As one of the most isolated island groups in Caribbean and the home to UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest barrier reefs in Americas, the San Andrés Archipelago is a true diving paradise. This marine biosphere reserve covers area of 300,000 km², approximately 10% of the entire Caribbean Sea. It is identified as a major site of coral and fish diversity and is considered a biodiversity “hotspot”.
Dozens of dive-operators offer scuba diving and snorkelling around islands of San Andrés and Providencía, still relatively unknown sites in diving circles, notwithstanding being easily accessible. Underwater visibility around San Andrés and Providencía is remarkable at an average of 30 meters all year around and as much as 60 meters in some spots. Minimal currents and water temperatures of around 27°C make this place truly a diver’s paradise. There is a great diversity of different dive sites – cliffs, caves, blue holes and many sunken shipwrecks. Divers are also likely to spot turtles, lobsters, rays, barracuda, groupers and red snappers.
Diving Providencía
Most diving sites are easily accessible by boat, no more than half-hour away. Several only five minutes away. Steep walls, fine coral, sponges and sand shelves are often visible at about 70 meters. Volcanic crags and sunken shipwrecks adds further excitement. The reefs are famous for their abundant array of varicoloured sponges. Giant purple sea fans gently wave in time with the ebb and flow of the sea. Brains, fingers, pencils and pillars are clouded by a rainbow of small fish. Feather bush hydroids sway like windswept grassy meadows amidst dense coral growths.
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. A very special site, located on the south-eastern part of San Andres island, is Blue Wall – a vertical wall that allowing divers to experience the sensation of free fall.