

Best for beginner divers, shore & boat entry, mild current.
El Acuario is a natural sandbar reef site located 1600 metres from the shore of San Andrés, Colombia. The area is characterised by shallow, waist-deep water and calm conditions, making it an ideal location for snorkelling. Divers and snorkellers can expect mild currents and visibility ranging from 15 to 30 metres. Water temperatures remain consistent throughout the year, typically between 27C and 30C. Equipment rental is available for visitors. Species recorded around this area include nurse sharks, flying gurnards, French angelfish, spotted morays, great barracuda, Indian lionfish, spotted scorpionfish, queen angelfish, whiptail stingrays, Caribbean ocean surgeonfish, foureye butterfly fish, wrasses, blue tang, and scrawled filefish.
12.55611, -81.69056
Rent a golf cart to tour San Andres or a scooter to circumnavigate Providencia.
Providencia is accessible via a 25-minute flight from San Andres. San Andres is accessible via direct flights from major Colombian cities.
Recorded at this site
Visibility
15-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore & Boat
Water Temp
27-30°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
120 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug, Dec
Species recorded around this area include nurse sharks, flying gurnards, French angelfish, spotted morays, great barracuda, Indian lionfish, spotted scorpionfish, queen angelfish, whiptail stingrays, Caribbean ocean surgeonfish, foureye butterfly fish, wrasses, blue tang, and scrawled filefish.
Yes, El Acuario is suitable for beginners due to its shallow, waist-deep water and calm conditions.
Yes, El Acuario is highly rated for snorkelling with a 5/5 rating.
The site is located 1600 metres from the shore and supports both shore and boat entries.
The site features mild currents, visibility between 15 and 30 metres, and water temperatures ranging from 27C to 30C.
Diving at El Acuario in San Andres requires the following certifications: Advanced Open Water For Specific Deep Or Overhead Sites. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near El Acuario in San Andres. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A rashguard or 2mm shorty is recommended for diving at El Acuario in San Andres. Water temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C.
The best months to visit El Acuario in San Andres are January, February, March, July, August, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Divers at El Acuario in San Andres should be aware of sharks. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.