Diving in Cartagena: Coral reefs and shipwrecks

Float weightless above coral reefs and explore a sunken ship in one morning

Diving in Cartagena puts you underwater at exclusive reef and shipwreck sites off the main tourist routes, with a guide, full scuba gear, boat transport and lunch included. The dive plan starts with a safety briefing and equipment check. Beginners get a lesson in the water before heading to the site. You'll spend roughly six and a half hours on the activity from start to finish, including the boat ride, two dives, and lunch at a beach club afterward. Children from age 12 are welcome. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy.

The experience

You start with a briefing on the boat covering scuba equipment and open water safety. If you're new to diving, the guide walks you through a lesson in the water so you're comfortable before the deeper dives begin. Once equipped, you jump in and experience the weightlessness of floating in the sea: the guide leads you past coral formations and points out the larger marine species that live on deeper reefs. Experienced divers can opt for deeper sites where bigger fish and other creatures appear.

The boat takes you to island dive sites chosen for their marine life and clarity. These spots sit away from the crowded tourist beaches. After the underwater time, you return to a beach club for lunch overlooking the water: coconut rice, patacones, salad and juice included. You can photograph and video the underwater moments to share later, and the professional team handles all the logistics so the focus stays on the dive itself.

What’s included

• Use of scuba equipment and marine transport on the boat.
• a safety briefing and in-water lesson for beginners.
• lunch at the beach club with coconut rice, patacones, salad and juice.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by RUTAGENA

Is this one for you?The six-and-a-half-hour time commitment means you can dive in the morning or early afternoon and still have the rest of your day free in Cartagena. If you have only a few hours available, this activity won't fit. If you want a full immersion in the underwater sites without rushing, the length works well.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the diving activity in Cartagena?

Scuba equipment, marine transport on the boat, a guide leading the dives, and lunch at the beach club afterward are all included. You bring only your swimsuit and a towel.

Do I need diving certification to join this activity in Cartagena?

Beginners are welcome and receive a lesson in the water before the main dives. Experienced divers can choose deeper reef sites. The guide briefs everyone on safety and equipment before entering the water.

How long does the diving activity take in Cartagena?

The full experience runs about six and a half hours from start to finish, including the boat ride to the dive site, time in the water, and lunch at the beach club.

What can I see underwater at the dive sites in Cartagena?

The sites include coral reefs and shipwrecks. Deeper reefs attract larger marine species. The guide points out the marine life as you dive and can help you photograph the underwater scenes.