Diving in Colombia

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Common year-round at outer reef walls and over seagrass flats; frequently sighted around the Islas del Rosario, San Andrés and Providencia.

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Common year-round on Colombian Caribbean coral reefs, especially around the Islas del Rosario, Tayrona and Providencia; nests on Caribbean beaches.

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Common year-round on Colombian Caribbean reefs and seagrass flats; nesting season peaks May-August on mainland and island beaches.

Nurse Shark

Destination note

Common year-round on sandy flats and reef margins of the Colombian Caribbean, including the Islas del Rosario and San Andrés.

Stone Triggerfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

One of the largest triggerfish in the world, reaching 75 cm, with a thick stone-like grey body and small white spots. A signature species of the rocky Eastern Pacific, frequently seen by divers at Malpelo and Gorgona.

Bull Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

Bull sharks are one of the most impressive predators divers can encounter in warm coastal waters. These robust sharks are easily recognized by their broad, blunt snout, stocky build, and grey coloration with a white underside. Growing up to 11 feet long, they have a powerful, muscular appearance that commands respect underwater. Bull sharks are known for their curious nature and may approach divers, maintaining a confident but generally non-aggressive demeanor. They're often seen cruising along reef walls or in open water, sometimes in small groups. Their ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater makes them unique among sharks, and they're excellent hunters with a varied diet including fish, rays, and other marine life.

Giant Electric Ray

General species description, not specific to this destination

A large electric ray found in the Eastern Pacific, from Mexico to Peru, including the Galápagos. It has a rounded disc-shaped body, a short tail, and can generate powerful electric shocks of up to 200 volts to stun prey and deter predators.

Rooster Hind

General species description, not specific to this destination

A robust grouper reaching up to 60 cm, grey-brown with small dark spots and a distinctive steep head profile resembling a rooster's comb. Found on rocky reefs and drop-offs in the tropical Eastern Pacific, where it hunts crustaceans and small fish.

Blue Spiny Lobster

General species description, not specific to this destination

A spiny lobster reaching 40 cm with a blue-green carapace and long antennae, lacking claws. Abundant on rocky reefs of the tropical Eastern Pacific, a key commercial species.

Rainbow Pearl Oyster

General species description, not specific to this destination

A winged oyster reaching 15 cm with an iridescent nacre and elongated ear-like extensions. Attaches to rocks and gorgonians on reefs of the tropical Eastern Pacific.

Black Sea Nettle

General species description, not specific to this destination

A giant jellyfish reaching 1 m in bell diameter with a dark maroon-black bell and long, trailing oral arms. Occurs in large swarms in the open waters of the tropical Eastern Pacific.

Longspined Porcupinefish

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Longspined Porcupinefish is a fascinating resident of tropical reefs around the world, easily recognized by its rounded body covered in prominent spines and distinctive yellow-brown coloration with darker spots. When relaxed, this gentle fish appears almost balloon-like as it slowly navigates the reef. However, when threatened, it transforms dramatically by inflating into a spiky sphere twice its normal size - a spectacular defensive display that divers occasionally witness. These curious fish often approach divers closely, their large eyes giving them an almost comical expression. They're commonly found hovering near coral formations and caves during the day, using their beak-like mouths to crush small crustaceans and mollusks. Their slow, deliberate swimming style and tendency to remain stationary make them excellent photography subjects for underwater enthusiasts.