Diving in Panama Bight
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Panama Bight's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Panama Bight, ecoregion. This region features 5 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Panama Bight has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Panama Bight (3)
Popular Spots in Panama Bight (5)
Complejo Aquatico Medellin
Complejo Aquatico Medellin serves as the largest facility in Colombia dedicated to aquatic and underwater activities. It functions as a comprehensive training center catering to individuals of all ages, including children, youth, and adults, across various aquatic disciplines. The site is frequently utilized for national and international competitions, showcasing its extensive infrastructure. Entry to the site is via shore access, making it convenient for participants to engage in their activities directly from land.
El Bajo
El Bajo is located approximately 25 minutes from the port of Bahia Solano. The dive site features four main rounded rocks with depths ranging from 8 to 10 meters, while three larger rocks reach depths between 12 and 18 meters, marking the maximum depth of the site. The area is rich in marine life, hosting both resident and visiting species, including whale sharks, humpback whales, and various nudibranchs. This site is accessible by boat.
La Catedral
La Catedral is located at the northern tip of Malpelo Island. The site features a pinnacle that rises from a sandy bottom at 18 meters (60 feet) and has a tunnel passing through it, which is lined with corals and sponges. Divers can expect to see marine life such as tunas, grunts, snappers, eels, eagle rays, and whitetip reef sharks.
Malpelo
Malpelo is an oceanic island situated in the Pacific Ocean, under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Colombia and the department of Valle del Cauca. This rocky archipelago is surrounded by deep waters, making it an ideal location for encounters with large marine species, including hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and silky sharks. Access to Malpelo is restricted and requires special permission, with diving typically conducted from liveaboard vessels.
Piscina Olimpica U.N. Medellin
The Olympic Pool at the National University of Medellin serves as a facility for training and competition in aquatic and underwater disciplines. Situated at the El Volador headquarters of the university, it provides convenient access and ample parking for visitors. This site is primarily utilized for indoor diving activities and training purposes.