When To Go · Country Guide
Colombia
Two seas, six dive regions, from relaxed Caribbean reefs to expedition-grade Pacific shark country
When to go
Best time to visit Colombia
Colombia has no uniform country-wide dive season.
Best overall window
December-April for a broad Caribbean introduction
Tayrona's annual visitor closure windows are February 1-15, June 1-15 and October 19-November 2.
Outside that window
Caribbean rainfall and tropical-system exposure rise, especially October-November; Gorgona whale opportunity can persist through October, while park sailing remains weather-dependent.
Choose your trip style
Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.
Month-by-month planner
The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.
| Scope | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Overall - Jan: Best | Overall - Feb: Best | Overall - Mar: Best | Overall - Apr: Best | Overall - May: More variable | Overall - Jun: More variable | Overall - Jul: More variable | Overall - Aug: More variable | Overall - Sep: More variable | Overall - Oct: More variable | Overall - Nov: More variable | Overall - Dec: Best |
Wildlife goals and seasonal highlights
These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.
Gorgona humpback migration
Best for Topside, Scuba, Snorkel
Jul to Oct
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecParques Nacionales recognizes seasonal humpback observation around Gorgona.
Malpelo schooling hammerheads
Best for Scuba
Jan to Apr
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecEarly-year cooler thermoclines are commonly associated with schooling hammerheads in operator accounts.
Malpelo other pelagic encounters
Best for Scuba
May to Sep
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSilky sharks and occasional whale sharks feature in published wetter-season descriptions, but there is no controlled whale-shark encounter or seasonal sighting guarantee.
Tayrona hawksbill nesting protection
Best for Topside, Snorkel, Scuba
Apr to Nov
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecThe park has documented a broad hawksbill nesting period.
Providencia black-crab closed season
Best for Topside
Apr to Jul
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecCORALINA's black-crab protection period limits collection and trade.
Malpelo seabird viewing
Best for Scuba
Year-round
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecNazca boobies and other seabirds inhabit the UNESCO-listed sanctuary's rocks.
Always true for this destination
- Tayrona's annual visitor closure windows are February 1-15, June 1-15 and October 19-November 2.
Seasonal cautions
- Sep to Nov: Caribbean rainfall and tropical-system exposure rise, especially October-November; Gorgona whale opportunity can persist through October, while park sailing remains weather-dependent.
Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.