Tayrona Park marine life: what you can see diving in Santa Marta

The Open Water Course Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona doesn't just have postcard beaches: underwater it hides some of the most beautiful reefs in the Colombian Caribbean. In this guide we tell you what marine life you can see diving in Tayrona, why it's so rich and how to enjoy it responsibly.

Why does Tayrona have so much marine life?

Here the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal mountain range in the world, plunges straight into the Caribbean Sea. The rivers and mountains bring nutrients that feed the reefs, and the park's sheltered bays create calm environments where corals grow and fish find refuge. As a protected area, fishing pressure and pollution are lower than near the city.

What you can see diving in Tayrona Park

Corals and sponges

Tayrona's reefs combine hard corals, which form the reef's structure, with soft corals that sway with the current, sea fans and sponges of surprising shapes and colors.

Tropical fish

It's the first thing you notice as you descend: schools of colorful fish all around you. Parrotfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, snappers and many more live among the corals.

Sea turtles

One of the most exciting encounters. Colombia is home to several sea turtle species, and in Tayrona you can see them swimming or resting on the reef.

Seahorses, rays and moray eels

With a keen eye you'll spot seahorses clinging to the vegetation, rays resting on the sand and moray eels peeking out from the rocks. Our students say they've seen them even on their first dive.

“We were able to do all our training in the ocean. On our first open water dive we saw sea turtles and seahorses.” — Levin Barth, Google review

Diving or snorkeling to see marine life?

With snorkeling you see the reef's surface from above. With diving you get inside the reef, at fish level, and discover what hides among the corals. If you've never dived, the Try Scuba Mini-Course is the way to experience it in one day, with no previous experience.

How to dive responsibly

• Don't touch corals or animals: a single brush can damage them.
• Control your buoyancy so you don't stir up sand or hit the reef; the PADI Advanced Course helps you perfect it.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen.
• Don't feed the fish or take shells or corals.
• Dive with certified schools that respect the park's rules.

Best time to see marine life

You can dive all year round. From December to April the sea is usually calmer and visibility is excellent. More details on seasons and prices in our diving guide to Santa Marta, and if you also want to explore the beaches, read the Tayrona Park guide.

Finally, for the park's protection rules and seasons, see the official website of Colombia's National Natural Parks.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see turtles diving in Tayrona?

Yes. Sea turtles are one of the most common and exciting encounters on Tayrona Park's reefs, although as wild animals they're never guaranteed.

How deep are Tayrona's reefs?

There are reefs from just a few meters deep, ideal for beginners, down to 18 and 30 meters for certified divers.

Do I need to be certified to see the marine life?

No. With the Try Scuba Mini-Course you can go down with an instructor and no previous experience.