Diving in Southwestern Caribbean
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Southwestern Caribbean's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Southwestern Caribbean, ecoregion. This region features 36 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Southwestern Caribbean 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 Southwestern Caribbean (6)
Popular Spots in Southwestern Caribbean (36)
Arrecife Norte
Arrecife Norte is situated at the northern section of the reef platform surrounding Isla Fuerte. The dive begins at a depth of 8 meters and features a vertical wall that extends down to 15 meters. Beyond this point, the depth gradually descends among coral mounds, reaching a maximum of 24 meters. The site is well-preserved, showcasing a diverse array of reef fish, with occasional sightings of larger species such as Sabalos, Cod, nurse sharks, and sting rays.
Bajo Alicia
Bajo Alicia features a small reef ridge with depths ranging from 11 to 60 feet (5 to 18 meters), primarily composed of branching elkhorn corals. The site is characterized by its stable conditions throughout the year, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Notably, Bajo Alicia has a significant variety of coral species in excellent condition, contributing to its ecological importance. Divers can observe the annual expansion of coral in this area.
Bajo Caldas
Bajo Caldas is situated 22 kilometers south of Isla Fuerte and encompasses a one square kilometer platform reef. This site offers a diverse marine environment suitable for divers of all experience levels. The reef features a shallow plateau with depths ranging from 10 meters to a maximum of 35 meters. The underwater landscape is characterized by octagonal and gorgonian corals, which coexist with hard corals. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of pelagic fish that frequent the area, contributing to the site's vibrant marine life.
Bajo de los Pargos
Bajo de los Pargos is situated on the western edge of the island shelf, featuring depths ranging from 15 meters to 24 meters. The dive site begins in a sandy area interspersed with coral patches, gradually sloping down to a cliff where divers can observe jacks and snappers that come from the open sea. The presence of shy snappers, which eventually reveal themselves, contributes to the site's name. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Bajo Mariajo
Bajo Mariajo is a dive site with depths ranging from 5 to 11 meters (15 to 36 feet). It features a small coral structure located just a couple of minutes from the shore in a coastal area that is generally calm, making it suitable for skill development dives, including buoyancy training and Open Water certification courses. The site is also favorable for night dives, where divers can observe a diverse range of invertebrates, including basket stars.
Barco Hundido / Blue Diamond Wreck
Barco Hundido, also known as the Blue Diamond Wreck, is a sunken cargo ship located at a depth of 12 meters (40 feet). The wreck is accessible for scuba divers, freedivers, and snorkelers, with marine life primarily consisting of small fish surrounding it. The site is suitable for all skill levels, though it features a small wreck, so expectations should be managed.
Blue Wall (Blue Hole)
Blue Wall is an outer reef slope featuring a canyon that divers can swim through. The site is home to grey reef sharks, nurse sharks, large parrotfish, lobsters, and moray eels, with depths ranging from 8 to over 50 meters, typically reaching around 40 meters for most dives.
Burbujas
Burbujas is located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Isla Fuerte, featuring depths ranging from 18 to 30 meters (60 to 100 feet). This site is characterized by an underwater mud volcano that rises from a depth of 120 meters, culminating in a small crater at 18 meters. The area is rich in biodiversity, hosting numerous coral species, with notable black corals and barrel sponges that resemble large train stacks.
Canal del Inglés
Canal del Inglés offers a dive experience that begins at a depth of 7 meters and extends down to 21 meters. Divers will navigate through channels lined with stellate coral (Montastrea) and encounter calcareous sand floors. The dive progresses from the reef crest to the slope, where large coral formations are present, alongside black corals and various sponges. While exploring, divers may also spot nurse sharks resting beneath the corals.
Canto del Bajito
Canto del Bajito features a wall dive characterized by medium visibility. The wall is adorned with various corals and sponges, with notable cup corals, locally referred to as cupons, found at the base of the cliff, some reaching heights over 2 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including large puffer fish, cubera snapper, and grouper. Additionally, small reef fish, lobsters, and urchins can be seen in the area.
Canto del Mero
Canto del Mero is situated on a coral reef ledge that connects to Mangle Island, creating a diverse underwater landscape that transitions into deeper waters. The shallowest part of the site reaches approximately 6 meters. Divers can observe a variety of reef species, including small cleaner fish as well as larger fish such as groupers and snappers. The coral formations at this site are notable for their impressive structures, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area.
