Capurgana (or San Andres) diving/snorkelling

Question

Hello there,

I have been looking maybe diving in Providencia (Advanced Padi) as part off my month long trip to Colombia in September. However it still looks like it is not recommended to visit yet as it is still rebuilt from a horrific hurricane. San Andres looks a but touristy and busy for my liking, but happy to be persuaded that I should go and dive there instead - Taganga does not appeal to me at all.

I am interested to hear of people's experiences diving in Capurgana? I have been struggling to find a lot of information about what is there - I like leisurely, pretty dives with lots of corals and macro life and colourful fish and octopus, and the occasional shark or ray is a bonus too - so far my favourite place has been Little Corn Islands in Nicaragua, which is the same sea. If I went I can see that DiveandGreen is the best bet, who look great, but most of the reviews look like they are for novice divers, which makes me think the diving there may not be that exciting?  Also is this a decent time of year for Capurgana?

I am also happy to have a good snorkel too, as it seems that is good there too!

Thanks!

Colombia-road-travel · Accepted Answer

Saw your question about diving in Capurgana and thought I throw this at you.

Yes there are many dive shops in Capurgana, a place I have visited three times in the past 4 years. I have never dived there but understand that there are some decent locations but just keep your expectations in check.

Now Providencia would be heads and shoulders over Capurgana AND I understand that last month there has been some renewed options to getting to the island as they are trying to open up the tourism again so do a "deep dive" (pun intended) and contact the dive shops and you may be pleasantly surprised.

This being said I am in Rincon del Mar right now, the Carib about 2 hours west of Cartagena and yesterday I spoke to the dive master of a shop (with an adjoining hotel/hostal) located right on the playa at Rincon del Mar and noticed a group of about 8 get their certifications and inquired about the conditions of the local waters and yes he assured me that they can take me out to some great spots scattered around the areas 5 km off the coast and around the outlying islands. I am considering this.

Know that Santa Marta and especially Taganga is just about the center of diving, dive shops and certifications here in Colombia as it is very popular and very reasonable cost. Just an idea to consider.

Hope this helps.

SAV

Edited: 2 years ago

euromongrel · Answer

Hey Sav - many thanks for that! Yes, was meaning to update this, and I did in fact contact a dive company (Anda di Wata) who said Providencia was open again, and has been since June! Still a lot of rebuilding and places to stay are limited, but it's open - hooray! So I am going to skip Capurgana and got to Providencia :)

Capurgana (or San Andres) diving/snorkelling - Capurgana Forum

Capurgana (or San Andres) diving/snorkelling

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Capurgana Hotels and Places to Stay