San Andres: Private two-tank dive with guide

Summary

Small-group diving in San Andres — just you, the sea, and your guide

Dive into San Andres with a private local guide on this two-tank experience tailored for certified divers. Enjoy small groups (never more than three), all scuba equipment provided, plus snacks between dives at sites like Nirvana or Blue Diamond. You’ll get personal attention and real island warmth — those quiet underwater moments are something you’ll remember long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how quiet the morning felt when our guide, Andrés, picked us up in San Andres. Not silent exactly — there was that salty breeze and the sound of scooters somewhere behind us — but it was calm. He handed me a wetsuit that still smelled faintly of sunblock and ocean (not sure if that’s good or bad), and we loaded into the van. There were only two others with me, both already swapping stories about past dives. I liked that it wasn’t a big group; nobody rushing or shouting over each other.

At the dock, Andrés went over everything again — safety checks, hand signals, even double-checking my dive computer since I’m always paranoid I’ll mess something up underwater. He asked where we’d dived before and picked sites based on the weather: first stop was Nirvana. The water was so clear it almost didn’t look real. I remember sinking down and hearing nothing but my own breath through the regulator — kind of eerie at first, but then peaceful. A school of blue tangs darted past my mask; one looked straight at me (or maybe I imagined that part). We drifted along coral walls while Andrés pointed out little things I’d have missed — a tiny crab wedged between rocks, some plant waving like it was saying hi.

Between dives he handed out snacks — cookies and something like sweet coconut bread? Not sure what it’s called but it tasted better than any granola bar I’ve ever packed myself. We talked about island life; he joked about how everyone here knows everyone else (“If you lose your flip-flops, someone’s cousin will find them”). Second dive was at Blue Diamond. The current picked up a bit so we stuck close together. It felt good knowing our guide never took his eyes off us for long — not in a hovering way, just quietly making sure we were okay.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after four hours in the water (and honestly a little tired). When we surfaced for the last time, sunlight hit the waves just right and everything looked brighter for a second. It’s funny what sticks with you from these trips — not just the fish or coral but small moments like laughing over broken Spanish or feeling safe enough to let go and just float for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Two Tank Diving Experience

• Two dives at selected dive sites

Top questions

Is this private diving tour in San Andres suitable for beginners?

This experience is designed for certified divers or those with previous diving experience.

How many people are in each dive group?

The guide takes a maximum of three certified divers or two uncertified divers per group.

What dive sites might we visit during the tour?

You may visit sites such as Nirvana, Blue Diamond, Wildlife, Be Pride, Villa Erika, West View, or Massaly Caves depending on weather conditions.

Are snacks included during the diving trip?

Yes, snacks are provided between dives.

Is transportation included in this San Andres diving tour?

Private transportation is included from your accommodation to the dive site and back.

Is scuba equipment provided?

All necessary SCUBA equipment including wetsuit and dive computer is included.

Can travelers with limited mobility join this activity?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and allows service animals; infants can ride in strollers.

Are there health restrictions for this diving activity?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with recent surgeries or certain health conditions such as epilepsy.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup in San Andres, all SCUBA gear (including wetsuit and dive computer), snacks between dives, health insurance coverage during the activity, plus guidance from an experienced local diver before returning to your accommodation after about four hours in total.