Scuba diving locations in Colombia:

• Isla Gorgona was formerly a prison island in the Pacific Ocean, but is now a nature reserve. You are likely to see sea turtles and whitefin sharks, and if you are really lucky you may see a whale or a whaleshark.

• Malpelo Island is uninhabited except for a small military post manned by the Colombian Army. On July 12, 2006, Malpelo was declared by UNESCO a natural World Heritage Site. Home to a unique shark population, swarms of hammerhead sharks and hundreds of silky sharks can be frequently seen.

• San Andres and Providencia consist of an archipelago of islands about 800 km north of Colombia. They are part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and also the TOC (The Ocean Conservancy Organization) which includes San Andres as one of the five key zones for the health of the planet. The south-western area of San Andres is one of the best diving and snorkeling spots around the island and can be reached from the shore. The variety of coral is large, and reef fish are particularly abundant.

When to scuba dive in Colombia:

All year round in 26°C. Off Malpelo Island the currents are often strong and diving is accessible by liveaboard only. On Isla Gorgona, from June until November is whale season. Male humpback whales can be seen breaching while the females and their offspring come close to the island.

Local standards for gear:

The best scuba diving spots in Colombia:

• The Blue Diamond wreck at San Andres rests not far off the eastern shore of the island in about 35 feet of very warm water. The boat cracked and split as it sunk, so it can be swum through.

• Malpelo Island

• A very special site, located on the south-eastern part of San Andres island, is the Blue Wall, a vertical wall that allows divers to experience the sensation of free fall.

The best snorkeling spots in Colombia:

• The south-western area of San Andres is one of the best diving and snorkelling spots around the island and can be reached from the shore. The variety of coral is large, and reef fish are particularly abundant. *Rosario Islands off Cartagena and Tayrona Park near Santa Marta offer pleasant and interesting experiences.

Fun scuba Facts:

Country data:

Administrative details

• Currency: Peso (COP)
• Population: is about 46,000,000 (2011)
• Time Zone: (GMT-5)
• Main languages spoken: Spanish, English, regional ethnic languages ## Diveable overseas territories:

Colombian Island diving federations:

FEDERACION COLOMBIANA DE ACTIVIDADES SUBAUATICAS (FEDECAS) is a member of Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS)

Local diving laws and regulations (and PADI-equivalent certifications):

To visit Malpelo Island, visitors need a written permit from the Colombian Ministry of Ecology.