Top 5 Best Diving Sites in Santa Marta Colombia

Santa Marta stands out as one of the preferred diving destinations in Colombia, offering a unique experience for both novice and experienced divers. With its variety of accessible sites, the region promises clear waters and a rich underwater geography that includes coral reefs and intriguing shipwrecks.

Moreover, the biodiversity is remarkable, with visibility reaching up to 20 meters during the windy season, ideal for appreciating more than 770 species of marine plants and a wide variety of animal life. Here are the top five sites to dive in and discover the vibrant underwater world that Santa Marta has to offer.

1. Isla Aguja Santa Marta

Difficulty: beginners and advanced

Located within the boundaries of Tayrona Park, Isla Aguja is a diving destination in Santa Marta that suits divers of all experience levels. Beginners can enjoy 'Calichan', a quiet site with a sandbar ideal for first dives, offering a safe and enjoyable experience in a stunning setting.

At this dive site, divers can explore the diversity of reef fish and the gentle current, perfect for gaining confidence underwater.

For advanced divers, Isla Aguja offers 'El Salidero', a fascinating dive site that reaches up to 40 meters deep. This place is famous for its coral formations and the presence of barracudas, providing an exciting experience.

Aguja Island, with its natural beauty and underwater diversity, is undoubtedly a must-see destination for diving lovers in Santa Marta.

2. El Cantil de Granate

Difficulty: beginners and advanced

El Cantil de Granate is an essential diving destination just 25 minutes by boat from Taganga. With a maximum depth of 20 meters, it is suitable for divers of all levels: Discovery, Open and advanced.

Here you will find an impressive coral wall that starts at two meters and extends up to 30 meters deep, a small cave at 6 meters, and a statue of an angel, as well as brain corals and a wide variety of reef fish and lobsters .

El Cantil is ideal for those looking for a dynamic diving experience, thanks to its moderate current and abundant marine life. This site is also popular for night diving, offering a unique experience under the light of flashlights.

3. Sunken Ship Diving Destination

Difficulty: beginners and advanced

40 minutes from Taganga and before El Rodadero, there is a ship that has sunk since the eighties, a must-see attraction for advanced divers. This shipwreck, 30 meters deep, 7.5 meters wide, 30 meters long and 4.5 meters high, allows you to explore its interiors covered by oysters, corals and a rich variety of marine invertebrates.

Diving to 30 meters to tour this ancient ship is an exciting and unique adventure, especially during the summer months, when the waters are crystal clear and underwater visibility is exceptional.

4. Paso del Ángel

Difficulty: beginners and advanced

Located near Los Morritos at the top of Isla Aguja, Paso del Ángel is renowned for its biodiversity. Divers of all levels can enjoy a rich ecosystem filled with angel fish, sponges, and various corals. For the more adventurous, 'La Travesía' offers an exciting challenge with strong currents, reserved exclusively for experienced divers.

5. Morrito Largo

Difficulty: beginners and advanced

This site, not far from Isla Aguja, is ideal for deep diving, with possibilities to descend up to 75 meters for technical diving. Here, divers can experience the richness of marine life, including giant sponges that grow in unique shapes due to strong currents.

Diving courses and experiences in Santa Marta

For those interested in learning or perfecting their diving skills, visit tumap.travel to explore a variety of courses and experiences:

• Mini Diving Course: an ideal introduction for those new to diving.

• Discover Scuba Diving: also known as an introductory dive, perfect for beginners without certification. Experience diving under direct supervision.

• Advance Open Water PADI: designed for divers who want to take their skills to the next level with advanced certification.

• Fun Dive: for certified divers who simply want to enjoy a recreational dive at Santa Marta's beautiful sites.

Recommendations for Divers

• Wait at least 18 hours before flying after multiple dives to avoid decompression sickness.

• Ensure to check all your equipment before diving.

• Stay informed about current sea conditions and avoid diving on days with strong currents.

• It is crucial not to disturb marine animals by touching, feeding, or causing alterations in their environment. Maintain a prudent distance and allow them to behave naturally, as you are a visitor in their space.