Skip to content

Blue water by the rocks at West View, San Andrés

Diving La Pirámide, the shallow reef in the north of San Andrés

La Pirámide, which also appears as The Pyramids or Las Pirámides, is at the northern tip of San Andrés. It’s a shallow reef, around 4 m deep, where the light pours in and you can see the colours without a torch. Some people remember it as the site with the most fish of their whole trip, and its shallow depth makes it a natural choice for anyone starting out.

Depth: Around 4 m

Get the details
Depth 4 m 4 m Around 4 m
Island
San Andrés
Level
Beginner
Type of dive
Shallow reef
Ideal for
First dives and natural light

Site profile

Open Water limit · 18 m Advanced limit · 30 m

What the dive is like

A relaxed dive over a reef at around 4 m, with plenty of light. Some days there’s moderate current and sand in suspension, which takes away a little clarity. The pace is set by the marine life that appears along the way.

What you’ll see

Eye-catching anemones, French grunts and snappers are the most characteristic sights. Moray eels, octopuses and shoals are also mentioned, and one diver reported rays, a shark and eels on a single dive.

To be honest, a 2018 account described the coral and sponges as being in worse condition than at other spots on the island: people come here for the fish more than for the reef. The whole archipelago is part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, declared by UNESCO in 2000, and not touching the coral is the simplest way to look after it.

Level, depth and conditions

It’s a site for beginners: a depth of around 4 m makes it suitable for first dives and courses. Even so, the current can be moderate on some days, so follow the guide and control your buoyancy near the bottom so you don’t stir up sand or brush against the reef.

When to dive

You can dive here all year round. The surface water is around 27 °C from January to March and 29 to 30 °C in September and October, and visibility gets worse with swell or rain. If you travel with Siete Azules, each day’s plan is adjusted to the sea, the current and the group’s level.

What you’ll see

  • Spotted moray
  • Southern stingray
  • Anemones
  • French grunts
  • Snappers
  • Moray eels
  • Octopuses
  • Shoals of fish
  • Rays, 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.
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.
The stranded ship at Rocky Cay, San Andrés Bajo Bonito A reef with sandy patches at around 15 m, the kind that invites you to slow down.
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.
1 / 16

Frequently asked questions

How deep is La Pirámide?

Around 4 m. It’s a very shallow reef with plenty of light, which makes it comfortable for anyone starting out.

Is La Pirámide good for beginners?

Yes. Its shallow depth makes it a good choice for first dives and courses. Some days there’s moderate current, so it’s best always to go with a guide.

Where is La Pirámide?

At the northern tip of San Andrés. It also appears under the names The Pyramids and Las Pirámides.

Save your place in the next group

Places are limited on purpose. Leave us your details and we’ll send you the dates, itinerary and price.

See the trip
  • No commitment, no payment
  • We write to you personally with dates, programme and price
  • Your details are only used to reply to you