San Andrés Dive Sites | San Andres

San Andrés Island, part of Colombia's San Andrés and Providencia Archipelago, is a popular destination for divers due to its stunning coral reefs, clear waters, and vibrant marine life. The island offers a wide range of dive sites, catering to divers of all skill levels. These sites are well-known for their biodiversity, crystal-clear visibility, and unique underwater landscapes. Here are some of the best dive sites around San Andrés Island:

1. The Sea of Seven Colors

While not a specific dive site itself, The Sea of Seven Colors is a term used to describe the wide range of hues visible in the water around San Andrés, especially in areas with shallow reefs. The colors range from light turquoise to deep blue, and this stunning spectacle can be explored through diving, offering rich underwater vistas.

• Dive Experience: Shallow, calm waters, perfect for beginners and snorkelers.
• Marine Life: Diverse species of fish, rays, and sea turtles.

2. El Cove

Located off the western coast of San Andrés Island, El Cove is one of the most popular dive spots for both beginners and experienced divers. The site is known for its coral formations and abundant marine life.

• Dive Experience: This is a more accessible dive site, offering shallow reefs and relatively calm waters. The visibility is often excellent, with depths ranging from 10 to 25 meters.
• Marine Life: Divers can expect to see parrotfish, angelfish, grouper, and occasional sightings of nurse sharks and rays.

3. La Rocosa

La Rocosa is located near the northern part of San Andrés Island and is renowned for its impressive underwater rock formations and coral reefs. The site features large vertical walls that drop to depths of over 40 meters.

• Dive Experience: Advanced divers will enjoy this site due to its depth and the presence of strong currents at times. The site is best explored by experienced divers who are comfortable with deep-water dives.
• Marine Life: Vibrant coral gardens, large schools of fish, and occasional encounters with larger marine species, such as groupers, snappers, and rays.

4. Johnny Cay

A small island located just off the coast of San Andrés, Johnny Cay is a famous spot for both snorkeling and diving. The waters around Johnny Cay are home to healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life.

• Dive Experience: The dive site here is fairly shallow, making it perfect for beginner divers or those who are new to the underwater world. The coral reefs are relatively easy to access, and visibility is usually excellent.
• Marine Life: Expect to see colorful tropical fish, starfish, sea turtles, and rays. It's a beautiful spot for both first-time and experienced divers.

5. West View

Located on the western side of San Andrés Island, West View is another fantastic dive site known for its shallow reefs and diverse underwater life. It is ideal for divers looking to explore healthy coral gardens and vibrant marine ecosystems.

• Dive Experience: The site has shallow reefs, generally ranging between 10 and 15 meters, making it suitable for beginner divers. The dive usually takes place in calm waters with good visibility.
• Marine Life: The area is teeming with marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, snapper, and larger predators like sharks and rays occasionally.

6. The Aquarium (Acuario de San Andrés)

The Aquarium is a world-renowned snorkel and dive site located just off the southern coast of San Andrés Island, near Cayos de San Andrés. It’s often referred to as an underwater sanctuary due to its clear waters and thriving coral reef ecosystems.

• Dive Experience: The site is shallow, making it an excellent location for beginner divers. It is perfect for those who want to explore coral gardens and discover a variety of fish species.
• Marine Life: The site is home to a large number of fish species, including blue tangs, sergeant majors, angel fish, and a wide variety of tropical species. You may also see rays and occasionally sea turtles.

7. La Piscinita

La Piscinita is located on the west side of San Andrés Island and is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. The site is characterized by calm, shallow waters and abundant marine life.

• Dive Experience: La Piscinita is known for its shallow reefs and excellent visibility, making it a perfect dive site for beginners or those who prefer a relaxing dive. The depth is relatively shallow, and the current is usually gentle.
• Marine Life: Expect to see a variety of colorful fish species, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and squirrelfish. You may also encounter sea turtles and rays.

8. El Farallón

El Farallón is a deep-water dive site located near the southern end of San Andrés Island. The site is known for its steep underwater cliffs and vibrant coral reefs. El Farallón is a site best suited for more advanced divers due to its depth and currents.

• Dive Experience: This dive site reaches depths of 40 meters and requires advanced diving skills. Strong currents can sometimes be present, so divers need to be experienced in handling such conditions.
• Marine Life: Large schools of fish, such as snappers and groupers, are common here, and divers may also see larger marine animals like rays, sharks, and moray eels.

9. Cordillera Reef

The Cordillera Reef is another popular dive site located around San Andrés Island, known for its impressive underwater topography. The site is known for its diverse coral formations and vibrant underwater ecosystem.

• Dive Experience: The site features a range of depths, from shallow coral gardens to deeper walls. It’s an excellent spot for intermediate to advanced divers, as it provides varied diving conditions.
• Marine Life: Divers can expect to encounter schools of fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and wrasse. The reef also provides a home to various species of rays, moray eels, and the occasional sighting of nurse sharks.

10. Mistral Reef

Located on the southern part of San Andrés Island, Mistral Reef is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. The site is a bit deeper than some of the other dive sites but is still accessible to intermediate divers.

• Dive Experience: With depths ranging from 15 to 30 meters, Mistral Reef is suitable for intermediate divers. It’s also a great spot for those looking to explore more pristine coral reefs and enjoy a slightly more challenging dive.
• Marine Life: The reef is home to a wide variety of tropical fish, including tangs, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. Divers may also spot rays, groupers, and sea turtles in the area.

Summary

San Andrés Island offers some of the most beautiful and diverse dive sites in the Caribbean. From shallow, calm waters perfect for beginners to deep, dramatic underwater landscapes suited for advanced divers, the island provides a wide range of options for all skill levels. Whether you're exploring vibrant coral gardens at The Aquarium, encountering larger marine life at La Rocosa, or diving into the depths at El Farallón, there's something for everyone. The island's rich marine life, clear waters, and incredible underwater scenery make it a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts.