M
12
J
25
J
25
A
16
S
4
O
21
N
29
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
Cornetfish

Cornetfish
202 Sightings
J
15
F
5
M
16
A
23
M
7
J
10
J
3
A
12
S
16
O
37
N
34
D
24

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster
177 Sightings
J
8
F
0
M
10
A
13
M
8
J
25
J
13
A
23
S
8
O
24
N
17
D
28

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster

Lobster
160 Sightings
J
16
F
3
M
3
A
21
M
6
J
20
J
15
A
10
S
2
O
35
N
9
D
20

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp

Shrimp
129 Sightings
J
8
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
6
J
26
J
22
A
3
S
2
O
42
N
13
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish

Triggerfish
106 Sightings
J
11
F
5
M
6
A
8
M
6
J
18
J
10
A
2
S
5
O
5
N
20
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
100 Sightings
J
16
F
17
M
2
A
16
M
1
J
8
J
9
A
5
S
5
O
7
N
7
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays

Stingrays
98 Sightings
J
4
F
4
M
4
A
23
M
9
J
11
J
4
A
10
S
1
O
6
N
21
D
1
AdobeStock-_italo
Moon Jellyfish

Moon Jellyfish
84 Sightings
J
8
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
16
J
11
A
12
S
1
O
9
N
22
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
82 Sightings
J
12
F
17
M
1
A
7
M
3
J
1
J
2
A
0
S
10
O
16
N
7
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish

Bannerfish
79 Sightings
J
2
F
7
M
11
A
0
M
8
J
24
J
5
A
3
S
11
O
3
N
4
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig
Clownfish

Clownfish
67 Sightings
J
4
F
10
M
6
A
11
M
7
J
2
J
3
A
1
S
6
O
1
N
16
D
0