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The stranded ship at Rocky Cay, San Andrés

Diving Bajo Bonito, reef and sand in San Andrés

Bajo Bonito is a San Andrés reef with sandy areas, which one listing links to the name Plaza de Toros. It isn’t a site of big walls or adrenaline: it’s a relaxed dive, at around 15 m, where some divers have logged more than 50 minutes and even 75. Ideal for looking closely and discovering small creatures.

Depth: Around 15 to 20 m

Get the details
Depth 15 m 20 m Around 15 to 20 m
Island
San Andrés
Level
Intermediate, from Open Water
Type of dive
Reef and sand
Ideal for
Macro and long dives

Site profile

Open Water limit · 18 m Advanced limit · 30 m

What the dive is like

You explore a reef with sandy areas at a calm pace, with plenty of time to observe. Divers’ logs mention a maximum of around 15 to 16 m, and one profile puts the site at around 20 m: the depth depends on the exact spot and the route the guide chooses.

What you’ll see

It’s a site for detail. Look for Christmas tree worms on the coral, blennies peering out of their holes, lizardfish and the sharptail eel. There are butterflyfish around the reef, and barracudas and turtles are also mentioned, the big counterpoint to so much macro.

Level, depth and conditions

It’s considered intermediate level, but with Open Water certification and good buoyancy you’ll enjoy it. Mind the name: it isn’t the same as the Cantil de Bajo Bonito, a separate advanced-level wall that goes to around 40 m.

When to dive

You can dive here all year round. With swell or rain the water turns murky across the whole island, and from January to May there are more calm days. On Siete Azules trips, whether Bajo Bonito makes it into the plan depends on the sea, the current and the group’s level.

What you’ll see

  • Great barracuda
  • Sea turtle
  • Sharptail eel
  • Christmas tree worms
  • Butterflyfish
  • Lizardfish
  • Blennies
  • Barracudas
  • Turtles, with luck

AI-generated image, for illustration

More dive sites

Colourful fish in the clear water at West View, San Andrés Blue Wall (La Pared Azul) The most famous dive in San Andrés: a wall on the east side of the island that starts a few metres down and disappears into the blue.
Wreck lying on the seabed off San Andrés Nirvana A simple reef full of life on the west coast, at around 14 m.
Turquoise water and coral on the west coast of San Andrés, the sea of seven colours Trampa Tortuga (Trampa de Tortugas) An east-coast reef known for very clear water.
Blue water by the rocks at West View, San Andrés La Pirámide (The Pyramids) A very shallow reef, around 4 m deep, at the northern tip of the island.
El Acuario, shallow crystal-clear water off San Andrés West View y la estatua de Poseidón A natural pool on the west coast with a statue of Poseidon at around 8 to 9 m.
Platform with diving helmets for underwater walks at West View Blue Diamond (naufragio) A cargo ship sunk off the west coast, now an artificial reef.
Johnny Cay seen from the sea Reggae Nest A reef on the west side, down to around 20 m, with coral described as being in very good condition.
Green hills and blue sea in Providencia Felipe’s Place A coral platform that ends in a wall, with a natural tunnel and a submerged statue of Christ at about 24 m that PADI describes as damaged.
Beach with palm trees and a swing in Providencia Tete’s Place A shallow reef of about 9 m that diving magazines describe as one of the fishiest sites in Providencia, with pillar coral and octocorals.
The Lovers’ Bridge between Providencia and Santa Catalina Manta’s City Patch reefs on sand at about 12 m, with stingrays, cushion sea stars and plenty of macro.
Sunset on a beach in Providencia Turtle Rock A large rock separated from the wall by a deep crevice, with black coral.
Green hills and blue sea in Providencia The Spiral A tunnel that spirals down between about 24 and 35 m and a network of passages that ends among coral pillars.
Beach with palm trees and a swing in Providencia Confusion A wall with a ledge jutting out over the blue and encounters with reef sharks.
The Lovers’ Bridge between Providencia and Santa Catalina El Planchón An upturned, almost intact hull covered in coral at the entrance to the harbour area.
Sunset on a beach in Providencia Bajo de San Felipe A shallow coral garden, 11 to 12 m at most, off Lazy Hill.
Green hills and blue sea in Providencia Chromis Reef sharks over a forest of sea fans, near Manta’s City.
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Frequently asked questions

How deep is Bajo Bonito?

Around 15 m on the dives logged by divers, and around 20 m according to one profile. It depends on the exact spot and the route.

Are Bajo Bonito and the Cantil de Bajo Bonito the same site?

No. Bajo Bonito is a reef with sand at around 15 m; the Cantil de Bajo Bonito is a different wall, advanced level and around 40 m.

Is Bajo Bonito good for macro photography?

Yes, it’s one of its strong points: Christmas tree worms, blennies, lizardfish and the sharptail eel, on a long, relaxed dive.

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