Canto del Mero

Best months: Jan–Apr

Protected Area

Los Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo

Why dive here

With 517+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blue sharks, dolphins, eagle rays and hammerhead sharks - Canto del Mero offers some of Santa Marta & Tayrona's richest cave diving. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest June, July, September.

Best timeJan–Apr

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Blue Sharks, Dolphins, Eagle Rays and Hammerhead Sharks · 517+ species recorded

Water28-30°C · warmest June, July, September

CharacterCave dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Canto del Mero. This site consistently delivers. It’s a coral ledge that eventually drops off, but we spend most of our time in the shallows, around 6-12 metres, where the light really plays through the reef. Our favourite thing here is the sheer density of small stuff. You’ll spot Roughhead Blennies peering from every crevice, and the way the Bicolor Damselfish dart in and out of the Smooth Star Coral is mesmerising. We often find ourselves just hanging motionless, watching the Butterfish schooling. The corals themselves are in great shape, particularly the Ridged Cactus Coral, forming these intricate structures that feel like a secret garden. Keep an eye out for Coneys and Spot Snappers lurking. Further down, around 20 metres, the water cools slightly, and we’ve bumped into Barracuda cruising past. Visibility averages around 13 metres, which is decent for the area, and the currents are usually pretty mellow. We love this spot for relaxed dives, especially for photographers looking for macro subjects, or anyone who just wants to soak in the vibrant, busy reef life without having to fight a strong current.