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Diver exploring colorful coral reef underwater in Kralendijk, Bonaire.
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Las Esponjas

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

Las Esponjas is a Colombian dive spot known for sponge-rich reefs. Dive year-round in this unprotected area with documented marine life.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MacroFocusPhotoFriendlyBleachingRiskShore entry

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Las Esponjas location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
12.1 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 06:15 18:25
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 17.3 1.4 8 1mm
09-19 20.2 1.12 9 2mm
09-20 12.7 0.98 9 12mm
09-21 14.5 0.68 9 8mm
09-22 9.7 0.48 8 2mm
09-23 10.9 0.48 8 1mm
09-24 10.1 0.78 8 3mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions

About this spot

Las Esponjas lives up to its name—a dive site built around spectacular sponge formations that dominate the reef structure. Located off Colombia's coast, this spot attracts divers interested in macro photography and close-up reef study. The site is not within a marine protected area, making access straightforward for visiting divers. Community divers have logged 12 species observations at Las Esponjas, indicating a healthy reef ecosystem worth exploring. Video documentation from three separate dives provides insight into what you'll encounter underwater. The spot offers year-round diving opportunities, so timing flexibility lets you plan around your schedule. Coral bleaching monitoring is ongoing at this location. Check current conditions before your trip, as reef health can shift seasonally. Local dive operators familiar with the site can provide real-time updates on visibility, sea state, and marine activity.

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

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

ReefShore

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 ↔ 8317km · ~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

When is the best time to dive Las Esponjas?

Las Esponjas is diveable year-round. Since no seasonal data restricts access, you can plan based on your schedule and personal preferences for weather and sea conditions.

What marine life will I see?

Twelve species have been documented by divers at Las Esponjas. Check recent community dive logs and videos to see which species were spotted recently, as sightings vary by season and time of day.

Do I need permits to dive here?

Las Esponjas is not inside a marine protected area, so standard Colombian diving rules apply. Confirm current regulations with local dive operators before your trip.

Is the reef healthy?

Coral bleaching is being monitored at Las Esponjas. Contact local operators for the latest reef condition reports before booking, as bleaching status can change seasonally.

Operators near this spot

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

Scuba San Andres

2.3 km
Dive centre PADI
PADI

San Andres Divers

3.8 km
Dive centre

Blue Life Dive

5.7 km
Dive centre

Almacén Stella

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

Karibik Diving

6 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.

Buceo en isla San Andres - Las Esponjas

MÁS IMAGINACIÓN

Scuba Dive in Cartagena Colombia with Diving Planet

DIVING PLANET PADI DIVE CENTER CARTAGENA

BUCEO - DIVE - MERGULHO: DIVING PLANET CARTAGENA - ESPONJAS Y CORALES

DIVING PLANET PADI DIVE CENTER CARTAGENA

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