Cave
Cave is located east of Little Corn Island and features a maximum depth of 10 meters. The site is characterized by shallow caves that do not extend deeply into the rock, providing unique formations for exploration. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 10 to 20 meters. Marine life includes various reef fish, occasional small crustaceans, and sightings of Eagle Rays, lobsters, and Angel Fish.
El Gran Cañón
El Gran Cañón is a dive site characterized by its unique underwater topography, where coral formations begin at a depth of 20 meters and descend into steep cliffs reaching depths of 40 meters. This site features canyons that provide a habitat for a diverse range of marine life. Notable species include candlefish, surgeonfish, angel fish, queen angelfish, lionfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, snappers, and groupers, along with various reef minnows. The site is accessible via shore entry.
El Jardín
El Jardín is accessible from the shore and offers a diving experience suitable for all levels, including beginners. The dive site features a reef edge where divers can explore depths starting at 5 meters and extending to approximately 14 meters. The area is rich in marine life, showcasing a variety of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Divers can also observe both hard and soft corals, along with sponges. This site is particularly favorable for night dives due to its diverse ecosystem.
El Laberinto
El Laberinto is a dive site suitable for beginners, featuring depths ranging from 5 to 6 meters, with a cliff that descends to 16 meters. The sandy bottom provides good visibility, making it an accessible location for novice divers. The site is home to a diverse array of marine life, including surgeonfish, puffer fish, crabs, and notable coral formations that resemble towers.
El Planchón
El Planchón is a shore dive site featuring a 70-year-old wreck that lies at a depth of 10 meters (30 feet). The wreck measures 30 meters in length and extends 2 meters above the seabed, creating a habitat for various marine organisms. Its structure is heavily colonized, providing shelter for a diverse range of fish species, including barracudas, jacks, grunts, groupers, and even sea horses. The site offers a unique opportunity to explore the wreck's interior, which serves as a refuge for marine life.
Esquina Norte
Esquina Norte features a reef platform that shifts direction at a narrow angle, marking the northernmost point of the reef. The depth ranges from 8 to 22 meters, where large coral formations create a channel-like structure. Divers can expect to encounter various marine species, including cubera snappers, rays, cobia, cod, and jacks. Notable coral types in the area include giant elkhorn corals and brain corals, particularly between 8 and 12 meters.
Jakes Place
Jake's Place is located on the west side of Little Corn Island in Nicaragua. The dive site features a reef that extends approximately 100 meters in length and 6 meters in width, with the top of the reef situated at a depth of 12 meters and the base reaching down to 18 meters. Visibility can range from 15 to 25 meters, depending on weather conditions. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including barracuda, stingrays, nurse sharks, moray eels, angelfish, and lionfish, along with soft coral formations.
Jose Pobre Caverns
Jose Pobre Caverns features a series of channels that lead to various caverns, which open into central pools within the reef structure. The anchoring point is located in depths ranging from 35 to 40 feet. Marine life observed in this area includes yellowtail snapper and damselfish, alongside a variety of corals such as rope coral, black coral, and fan coral.
La Corniza
La Corniza features a vertical wall that descends from 8 meters to 21 meters. The structure includes coral ledges and sandy bottoms composed of limestone. Nurse sharks are often observed in this area. The wall is home to black whip corals, where divers can spot small pencil shrimps. Additionally, stingrays are commonly seen resting on the sandy floor at the deeper depths of 21 meters.
La Puntica no +
La Puntica no + is situated at the edge of a coral reef, marking the final section that connects to Mangle Island. This area features diverse coral structures that lead into deeper waters. The marine life here is abundant, with sightings of soldierfish, surgeonfish, angel fish, queen angelfish, lionfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, snappers, and groupers, along with various reef minnows.
La Pastelería
La Pastelería is a dive site known for its deep diving opportunities, suitable for both training and recreational purposes. The site derives its name from the appearance of the coral, which is coated with a fine layer of sediment resembling flour. Visibility typically reaches around 20 meters (60 feet). Divers can explore various reef areas that host larger-than-average marine life for the region, including adult Cubera Snapper.
Las Trinias
Las Trinias is a dive site characterized by a coral formation that begins at a depth of 15 meters and gently slopes down to 30 meters. This area is noted for its pristine coral environment and is exclusive to the Rincon del Mar dive center. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life, including soldierfish, surgeonfish, angel fish, queen angelfish, lionfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, snappers, and groupers, as well as various reef minnows.
