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A scuba diver swims with a fish near a vibrant coral reef in Cozumel, Mexico's clear waters.
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Las Piedras de Carlitos

3.6 — based on 15 community signals
4.2 12 species 29 contributors

Las Piedras de Carlitos is a year-round Colombian dive spot featuring rock formations and diverse marine life in an unprotected area.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entryFamily-friendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Las Piedras de Carlitos location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
10.8 kn
Wave
1.16 m
Water
28.8°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NE (25%)
Now: ENE (58°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.39m

Next: Low at 01:00 (-0.06m)

+0.3 m0 m-0.1 m
▼ 01:00 · -0.06m ▲ 06:00 · +0.06m ▼ 09:00 · +0m ▲ 10:00 · +0.01m Now -0.0m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV8.3 · very high Air PM2.58 · good 06:16 18:25
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 17.3 1.46 8 2mm
09-19 20.8 1.22 9 2mm
09-20 13.6 1.12 8 13mm
09-21 16.5 0.74 9 7mm
09-22 10 0.52 8 2mm
09-23 10.9 0.52 5 2mm
09-24 9.8 0.84 8 3mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions

About this spot

Las Piedras de Carlitos sits off Colombia's coast as a rocky dive site accessible to divers year-round. The site draws visitors for its geological formations and the variety of marine species that inhabit the area. With 12 documented species observations and 3 community videos available, the spot has generated enough local interest to build a modest knowledge base among dive travelers. The rock structures create natural habitats for reef fish and other marine life. Conditions vary seasonally, so planning ahead with local operators is essential for the best experience. The site remains outside marine protected areas, meaning access is straightforward without special permits or restrictions. Divers should connect with local guides before visiting. Water conditions, visibility, and depth details vary, and on-the-ground knowledge from operators familiar with the site will help you prepare properly. The community video library offers a preview of what to expect and the marine life you may encounter.

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

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 ↔ 8320km · ~1914kg · €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 Piedras de Carlitos?

The site is diveable year-round. However, sea conditions and visibility shift seasonally along Colombia's coasts. Contact local dive operators before booking to confirm current conditions and plan your trip accordingly.

What depth and difficulty level is this dive?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings are not documented for this site. Consult with local operators or guides who know Las Piedras de Carlitos firsthand. They can advise on whether the dive suits your experience level and provide current condition reports.

What marine life can I expect to see?

The site has 12 documented species observations. The rock formations support reef fish and other marine species. Review the 3 community videos available online to see footage of the marine life that inhabits the area.

Do I need permits or special authorization to dive here?

Las Piedras de Carlitos is not inside a marine protected area, so no special permits are required for diving. Standard Colombian dive regulations apply. Confirm any local rules with operators before your visit.

Operators near this spot

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

San Andres Divers

3.6 km
Dive centre

Scuba San Andres

5 km
Dive centre PADI
PADI

Blue Life Dive

9 km
Dive centre

Karibik Diving

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

Almacén Stella

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

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Las Piedras de Carlitos - San Andres 2012 - Deep Dive

Leonardo Manuel Baez Schuh

Las Piedras de Carlitos !!!!

Blue Life

GOPR0245

Joseph Durant
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Mar (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (61/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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Punta Sur

Punta Sur is a year-round Colombian surf destination with consistent swells and a growing community of local surfers.

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