Diving Rosario Islands: The Rosario Islands are an archipelago located about 35 km from Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. They are part of the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park, which is why they are protected by Colombian environmental laws. Diving in the Rosario Islands is an exciting experience due to the diversity of marine life and the beautiful coral reefs that can be explored. Visibility is generally good and you can expect to see a wide range of fish and coral species.
The Rosario Islands are a popular and world-renowned diving destination, so if you are looking for a place to explore the underwater world, this could be the perfect place for you.
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What is the best time to dive in the Rosario Islands?
The dry season, which usually runs from December to April, is generally considered the best time to dive. During this period, the rains are less frequent and the sea is usually calmer, which can improve underwater visibility.
Where can you dive in the Rosario Islands?
The Rosario Islands, a chain of islands off the Caribbean coast of Colombia, are famous for their marine biodiversity and magnificent coral reefs, making them a popular destination for diving. Here are some of the best places to dive in the Rosario Islands:
- El Faro and El Farito: These two dive sites are popular for their great diversity of marine life. You can see a wide variety of tropical fish, rays and sometimes even sea turtles.
- El Pargo: This place owes its name to the large number of fish of this species (snapper) that can be seen here. It’s a great place to see the local marine life in action.
- La Pared: This is an impressive coral wall, ideal for drift diving. The coral formations are especially beautiful and attract a wide variety of fish.
It is important to keep in mind that the Rosario Islands are a protected area within the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park. Therefore, all diving activities must be carried out responsibly to minimize the impact on the local ecosystem.
Many island dive operators offer excursions and courses for divers of all levels.
What kind of marine life can you expect to see on a dive in the Rosario Islands?
Islas del Rosario is located in the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park, one of the most important national parks in Colombia for the conservation of marine life and coral reefs. When diving in Islas del Rosario, you can expect to see a wide variety of marine life.
- Tropical Fish: The warm waters of the Caribbean Sea that surround the Rosario Islands are an ideal habitat for a wide variety of colorful tropical fish. Among the most common species are angelfish, parrotfish, butterfly fish, snapper and many others.
- Corals: The Rosario Islands are home to an impressive diversity of corals, such as fire coral, brain coral, and fan coral. These corals constitute an essential habitat for many species of fish and invertebrates.
- Marine invertebrates: in addition to fish and corals, you will be able to see starfish, urchins, sea cucumbers and mollusks.
- Rays and Nurse Sharks: Although less common, some species of sharks and rays can be seen in the Rosario Islands. Nurse sharks are generally harmless to humans and are often seen resting under ledges or in crevices during the day.
- Sea turtles: It is also possible, although less frequent, to observe sea turtles during a dive.
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What prerequisites or certifications do I need to dive in the Rosario Islands?
Diving Rosario Islands: In general, you will need a scuba diving certificate issued by a recognized organization, such as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), SSI (Scuba Schools International), CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) or another similar one. This certification shows that you have received the necessary training to dive safely.
Prerequisites and required certifications may vary depending on the type of dive you plan to do:
Discovery/Trial Dives: For people who have never dived before, many dive centers offer discovery or trial dives. These dives are accompanied by a professional diving instructor and do not require a previous qualification. They allow you to discover scuba diving in a safe and controlled way.
Open Water Course: If you want to obtain your first diving qualification, you can take an Open Water course. This course includes theoretical training, exercises in a confined environment (such as a swimming pool) to learn basic diving techniques, and open water dives to put what you have learned into practice.
Certified Dives: If you are already certified, you can participate in recreational dives up to the maximum depth authorized by your certification level. Dives can be organized by local dive centers and are usually guided by professionals.
Advanced Courses and Specialties – Whether you want to develop your scuba skills or learn new techniques, there are a wide variety of Advanced Courses and Specialties available, including Deep Diving, Night Diving, Wreck Diving and much more.