Long Rock
Long Rock is located on the west side of Little Corn Island, Nicaragua. The dive site features a reef that measures approximately 100 meters in length and 6 meters in width, with the top of the reef situated at a depth of 18 meters and the base reaching down to 24 meters. Visibility at this site ranges from 15 to 25 meters, depending on weather conditions. Divers may experience varying currents, which can range from none to moderate, making it suitable for those with Advanced Open Water certification or Open Water divers who possess a deep dive certification. Marine life at Long Rock includes barracuda, stingrays, nurse sharks, moray eels, angelfish, and lionfish, providing a diverse underwater experience.
Los Buzos
Los Buzos consists of two submerged islands located approximately 80 meters apart. The top of these islands reaches a depth of 8 meters, while the surrounding areas feature a wall that descends to 30 meters and gentle slopes that extend to depths of 40 meters. Divers can expect excellent visibility and a diverse marine life, including various reef fish, crustaceans, and cetaceans. With some luck, divers may also encounter the distinctive blue tang.
MagiColor
MagiColor is characterized by a small reef located centrally within a larger area, leading to a concentration of marine life. The site is home to a diverse range of species, including soldierfish, surgeonfish, angel fish, queen angel fish, lionfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, snappers, and groupers, as well as various reef minnows. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its rich underwater ecosystem.
Manto de Ela
Manto de Ela features a coral formation with notable contrasts, where the reef reaches its highest point at 18 meters. The site includes steep drop-offs and vertical walls extending down to 30 meters, along with some small sandy areas at greater depths. While the diversity of fish is not particularly high, divers can observe small reef fish, angelfish, moray eels, and various crustaceans in this unique underwater landscape.
Palomo
Palomo is a dive site accessible from the shore, featuring sandy areas interspersed with surrounding reef structures. It is suitable for both certified divers and those in training, particularly in confined water settings. The site showcases a diverse array of marine life, including various corals, sponges, reef fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and rays.
Pico del Náufrago
Pico del Náufrago features a ridge that descends to a depth of 20 meters, with the upper section reaching 7 meters. The site is characterized by a variety of marine life, including brain corals, bottle corals, sponges, and a diverse array of fish such as surgeon fish, barracudas, and various reef fish. The presence of crustaceans adds to the biodiversity of the area. This dive site is accessible from the shore.
SalaCuna
SalaCuna features coral formations that rise to within 8 meters of the surface, with depths extending to 22 meters. The site includes a cliff adorned with lettuce corals on one side, while the remainder of the area has a gentle slope. A diverse array of marine life can be observed here, including small fish, crustaceans, squid, as well as larger species such as puffer fish, groupers, and snappers, often seen in schools.
Salidero 39L9
El Salidero is for advanced divers due to strong currents. Dive depths can vary, revealing diverse coral gardens and marine life. Water temperatures range from 21°C (70°F) in winter to 28°C (82°F) in summer, with the best visibility from December to April, reaching up to 30 meters (100 feet).
Shark Hole
Shark Hole is located east of Little Corn Island and features a maximum depth of 10 meters. The underwater landscape consists of a sandy arm with a narrow pathway, creating a unique topography. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish, grouper, snapper, barracuda, and butterflyfish. The site typically offers good visibility ranging from 10 to 20 meters, making it an accessible dive for various skill levels.
Suenos
Sueños is located east of Little Corn Island and features a maximum depth of 10 meters. The site consists of sandy areas interspersed with overhangs, which provide habitats for various marine species. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 20 meters, allowing for clear observations of the underwater environment. Divers can expect to see a variety of reef fish, small crustaceans, angelfish, nurse sharks, turtles, and parrot fish during their dive.
Tarpon Channel
Tarpon Channel is located east of Little Corn Island and features a maximum depth of 22 meters. The site is characterized by a canyon-like topography with steep walls, creating a dramatic underwater environment. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 15 to 25 meters. Marine life includes tarpon, occasional hammerhead sharks, as well as various reef fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, eagle rays, parrotfish, and nurse sharks. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Trampa Tortuga
Trampa Tortuga is a dive site at a depth of approximately 20 meters (66 feet) with medium currents and visibility exceeding 20 meters. Divers can expect to see various corals, sea fans, sponges, and marine life such as barracudas, groupers, and parrotfish while exploring canyons and small caves.
West Point
West Point features a coral garden at depths of 12 to 20 meters (40-66 feet) with a drop-off extending beyond 45 meters (150 feet). Divers can observe various marine life, including reef fish, parrotfish, angelfish, barracudas, jacks, stingrays, moray eels, lobsters, and sea turtles. The site is suitable for all skill levels due to minimal current and excellent visibility of over 30 meters (100 feet).