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A diver with a camera explores the ocean depths beneath a boat.
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Cantil del Barco

3.6 — based on 15 community signals
4.2 12 species 28 contributors

Cantil del Barco is a Colombian dive site with year-round access and active community documentation. Twelve species records and three videos guide newcomers.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entryYearRound

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner

Top operators here

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Map

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Cantil del Barco location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
12.3 kn
Wave
1.06 m
Water
28.8°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NE (26%)
Now: ENE (61°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.39m

Next: Low at 01:00 (-0.04m)

+0.3 m0 m-0.1 m
▼ 01:00 · -0.04m ▲ 06:00 · +0.08m ▼ 09:00 · +0.02m ▲ 10:00 · +0.03m Now -0.0m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV8.35 · very high Air PM2.57 · good 06:16 18:25
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 17.3 1.4 8 2mm
09-19 20.1 1.12 9 3mm
09-20 13.2 0.98 9 12mm
09-21 12.5 0.68 9 8mm
09-22 9.5 0.48 8 2mm
09-23 11.3 0.48 8 1mm
09-24 10.1 0.78 8 3mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions

About this spot

Cantil del Barco sits off Colombia's coast as an accessible dive destination for explorers seeking tropical marine encounters. The site draws steady interest from the local diving community, with twelve documented species sightings and three community-contributed videos available to help plan your dive. This foundation of real-world footage and observation data makes it easier to prepare for what you'll encounter underwater. The site operates outside marine protected areas, which can simplify logistics and entry. Year-round diving potential means you can plan trips around your schedule rather than chasing seasonal windows. Before booking, check current coral bleaching alerts, which are monitored for this region. Water conditions, depth, and difficulty ratings are variables worth confirming with local dive operators once you commit to a visit. Community engagement around Cantil del Barco is growing. The twelve species records span various marine life categories, giving you realistic expectations about what to photograph or simply observe. Video documentation from other divers is invaluable for setting realistic skill requirements and packing the right gear. Start by reviewing those three community videos to gauge whether your experience level matches what the site demands. Connect with local operators in Colombia to arrange access, confirm current conditions, and discuss any permits or briefing requirements. The lack of protected-area designation often means shorter entry procedures, but always verify logistics before travel.

📖 Guide: Diving in Colombia: 68 Sites from Shark Walls to Beginner Reefs

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B · 110V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 8319km · ~1913kg · €34

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 93/100
  • Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
  • Flight: 12h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 0h

FAQ

Can I dive Cantil del Barco year-round?

Yes, the site is accessible throughout the year. However, check current weather and ocean conditions with local operators before booking, as seasonal swells or currents may occasionally affect dive schedules.

What depth and difficulty level is Cantil del Barco?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings are not currently documented. Review the three available community videos and consult local dive operators to confirm whether the site suits your certification level and experience.

What marine life will I see?

Twelve species have been recorded at Cantil del Barco. Watch the community videos for visual confirmation of what divers commonly encounter. Species diversity and abundance vary with season and current conditions.

Do I need permits or special access?

Cantil del Barco is not inside a marine protected area, which simplifies access. Contact local Colombian dive operators to confirm any briefing, entry requirements, or fees. Conditions and policies can change.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Scuba San Andres

2.5 km
Dive centre PADI
PADI

San Andres Divers

4 km
Dive centre

Blue Life Dive

6.9 km
Dive centre

Almacén Stella

7.1 km
Dive centre
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-12:30, 15:00-19:30

Karibik Diving

7.2 km
Dive centre
Speaks 🇬🇧 🇩🇪
Hours: Mo-Fr 14:00-17:00; Sa 14:00-16:00

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

San Andres Cantil Del Barco

Diver & Biker Adventures

DIVE IN SAN ANDRÉS 1 - Cantil del Avión/Bajo Bonito/Cantil del Barco (HD)

Emerson Dinon Mendes

Santa Marta - Buceo El Cantil, Cueva y Angel

ElFlak0 Diver
wind peaks Feb-Dec-Jul, calmest Apr-Sep-Oct, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

Nearby spots

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Punta Padi Colombia Diving
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Punta Padi

Punta Padi is a year-round Colombian dive destination with 12 logged species observations and active community video documentation.

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Dedos de Morgan Colombia Diving
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Dedos de Morgan

Dedos de Morgan is a Colombian dive site offering year-round access and notable biodiversity with 12 recorded species observations.

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